QUEEN jazz EMS-81777

Queen’s Eclectic Gem: ‘Jazz’ Rare Reissue (EMS-81777)

Today’s entry focuses on a scarce late-80s reissue of Queen’s most sonically diverse album. We are examining the 1987 Japanese Promo Sample pressing of Jazz, released on the EMI label with the catalog number EMS-81777.

A Sonic Kaleidoscope

Originally released in 1978, Jazz marked the temporary return of producer Roy Thomas Baker, who had helmed the band’s earlier operatic masterpieces. The result is a wildly eclectic collection of songs that careens from the Arabic-infused opener “Mustapha” to the heavy rock of “Fat Bottomed Girls” and the disco-funk of “Fun It.” The album is perhaps best known for the double-A side hit “Bicycle Race” and the enduring piano-rock anthem “Don’t Stop Me Now,” a track that has only grown in popularity over the decades. It stands as a testament to the band’s willingness to experiment with every conceivable genre.

The Elusive 1987 Pressing

While copies of the original 1978 pressing are relatively abundant, this 1987 reissue (EMS-81777) is considered very hard to find. Released during the period when the music industry was aggressively transitioning to Compact Discs, vinyl production runs were drastically reduced. Consequently, reissues from this specific series are highly sought after by collectors who prize them for their scarcity and the high-quality Japanese mastering of the late 80s.

Promo Collector’s Specs

This specific copy is a Promo Sample, making it an even rarer find than the standard retail version of this reissue. It is distinguished by a “Sample” sticker affixed to the back cover, indicating it was originally distributed to media outlets for review. Manufactured by Toshiba EMI Ltd., the physical presentation is stunning. It is housed in the classic gatefold sleeve and comes complete with the era-specific Obi strip and a lyric insert. For the serious Queen collector, this is a prime example of a “CD era” vinyl rarity.