in 2017, he announced that there would be no new titles, but he still had substantial stock to sell through, particularly of some of the 45s. The way he tells it in the announcement is that the SRX vinyl is what brought him back. I know Ron, and I think that's true, but I also think he's just incredibly passionate about Blue Note and couldn't pass up an opportunity to put out new stuff when there was a reason to do so.
Here's the announement: https://www.musicmattersjazz.com/news-s/108.htm
Here's the announement: https://www.musicmattersjazz.com/news-s/108.htm