The RMU 1787 pressing of Idle Moments is an ultra-rare version of the album, highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. The RMU (Reissue Mono Underground) series was a short-lived reissue program launched by Blue Note Records in the late 1990s, which featured mono versions of classic Blue Note albums. Only a limited number of copies were pressed, making these releases extremely scarce.
While physical collectors continue to pay premium prices for original Blue Note plastylite pressings or high-end reissues from labels like Music Matters and Analogue Productions, digital archives like the RMU 1787 serve a vital preservation role. They offer a digital mirror to physical analog playback, allowing listeners to experience the warmth, depth, and micro-detail of 1963 technology without the wear and tear of physical needles on vinyl.
During the recording session at the Van Gelder Studio on November 4, 1963, producer Alfred Lion intended for the song to be a roughly seven-minute piece to fit standard LP constraints. However, due to a misunderstanding of the chorus length—specifically whether it consisted of 16 or 32 measures—Grant Green accidentally soloed for an extra 64 bars. The 64-Bar "Mistake" rmu 1787 grant green idle moments 1963 rar
The album features an "all-star" lineup that balanced Grant Green’s blues-inflected, linear guitar lines with modern modal sensibilities:
A gorgeous rendition of John Lewis’s famous tribute to jazz guitar pioneer Django Reinhardt. The arrangement highlights Bobby Hutcherson's shimmering vibes, providing a perfect harmonic cushion for Green’s crisp single-note lines. The RMU 1787 pressing of Idle Moments is
Duke Pearson’s arrangements give the album its smooth, late-night character. Bobby Hutcherson’s vibraphone adds a dreamy, shimmering texture that sets the record apart from standard saxophone-and-trumpet jazz quintets. A young Joe Henderson provides a sharper, more avant-garde contrast to Green’s smooth, blues-based lines. This tension creates a compelling listening experience. Track Breakdown
The album features an exceptional ensemble that balances individual brilliance with cohesive restraint: Grant Green : Guitar Tenor Saxophone Bobby Hutcherson: Vibraphone Duke Pearson: Piano Bob Cranshaw: Double Bass Al Harewood: Drums While physical collectors continue to pay premium prices
The addition of vibes and tenor saxophone creates a lush, cool-toned environment similar to the Modern Jazz Quartet, contrasting with Green's typical smaller organ trio or quartet dates. Tracklist: