Cortex – Troupeau Bleu (50th Anniversary Edition)

An essential French jazz-funk grail gets the reissue treatment it deserves.

Originally recorded over just two days in July 1975, Troupeau Bleu by Cortex is a genre-defying masterwork - sun-drenched, mysterious, warm, and weird in all the right ways. A dizzying mix of spiritual jazz, funk, psych, and cinematic soul, this record does not sit still.

Led by pianist/composer Alain Mion, with drummer Alain Gandolfi and bassist Jeff Huttner, Cortex created a sound that was both unplaceable and unforgettable. The group may have remained obscure for decades, but Troupeau Bleu built its legend slowly, becoming a cult favorite for crate diggers, beatmakers, and deep listeners across the globe.

You’ve heard it even if you don’t know it: sampled by Madlib, Rick Ross, MF DOOM, and many others, the album has become embedded in the DNA of hip-hop and underground music culture. But no sample can substitute for the source - Mireille Dalbray’s ghostly vocals, Mion’s electric keys, and the undeniable chemistry of a band inventing something in real-time.

To mark its 50th anniversary, this definitive reissue delivers the sonic goods on limited edition 180 gram vinyl. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time listener, Troupeau Bleu still sounds like the future.

Note: All orders ship from France. VAT not charged (TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI). Worldwide shipping available. Images shown are mock-ups — actual vinyl may differ slightly.