"Inner Urge" by Joe Henderson on Blue Note BLP 4189

November 26, 2022

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with McCoy Tyner’s virtuoso piano chops, Bob Cranshaw’s smooth double bass work and the quite elegant and superbly withdrawn playing by Elvin Jones, except maybe for the drum solo where he a bit more of his whirlwind self.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!

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"Tender Feelin's" by Duke Pearson on Blue Note BLP 4035

August 18, 2022

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!

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"New Horn in Town" by the Richard Williams Quintet on Candid CJM 8003

August 2, 2022

This is a highly enjoyable session with trumpeter Richard Williams. It would be his only date as the leader. He recorded as a sideman on quite a few albums, perhaps most notably on some legendary Mingus albums. I’ll be honest, I haven’t explored his output much, but from what I’ve heard so far his style is right up my alley. He both has lovely technique as well as plenty of lyricism. And with my love for jazz trumpet in general, I feel this album has plenty to offer.

Lee Morgan is my favorite trumpeter and his rendition of Benny Golsons ”I Remember Clifford” on BLP 1557 is one of my favorite ballads of all time. Richard Williams performs his own take on the beautiful threnody to Brownie here, and he delivers some trumpet candy for sure.

It’s always a real treat to dive deeper into an artists work, when said artist perhaps has been on the periphery of ones jazz explorations. I’ll eventually take that deep dive into Williams’ output, but for now, this session as well as some other sideman stuff with Mingus on ”Black Saint…” and ”Mingus x 5” and Oliver Nelsons ”Screamin’ the Blues” will do just fine.

Do you have any opinion on this album or Richard Williams’ other work, or as a trumpeter in general? Write away guys.

Take care and enjoy the summer and some jazz on vinyl. Cheers!

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"The Warm Sound" by the Johnny Coles Quartet on Epic LA 16015

July 13, 2022

Johnny Coles has a very distinctly own style in which he improvises and play the trumpet. You hear that it’s him straight away. It’s quite unique. His tone is warm and a bit muted. I enjoy it a lot. A nice complement to other trumpeters I hold in high regard, who are maybe more flamboyant in their approach. He offers something different. He is joined by Kenny Drew on piano, Peck Morrison on double bass and Charlie Persip on drums, which makes up a wonderful group.

This is my first album by him (also my first title on the Epic label) and it’s absolutely superb. Coles does his thing and it just makes things interesting. One of my favorite albums in my whole collection actually. It’s very rare also which makes it a real treat, and honor really, to be able to put it on the turntable. I’ve been after it for quite a while. Had an opportunity to acquire it one time before, but I amazingly didn’t pull the trigger. I regretted that for a long time. But then I got another shot at it and I didn’t hesitate for a second. I can highly recommend this title.

Do you have a favorite album on which Johnny Coles plays?

Posting this from Cambria in California, which is located on the coast. Heading off into the country this morning, to Three Rivers, to look at some Sequoia trees. Enjoy your collections folks. Cheers!

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"Speak No Evil" by Wayne Shorter on Blue Note BLP 4194

July 1, 2022

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!

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"The Blues Book" by Booker Ervin on Prestige PRLP 7340

June 23, 2022

Some cracking tenor playing on this one…

This is my first title by tenor maestro Booker Ervin as a leader. I love his style. I’m after plenty more albums by him, but this one is a great first title to add to the shelves. The music is passionate, engaging and full of high quality tenor chops delivered by the leader. He’s got a great band backing him as well, with Carmell Jones on trumpet, superb player whose work I need to explore more, pianist Gildo Mahones, who was unknown to me up until hearing him here and on another album I bought at the same time, Richard Davis on double bass and Alan Dawson on drums. Wonderful group. This is a clear favorite of mine, and it’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys, among other things, some robust and brilliant tenor playing.

I’m hoping to secure some more Booker Ervin stuff before long. He recorded a lot more on Prestige that I’m trying to find. These albums aren’t costing an arm and a leg, which of course is a plus. Overall, I’m leaning towards trying to find more inexpensive titles on various labels to get more stuff on to the shelves, cause there is so much great music out there for more reasonable amounts.

A summer vacation to California is just around the corner now, which I’m looking forward to a lot. Hope you guys are enjoying the summer so far. Cheers!

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"Inventions and Dimensions" by Herbie Hancock on Blue Note 4147

June 14, 2022

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!

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"Wahoo" by Duke Pearson on Blue Note 4191

June 1, 2022

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!

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Coltrane live at Birdland on Impulse! A-50

May 20, 2022

Coltrane live is of course a wonderful treat. I just wish I could have been able to seen and experience the classic quartet live myself. Would have been unreal I’m sure. So I have to do with the LP’s they left behind and that’s not a bad deal at all. Love the Impulse! label for all they did to promote post bop and the avant-garde. And Coltrane was in the middle of it all, releasing beautiful albums on the label throughout the 60’s.

This LP is a mix of tunes recorded live at the Birdland club in NYC and a couple of studio recordings. The whirlwind “Afro Blue” which kicks off the album is a frenetic display of improvisational prowess where Coltrane excels on the soprano. The album also contains “Alabama”, the haunting tribute to the four girls killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 by cowardly white supremacists. It’s difficult to listen to this beautiful tribute as your mind wanders and think of that dark event. It’s one of Coltrane’s best compositions.

A wonderful album that I highly recommend if you haven’t heard it, which I very much doubt.

I hope you’re all doing great and that you are enjoying your collections. Stay safe. Cheers!

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"Mode for Joe" by Joe Henderson on Blue Note 4227

May 14, 2022

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!

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This Here is Bobby Timmons on Riverside 12-317

May 4, 2022

Timmons debut as a leader is a wonderful one.

It’s been forever since I posted a Riverside title, so I figured it was about time. This is a great, soulful piano trio album featuring Bobby Timmons on piano, Sam Jones on the double bass and Jimmy Cobb on the drums. I love piano trios and this is one of my favorites. It contains several wonderful tunes and among them is the classic “Moanin”, first recorded by the Jazz Messengers. Favorite tune is probably “Dat Dere”. This is Timmons first album as the sole leader. The sound is great on this 1st pressing, tight and nice. The piano takes center stage and sounds lovely. I’m really enjoying the double bass and drum sound as well. Overall a pleasant mix.

I really need to get some more Riverside titles into the collection, and this album reminds me how many great titles I’m still missing. Need to try and find some more of Timmons output specifically as well. Do you guys have some favorite Bobby Timmons albums that you would like to share? Would be great to hear what you have in your collections.

I just got a couple of new titles home and I listened to them today and both albums are superb. Great music. Will post them here on the site so stay tuned for those. Spring is kicking into gear for real now here in Stockholm it seems, with a little bit warmer temperatures coming up. Looking foward to the summer and the vacation in California. Can’t wait.

Stay safe, listen to some jazz and most importantly: get outside. Cheers!

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"Crescent" by the John Coltrane Quartet on Impulse A-66

April 27, 2022

Out of all the Coltrane albums this is one of my absolute favorites. It’s the classic quartet, doing their thing, what more is there to say really? For me, this is jazz perfection. It’s lyrical but progressive. It’s full of musical brilliance, passion and warmth. A beautiful mix of tunes which leaves you wanting more.

It took me some time to find this original mono pressing. A few of these Coltrane on Impulse are quite difficult to find. They are still quite reasonably priced it seems. So you get a lot for your buck when you invest in these albums. Worth every penny.

Out of all the Coltranes on Impulse, do you have a favorite? Maybe you can give me your top 3? “Crescent” is definitely in my top 3.

On the new arrivals front I have just secured a couple of nice titles. Looking forward to receiving those. Amazing music on both of them. It will be the first titles in my collection that features these artists as leaders, which is quite exciting. I enjoy both musicians a lot. Stay tuned.

I hope you’re having a great week and that you are enjoying your collections and life in general. Cheers!

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"Unity" by Larry Young on Blue Note BLP 4221

April 11, 2022

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…

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"Jackie's Pal" by the Jackie McLean Quintet introducing Bill Hardman on Prestige 7068

March 19, 2022

A wonderful, easy enjoyable Prestige session.

Overall I have far too few Prestige albums in the collection. There are so many great albums. This is one of the best titles in the early Prestige catalogue for me. Jackie McLean is always on point and with this band backing him, you can’t go wrong: Bill Hardman on trumpet, Mal Waldron on piano, Paul Chambers on double bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Hardman though is a cat I haven’t explored much of. He plays great here and on a couple of other titles so I’m looking forward to hear some more of him. He has a quite laid back style which I like.

This session is a flowing, well executed piece of hard bop with the highlight for me being the moody, Waldron-penned “Dee’s Dilemma”. I would recommend this album to anyone that enjoys some loose, easy accessible hard bop that makes you feel good.

These early Prestige titles are not easy to find in great condition, and it seems they pop up very seldom on the market. Is it me or have they become even more scarce with each year that passes? How many Jackie’s Pal have you seen for sale the last couple of years? How many Mobley’s Message? Pairing Off? Tenor Madness? That makes owning this piece of history in top shape even more special.

I have managed to acquire some great titles so far this year, that I really wanted. Very happy about that, but now a time of restraint has come, to focus on building a nice budget for a summer vacation, hopefully. No more albums for me until the Autumn or something. But like I said, I have some new stuff to enjoy up until then. And I have plenty of albums to post up until something new arrives. Stay tuned.

Take care of each other and keep the spirits up. Fuck war.

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"It's Time" by Jackie McLean on Blue Note BLP 4179

March 3, 2022

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!

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"Somethin' Else" by Cannonball Adderley on Blue Note BLP 1595

February 13, 2022

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!

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Charles Mingus presents Charles Mingus on Candid CJM 8005

February 1, 2022

Mingus with this small group is fantastic.

Starts with a great introduction by Mingus himself. And then we’re off. Love the “live” feeling of the sound and approach to this album. It’s very special jazz, as you’d expect from Mingus. Full of soul, fire and a dedication to preserving sounds of the past and making it sound fresh and progressive. I really enjoy this small group, consisting of Mingus on double bass, Eric Dolphy on alto sax and bass clarinet, Ted Curson on trumpet and Dannie Richmond on drums. It’s a nice change to the larger ensembles often employed by the bassist.

Highlight of the album is the tune “What Love” on which Dolphy’s bass clarinet and Mingus’ bass interacts with each other in a beautiful way.

I love Mingus and this is just another great album that I’m very happy to have in the collection. There are plenty of Mingus titles that I still miss, and of course I will try and hopefully secure some more when the opportunity arises.

Got some titles on Candid now, and I think it’s a very enjoyable label. You can find some real bargains as supposed to some of the other classic labels. Will keep my eye out for more titles.

I’m in the process of deciding on some titles that I’d like to acquire. We’ll see which ones I’ll go for. Exciting to get some new stuff into the collection for sure.

I hope you’re enjoying your collections and staying safe. Stay tuned… cheers!

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"Evolution" by Grachan Moncur III on Blue Note 4153

January 13, 2022

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!

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"Screamin' The Blues" by Oliver Nelson on New Jazz 8243

December 19, 2021

Sorry for not posting for some time. Been trying to post all the stuff I’ve posted on this site through the years on my Instagram page, so haven’t found the time to actually post some new stuff here. But I will concentrate on trying to post more regulary. Also, it’s here you’ll see the newest additions to the collection first.

Some bluesy stuff on this one by Oliver Nelson flanked by the always amazing Eric Dolphy. The other cats are a nice bunch as well, consisting of the great trumpeter Richard Williams with his fiery style, Richard Wyands on piano who I have not explored much at all, the always reliable George Duvivier on the double bass and Mr. Snap Crackle himself Roy Haynes on drums.

I have always loved the more bluesy stuff when it comes to jazz. I enjoy it when at least one tune on a jazz album has some heavier bluesy qualities. I like that mix. So this album is a great one for me, on which the blues is infused in a very appealing way on a couple of tunes in particular. Overall, for me, Dolphys’ and Williams’ contributions are clear highlights. All the tunes except for one is penned by Nelson, which is highly impressive as well.

I’ve mentioned this before; the New Jazz label is a lovely label that offers plenty of great jazz, all kinds of different styles. I highly recommend anyone who has not yet explored this label to do so, and this LP is a great way to start.

Christmas is just around the corner, looking forward to the time off with the family. We’re going to Florida and I just hope this Covid shit isn’t getting any worse. I’m a bit worried, but hoping for the best. We need the sun and warmth. Looking to maybe visiting some record shops. We’ll see. If anyone has any good suggestions on record shops with a nice used jazz selection on the gulf coast of Florida, please let me know.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. Take care of yourselves and your families and stay safe. Cheers!

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"Point of Departure" by Andrew Hill on Blue Note BLP 4167

October 3, 2021

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!

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