In honor of Blue Note Records’ 80th Anniversary, the legendary Jazz label is launching the Blue Note 80 Vinyl Reissue Series. Distinct from the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series, this 2nd series curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman features mid-priced 180 gram vinyl releases in standard packaging with albums spanning the many eras of the label’s history presented by themes: Blue Note Debuts, Blue Grooves, Great Reid Miles Covers, Blue Note Live, and Blue Note Drummer Leaders.

On his debut album Takin’ Off recorded and released in 1962 jazz legend Herbie Hancock arrived fully formed at the helm of an impressive quintet with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon, bassist Butch Warren, and drummer Billy Higgins. Though rooted firmly in hard bop, the brilliant pianist and composer presented his own strikingly original voice on this 6-song album consisting entirely of his own compositions from the "Watermelon Man" to the timeless ballad "Alone and I".

"Blue Note Records continues the label's 80th birthday celebration with a new trio of vinyl reissues, with this latest batch including two of the crown jewels in their vast discography and a more recent gem from a future superstar. In the case of 1962's Takin' Off, this was pianist Herbie Hancock's debut album as a bandleader after establishing himself in sessions with Donald Byrd and onstage with Al Grey. And he sets the tone immediately by recording a full set of originals and by pulling one of the sharpest ensembles on the scene at that time, including saxophonist Dexter Gordon and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. It's a bop album with a bluesy sense of cool and a playfulness that can only come from young people making a joyful noise together". - Paste Magazine