Workin' with the Miles Davis Quintet on PRLP 7166

March 1, 2020

This starts off with one of the most beautiful ballads in jazz history in my humble opinion; “It Never Entered My Mind”, it’s perfection. Miles’ muted trumpet (which he was a master of), playing one beautiful note after the other. Philly Joe’s wonderful work with the brushes to complement that. Garland’s laid back piano. And the tasteful double bass work by Chambers. Coltrane is not needed on this tune for sure. For me, this first tune is the highlight of the album. The rest of the album is very laid back and easy to love. Smooth and tasteful is the theme here. Coltrane plays nice on this album, but having listened more in depth to his later work as a leader, it’s just not comparable. Boy, did he evolve. But his playing here fits in nicely with the overall style of course.

Out of the four albums Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’ and Steamin’, this perhaps is my favorite. All four of them are wonderful though and highly recommended if you haven’t heard them before, which I very much doubt.

I have acquired some great stuff these past months. More than usual. The reason for being able to purchase a greater quantity of albums is that I’ve been adding titles on labels such as Atlantic, Impulse! and Columbia, which are much cheaper prospects than the high-end Blue Note and Prestige titles for example. I’ve managed to mix these up with a couple of Riversides (one is a real classic) and a superb New Jazz release. These are a little more expensive than the Atlantics and Impulses (except for the WLP copy of A Love Supreme), but we are not talking Blue Note money. I’m very happy with these new additions, which I will start posting on the site in the coming weeks and months. Keep an eye out for those.

Regarding this Miles effort on display; in your opinion, how does it hold up compared to the other first great quintet releases? Do you have another favorite?

Stay tuned for more original vintage jazz collectibles… cheers!

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"Mingus Ah Um" by Charles Mingus on Columbia CL 1370

February 2, 2020

A very diverse album with depth and superb compositional skills.

I’ve grown very fond of Mingus during the past few years. A few of his titles have found their way into my collection as of late. I love his compositional skills as well as his bass playing. His bands are always top notch expressing a lot of quality and passion. His music is a bit different to say the least. Nothing sounds quite like it in my collection. So it’s always a great experience to put one of his albums on the turntable.

The copy on display is a beautiful white label promo which I acquired from eBay not so long ago. I’m very happy to have this album in my collection. It’s such a classic and rightly so. It contains a wonderful mix of tunes. From fiery gospel-like explosions, and driving blues pieces to contemplative ballads filled with melancholy and soulfulness. I love how all the different horns interact with each other and the different layers they are creating. It’s compositional skills at the highest level. It creates such dense textures with a lot of depth which really drags you into the music. Seems like a very complete expression of Mingus’ genius.

This album is a must-have for any jazz fan and music lover in general. Get it if you don’t have it. But I suspect most of you cats already have this one though.

What’s your thoughts on this album? Could this be the definitive Mingus album? I also love “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady” but can’t make my mind up at this point which one I dig the most. I have one more great Mingus album which I will post later.

I’m planning to add a lot more Mingus albums to the collection. There’s so much left to discover. He’s such an interesting artist and I’m looking forward to further explore his output.

These last months have been very productive in terms of adding albums to the collection. Quite a few actually. I’ve never added so many in such a short space of time. Very rewarding. They are all wonderful and I have a bit more to enjoy now, but far from enough. So stay tuned for more great stuff coming up. Cheers!

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"A Love Supreme" by John Coltrane on Impulse! A-77

January 12, 2020

Kicking off 2020 in style with a true classic. It’s extremely difficult to find a 1st pressing of this with the non-suffix catalogue number on the labels. Let alone a white label promo copy. So I’m over the moon to have secured one. John Coltrane have become a massive figure for me the last couple of years. He has always been a favorite but now that I’ve dug deeper into his later catalogue he’s become even more important to me. I love his later work on the Impulse! label. I’ve also started to explore his Atlantic catalogue more in depth. I have “Giant Steps“ since way back in the collection and I’ve listened to “My Favorite Things” but there’s more to enjoy. Just bought another LP of his on Atlantic. It’s due in Stockholm on Monday. Looking forward to receiving that one and hopefully it will make the grade upon listening to the condition of it, so I can post it here on the site later.

This album is of paramount importance to most jazz fans and I couldn’t agree more. It’s his masterpiece. It’s so searching and spiritual in nature. Beautiful music that really stands out from the crowd. It makes you happy to listen to and for me, it makes me stronger tackling everyday life when I hear it. I just wish I had been able to see this classic quartet live back in the day. That sure would have been a spiritual awakening I could imagine.

I can’t pick a favorite tune on this album because I consider it as one piece. One statement, one expression of how wonderful jazz is. I would think that my readers have a long history together with this album, and I would very much like to hear what this album means to you?

I’ve been focusing on getting more albums that I love into the collection from the Impulse! and Atlantic labels for example. There are plenty of really great albums on those labels that are much cheaper than buying 1st pressing Blue Notes, Prestige, Riverside etc. I’d like to build up a larger collection faster so there’s more to choose from. Cause buying 4-5 extremely expensive albums a year is not going to do the trick. It’s rewarding as hell to be able to secure that stuff but I’ve been doing it that way for a long time and I have a lot of top collectibles, but just for a while I’d like to buy more albums during a year. 1st pressings only in great condition of course. But it’s hard not to be tempted and buy a beautiful Blue Note for example. Maybe I could mix it up a bit and try and get my hands on a couple of more expensive albums and spend the rest on the cheaper titles. Also, this has come naturally for me, focusing on these Impulse! and Atlantic albums, because they feature artists that I’ve been interested in exploring and hearing more from, like Coltrane and his sidemen, Ornette Coleman and Charles Mingus.

I hope 2020 will bring a lot of nice albums onto my shelves that I can enjoy and share with you guys. I’d like to thank everyone who is commenting and visiting the site and I hope we will continue to have some great exchanges here during this year and beyond. A belated happy new year to everyone. Stay tuned… cheers!

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Dizzy Reece "Progress Report" on Tempo TAP 9

December 15, 2019

Never thought I’d own this album, but now that I do it still feels like a dream.

I love Dizzy Reece. His brilliant tone and whole approach to the trumpet is right up my alley. I’ve managed to collect some of his Blue Note releases, “Blues in Trinity”, “Star Bright” and “Soundin’ Off”. They are all great. All of them were on my want list early on and I focused on securing them as soon as possible. One release though, which I also really wanted is the one on display, “Progress Report” on the elusive Tempo label. But this LP is so rare that I had the feeling it would be very, very hard to acquire. It was one of those albums that seemed out of reach in the foreseeable future, if ever. When you talk about rare jazz records from the 50’s, holy grails if you will, this one is in the top 5 for me. Rarer than the 1568 with NY23 on one side, maybe not 1597 with both sides deep groove, but probably the rest of the Blue Notes, and even rarer than the Jackie McLean on Ad Lib. The music is outstanding. Sultry hard bop, played with passion. There is a nice mix of tunes. The sound of the vinyl is top notch. Just as brilliant as any Blue Note from the same era.

I’m overwhelmed really to have secured this extremely rare, wonderful music on original vinyl. My first Tempo album. Will there be more? Who knows, but if I had to choose only one of them it would be this one. I got this at a quite reasonable price as well. The few copies sold over the years have been very expensive. So compared to those prices I got my copy cheap. A steal as a matter of fact. So I’m a happy boy.

I’ve been focusing on the wonderful albums on the Impulse! label and other great stuff, for example from Ornette Coleman on Atlantic lately. Those albums are much cheaper, it’s superb music, and I’m trying to aim for some quantity as well, cause I need more albums. I need to build up a more sizeable collection, so there’s more to choose from. And luckily there is a lot of absolutely outstanding music that comes with a more reasonable price tag. But I’m of course still on the lookout for the rare Blue Notes, Prestige and Riverside albums as well. It’s just that if you save up and buy 4-5 very expensive top collectibles in great condition a year, it takes too long to get some more variety and quantity to the collection. So I’m mixing it up and looking at a broader selection of albums from different labels and I’m enjoying it. I mean, you can get 20 albums or more for one top Blue Note.

Have you heard this album, and if so, what’s your take on it? Do you have other favorites on the Tempo label?

Christmas is around the corner and I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. Some much needed days off. Hoping to get a few listening sessions in there as well. I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the weekend and please stay tuned for more great albums from the collection… cheers.

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Ornette Coleman "Ornette on tenor" on Atlantic 1394

November 17, 2019

Ornette is fast becoming one of my favorites.

I have started to embrace the genius of Ornette Coleman as of late and have acquired a couple of his albums already. This one is truly wonderful. The sound is organic and very appealing to me. Really earthy, smooth and it flows well. Firstly, as a drummer myself, I really appreciate Ed Blackwell. His work on the ride cymbal is amazing. It delivers a brilliant sound and his whole approach oozes finesse and taste. His technique is very classy. Superb snare work as well. Great sounding drums. I’ve listened to hard bop for many years and for the last few years I’ve started to explore post bop and the avant-garde. Many albums were released on the Impulse! label which really promoted this music. Coltrane leading the way. But these Ornette Atlantics are true gems.

On this date Ornette Coleman plays tenor sax exclusively which is quite interesting. Of course, he usually plays the alto. Sounds pretty damn good to me. He has quite a lyrical approach to the instrument and an unmistakable style. This album also features Jimmy Garrison before he joined the Coltrane group. I really enjoy his playing. Don Cherry always adds a special flavor to the mix. His unconventional playing on his pocket trumpet is interesting and a very pleasing contrast to other trumpeters for sure.

I recently purchased another Ornette on Atlantic and will be posting that here on the site. I will be adding a few more as well before long. I almost never buy on eBay, I never have. But the album on display and several others I have managed to secure from there. I have taken some chances on sellers I have never bought from before and every record has made the grade. I’m really happy about that, cause it’s always a risk. So now I have quite a few new sources to keep in touch with.

So, if you’ve heard this album, what’s your take on it? Are you an Ornette Coleman fan? Favorite Ornette album? Write away guys!

Looking forward to posting the next album from the collection and I hope you’ll stay tuned for that. Have a great rest of the weekend guys, cheers!

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"Meditations" by John Coltrane on Impulse! A-9110

October 20, 2019

It’s chaotic and intense but also mixed with beautiful and serene passages. It’s interesting and thought provoking. I can actually meditate to this stuff. You get the classical quartet together with Pharoah Sanders and Rashied Ali who both would continue to work with Coltrane after this album, which is the last recording to feature McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones playing together with Coltrane and Jimmy Garrison. I love this album. I’ve come to a point now where I truly appreciate a lot of the avant-garde and post-bop. Not everything, but Coltranes stuff on Impulse! and the work of Ornette Coleman for example. A little bit of Albert Ayler and some other stuff as well. It really complements the traditional bebop, hard bop and cool jazz which I’ve been listening to for a long time almost exclusively. It’s so dramatically different and it is very welcome sounds to mix it up. To get a broader and more complete experience when it comes to the world of jazz.

I very much like how the whirlwind “The Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost” slides into the more calm “Compassion” which features a great McCoy Tyner solo. The second side starts off with “Love” which begins with a great, calm and collected bass solo by Jimmy Garrison. I think he is a wonderful bassist and I enjoy his style a lot. When Coltrane comes in it really hits the spot with some wonderful notes. And Elvin with some great sounding, organic drums. And then McCoy Tyner. They are building it up in a beautiful and relaxing way. After that it propels into the harsh but superb “Consequences” where the amazing saxophone sounds thrown at me makes my mind wander and actually find peace in all the chaos. Then comes a welcome, more relaxing piece called “Serenity” which concludes the album.

Highly recommended if you appreciated the avant-garde and are looking for something to really sink your teeth in and get a different perspective on jazz.

What’s your take on this album I wonder? Are you into the avant-garde? If you are or not, what is it that makes you appreciate it or not appreciate it? Favorite free-jazz albums?

I will go on a short vacation on Wednesday to Mexico, just me and my wife to get some sun and relax a bit. I’m really looking forward to that. It never happens, just me and her without the kids. So, I’m ready for some Caribbean winds…

Have a great week and stay tuned for more wonderful vintage albums from the collection coming up.

Cheers!

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"A Long Drink Of The Blues" by Jackie McLean on New Jazz 8253

September 22, 2019

A relaxing album. Perfect for a chilly, early autumn afternoon.

Jackie McLean is one of my favorite alto saxophonists. Haven’t heard a less than wonderful album by him, yet anyway. This album is a highly enjoyable listen. The first track starts with an argument which is pretty funny. When they finally settle down and start playing again they stroll into a smooth and relaxing piece which has a nice jammy flavor to it. Although an alto player, Jackie also plays the tenor sax on the first track which is the title tune, and it sounds pretty damn good I must say. But he excels on the alto. The tune clocks in at over 20 minutes and together with the false start and argument it makes up for the whole of Side 1. The 2nd side contains three beautiful ballads. Three ballads in a row is very unusual. It makes the heart beat slower and is very soothing. The two sides has two different line-ups and both are great. A trumpeter I haven’t listen to much is Webster Young. He plays on Side 1 and I dig his style. Always a welcome voice is Curtis Fuller on the trombone, which is an instrument I seldom hear. Looking at my records, he’s the only trombone player I can remember appearing on any of them. Do you guys fancy hearing the trombone in jazz? My personal opinion is that it is definitely a welcome sound from time to time. But for me it’s not measuring up to other horns like the trumpet or the different saxophones in terms of sound or excitement. It’s a bit muffled and static with not much dynamics. Anyway, I think this is a relaxing and pleasurable album which I’m now listening to on this lazy Sunday afternoon.

I purchased another copy of this title before this one but it turned out to be a copy with some of the dreaded New Jazz hiss, plus it did not have the wide deep grooves either. I couldn’t return it which was not good. Very frustrating. But I had the opportunity to purchase this superb copy instead so I did just that. Money wasted on the other copy but I’m just happy to have found a true 1st pressing in great condition in the end.

I would highly recommend this album, as I would with any of Jackie McLeans LP’s from this era. Would be interesting to hear what you guys think of this particular title and which McLean titles are your favorites from any label? I really need to focus on getting some more titles by him as there are so many great ones. But so many great records and artists and so little time… and not enough money to get them all in a short space of time.

Autumn is here in Stockholm. The air is chilly and the leaves has started to turn yellow and red. The time for some cozy days indoors, relaxing away from the cold, with a nice stout and jazz on vinyl has arrived. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking… On another note I was out yesterday with a friend and went to watch some live jazz at the Glenn Miller Café here in Stockholm. Got some french Moules Frites and beer and saw the great Swedish legend Bernt Rosengren perform. A really great night. I love live jazz and I like to experience it more often. But not all artists nowadays play the stuff I like either. So you need to stay tuned on what’s good and when and where they play. That’s another question I have for you guys: do you go out and watch live jazz often, sometimes or never?

Stay tuned for more vintage jazz vinyl treasures coming up… cheers!

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"Outward Bound" by Eric Dolphy on New Jazz 8236

August 24, 2019

This is one of my favorite albums. It’s hard bop but with a twist. And the twist is provided by Eric Dolphy of course. His playing is one of a kind and brings a bit of spice to this otherwise quite conventional hard bop session. Dolphy’s mastery of the rarely used bass clarinet and flute are astounding and adds interesting depths and dimensions compared to many other albums in my collection. Eric Dolphy was a superb musician and composer. I have started to explore his other, freer stuff as well and it’s great. I’ve listened to his live work with Mingus on their tour of Europe in 1964 and he just blows everyone away.

This is just the first of many other albums of his that I will try and acquire. I actually bought another copy of this a while back. It was a good copy, but with a few tics. So I upgraded straight away, cause I had the opportunity, to this wonderful copy that is M- all around. I did the same with another New Jazz title as well at the same time. I will post that album next I think, stay tuned for that. So I now have duplicates of these two titles. Don’t know if I will sell the duplicates or not, we’ll see.

What I also enjoy a lot about this session is that it has Roy Haynes on drums. As a drummer myself I really appreciate his playing and the sound of his drums. He plays with a lot of finesse. His snare work is exceptional. Also a great benefit to this album is that it has Freddie Hubbard on it, who is one of the greatest trumpeters of all time and one of my personal favorites. I think the album has a nice blend of tunes. It pretty much has got all the things I’m looking for in a hard bop album. It’s hard to pick a favorite tune, they are all great and very enjoyable. But maybe the beautiful ballad “Glad To Be Unhappy” takes 1st price. The flute playing is just out of this world. For more amazingly beautiful jazz flute listen to “Sketch of Melba” from Dolphy’s “Out There” album, also on New Jazz.

I would highly recommend this album if you are unfamiliar with it. It would be interesting to hear what you guys think of this album and if you have other Dolphy favorites you would like to share?

I’ve been able to secure some nice albums of late and will post them here on the site so stay tuned for more wonderful, vintage original jazz LP’s… cheers!

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Hank Mobley "Soul Station" on Blue Note 4031

July 29, 2019

Back from a summer vacation which provided a healthy dose of sun and outdoor activities. Great to be back posting vintage jazz albums though. This is a great album. A really nice copy. The images aren’t doing it justice. My camera on my old iPhone 6 Plus is pretty thrashed and is not working well at all. I will upgrade to an iPhone XS before long. Let’s hope the images will be of better quality then.

I have several albums featuring Mobley but this is the only one where he plays the only horn in the band. He does a great job. It’s smooth, warm and relaxing music even when the tempo is a bit faster. I’m impressed Blakey’s playing on this one as well. He plays quite delicate. He usually is a force of nature pounding away on the drums and crashing cymbals, sometimes lacking a bit of finesse. But on this album he plays a bit lighter it seems. I like that. A good and interesting contrast. The tunes are all very nice. The band is cooking. You can’t really go wrong with Hank Mobley on the tenor sax, Wynton Kelly on the keys, Paul Chambers on the double bass and Art Blakey on drums.

I have searched and waited for a good copy. I really enjoy it so the search have been on for quite a while. Really happy to finally have secured it. One interesting thing is that many fellow jazz fans hold “Soul Station” in very, very high regard. Citing it as their favorite Mobley album. I think it’s great. It’s up there among his best output. But is it the best, for me? I’m not sure. I haven’t listened to all of his albums, but of the ones I have listened to it has to be in the top 3.

I think it would be really interesting to hear you guys opinion on this album and where it’s placed on your Mobley favorites list. Maybe you can name your top 3 Mobley albums? He is such a loved artist among jazz record collectors, as his albums frequently sell for very high prices. Maybe that is also because of other factors, as if it’s on Blue Note, if it’s really rare or if it has some other really popular cat on it. But I believe people want his albums because of his beautiful, laid back playing and composing skills as well.

I have managed to acquire some nice pieces lately and I’m excited about that. Stay tuned for those showing up here on the site. I’d like to expand my collection a bit faster, but it’s very difficult when you are after these type of original 1st pressings in decent condition. Slowly but surely… it has to be that way.

Have great day everyone, cheers!

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"The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" by Mingus on Impulse! A-35

June 5, 2019

A fantastic album by a true genius. I have just started to explore the albums on which Mingus is the leader. This is my first album by him. Seems a pretty good way to start. I have sunk my teeth into 60’s post bop and free jazz quite a bit for the past 6 months or so. This isn’t hard bop. Far from it. I really dig the different sounds, layers and influences on this album. From what I’ve gathered it is partially written as a ballet. The arrangements are inspiring and so well executed by all players. One of them is a fellow Swede, Rolf Ericson on trumpet, which is very cool. I have a lot of his output on several 7” Metronome EP’s and I love him. The album has elements of classical and even a little touch of flamenco or mariachi music and It’s so powerful. A big, bold sound. The vinyl sounds superb just like all the other Impulse! albums that I’ve heard so far.

The music stays highly interesting and engaging in all kinds of ways all the way through. This is a masterpiece and I’m looking forward to exploring more of the Mingus catalogue. I’m taking it slowly and I like it that way. To really discover a few artists at the time. Right now it’s a lot of Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Thelonious Monk and also Mingus. I’m taking my time. Enjoying a few albums at the time and let them sink in. It’s a beautiful thing to have so many great records still to listen to. Some of the great geniuses takes a lot of time to fully grasp and the journey will be interesting and hopefully very fulfilling.

I’m enjoying exploring the period after the 50’s and early 60’s hard bop and getting into a lot of the Impulse! output and later Blue Note stuff. Like I’ve said, I’m exploring free jazz as well. I like it. Coltrane’s late period for example. Some Albert Ayler as well. It’s an exciting time!

Questions for my readers: What’s your take on Mingus and this album in particular? Do you have a favorite album by him that you can recommend?

Summer’s here in Stockholm for real and vacation time is not far away now. I’m aiming to add one or two records to the collection in the next month or so. I have some more as well in the collection that I haven’t posted yet, so stay tuned… Cheers!

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Lee Morgan "Search For The New Land" on Blue Note 4169

April 29, 2019

This is my first “later” original Blue Note. Historically, I haven’t been focusing on these later Blue Notes in the 4000 series. But I have explored quite a few now and there are many superb efforts. This Morgan is of course one of them. They are much cheaper than the earlier releases in the 1500 and 4000 series so that makes them very attractive as well. When there is a choice between mono and stereo I’ll go for mono, so this copy is just that. It’s in superb condition and sounds wonderful. It came with the original shrink wrap but I removed it. My long-time readers will know that I have a special affection for Lee Morgan. Of all the great trumpeters in jazz he is my favorite. I have a few nice LP’s by him and this a very welcome addition to the collection. It captures him a little bit later into his career than I’m used to and he plays very mature and still showcases his brilliant tone and technique. All compositions are by Lee Morgan which really shows what a great composer he was.

The band consists of Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor sax, Grant Green on guitar, Herbie Hancock on piano, Reginald Workman on double bass and Billy Higgins on drums. They sound great together. Except for Morgan the others don’t appear on any other original album that I have, from what I can recall. But as I start collecting a few more of these later Blue Notes I know I will end up with more albums with these players. I know Billy Higgins for example plays on many albums from the 60’s. I dig his style of drumming. Looking forward to more albums featuring him. Wayne Shorter plays great and some more of his output is also worth checking out of course. I’m not a super big fan of guitars in jazz and I don’t own many albums with a guitar player but Grant Green sounds really good and I enjoy his playing. Listening to jazz guitar is a nice change up from time to time. Herbie Hancock I know of of course, but I haven’t explored much from him as of yet. I’m sure I will dive deeper into his catalogue sooner or later.

Overall, this album is very nice indeed with a little different sound and feeling than most of my other albums. I’ve been slowly getting into some later recordings from the Impulse! catalogue for example, some stuff from the later Blue Note 4000 series and even later stuff from different labels. I seem to find a lot of good music there. Albums from the Impulse! catalogue in particular I’ve been enjoying a lot lately. Coltrane of course, but other stuff as well. McCoy Tyner’s trio efforts for example. How does the saying go… so many records, so little time. Certainly rings true for me. I’m enjoying a few hours by myself right now and I’m taking the opportunity to listen to some records and just relaxing. These moments are rare so I’m really enjoying the moment.

Some questions for my readers: What’s your take on this Morgan album and how do you think it holds up compared to his other work? Some of your favorite “later” (let’s say from 4100 and onwards) Blue Notes?

Spring is in full bloom here in Stockholm and summer’s not far away now. I’m looking forward to a sweet summer vacation, which I’ve been saving up for for many months now. Can’t wait!

Stay tuned for more albums from the collection. Have a great day! Cheers…

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McCoy Tyner Trio "Reaching Fourth" on Impulse! A-33

February 24, 2019

A very satisfying jazz piano trio album.

This is one of my favorite albums. It’s very high quality piano trio jazz. And it features one of my favorite double bassists in Henry Grimes. Also, it’s one of my very best sounding albums. It sounds absolutely amazing.

As far as piano trios goes I hold the classic Bill Evans trio the highest, but then this trio is staking it’s claim on second place. I hold the Tommy Flanagan effort ”Overseas” on Prestige very high as well. There’s a lot of other very good piano trio albums that I haven’t completely absorbed yet. But so far the album on display here is, for me, one of the best I’ve heard.

All the tunes are very enjoyable. It’s a very nice mix of tunes. The personnel is fabulous. McCoy Tyner is so lyrical in his playing, and plays with such ease and feeling. Roy Haynes on drums is wonderful and he has such a nice drum sound here. He plays very delicate and I love his style. The cymbals sounds like heavenly chimes. The snare work is exceptionally good as well. And then we have the double bass. Henry Grimes… can’t find the words really. He’s one of my top three jazz bassists. When I got into jazz for real it started when I saw an old black and white concert of Sonny Rollins playing in Sweden on Swedish television together with Joe Harris and Henry Grimes. Sonny was up for the Polar Music Prize that year, that’s why they showed this concert. The young, modest bassist caught my attention. He was just so cool but at the same time looking very sweet. Total control on his instrument. He just made it look so easy standing there playing this big old double bass. I’ve loved him from that moment on. I also saw him on a YouTube clip later, with him playing with Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer and Dave Bailey. To be honest, I haven’t explored all of his work as of yet (far from it), but the stuff I’ve heard him play, especially on ”Reaching Fourth”, and the whole back history he has when he was lost and found together with my first encounter with him playing with Sonny Rollins just makes him special to me. Love his style and sound.

If you dig piano trios, then this is definitely one to pick up. And a 1st pressing doesn’t cost an absolute fortune. That’s one of the great benefits of the Impulse! label.

Have a great week folks. Stay tuned. Cheers…!

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Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis on Columbia CL 1355

January 27, 2019

This of course is a great record and one of the best known recorded jazz sessions of all time. I feel it’s very enjoyable. A superb effort. I like the laidback feeling throughout and the sound. But I appreciate a lot of other records just as much. It’s not like it’s completely outstanding to me. So for me musically, this a record with no higher status than a lot of my other albums. But again; it’s a superb album, no doubt.

This is the only Columbia record in my collection. Will it stay that way? Who knows. Probably not though. I haven’t listened to it in ages. Except for maybe ”So What” digitally a few times between the vinyl sessions. What a fantastic tune that is. The intro is sublime and when Miles solo finally starts it’s just so smooth and deeply satisfying. To put this album on the turntable today was a nice revisit. Listening to ”All Blues” as I write this and the sound is excellent I must say. Love the crystal clear sound of Jimmy Cobbs ride cymbal.

Bill Evans is on this which alone makes this album worth having. As well as Coltrane. All the players are all stars though.

”Flamenco Sketches” which closes the 2nd side is beautiful and quite special.

Anyone who has something they want to add about this album is most welcome to share their thoughts.

I have started to save up for a grand summer vacation. But I will do my utmost to set aside some dough for some nice album as well. We’ll see what happens.

Treasure your vinyl folks. Cause it’s just as imperfect and fragile as life itself and therefore beautiful. Stay tuned…

Cheers!

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Elvin Jones/Jimmy Garrison Sextet - Illumination! on Impulse! A-49

December 2, 2018

I’ve started to explore the Impulse! label for real. I’ve bought a couple of titles. There’s a lot of wonderful albums to discover, as well as musicians you haven’t heard before. The type of jazz released on this label comes with great variety, which makes it interesting and you’ll discover new or/and different flavors with each release. I’m intrigued with what I’ve heard thus far and I will continue to explore the label with great excitement. I will of course seek out all the Coltrane albums but there is so much more to sink your teeth in.

I’ve fallen in love with the rhythm section of Elvin Jones and Jimmy Garrison. Elvin Jones is just phenomenal. I love his style, touch and sound. So the LP on display here is right up my alley. It’s a very diverse album with a nice blend of tunes. The personnel are Elvin Jones on drums, Jimmy Garrison on double bass, McCoy Tyner on piano, Sonny Simmons on alto sax and English horn, Charles Davis on baritone sax and Prince Lasha on clarinet and flute. Three of the cats I haven’t heard before, and it is interesting to soak in their different styles, especially when they deliver some stuff on instruments I do not often listen to; like the english horn, clarinet and flute. They all sound great. Highly recommended.

I love the packaging of these old Impulse! releases. The beautiful, heavy gatefold covers with the images and liner notes inside are oustanding. The iconic orange and black labels. I have a white label promo copy of this LP and those labels are very cool as well. The sound of the vinyl is brilliant. One of the best sounding records I’ve heard. It sounds so organic and powerful. Couldn’t ask for more. I would urge anyone who hasn’t delved into the Impulse! catalogue yet to do so. I think you will find many great and interesting titles. And if you’re looking for 1st pressings they won’t cost you a bloody fortune. Much more reasonable prices.

How about you guys, what’s your take on the Impulse! label and do you have some favorite titles you’d like to share?

Vacation time will soon be here and I look forward to that immensely. To get some warm sun on my face cause here in Stockholm the sun has forsaken us. I hope you will have a nice Sunday and enjoy some jazz. Stay tuned for more great albums from the collection. Cheers!

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Bill Evans Trio "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" on RLP 376

November 10, 2018

So, I found a beautiful copy of this masterpiece to replace my white label promo copy in lesser condition sooner than I was expecting. I couldn’t be happier with this copy. It’s in very nice shape, both the vinyl and the jacket. This album, together with “Waltz for Debby” on RLP 399, are my favorite jazz trio albums by far. There are of course other very nice trio sessions, but these two, for me, are a level or two above everything else I’ve come across. The empathic chemistry between Evans, LaFaro and Motian is something I haven’t heard anywhere else. And LaFaro’s double bass work is the best I’ve heard as well. The whole concept of letting the double bass take center stage on these albums is something I absolutely love. And LaFaro makes it so interesting with his technical and lyrical brilliance. I believe his playing is one of the main reasons this trio was so special.

Just put this record on the turntable, lean back and soak in the magic that happened live at the Village Vanguard in New York City on June 25th, 1961. Close your eyes and pretend you’re there in the club, sipping on a drink and just relaxing.

I have quite a few other Bill Evans albums on the want list such as “Explorations” on RLP 351 by the same trio. Also, his later trios with bassists Chuck Israels and Joe Gomez are great. There are many Evans albums worth seeking out.

At the moment I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family over Christmas. We have a vacation overseas coming up then and every penny will go to that, as well as a summer vacation. So, I will find it hard to purchase a lot of expensive albums for a while. Let’s see if any albums that are more moderately priced, like many of the Impulse! titles, shows up and maybe I will be able to squeeze one or two in before the summer.

In the mean time I have my little treasure of superb albums to enjoy. I was thinking of that actually this morning, when I saw an image of a huge collection, that my collection is small compared to many other collectors, but very nice indeed. And the amount of albums I have is enough for me to enjoy at the moment. I won’t ever find the time to listen to a 1000, 2000, 3000+ albums. There are just so many hours in a day. And I believe that keeping a massive collection with thousands of titles, many which are just collecting dust, is not for me. Also, all the albums I puchase has to be top notch music-wise to me, otherwise I don’t buy them. I’m never going to buy albums just to complete a series of a label for example. There are probably several titles in a series that I can do without, you know? I pick the titles I really enjoy and that’s that.

What do you consider a good number of albums in a collection, that you actually listen to and can enjoy? Would you consider to try and complete a series of a label? Maybe collect a whole discography of an artist? How do you collect is the question.. :-)

Enjoy the weekend folks. It’s cold, dark and damp here in Stockholm right now. Maybe I’ll crack open a nice porter or stout this evening… stay tuned for more vintage jazz albums.

Cheers!

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Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet on Prestige 7129

September 30, 2018

I have a few records that’s been in the collection for a long time. Back to the days when I first started buying first pressings. This is one of them. It’s in good nick. At some point I’m going to upgrade this copy but it sounds really good. This is of course a classic by a classic quintet. It’s been a long time since I listened to this one, but just like all of the other albums by this quintet it’s a pleasure to put on the turntable. I’m keeping my eye out for an even better copy. I just feel this copy has served me well through the years and it sounds good. I’m not a fan of buying records I already have, even though I’m upgrading. I’m always looking forward, to the next album which I don’t have.

I’ve immersed myself in the Coltrane output on Impulse! lately. And I think all of it is such an amazing treasure. I’m appreciating the later avant-garde period a lot and I’ve just bought my first Coltrane album in that style of jazz. It’s on Impulse! and you will soon see which one it is. I couldn’t pass it up at that price, although I wasn’t going to buy another record until I found another copy of RLP 376. It’s a wonderful album, it blows me away with it’s chaotic whirlwinds mixed with more toned-down parts filled with soothing notes. I will seek out a lot of the pieces of the Coltrane catalogue on Impulse! and I can’t wait, but like I mentioned I’m hoping to find a better copy of RLP 376 first. But what a wonderful gift the Coltrane albums on Impulse! are. Don’t you agree?

A tough question for my readers; which one of Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’ and Steamin’ is your favorite?

I wish you a great day or evening and stay tuned for more albums from the collection.

Cheers!

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Waltz for Debby by the Bill Evans Trio on Riverside 399

August 31, 2018

In my humble opinion this is the best jazz piano trio album of all time, together with RLP 376.

It's been a while since the last post. Sorry about that. A summer vacation and life in general got in the way. But now I'm back after a long hot summer. Sitting here at home with a sore throat and aching muscles; the first cold of the season. But I'm keeping my spirits up with the album on display here. This has got to be the greatest piano trio album of all time, together with Sunday at the Village Vanguard on Riverside 376, which I've also acquired recently. There are really no other piano trio albums that can match these live sessions from 1961, recorded superbly by Riverside. They are in a league of their own. It feels like you are there in that club, relaxing at a table with a drink, when you listen to these albums. They really captured the live feeling amazingly well.

Much of the magic bassist Scott LaFaro brings to the table. His playing on these albums is truly one of a kind. Probably the best double bass I've ever heard. So what does that make him, the best jazz double bassist of all time? Despite his very short career? For me, the answer is yes. This trio had such an amazing feeling and flow. LaFaro was given a lot of space and could really express himself. I believe LaFaro made this trio so magical. Bill Evans is superb and Paul Motian plays great and has a sweet touch. But the star is LaFaro. Without him it wouldn't be the same. The concept of this trio though, where the double bass gets so much room and where the interplay between all three members is so profound, is pure genius.

My copy of this masterpiece on RLP 399 is in wonderful shape and sounds excellent. One of my absolute favorite albums for sure. Like I mentioned, I've acquired Sunday at the Village Vanguard on RLP 376 as well. Recorded live the same day as RLP 399. A white label promo copy which should have been in better condition than it was when I received it. I can listen to it, but it has far too much pops and tics for my taste. I couldn't return it, which was a bummer. But my mission now is to not buy another album until I find another copy of RLP 376 in much better, satisfactory condition. I think that's a healthy approach. Very cool though to have a promo copy of that title.

I thought it would be interesting what you guys think of these Vanguard recordings and if you, like me, think they are the best piano trio recordings ever made. Also, in your opinion, is Scott LaFaro one of the best if not THE best jazz double bassists of all time? If not, do you have another favorite? Love to hear what you guys think regarding these matters.

Autumn will soon be here for real and the time for candles, stouts and jazz piano trios that comes with it. And what better jazz piano trio to put on the turntable than the Bill Evans Trio live from the Village Vanguard. Stay tuned for more jazz vinyl from the collection and have a great weekend. Cheers...!

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Hank Mobley Quintet on Blue Note 1550

June 6, 2018

This original 1st pressing is in stunning condition.

This album represents all of the things that makes collecting vintage jazz vinyl such a fulfilling endeavor. It's awesome music wise. It's very rare and desirable. The condition is astounding. The cover art is iconic and oozes jazz from the era. And the cats on this great album all play with fire and express themselves in a beautiful way.

The line up is top notch with Mobley on tenor, the fantastic Art Farmer on trumpet, Horace Silver on piano, Doug Watkins on double bass and Art Blakey on drums.

I adore these early Blue Notes. The raw energy. Playing that comes straight from the gut. Everything has soul. It's a pure joy to listen to these albums.

The ballad "Fin de L'Affaire" is one of my favorite ballads. It's melancholic, smooth and beautiful. The opening tune "Funk In Deep Freeze" is another hot favorite. I love Art Farmers first few notes when he takes his solo in the beginning of that tune. The entire album is great with each of the tunes adding something special.

BLP 1550 is one of those titles I thought I would have to wait on a good while until I could find it. Sure, it took several years but it's so difficult to find and so desirable that I thought I would have to wait until my beard turned completely grey before a copy made it's way onto my shelves. Like I mentioned, the condition of this copy is simply amazing. Extremely well preserved. An archival copy. To be able to find such a copy of this title is most thrilling and deeply satisfying.

Vacation time is here in just a few weeks. It feels like this spring has just flown by. I haven't purchased a single record this year up to this point, except for this one back in January. All the dough has been put aside for the summer vacation. I hope I will be able to purchase some new vintage jazz albums very soon. As a vinyl junkie I've definitely felt the withdrawal symptoms of not buying an album for a while.

I'm curious about what you guys think of this album and which Mobley album in the 1500 series specifically is your favorite? While we're at it, name your top 5 Blue Note albums in the 1500 series. That should be interesting to read.

Take care and stay tuned for more superb vintage jazz wax from the 50's and 60's... Cheers!

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Sonny Rollins Quintet on Prestige, PRLP 186

May 6, 2018

Wonderful 10" Rollins on Prestige with a very cool cover.

This beautiful little 10" record kicks off in style with some great, up-tempo hard bop. I have to say, this is a truly sublime Rollins effort. And the line-up is very, very good with Rollins on the tenor, Kenny Dorham on the trumpet, Elmo Hope, the superb, perhaps underrated pianist, Percy Heath on the double bass and a guy called Abdullah Buhaina which is of course, unmistakably, Art Blakey on the drums.

The cover art for this album is one of the coolest I've seen. With the superb black and white photo of Rollins and the silver text on the front. There's another Prestige 10" (PRLP 190) with a black and white front photograph of Rollins which also is very cool. But for me, this is a tad cooler. I'm still looking for the PRLP 190.

I do love the 10" format, although I have but a handful of them. I've concentrated on 12" records for the most part but I'm aiming to collect a lot more 10" LP's. They feel truly genuine and they came before a lot of the 12" albums, so they are earlier, older, and that makes them highly desirable to me.

This Prestige sounds remarkably nice as these older 10" albums are, from what I've gathered, more difficult to obtain in great shape. Overall, I guess, but especially the Prestige 10" albums. The cover is in superb shape as well. I'm very happy with my copy.

The music on this album was later released on a 12" album called "Moving Out" on PRLP 7058. All the tunes are great and you should check them out if you're unfamiliar with them. One of my favorites is a ballad called "Silk N' Satin", it's beautiful. A highly recommended album.

Spring has at last arrived here in Stockholm. The sun is shining and the trees on my street is getting greener. I've been saving up for a summer vacation with the family for quite a while. It's been difficult to buy albums during this period. But now we have booked it, the flight and hotel. So, perhaps I will be able to put aside some dough now for some nice jazz albums again. I'm extremely motivated to buy some new stuff and let's see if I can track down some nice pieces soon. In the meantime I will post albums from the collection.

I'd like to wish you a great rest of the weekend, take care and happy listening. I have a couple of hours by myself today so I'm seizing the moment. Next, I'm putting on Side 2 of Coltrane's "Giant Steps" and after that Side 1 of "4, 5 and 6" with Jackie McLean on Prestige...

Cheers!

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J.R. Monterose on Blue Note 1536

March 11, 2018

It's refreshing to put this album on the turntable. It's by an artist who doesn't feature on any other album that I have. I'm talking about J.R. Monterose and he played the tenor sax. And boy could he play it well. I really dig his style. He had a voice of his own.

This is his debut as a leader and it is a Lexington Blue Note. For me, a Lexington Blue Note in great condition is the crème de la crème of vintage jazz vinyl collectibles. They feel truly genuine, the real deal, with all the attributes an original 1st pressing has. I only have a few of them to date but I'm aiming to acquire some more of course. But I'm very proud to own the ones that I've got already. I really appreciate my collection as it stands. All the albums I've managed to collect up to this point. It's a beautiful thing.

Ira Sullivan is the trumpeter on this date. Haven't heard much of him as of yet. I think I only have one other album on which he appears and that is the Red Rodney on Signal. He plays great! The rest of the cats are very good as well with the great Horace Silver on piano, Wilbur Ware on the double bass and 'Philly' Joe Jones on the drums.

There is something about putting a Blue Note of this vintage on the turntable. It just feels special. And the fact that it's an early title in the 1500 series just makes it even more special. I'm a happy man, sitting here listening to Side 1 as I'm writing this.

It's a great album. Lovely hard bop. If you're unfamiliar with this one, check it out. It doesn't disappoint. All the tunes are very good and pleasurable. A solid session.

At the moment I'm saving up for a summer vacation with the family. So the amount I will be able to spend on vintage jazz albums will be somewhat limited for a while. I'm looking forward to the summer vacation as well as the next jazz vinyl purchase.

Until next time, have a great time listening to your vinyl collection... cheers!

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