"Tenor Madness" by the Sonny Rollins Quartet & Quintet on Prestige 7047

September 6, 2020

Rollins & Coltrane playing together on one of the tunes.

From one of the true giants of jazz who is still alive. A true classic. Very happy to have been able to add this one to the collection. Sonny Rollins is special to me. As I’ve mentioned before, he is the reason I got into jazz for real back in 2007 when he received the Polar Music Prize, and they showed an old black & white concert on TV with his trio consisting of Henry Grimes and Joe Harris, playing in Stockholm in 1959 at Södra Teatern. I was hooked from that moment on. I love Sonny. I still have a great deal to discover when it comes to his work. But when it comes to discover jazz in general I’m taking small bites out of a lot and let stuff sink in. That means I’ll probably never have any shortage of jazz music/musicians to discover. So, I haven’t listened to all of Sonny Rollins’ albums, and I own just a handful on original vinyl. But I feel “Tenor Madness” is one of the top titles to enjoy so I’m very happy to have secured it.

What makes this album so special is of course the title track, which features both Rollins and Coltrane. It’s the only known recording with these two cats playing together. To have these two giants of the tenor playing together is quite a treat and of great historical importance. Wish they could have done some more stuff together.

The tune “Paul’s Pal” is composed by Rollins and is a favorite of mine, since it was one of the tunes he played together with the trio during that concert I saw on TV back in 2007. The rest of the album is also very enjoyable. I’m sure most of you have heard this recording, but if you’re new to jazz or Rollins and is looking to check out his work I can highly recommend this album together with “Saxophone Colossus”, also recorded for Prestige.

Some questions for my readers: top 5 Rollins albums? Top 5 tenor players of all time?

Autumn is here in Stockholm. The weather changed quickly from summer to autumn. Looking forward to some cozy listening sessions this autumn while the weather is cold and wet outside.

I hope everyone is staying safe and are enjoying their collections. Have a great Sunday. Stay tuned for more great vintage jazz vinyl. Cheers!

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Ron Carter "Where?" with Eric Dolphy & Mal Waldron on New Jazz 8265

August 1, 2020

Eric Dolphy is one of my absolute favorite musicians. I’ve started to really dive into his catalogue. This led me to this wonderful LP on the superb New Jazz label which I’ve been exploring a lot lately. Ron Carter is the leader here but it’s just as much a Dolphy record for me. It’s very interesting jazz, like it always is when Dolphy is involved, you can always be sure of that.

The other musicians are Mal Waldron, who is one of my favorite pianists, George Duvivier on bass (Carter plays both bass and cello here) and the great Charlie Persip on drums whom I dig a lot. I love that Carter plays cello on this. I appreciate this instrument which is rarely used in jazz. I have another LP on which the cello is featured prominently and that would be the Doug Watkins led album “Soulnik”, also on New Jazz. I wrote a post about that record some months ago. Also, Eric Dolphy’s “Out There” on New Jazz features Ron Carter on cello exclusively. That one is high, high on the want list.

Like I mentioned, I’m exploring the New Jazz catalogue and there are a lot of gems to be found there. A lot of albums featuring Dolphy, Waldron, Byard, Haynes, all these wonderful musicians. So I can highly recommend browsing through all those records. Jaki Byard is another cat who has fast become another one of my absolute favorite pianists in jazz. His playing is so unique, interesting and brilliant. You never quite know where he’s going to take the music. A bit like Monk in that sense. He’s on several New Jazz titles and I’ve already secured one of the best just a week ago. Looking forward to trying to find the other stuff as well. I have the Dolphy album “Outward Bound” on New Jazz which he’s on, and also a couple of Mingus albums on Impulse!. Excited to explore his output further.

This album is truly great, consisting of a type of jazz which I really enjoy. It’s not your standard hard bop date. I can highly recommend this one and I hope you’ll look it up if you haven’t already. And please let me know your thoughts on it. Maybe you have some other favorite Ron Carter albums that you can recommend?

It’s difficult to find an original 1st pressing of this title with the beautiful textured cover, the wide deep groove, the Abbey pressing die ring on one side and Van Gelder stamps. So I’m extremely happy to have found this amazing copy.

I have been quite busy in securing some new titles lately so stay tuned for those coming up. The shipping dilemma during the pandemic I discussed previously has worked out great so far. I’ve been using FedEx, UPS and other express options and all the records have arrived fast and safe. I’ve stayed away from USPS.

Stay safe guys, enjoy the summer and your collections. Have a cold one and just enjoy some jazz. Cheers!

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"This is our Music" by the Ornette Coleman Quartet on Atlantic 1353

July 14, 2020

Listening to Ornette is always a special occasion.

Brilliant album by Ornette Coleman. From the superb bass lines of Charlie Haden, the tasteful drumming (a very light, beautiful touch) by Ed Blackwell to the very original horn playing combo of Cherry and Coleman, this album is a quite accessible, freer prospect. They look very cool on the cover as well, just look at Charlie Haden, almost scary. One of my favorite album covers. You never get tired of this album, it seems to make you appreciate something new every time you listen to it and discover some small detail like it was the first time you heard it. It seems fresh every time you put it on the turntable and enjoy it. I think Ornette’s music is highly original, super interesting and it makes me happy to listen to it. It’s always a welcome break from the other stuff currently on the radar.

It was not long ago I discovered Ornette Coleman and started to listen to his work. I haven’t gone through all of his early work yet. I have purchased this and the “Ornette on Tenor” album. Very happy to have them in the collection. I will hopefully try and secure the “Change of the Century” album soon as well. Have had opportunities to secure the “Free Jazz” album and the “Ornette!” album, both on Atlantic, but on both occasions the condition was not satisfactory. I’m also looking to dive into his first 3 albums sooner or later. Looking forward to that.

For my readers, some questions: Do you have a relationship with Ornette and his music? Please, I you like, share your thoughts on this album and his music in general. Favorite Ornette LP currently?

I’m happy to have secured quite a few new albums as of late. From an array of different labels. A couple have already made their way onto my shelves. I’m waiting for the majority of the titles as I write this. I have chosen to go for FedEx and UPS and other express options, just for some piece of mind during the postal chaos in some countries due to the pandemic. FedEx did deliver in time, super fast and smoothly, but very expensive. Worth it though, for me. Let’s hope the other stuff comes to me fast and intact as well. I will of course post all of the new stuff on the site. I have several other albums in the collection that I haven’t posted as well, so stay tuned. Beautiful original vintage jazz LP’s are coming your way soon.

I hope everyone are staying safe and are enjoying their collections. Have a great day. Cheers…

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"Brilliant Corners" by Thelonious Monk on Riverside 12-226

June 10, 2020

Upon hearing the first few notes you just know this album is going to be special and not just another hard bop blowing session. Of course Monk was a special musician and he created special music. He’s one that I haven’t explored fully yet. I know I dig him a lot based on the albums I’ve heard. It will be a pleasure to explore his output more in depth. This Riverside album is one of the very best that the label released in my opinion. I think it’s highly enjoyable. One of my favorite albums in jazz to date actually. The compositions are just so interesting, artistic and thoughtful.

The line-up is stellar, with Monk joined by Rollins on tenor, one of my favorite alto players Ernie Henry (who released some real gems on the Riverside label as a leader), Oscar Pettiford on double bass and the always superb Max Roach on drums. On “Bemsha Swing” Clark Terry replaces Henry and Paul Chambers replaces Pettiford.

Favorite tune has got to be the title track. It’s phenomenal. Monk’s sidemen apparently struggled to record it, as it’s quite complex in nature. 25 takes was attempted and the tension between Monk and Henry almost made Henry break down mentally. Producer Orrin Keepnews pieced together the tune for the album from multiple takes as not one completed single take was available. That’s what I’ve read. Very interesting to me, as a musician, I know there’s some pressure in recording a complex tune in one single take. I think it sounds great on the album and it’s not obvious it’s based on multiple takes.

All the other tunes are pretty awesome as well. Aside from the title track I especially like “Pannonica”, on which Monk plays the celeste, and of course “Bemsha Swing” which has a cool feature in Max Roach playing the tympany, which adds a nice flavor to the tune.

This 1st pressing is rare. When searching for a first issue, keep a look out for the correct address on the back cover which should read; 418 West 49th Street. Very happy to have this in my collection, it’s such a classic.

A few questions: your thoughts on this album? Favorite Monk releases? (here I’m looking forward to some great tips from you guys).

Summer is here in Stockholm and vacation time is just around the corner. I’m going on a road trip with the family to the south of Sweden in just over a week. Looking forward to that. I’m working on some deals for some new additions as well. I could be welcoming some superb albums to the shelves before long. I’ll keep you posted.

Have a great day, stay safe and enjoy your collections. Cheers!

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Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet on PRLP 7094

May 25, 2020

Here’s an album that I’ve had in my collection forever. One of the first 1st pressings I bought. Haven’t got around to post it until now. It’s the 4th classic Quintet album that I’ve posted, but the 1st to be released out of the four albums recorded on May 11th and October 26th, 1956.

“My Funny Valentine” sets the mood. Haunting notes supreme in the beginning. What follows is a wonderful rendition of this classic. Garland’s solo is great. The entire LP is a joy to listen to and it’s been a good while since I did just that. Everytime I listen to these four records (Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’ & Steamin’) the question of which one is the best always slips into my thoughts. And everytime I put one of these records on the turntable, I always start to ponder; maybe this is the best one? They are all great. Maybe you could look at these four records as a combined session of songs? As one statement in time. I don’t know. But if I had to choose a favorite of the bunch I think I’ve made my mind up a long time ago that it is Workin’ for me.

As for the presence of Miles in my collection, I really need to step up and get some more stuff in there. I have PRLP 7014, with the later green cover without the old typeface on the Prestige logo. Looking for that one with the 1st art cover. I also have a beautiful PRLP 7034 with a 447 address instead of a 446 address on the jacket. Looking for a copy with the 1st jacket there as well, as the proud 1st pressing fundamentalist that I am :-). PRLP 7007 and PRLP 7012 are some other Miles albums which I’m looking for 1st pressings of, as I have 2nd NYC pressings of both. So, there is definitely work to do, not to mention trying to get copies of all the other great stuff he released.

The warmer weather, green trees and sunlight is coming more and more here in Stockholm which means there is not too long to go until the summer vacation. Just shy of a month to go actually. Looking forward to that, even though it will probably be a vacation here in Sweden and not California which I really wanted.

Staying a bit hesitant to purchase albums right now, as a result of the pandemic which has taken away the assurances of parcels coming here on time. I’m a bit scared of ordering expensive stuff from abroad as long as the air traffic hasn’t returned to a more normal state. How about you guys? Are you receiving packages from abroad or are you not purchasing at all due to the current state of affairs? If you have some info, please share.

Back to the album on display; what’s your thoughts on it? Top 5 releases by Miles? Looking forward to hearing your tips guys.

Stay healthy, enjoy life and the amazing gift to mankind that is called jazz. Stay tuned for more great vintage jazz vinyl… cheers!

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"Soulnik" by The Doug Watkins Quintet featuring Yusef Lateef on New Jazz NJLP 8238

May 1, 2020

A quite special album featuring some rarely used instruments.

Doug Watkins only recorded a couple of sessions as a leader. One was recorded in 1956 for the Transition label called ”Watkins at Large’” and the other one is the album I’m displaying here, recorded in 1960. It could possibly have been more, but he died young at the age of just 27 in a car accident. Despite dying so young he appeared on a lot of albums as a side man. One of my favorite jazz albums, ”Candy” by Lee Morgan, is one of them.

This album has got a really nice feel to it. It feels quite special and very cohesive. Much has to do with the kind of instruments being prominently featured on this record. Like the cello, which Watkins plays exclusively here. And the flute and oboe, played by master musician Yusef Lateef. The flute as an instrument in jazz has massively grown on me lately. Much thanks to cats like Eric Dolphy and Lateef who both excel on this instrument. I didn’t care for it particularly much before I heard what can be done on it, by the before named cats. The rarely used cello is a nice instrument in jazz as well and Doug Watkins is playing it very nice indeed. Hard to believe he only started to play it three days before the recording session, according to what I’ve read. Another cat who brings the cello to great heights in jazz is Ron Carter who plays it on Dolphy´s “Out There” (also on New Jazz) session for example. I’d say; more cello in jazz please.

Favorite tune is the 1st track on Side 2 “Andre’s Bag”, which has a superb melody that sways you along. You sink into the music and quickly realize how wonderfully different jazz can sound, with the right cats playing the right instruments. The cast of this show is Watkins on cello, Lateef on flute & oboe, Hugh Lawson on piano, Herman Wright on bass and Lex Humphries on drums. Humphries is playing it cool with such a nice, light touch and feeling on this album. A great drummer with a great sound indeed.

Yusef Lateef is a cat I really have been enjoying the last year or so. He has released some truly great stuff. I’ve been close in securing a few of his titles as a leader but it hasn’t happened yet. But I’m looking forward to acquiring a number of his albums. He has a unique sound and approach to jazz.

The New Jazz label has got a wonderful catalogue to explore. I’d urge anyone who hasn’t explored the label to do so. I’m only starting to explore it in depth, even though I have of course listened to a number of titles and own a few titles since earlier.

Some questions for my readers: Your top 5 New Jazz releases? What’s your take on the cello, flute and oboe featuring in a jazz setting?

I have a few days off from work now and I will just relax with the family and hopefully get a few listening sessions in. I’m hoping everyone is staying safe and healthy. Enjoy your collections folks. Stay tuned for more original 1st pressings from the classic era of jazz. Cheers!

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"Blue's Moods" by Blue Mitchell on Riverside RLP 336

April 25, 2020

I love the Riverside label. So many great albums. I like the sound as well. On this album the drums for example sound a bit low-fi at times, but natural and I like that. I was after this Blue Mitchell album for a long time. Had some opportunities to acquire it though but never pulled the trigger. Then I realized that one of my go-to contacts had this and felt the time was right to get it. It’s a great hard bop date with finesse and some superb tunes and wonderful trumpet playing by Blue. It features a great cast of players with Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on double bass and Roy Brooks on drums. This rhythm section is very interesting and I would very much like to hear them in a trio setting.

It’s a great mix of tunes supplying a lot of what I’m looking for in a hard-bop album. It’s quite relaxed and smooth. All the tunes are highly enjoyable. If I had to choose some favorites it would be the whole of Side 1. Side 2 is also great, but the first side is really doing it for me. I especially love the slow blues “Kinda Vague” which features some interesting stuff on the hi-hat by Roy Brooks. The 1st track on Side 1 is the great “I’ll Close My Eyes” which has been my ring tone on my mobile phone for years.

A lot of questions for my readers: What’s your thoughts on this album? Where do you place Blue Mitchell among all the great trumpet players of jazz? Do you have a favorite Blue Mitchell album? Any tips?

For me, Blue Mitchell really is a top cat and I’m planning to try and get a lot more albums featuring him. He released quite a few more on Riverside where he also made his debut as a leader in 1958. I will be looking at those for sure as well as his Blue Note output.

The status on getting hold of new arrivals is on hold, due to the corona crisis, which makes getting stuff from overseas tricky and maybe not completely reliable. I will maybe buy some stuff but telling the sellers to wait to send the packages until the worst of this is over. I’m not sure how reliable it is to send parcels right now across the world. Are any of you guys taking the risk or have had any experience of sending/receiving stuff during this period?

I’m hoping you’re staying safe and healthy and that you enjoy your collections. Maybe put a Blue Mitchell album on the turntable, relax and just enjoy the music.

If you’re looking for a section containing all my earlier posts sorted by month and year, click on “Post History” in the top menu. Stay tuned for more vintage treasures coming up. Cheers!

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The John Coltrane Quartet Plays on Impulse! A-85

April 4, 2020

A great Coltrane album which I highly recommend.

This is one of Coltrane’s best in my opinion. It opens quite evocative with the wonderful theme of “Chim Chim Cheree” swaying and enchanting me while Coltrane gets more and more into his magical sphere of improvising. McCoy Tyner brings it down with thoughtful and mesmerizing waves of brilliant notes, light and feathery, as well as powerful chords on the keys. Then Coltrane brings it up again into the clouds and beyond to the beat of Elvin Jones’s relentless yet dynamic battery as well as Garrison’s steady double bass. Back to the theme and they bring it home, soothing it down… just brilliant.

“Brazilia”, the wonderful name of the tune peaks the interest. What kind of genius playing is cooked up in here you wonder. Is it samba-infused? Nah, hardly. When Elvin’s great drum roll snare and Coltrane’s improvisation over that comes to a conclusion and then when the entire band sets in, that’s pure magic. And the rest of the tune just flows ahead and you’ll get lost in the music in a wonderful way. What a sound as well from this vintage Impulse! 1st pressing.

Another special highlight of this album is Jimmy Garrison’s bass solo in the beginning of the last tune. For me, absolutely fantastic. Favorite tune…? Hm, it’s very difficult to choose just one on this one. But I’m leaning towards “Brazilia”. This album is highly recommended to all lovers of Coltrane and progressive 60’s jazz in general.

I have picked up some great Coltrane stuff the last months and I can’t get enough. Always looking for my next Coltrane album. There are many records still to hunt down. But the few ones I have managed to get hold of I’m very happy with. Very proud to have any Coltrane 1st pressing from the era in the collection.

Question for my readers: If you would have to choose 5 Coltrane albums as your personal picks from his catalogue, which ones would it be? Please share guys.

The good thing about Coltrane and the magic of his music, is that you forget everything else around you, cause it drags you in and demands your full attention. Which in these pandemic times, is a very good thing indeed.

Enjoy listening to your collection folks and stay tuned for more great albums coming up soon. I’ll try to put up albums a little more often maybe than I’ve been doing. We’ll see. Anyway… cheers!

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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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