Viewing entries tagged
Blue Note
One of Byrd’s best in my opinion.
Byrd and Pepper Adams was a superb combo. This is a great album which I come back to often. It sounds amazing. The cover art has to be one of the most iconic, bad ass and at the same time beautiful in the Blue Note catalogue.
Posting on this Christmas Eve when here in Sweden we have our main celebration. I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope you’ll have a lovely time with friends and family.
A true classic and a milestone in modern jazz.
Otherworldly. Plain and simple. That’s what this music is. And the sound of this original pressing is otherworldly as well. It sounds so good. Just like you would imagine a pristine old Blue Note to sound if you haven’t experienced listening to one before. This is exactly why I collect these vintage records. The experience is unbeatable.
This is for many Eric Dolphy’s Magnum opus. I agree with that. It’s so full of virtuosity from all the players, and the compositions (all Dolphy originals) are otherworldly. Now I’ve written that word three times and that’s maybe enough. But that word is perfect to describe this music. Historically this album has not come to me easily in terms of enjoying it 100%. I’ve tried it on through the years and been intrigued by both the music and the recording quality, but haven’t pulled the trigger on copies in the past. But for the last several years I’ve been leaning towards post bop and the avant-garde so this was the right time to secure it. It’s an easy listen for me now as my taste has evolved and my mind and ears have grown a lot since I first heard it. I now enjoy it to the full and I’m mesmerized by the intricate compositions and all the little details that these cats deliver.
A superb constellation of musicians grace this session, with Dolphy on alto, flute and bass clarinet, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Richard Davis on double bass and the brilliant Tony Williams on drums. Couldn’t ask for a better group performing this music.
I guess everyone is familiar with this milestone album, but what’s your thoughts on it? Please share.
Have a great Saturday, cheers!
Beautiful organ-heavy stuff.
Just like “Unity” this is one of the best Blue Notes in the later Blue Note catalogue for me. The organ provides a special kind of vibe to a jazz setting. But it all depends who plays it and Larry Young plays with such an interesting approach and his style really resonates with me. It feels modern.
The line-up on this session is a great one, with the brilliant Sam Rivers on tenor sax, Grant Green on guitar and Elvin Jones on drums. Sam Rivers stands out for me, with his raw, free-thinking style. I have one album with him as a leader which is one of my favorite albums. I really need to try and get some more of his stuff into the collection. This group really gels together beautifully and the results is a lovely album with lots of melodies getting stuck if your mind long after the needle has left the grooves.
A couple of favorite picks are “Plaza de Toros”, on which Sam Rivers plays an outstanding solo which reminds me a lot of Joe Henderson, and “Paris Eyes” which is a laid back piece with a rememberable theme. All tunes are superb though.
The cover art is one of my favorites by Reid Miles, love the typography, the image and the colour. Really adds to the overall appeal of this album.
Have added quite a few albums to the collection of late, so stay tuned for more great titles. Cheers!
Classic McLean album, on which he starts to explore some new sounds.
There are so many great Jackie McLean albums. I have managed to acquire a few so far. I enjoy both his early hard bop period as well as his later stuff where he stretches out more into post bop and incorporated at bit more of a freer approach. “Let Freedom Ring” started the period of this more innovative style of composing and playing. There are many great albums from this period and I have plenty more to try and find. I’m looking at “One Step Beyond” for example, which is another one rooted in hard bop but blending in post bop and the avant-garde.
McLean plays with his usual hi-energy approach. He uses high register “screams” as well, which is quite unique and special. For example, there’s a spot on the Bud Powell-penned ballad “I’ll Keep Loving You”, where he uses this technique (it’s used all the way through the album though), and it pierces through everything, in a good way. It’s harsh and beautiful at the same time.
I’m quite excited to dive deeper into his later stuff, I’ve listened to some of it of course, but far from everything. I’m taking things slowly as per usual.
“Let Freedom Ring” is one of those classic Blue Note albums and I’m very happy to have been able to find an original. Overall, I’ve been trying to focus on other labels and to try and get some real gems, cheaper ones, into the collection. But some great titles that I’d like to add, like this one, are on Blue Note, and then you’ll pay the price for that, literally. I will continue my explorations into other labels, cause there are so many great titles to discover that you don’t have to break the bank for. Lets me get more stuff into the collection faster as well. I have a couple of titles on the way from Japan that are superb and not that expensive. Looking forward to receiving those.
Have a great week, cheers!
A bonafide classic has finally arrived on the shelf.
At last this gem is on the shelf. Took forever and a day to secure this one. I’ve had opportunities to acquire it through the years. Several copies have passed by me but I never pulled the trigger. Crazy to think about that now, as I’m listening to this lovely album. What a great session, and of course, such a classic. This is one of those albums that needs to be in a jazz collection. I have plenty of those kind of titles that I haven’t secured yet for one reason or another. Blue Train is one of them. I’ve always looked for a NY23 copy but that is out of reach now price-wise, and I’m not willing to pay that kind of money just to have NY23 on the labels, so a W63 copy will have to do. Hopefully, at some point when the opportunity presents itself, fingers crossed.
So happy to have been able to acquire this copy of “Go” which is in absolutely pristine shape. So in that respect I’m glad I waited this long to add it to the collection. That I waited for this particular copy, cause it’s perfect. I bought this copy from a new contact who contacted me through this blog. Awesome guy and his grading was on point. He has some more great stuff that I will be looking to purchase from him as well.
Love Dexter Gordon and I’m still exploring his stuff. I have an original of “One Flight Up”, which is an amazing album, but there are so many more great titles by him. I’ll be on the lookout for those.
Favorite Dexter album? This title has to be quite high on most peoples list I could imagine. Have your say in the comments folks.
Hope that you are all doing great and that you are enjoying your collections. I’m looking forward to moving now to the new house and setting up the new listening space. Only a few months left. Cheers!
McLean never disappoints.
Another lovely Jackie Mac album. Maybe a title not very often mentioned? I think it’s a very enjoyable session. In my view you just can’t go wrong with a Jackie McLean album. At least up to this point I haven’t heard a bad session from him. One of my favorite alto players.
This session offers some great jazz played by a stellar personell. The cats on this album are Jackie on alto, Tommy Turrentine on trumpet (my first original pressing title with him I believe, great player), Sonny Clark on piano, Butch Warren on double bass and Billy Higgins on drums. A nice cohesive group.
Favorite tune at this moment is probably the title track.
Happy to have found this wonderful copy as it seems to be quite scarce. Still plenty of titles left for me to try and acquire from McLeans discography.
Stay tuned for more original vintage gems from the shelves. Cheers!
Jazz guitar goodness.
This is my first Grant Green album. The guitar has never been a favourite instrument for me in jazz. I’ve been enjoying it, but I haven’t focused on guitarists per se when I’ve been exploring jazz. I’ve come to really dig the guitar though more and more, and Grant Green has been a great reason to put on some good jazz guitar. I’ve been exploring some of his output and there are some lovely albums to enjoy. “Grantstand” is one of them.
This album also features the organ which is another instrument that I haven’t listen to much until I started to explore Larry Young a bit and also some of Baby Face Willette and his performance on Green’s debut album. On this album the organist is Jack McDuff who provides some nice sounds. The organ creates a special layer and foundation to the music for sure. I dig it. The rest of the group consists of the great Yusef Lateef on tenor sax and flute and Al Harewood on drums.
Been after some other Grant Green albums for a while, such as “Green Street”, “Feelin’ The Spirit” and “Grant’s First Stand”. Had some opportunities to acquire all of them at different points during last year but didn’t pull the trigger. Let’s see if another one of Grant’s titles make it onto my shelves. I guess it’s just a matter of time.
Do you have a favourite Grant Green album? Please share.
Enjoy your collections folks and stay tuned for more original vintage jazz vinyl. Cheers!
Just another peachy Blue Note…
It starts off with lovely Caribbean flavors. The sound is crisp and clean. Blue Mitchell was a wonderful player. I’ve got to get some more of his stuff into the collection. Another earlier one of his that I love and have on the shelf is “Blue’s Moods” released on Riverside in 1960. There are many more to keep my eyes out for. On the featured album he is backed by Junior Cook on tenor (a cat I haven’t explored at all), Chick Corea on piano (got to dive into his catalogue as well), Gene Taylor on double bass and Al Foster on drums. A great group, very cohesive.
I quite enjoy the tenor playing of Junior Cook, he’s got a nice approach. He is yet another example for me, even though I’ve listened to jazz for so many years, that there is still so much more to explore and wonderful artists to discover more in depth. Chick Corea is another one. I must admit, I take things slowly. The benefit then being that the flow of unexplored jazz artists and albums will not dry up anytime soon for me.
The music on this album is very easy to grasp. It offers no big surprises, just good jazz. Perfect for a lazy afternoon. The sound of this original mono pressing, which was an eBay grab for a very fair price, is lovely.
Hope you guys are doing great and that you are enjoying your collections. Christmas is not far away now, looking forward to some time off with the family. Cheers!
A tasty treat with drummer Pete La Roca.
Posted “Inner Urge” the last time and this is another one of those very special Blue Notes. The opening tune “Malagueña” has to be one of my absolute favorite jazz tunes. The dark, swaying oriental sounds that fills the room is a pleasure to soak in. Joe Henderson’s tenor offers so many things to enjoy and explore. I really enjoy the piano playing of Steve Kuhn as well. “Candu” is a bluesy excursion and a nice contrast to the opening tune. I always enjoy a good bluesy jazz tune. Diggin’ the short bass solo on this one. “Tears Come From Heaven” is a faster paced effort with some great chops from Henderson. The rest of the band is ticking along nicely and provides a steady foundation. Lovely, percussive and lyrical piano solo on this one.
The second side begins with a wonderful bass solo leading into “Basra” which also feels oriental, dark and shimmering. Brilliant playing by all members. Henderson steals the show though, with his searching and explorative approach to his improvising. Impressive that La Roca penned this one (he also composed the previous two). Another favorite. Next up is the light, feathery and tastefully executed slower paced “Lazy Afternoon”, which offers some beautiful and relaxing notes. The closing tune is the up-tempo “Eiderdown” penned by bassist Swallow. Great theme. Pulsating groove and top notch soloing from Henderson, Kuhn and Swallow.
An interesting thing about this session is that apparently Swallow and La Roca had taken LSD prior to recording this album at Englewood Cliffs. Could that be a reason why it turned out so great? Who knows…
Would be interesting to hear what you guys think of this masterpiece. Could this be Joe Henderson’s best outing? I haven’t explored his later stuff on Milestone but this must be hard to beat.
This album is up there on the list of favorite jazz albums. Highly recommended. For me it doesn’t get much better. I’m very happy to have been able to secure this original mono pressing, which is in top condition, both vinyl and cover. It seems that it’s quite rare and in high demand for sure. An outstanding last grab of the year.
Take care folks and enjoy your collections. Cheers!
Jazz in it’s finest form.
This is one of the best Blue Notes and one of my favorite jazz albums period. The first three tunes are composed by Henderson. They are absolutely brilliant. The searching title tune sets the mood with it’s wonderful dark theme and outstanding solo by Henderson. The rhythm section is top notch with McCoy Tyner’s virtuoso piano chops, Bob Cranshaw’s smooth double bass work and the quite elegant and superbly withdrawn playing by Elvin Jones, except maybe for the drum solo where he a bit more of his whirlwind self. Next up is the tune “Isotope” which offers some medium tempo goodness and some bluesy aspects to it. Great and inspired tenor playing by Henderson.
Flipping the side and “El Barrio” begins with it’s dark, oriental flavors. This is stuff that I love. It doesn’t get much better than this for me. Duke Pearson’s “You Know I Care” is a nice ballad and a great contrast to what the album has offered up to this point. A welcome, soothing piece. “Night and Day” by Cole Porter is a nice up tempo tune with some nice rhythmical fills by Elvin which closes this masterpiece. But the masterful highlights on this album are the first three tunes by Henderson for sure, with “El Barrio” shining the brightest.
Took a while to secure this original mono pressing. It seems very scarce in it’s original form, at least that’s what I’ve found. Over the moon to file this one.
I can’t recommend this album enough. Jazz at it’s finest. Cheers!
Great trio stuff from Pearson.
I have managed to find three of Pearson’s albums as a leader so far. This one is a trio setting together with Gene Taylor on double bass and Lex Humphries on drums, and he thrives here. Always playing with style and lyricism. For me his very lyrical playing is a huge plus. Sometimes it feels like he mixes in classical elements as well. It’s very elegant. “I’m a Fool to Want You” and “When Sunny Gets Blue” are a couple of examples of that. Maybe one can describe his playing on this album as smooth and pleasant with tons of lyricism, elegant classical touches and a deep understanding of the blues.
Speaking of the blues; the last track “3 A.M.” is quite interesting in the spontaneous way it was recorded. I quote from the liner notes: "The session was over, and everybody was ready to pack up and the lights in the studio had been turned off. Then, Duke started to play the blues, with his hat on, and quickly Gene grabbed his bass and Lex got ready. In the control room, we got set, but fast, and this is the result. It sure is a relaxed and soulful piece of music.” - Alfred Lion
I think this is a very fine session and one you should definitely seek out if you enjoy piano trios that focus plenty on lyrical expressions. A gem in the Blue Note 4000 series.
Back to work now, but I’m enjoying the summer as much as I can when I’m not in the office. It’s been very hot here in Stockholm. Not complaining though. Have some leads on some albums and hopefully that will materialize into some new purchases. One title is on it’s way to me. It’s a great one on Riverside. Stay tuned for that.
I’m continuing making videos for my YouTube channel, where I will go through albums from the collection and talk about what I think of them and add some 1st pressing info as well regarding each title. Check it out, subscribe and leave a comment if you want. Hope to see you there. The link to the channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@fwrarejazzvinylcollector
Enjoy your collections folks, cheers!
One of the best titles in the later Blue Note catalogue.
I have been after Wayne Shorter stuff on Blue Note in the 4000 series for a while. It’s been a struggle so far. This is my first title and I’m very happy to have been able so secure it. It’s one of the very best albums and a clear favorite for me in the later Blue Note catalogue. Brilliant modal/post bop with all tunes penned by Shorter. Amazing personnel on this as well, with Shorter on tenor, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on double bass and Elvin Jones on drums.
Elvin provides, as per usual, his unwavering energy and groove. Hubbard plays slick as usual. Hancock tastefully sprinkles his beautiful notes over the proceedings and Ron Carters smooth and steady bass lines are warm and inviting.
All tunes are lovely. All are favorites. One of the real gems in the world of jazz. Not much more to add than that.
Guys, give me your top 5 Shorter albums!
Taking off to California tomorrow. Can’t wait. Enjoy your summer folks, cheers!
Modal/post bop mixed with latin percussion; a recipe for success.
I’ve found that it’s definitely not easy to find original mono pressings of Herbie Hancock albums in the 4000 series on Blue Note. I’ve finally secured one title, and it’s a great one. On this album latin percussion is blended in with modal and post bop compositions, which is very unusual and very cool indeed. It absolutely works and gives the whole album a very interesting and unique feel. I’m enjoying this album a lot and it offers a lot as well. I feel it’s a fresh diversion from a lot of the other stuff I listen to. An album to explore time and again for sure. The personnel on this are Hancock on piano, Paul Chambers on double bass, Willie Bobo on drums and timbales and Osvaldo “Chihuahua” Martinez on conga and bongo.
I’ve really just started to dive into Hancocks vast catalogue. I’m focusing on the stuff he recorded for Blue Note in the 4000 series to begin with, where one finds some real jazz candy. Hoping to secure a few more original pressings of his albums on Blue Note in the future, but this a great start.
Some questions: Top 5 Hancock albums? Thoughts on Inventions and Dimensions?
Looking forward to a Summer vacation to California in about three weeks. Can’t wait. I’ve managed to acquire a few albums in the past months which I’m very happy about. Stay tuned for those and other stuff from the collection. Have a great week, cheers!
A lovely later Blue Note, full of great compositions.
Highly enjoyable album by Duke Pearson that for a long time wasn’t on my radar, until I discovered how great it was. A lot of the later Blue Note stuff was not my main focus for quite some time, but I’ve explored a lot of it in recent years. Far from everything though, which is exciting cause theres a lot left to sink my teeth into. I take things slow. So this title is one of the best later Blue Notes I’ve heard. It contains a great mix of tunes which keeps you engaged and excited throughout. It’s not just straight ahead hard bop. It’s has different elements going on. Listen to the wonderful “Bedouin” for example, with it’s oriental flavors. Different for sure and I love that. It’s quite original stuff, which feels fresh and unique. Pearson leads a lovely sextet that includes Donald Byrd on trumpet, Joe Henderson on tenor sax, James Spaulding on alto sax and flute, Bob Cranshaw on double bass and Mickey Roker on drums. Pearson has penned all the tunes but one, which is credited to Byrd.
If you haven’t listened to this album much, or at all, give it a shot. You’ll not regret it. It’s one of the real gems of the Blue Note catalogue for sure. My original mono pressing sounds wonderful and I’m very happy to have found it. You don’t see original pressings of this one in mono that often it seems.
I’ve secured another great Duke Pearson title as well, earlier this year. Stay tuned for that. I really enjoy his work, both as a pianist and a composer. He has class and style. Looking to explore his catalogue a lot more.
Couple of questions: Favorite Duke Pearson album? Maybe you can give me your top 3? Your thoughts on the album on display?
Enjoy your collections folks and take care of each other. More vintage original mono pressings coming up. Cheers!
One of my favorite Blue Notes.
This album is probably in my top 5 Blue Notes albums list of all time, that I’ve heard so far. Right now anyway. It always changes as we all know, but this one is probably on that list to stay, for good. The ensemble assembled for this outing is a stellar septet, featuring Henderson on tenor sax, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Bobby Hutcherson on the vibes, Cedar Walton on piano, Ron Carter on double bass and the brilliant Joe Chambers on drums.
Chambers is a cat that I discovered quite late in my continuing jazz explorations. He is absolutely superb. Lovely technique blended with fiery passion and subtle finesse is what he’s all about. The sound of his drums is wonderful on this album. They just pop out of the speakers, like the rest of the band. This original mono pressing in like new condition plays like a dream and is one of my best sounding albums. Everything is crystal clear and each instrument blend well with each other. Everything is audible. The cymbal sound when I put on the first tune, oh my god… lovely. Extremely happy to have been able to add this masterpiece to the collection, ‘cause god knows, the Henderson original monos on Blue Note are ever so difficult to find. At least for me.
On “Caribbean Fire Dance” the hypnotic rhythms reigns supreme. The spot where Morgan comes in with his trumpet is one of the most other-worldly stuff I’ve heard, what a beautiful, piercing tone and what a sound on this original pressing! Pure fire, pure magic. The small drum solo in the end from Joe Chambers also blows the roof off my apartment. Amazing drumming, amazing sound. I can’t recommend this album enough. If you haven’t heard it, check it out today!
Couple of questions: Do you have a favorite Joe Henderson album? Could you give me your top 5? Thoughts on the album on display?
Have a great day, enjoy your collections and stay safe. Cheers!
Iconic stuff…
Iconic cover, iconic music. This is at the very top of Blue Note excellence for me. This is my first jazz LP with a organ player on it. I must say, I love this instrument. Love the way Larry Young plays it. I’ve listened to some Baby Face Willette as well on a Grant Green album, and I dig his style as well. But this is something else. Superb, progressive playing by Larry Young. This is also my first album with Woody Shaw. I will take a deep dive into his catalogue and focus a bit on him soon, cause he is a master trumpeter. I take everything slow, as you know, so that means I have all of these great artists that I haven’t explored fully yet. The other cats on this lovely session are the brilliant Joe Henderson and the equally brilliant Elvin Jones. A perfect group that shows great imagination, progressive thinking, superior musicianship and that provides fiery statements full of passion all the way through this album. Highly recommended.
When it comes to Larry Young I will try and get “Into Somethin'“ as well, as soon as possible. I’ll dive a bit deeper into his catalogue as well of course. Maybe you guys can give me some tips on other great Larry Young LP’s? Maybe some great Woody Shaw LP’s as well?
I have acquired some great LP’s so far this year which I will post here on the site in due time, and I will post some of the older acquisitions as well, so stay tuned. I’m in the midst of acquiring a top want quite soon hopefully, even though I planned not to make any more purchases before the summer, but let’s hope it will work out. I can’t let this particular title get away. My last purchase was on the very top of my want list as well, so I’m ticking some of the really hard to find albums, that I’ve been wanting for some time now, off the list. Very happy about that.
We’ve just been able to book a summer trip to California. Looking forward to that a lot. I will try and visit some record stores while I’m there. Atomic Records is on the list for example. Do you have any other tips? I will be in San Francisco, Los Angeles and along the Pacific Coast Highway on a couple of stops as well.
Take care folks and enjoy your collections. Cheers…
Great later McLean. And that cover art…
Superb later Jackie Mac session. Wonderful post bop. McLean and Charles Tolliver share the writing duties of the six original compositions between them. Both play with fire, lyricism and keep it very interesting throughout. Tolliver is a cat I haven’t explored at all. Great trumpeter, and you know how much I love that instrument. I will definitely set out to explore his work with great excitement upon hearing his playing on this album and enjoying his compositions a lot. Maybe you guys can give me some tips on some of his work that you enjoy? Cecil McBee is another cat I haven’t explored. Love his playing. Feel free to add some tips in the comments section if you have any great albums on which he plays that you would like to share.
Herbie Hancock plays superbly on this session. I’m trying to add original Blue Notes of his in the 4000 series to the collection, but it’s damn near impossible. I hope I can find a title or two in the years to come.
Roy Haynes always delivers the goods whenever he is behind the kit. Always playing with finesse and creativity. And his drums always sounds great. I believe he thrives in this type of environment.
This album has to be placed very high up on my list of favorite McLean albums to date. It’s that good. And the cover sports one of those iconic art works that just makes you want to listen to the album. This copy has the deep groove on both sides which seems extremely scarce. You never see that. Quite cool indeed to own a copy.
On the new arrivals front: I have secured three new Blue Notes which are top titles for me. I will post them in due time here on the site. Stay tuned for those and other lovely vintage jazz vinyl titles coming up… cheers!
Classic stuff…
A classic for sure. Beautiful music and a great line up. The opening tune “Autumn Leaves” is lovely. Such a smooth, laid back mood and outstanding playing by Miles and Cannonball. If the album only contained this one tune I would be totally satisfied. But the rest of the music is great too. It took me quite a while to get my hands on this one. I’ll be honest, I haven’t had it on the very top of my want list for all these years collecting, but I have kept my eyes out for a copy, it’s a great album, and when it became available in it’s original form in great condition I had to go for it at that moment. I’m very happy to have it in the collection.
I haven’t explored Cannonball’s discography much actually, so this is my first album with him as the leader (even though this title in reality is maybe more a Miles date) believe it or not. I intend to explore some more for sure. But all of you that have followed me for all these years know I take it very slowly when exploring jazz. I just haven’t focused on him up to this point. Feel excited to explore and let’s see what other great albums of his I can find.
Question for you guys: Maybe you can give me some tips on your favorite Cannonball albums? Top 3 for example?
I’ve just made some deals to bring in some more Blue Notes into the collection. Very excited about that. So keep your eyes peeled for those here and stay tuned…cheers!
Unique and contemplative jazz.
This is my first album by trombonist Grachan Moncur III. It’s his debut as a leader and was recorded in 1963 and released in 1964. Historically, I’ve held the trombone some ways down on my favorite intruments in jazz list. It can tend to be quite muffled and sluggish. But I enjoy for example Curtis Fuller and the leader on this album, Grachan Moncur III, is superb. I’ve listened to a couple of his albums as a leader and he’s on a few others as a sideman. Always plays interesting stuff. Looking to dive deeper into his catalogue and see what gems I’ll discover.
This album is wonderful. It’s what…avant-garde mixed with post bop maybe? It’s unique for sure. It sets and explores different moods throughout and keeps me engaged and interested in a different way than a hard bop blowing session would. This is a bit deeper stuff. It’s triggers something else than hard bop does. It’s more reflective and contemplative music. Very effective stuff for making your mind wander a bit and travel somewhere else than the room you are sitting in.
The cats on this are Moncur on trombone, Morgan on trumpet (he really shines in this environment), McLean on alto, Hutcherson on vibes, Cranshaw on double bass and the brilliant Tony Williams on drums. All-star line up and you can feel the quality of the players on this session.
I can highly recommend this album if you like some very interesting jazz with unique flavors which offers both deeper, contemplating passages as well as easier to digest stuff with some tempo to it. I find it to be a lovely mix.
Some questions: do you have some favorite Grachan Moncur titles you’d like to share? Other favorite trombone players?
Current status is that I have a war chest waiting to be spent on some great jazz vinyl. But I have a want list which I will hopefully stick to. Looking to only buy titles from that want list. There are plenty of other stuff I would want to add to the collection, and stuff becomes available all the time, but if I spend money on other titles then I will not have the means to purchase a specific title on the want list when it eventually will become available. That’s just the way it is. So I will bide my time a bit to really have a shot of getting some of those highly sought after titles into the collection. Looking as well at the current market it will definitely take some dough as well to be in the game. We’ll see what happens. Being a jazz vinyl junkie, it’s hard to wait for long periods of time to add new stuff. But I’ll try this approach.
Hope your year has started off well and I’m looking forward to more great discussions and interaction with you guys in 2022. Have a great Thursday, cheers!
A progressive classic.
This is one of the real gems of the later Blue Note catalogue. The lineup is unreal, with Hill on the piano, Kenny Dorham on the trumpet, Eric Dolphy on the alto sax, bass clarinet and flute, Joe Henderson on the tenor sax, Richard Davis on the double bass and Tony Williams on the drums. I mean, that’s jazz royalty right there.
The album contains some progressive stuff that keeps you alert and interested all the way through. It’s avant-garde mixed with post bop to my ears. For me, very accessible though. Tony Williams is fantastic as always and pushes the music forward with superb control, finesse and energy. I never get tired of his inventive approach. Richard Davis keeps up with him and delivers some memorable double bass candy. The rest of the group plays on a very high plane as well, with Hill’s progressive and imaginative playing, Dolphy’s mastery of all the instruments he plays and the way he makes jazz so very interesting, Henderson’s beautiful but edgy tenor playing and full, rich sound, and then Dorham, who I think really holds his own in this kind of setting, despite maybe not being the most celebrated post bop/avant-garde player.
This is a wonderful and very interesting album which you should check out if you enjoy a bit more explorative jazz than hard bop for example, to mix it up a bit. And this is not free jazz, it’s controlled, but searching and full of imagination.
Some questions: Any thoughts on this album? The lineup on this, like I mentioned, is quite unreal. Do you have a favorite small group lineup from the 50’s-60’s..? Mine is probably, at this moment anyway, the cats who played together at the Five Spot with Dolphy, Booker Little, Mal Waldron, Richard Davis and Ed Blackwell. That, or the classic Coltrane quartet. Or maybe the Bill Evans trio with La Faro and Motian. You see.. it’s very, very difficult to choose. Maybe you can choose your top three?
I’m on a little pause when it comes to buying new records. I need to save up some vacation money first, and actually enjoy all the albums I have, with quite a few newcomers in the collection I haven’t listened to a lot.
Like I’ve mentioned, I’m on Instagram now (@fwrarejazzvinylcollector), where I at the moment post albums that I’ve already posted here through the years. So for new albums this is the place to look. I always post the latests albums here first.
Stay tuned for more vintage vinyl treasures coming up… cheers!
