Blue Note Records celebrates its 85th anniversary with a new reissue series named "Blue Note 85." The latest remastering of each title was done by Kevin Gray, an engineer who has also been a master of US Blue Note's analog reissue series such as "Tone Poet" and "Classic Vinyl."

By using the digital source material he created for the analog reissues, he has reproduced the sound of the original master tapes as faithfully as possible to achieve the ultimate analog sound. Each title features the UHQCD format, which plays on all CD players.

Mellow Madness, stands as a testament to Q's remarkable talent for creating a captivating sonic tapestry through the intersections of jazz, soul, and funk. This is top tier 1970s soul jazz, while transcending its time, and continued the polished, percolating soul direction of Body Heat. The album introduced The Brothers Johnson, co-writers on four of the tracks, who sprinkle their trademark vocal harmonies on the funkiest of grooves, while The Watts Prophets heralded a new music genre blending spoken word and beats on ‘Beautiful Black Girl’.

A highlight may be Stevie Wonder's euphoric ‘My Cherie Amour’ with vocals from Minnie Ripperton. Wah Wah Watson adds genius syncopation to ‘Tryin' to Find Out About You’. The last cut on the album is beautiful jazz standard ‘Bluesette’, featuring a trombone jam and Toots Thielemans' virtuoso whistling. With its tight arrangements and blending of styles, Mellow Madness speaks to Quincy’s genius in the studio.