UPDATED January 31th, 2023 |
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1. ABRAMS, MUHAL RICHARD: “Young At Heart, Wise In Time” (Delmark Records – PA-7028) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Triple fold Out Insert: Near Mint). Rarely seen Japan 1st original press issue in outstanding condition. Pristine all way round. Obi s missing so dead cheap. Price: 40 Euro |
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2. The ANIMALS with ERIC BURDON: “San Francisco Nights – When I Was Young b/w Monterey – Good Times” (MGM – SKM-1077) (4 Track EP Record: Excellent ~ Near Mint/ Flip Back Picture Sleeve: Near Mint/ Lyrics Insert: Excellent). Japan only picture sleeve 4 track ep from 1968. Classic Burdon slide, Japan only four-tracker. I bloody love the Animals, fail to see why no other out there shares my love for them, just top shelf psyched out garage mayhem. Price: 25 Euro |
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3. AOYAMA MICHI: Manhattan Blues – Onna Blues b/w Otoko Blues – Jonetsu No Hatoba” (Crown Records – LW-1115) (4 Track EP Record: Excellent/ Flip Back Picture Sleeve: Near Mint). First original pressing from November 1967 in great condition. Absolutely ear-blisteringly awesome four track EP by Aoyama Michi, the unsung queen of the soulful rock bottom Enka blues with a voice that seems to emanate out of the darkest depths of the bottom of the well. The lid is off, Aoyama emerged, singing in a highly like a wintered through witch singing from out of the grave. She is deep, her parental Afro-roots blood lineage also seeps through and give her that soulful character no other Enka singer ever possessed. The backing is fabulously executed, giving the whole an extra deep resonating dimension as if it came from beyond the depths of the ocean. Listening to Aoyama just makes the hairs on your neck rise up, while you desperately make a last run for that strychnine syringe in order to administer that last fatal shot towards heaven and subsequently hell. This one throws together 4 tracks that initially appeared on 4 different single issues. Still a tough one to unearth in nice shape so….go for it, you won’t regret it. Price: 40 Euro |
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4. ART BLAKEY et les Jazz-Messengers: “Saint Germain Vol. 2” (Victor Records – LS-5170) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint). Rare Japan very first press issue from 1959 (!!!!!) – same as the one listed above but obi is missing in action so you have a steal here. Top condition copy and follow-up volume for the Messengers gig at Saint Germain. Rarely surfaces this perfect and with obi present. Those early (first) Japanese pressings sound ballistically awesome. Super pressing and mastering. Price: 35 Euro |
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5. ART BLAKEY’S JAZZ MESSENGERS: “Olympia Concert” (Fontana – FON-5001) (Record: VG++ ~ Excellent with some superficial sleeve lines/ Flip Back Jacket: Excellent – middle lower seam split). Rare Japan very first press issue. Price: 20 Euro |
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6. ART BLAKEY & JAZZ MESSENGERS: “Caravan” (Riverside/ Victor Records – SR-7036) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint). Rare Japan 1962 very first press issue in outstanding condition. “By the time that jazz icon/bandleader/percussionist Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers began recording for Riverside in the fall of 1962, Blakey had already been the spiritual center of the group for nearly 15 years. The unprecedented caliber of performers who had already passed through the revolving-door personnel reads like a who's who of 20th century jazz. On Caravan he is joined by a quintet of concurrent and future all-stars. Likewise, it could be argued that each has never again been presented in such a fresh or inspired setting as on these recordings. In order to establish with any authority just how heavy (even for purveyors of hard bop) the players in this band are, they need only to be named: Curtis Fuller (on trombone), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Wayne Shorter (tenor), Cedar Walton (piano), and Reggie Workman (bass). With Blakey firmly at the helm, these Jazz Messengers deliver a scintillating synergy that doesn't sacrifice intensity for the sake of cadence. The trademark give-and-take that graces the laid-back and sophisticated pop and jazz standards "Skylark" and "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" likewise is responsible for the palpable energy brought to the sizeable contributions from Shorter and Hubbard -- which make up half of the album's material. The title and leadoff track liquefies Ellington’s original arrangement and ignites it, fueling this extended fiery interpretation. The melody snakes in and out of Blakey’s strident flurry of syncopation. Another highlight is Shorter’s interjectory solo, recalling his ability to succeed John Coltrane in Miles Davis’ coterie. Among the original compositions, Shorter’s upbeat "Sweet 'n' Sour" stands out as the most cohesive and ensemble-driven, although the singular group dynamic is well applied to the lively "This Is for Albert" as well. By contrast, Hubbard’s "Thermo" is more angular -- taking full advantage of the musicians' aggressive chops.” (All Music) Top shape 1962 original! Price: 50 Euro | Price
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7. ART BLAKEY & ELVIN JONES: “S/T” (Atlantic/ Victor Records – SMJ-7392) (Record: Excellent/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint). Rare Japan 1966. Meeting of two titans of jazz, Japan only issue, housed in fragile flip back sleeve. Price: 40 Euro |
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8. AYLER, ALBERT: “Nuit de la Foundation Maeght 27 Juillet 1970 – Vol. 2” (Shandar/ RCA Records – SHP-6202) (Record: Near Mint/ gatefold Jacket: near Mint). Pristine Japan 1st original pressing of subliminal free jazz slide. Every collection needs at least a copy. Comes dead cheap so… Price: 15 Euro |
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9. BAD BRAINS: “Quick Take Over” (Blitz Records – BB79) (EP Record: Near Mint/ Picture Sleeve: Near Mint). 1989 privately released outtakes, with tracks “Pay To Cum”, recorded in the studio sometime in 1980 and “Supertouch”, “Pffft” recorded live somewhere in 1979. Price: 25 Euro |
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10. BLEY, PAUL: “Open To Love” (ECM/ Trio Records – ECM-4006) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ 2 Inserts: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint). Pristine and virginal copy all complete with obi and inserts. Price: 25 Euro |
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11. BOOKER ERVIN: “The Song Book” (Prestige Records/ Victor – SMJ-7270) (Record: Excellent/ Fragile Flip Back Jacket: Excellent). Damned rare Japan 1st original pressing but the obi is missing in action so you have a deal here. Ervin is instantly recognizable with his distinctive blistering-hot phrasing and melancholy tone, all played with aggressive fervor. Given the adulation heaped on Coltrane by the jazz in-crowd, Booker Ervin remains, I think, seriously underappreciated. The choice of Tommy Flanagan is interesting, replacing Ervin’s usual partner and fellow Mingus stalwart, Jaki Byard. Byard has a strong inventive spirit compared with Flanagan’s more elegant and polished phrasing; however, the presence of Flanagan may be due more to scheduling issues than creative intent. Amazing slide and never-seen before Japan 1st original press issue. Seriously rare!!! Price: 35 Euro |
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12. BOOKER LITTLE 4 & MAX ROACH: “S/T” (United Artists/ King Records – SR-3038) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint) Japan 1970 first original pressing all complete with insert and obi. Virginal condition. “Trumpeter Booker Little at the beginning of his tragically brief career. The first six selections find the distinctive soloist playing with a quintet also including the young tenor George Coleman, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Art Davis and drummer Max Roach (who was his regular employer at the time). Little contributed three now-obscure originals and also plays two standards and an early version of Miles Davis’ "Milestones." Overall, this forward-looking hard bop set is easily recommended.” (All Music Guide). Pristine first Japan press issue with obi. Price: 25 Euro |
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13. BROWN, MARION: “Afternoon Of A Georgia Faun” (Odeon – OP-88011) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: VG++). Scarce Japan original 1st press issue – WHITE label PROMO. “Difficult as it may be for younger listeners to believe, there was a time when ECM released adventurous improvised music. Back near its inception in the early '70s, the label issued a wide variety and decent number of challenging avant-garde recordings that represented some of the most forward-looking musical thinkers of the time. One of these was Marion Brown, who, at the time of this session, was about midway between his extreme post- Coltrane explorations and the luscious, down-home evocations of Georgia that he would create for Impulse! over the next few years. He gathered 11 musicians, including a couple from the then current Miles Davis Bitches Brew band (Chick Corea and Bennie Maupin), the then little-known Anthony Braxton, Andrew Cyrille, and the late great vocalist Jeanne Lee for two side-long, wide-ranging pieces. The first, the title track, is a wonderful, percussive evocation of pastoral Georgia, something along the lines of what the Art Ensemble of Chicago were doing around the same time, but without the satire and with a greater sense of serenity. As the flutes, reeds, voice, and piano enter, there is no idea of "soloing"; instead, each contributes to the ongoing, evolving texture of the piece, creating a fabric that's as cohesive as it is unplanned. The remaining cut, "Djinji's Corner," is a bit more fleshed out, a little more "traditional" in one way, though still quite unusual for the time. Again, a reference point might be Art Ensemble works from around the same time, here a mélange of free horns and intense percussion, with Jeanne Lee soaring over the top, mixing words and glossolalia, similar to her stellar work on Carla Bley's Escalator Over the Hill. The effect is more eerie and spiritually infused than the preceding piece, with keening, bowed cymbals and deep pulses from the lower clarinet family. It gradually builds to something of a frenzy, but in an unforced manner that shows it to be merely another approach to the territory explored earlier. Afternoon of a Georgia Faun is a lovely, inspired album, a key work in Marion Brown's oeuvre and a recording that belongs in any collection of contemporary jazz.” (All Music Guide). Rarely seen Japanese press original. Price: 35 Euro |
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14. BOW WOW WOW: “Teenage Queen b/w Elimination Dancing” (RCA – RPS-73) (EP Record: Near Mint/ Poster Like Gatefold Picture Sleeve: Near Mint/ Company Inner Sleeve: Near Mint). Beautiful Japanese original press issue of classic UK post punk slide. Love the artwork on this one with Annabel flashing all her colors and assets. Always had a soft spot for Bow Wow Wow!!! Price: 25 Euro |
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15. BUDDY GUY: “The Best Of Buddy Guy” (Victor Records/ Chess – SWX-6131M) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint). Absolutely top condition Japan very first original press issue all complete with insert and obi of classic blooze slide. Pristine as a virgin’s ass with a pulsating line of Charlie on. Price: 30 Euro |
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16. BURRELL, DAVE: “Echo” (BYG Records/ ACTUEL – Actuel 20/ 529.320) (Record: Near Mint/ Gatefold Jacket: Excellent ~ Near Mint) Actuel 20, rare French original pressing from 1969!! Rarely seen brown label variant with large Buddha logo. One of the greatest titles to be released on the label, totally burning, all incinerating blast of unrelenting power and freedom. This is IT. Personnel for this monger consists out of Clifford Thornton (cornet), Granchan Moncur III (trombone), Arthur Jones (alto), Archie Shepp (tenor), Dave Burrell (piano), Alan Silva (bass), Sunny Murray (drums). Heavy-duty workout, not for the faith hearted. All time classic and indispensable in any self-respecting collection. Rare to say the least. Price: 30 Euro |
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17. The CANNONBALL ADDERLEY QUINTET with STRINGS: “Great Love Themes” (Capitol – CP-7565) (Red Wax Record: Near Mint/ Fragile Flip Back Jacket: Excellent ~ Near Mint). Very first Japanese original pressing – housed in flip back sleeve. This is the rare TEST Pressing – white label on RED wax. A romantically backed cannonball, features a divine violin section. With nonchalance, he gladly gets along well with the nicely picked waltzy and bossa melodies. Price: 35 Euro |
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18. CARTER, RON: “Pastels” (Milestone/ Victor Records – SMJ-6162) (Record: Near Mint/ gatefold Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint). Virginal condition Japan original pressing all complete with obi. Price: 25 Euro |
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19. CHARLATANS: “The Ones Who Started It All” (Shark – Shark001) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint). Amazing LP by Frisco’s finest. Unreleased recordings by the Charlatans dating back to 1966 ~ 1968. Codeine and the rest, killer no filler. Has been a while since I came across a copy of this one. In need of a massive re-appreciation. Price: 30 Euro |
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20. CLARKE, STANLEY: “Children Of Forever” (Polydor – MP-2325) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Excellent). Awesome Japanese original pressing. A dead cheap record but also quite an amazing slide!!! Quite possibly the hippest album that Stanley Clarke ever cut – a stretched-out soulful batch of jazz-tinged tracks – very much in the same spirit as the more righteous soul jazz underground of the time! In a way, the record would be much more at home on a label like Strata East than it would at Polydor – thanks to vocals from Andy Bey and Dee Dee Bridgewater – and a group lineup that includes Pat Martino on guitars, Art Webb on flute, Lenny White on drums, and Chick Corea on keyboards! Corea produced, and there's a bit of the free-floating style of Return To Forever here – but the overall vibe is a lot more soulful too, and reminds us a fair bit of some of the earliest work by Norman Connors or Carlos Garnett – both of whom used Bridgewater as a vocalist in similar settings. For all of those out there who stare blindly at dick-enlarging wall pieces of records to impress there Instagram followers with but who fail to recognize amazing music at dead cheap give-away-prices, this one is for you!!! A real stunner of an album, so don’t look away in disgust because you know it will floor you and devaluate your Instagram respectability in a flash, so yes….you need this, do yourself a favor. Price: 30 Euro |
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21. COLTRANE, JOHN: “The Believer” (Prestige/ Victor Records – SMJ-6558) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint). Clean like your bride on her wedding night Japanese pressing with obi of all time classic. “The Believer offers an early glimpse at the talents of a still-developing Coltrane. Recorded in the late '50s while he was still a member of the Miles Davis Sextet, this early solo outing finds Coltrane confident but just beginning to explore the kind of modalities with which he would soon revolutionize the world of jazz. One of the reasons Coltrane is so at ease here is the familiar setting: he's joined by fellow Davis cohorts Paul Chambers and Red Garland among others. Drummer Louis Hayes provides a Latin-inflected beat on "Nakatini Serenade," as Coltrane and Donald Byrd soar above the rhythm section. The understated Rogers & Hammerstein standard "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful" presents Coltrane the balladeer waxing lyrical over the subtle dynamics. Things to come are hinted at briefly in flurries of notes here and there, and it's fascinating to listen to the early work of this developing genius.” (All Music Guide). Price: 40 Euro |
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22. JOHN COLTRANE: “Impressions” (Impulse Records – SH-3020) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Excellent/ Insert: Near Mint). Very first 1964 Japan original press issue,1st original press issue from 1964. Great condition. “Impressions is an album that, more than just giving the listener certain sensations, plumbs the depth of Coltrane's feelings. It does this while providing an incredible array of his musical concerns which makes this record indispensable. There's an A-flat blues; the stunning original ballad "After the Rain," and "India," on which two bassists simulate a drum choir. Finally, there's the remarkable title track, on which Coltrane develops several motifs in succession, moving in and out of a maze of tonalities - but always with the inevitable fervor and logic of a charging train.” (John Doe, Excerpted from the liner notes of the CD issue). Rarely seen 1st Japanese stereo pressing!!!! Price: 50 Euro |
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23. COLTRANE, JOHN: “Live At The Village Vanguard” (Impulse/ King Records – SH-3021) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint). Equally scarce 1964 press issue. Again another always-elusive pressing that comes housed in a fragile laminated flip back sleeve with matching obi. These birds are so shy one needs serious binoculars to spot them at all but here is one flying low enough for you to catch it before it remains hidden for another decade or so. Top shape! Price: 50 Euro |
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24. COLTRANE, JOHN: “Ascension” (Impulse Japan – SH-3076) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Laminated Jacket: Near Mint). Original Japanese 1st original pressing from 1966 IN TOP condition, bloody rare, no question about it. For thirty-five years Ascension has stood as a monument - either as John Coltrane's supreme, ecstatic statement of his musical liberation from chord changes or as his abandonment of all jazz tradition. Here he has reached the summit. Although the influence of other musicians is evident in his music, it stands apart, now as then, from everything else in jazz. It is of unprecedented force and feeling. Top copy and one of the finest free blowing jazz records ever to have been put down on wax! The condition is mind-blowingly clean, best copy imaginable. Price: 75 Euro |
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25. COLTRANE, JOHN: “Africa Brass” (Impulse/ MCA Records – VIM - 4609) (Record: Near Mint/ Gatefold Jacket: Excellent ~ Near Mint with some faint foxing inside gatefold/ Insert: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint). Later Japan press issue all complete with obi and insert. Price: 30 Euro |
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26. CRASS: “Reality Asylum b/w Shaved Women” (Crass Records) (Single Record: Near Mint/ Poster Sleeve: Excellent). Shortly after the release of The Feeding Of The 5000, Crass released their debut 7" single on their own record label - Crass Records - for the princely sum of 45p. Being so cheap, how could anyone not buy it? Reality Asylum was a version of the song that the pressing plant in Ireland had refused to deal with when due initially to go on Feeding Of The 5000 and after hearing it, it was very easy to understand why it had caused offence. Sung - or rather, spoken - by yet another Crass member going by the name of Eve Libertine, it was completely at odds with any preconceived notion of what this Punk group called Crass should sound like. No Punk Rock record was this but more a soundscape, a cut-up collage of sounds taken from the radio interspersed with a child's prayer. And yes indeed, it was very blasphemous and in more ways than one: "I am no feeble Christ, not me. He hangs in glib delight upon His cross, above my body. Lowly me. Christ forgive ? Forgive? Holy He. He holy, He holy. Shit He forgives. Forgive? Forgive? I? I? Me? I? I vomit for you Jesu. Christy Christus. Puke upon your papal throne. Wrapped you are in the bloody shroud of churlish suicide. Wrapped I am in the muddy cloud of hellish genocide. Petulant child. I have suffered for you where you have never known me. I too must die. Will you be shadowed in the arrogance of my death? The voice of Eve Libertine was authoritative, confident and sincere; pronouncing the words precisely in a calm and measured tone: "He hangs upon His cross in self-righteous judgement. Hangs in crucified delight. Nailed to the extent of His vision. His cross. His violence. Guilt. Sin. He would nail my body to His cross. As if I might have waited upon Him in the garden. As if I might have perfumed His body. Washed those bloody feet. This woman that He seeks. Suicide visionary. Death reveller. Rake. Rapist. Gravedigger. Earthmover. Lifefucker. Jesu. You scooped the pits of Auschwitz. The soil of Treblinka is rich in your guilt. The sorrow of your tradition. Your stupid humility is the crown of thorns we all must wear." If Reality Asylum was indeed an exercise in freedom of speech that caused eyebrows (and for some - hackles) to be raised then the record's flip side was an exercise in raising questions - along with the tempo. With Eve Libertine again taking on lead vocals, Shaved Women starts with her screaming out like a clarion call to the world: "Shaved women collaborators!" Then to the sound of a hurtling train the phrase "screaming babies, screaming babies" picks up the rhythm and runs with it accompanied by Eve continuing to scream: "Shaved women collaborators, shaved women are they traitors? Dead bodies all around. Shaved women instigators, shaved women shooting dope. Shaved women disco dancing." Bloody awesome. Price: 50 Euro |
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27. CRASS: “How Does It Feel To Be The Mother of 1000 Dead?” (Crass Records) (EP Record: Near Mint/ Poster Sleeve: Near Mint/ Imprinted Inner Sleeve: Excellent). UK original pressing of another high water mark by the world’s greatest punk band ever!!! “Crass released another single: ‘How Does It Feel To Be The Mother Of A Thousand Dead?’ A direct attack on Thatcher, it came in a black sleeve decorated with white graveyard crosses. When, during Prime Minister’s Question Time,Thatcher was asked if she’d heard the record, things were getting serious.The Conservative Party attempted to fight back, as the Guardian reported: “The Attorney General, Sir Michael Havers, has been asked by the Conservative MP for Enfield North, Mr. Tim Eggar, to prosecute an Anti-Falklands war record under the Obscene Publications Act. The record, ‘How Does It Feel To Be The Mother of 1,000 Dead? by the group Crass, which also owns the record company Crass Records, which released it, is said to have sold 20,000 copies since it was issued last Saturday. It refers to Mrs. Thatcher and the decision to send the Task Force. “You never wanted peace or solution, from the start you lusted after war and destruction… Iron Lady, with your stone heart, so eager that the lesson be taught that you inflicted, you determined, you created, you ordered… It was your decision to have those young boys slaughtered.”(George Barber wrote in The Crass Story). Price: 40 Euro |
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28. CRASS/ POISON GIRLS: “Persons Unknown – Bloody Revolutions” (Crass Records – no421984/I) (EP Record: Excellent ~ Near Mint/ Poster Picture Sleeve: Near Mint). Original UK pressing of 1980. Totally vital and totally awesome split single release by Crass and the Poison Girls. Price: 20 Euro |
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29. CRASS: “You’re Already Dead b/w Nagasaki Is yesterday’s Dog-End – Don’t get Caught” (Crass Records – Cat. No. 1984) (EP Record: Near Mint/ Poster Picture Sleeve: Near Mint/ Imprinted Inner Sleeve: Near Mint). Original 1984 UK press of anarcho punk classic. “This was no lame parting shot, however and will go down in history as one of punk’s last real, radical revolutionary records. It’s as much a representation of the times it was written and recorded in and anticipation of the events to come under the Thatcher regime than anyone had really done before. Not surprising really as in it’s naive, fundamental way the Left had seriously underestimated the Conservative regime.In essence, you could feel things were heating up as the disparate(and some would argue desperate) mish mash forces of the Left rose up to meet the challenge of Thatcher’s embryonic Neo Liberal agenda. On the back of two already seismic, contrasting years of social upheaval (in the form of the 1981 inner city riots and the Irish Hunger Strikes whereby both Black and Irish communities bore the full frontal assault of respective the British State’s forces and media lies to the flag waving, jingoistic support of the British general public for the Falklands War of 1982) this record seemed to be in stark contrast to previous releases by Crass. This was no jolly sing-along punk anthem in the vein of ‘Big A, Little A’ or the tortured, squealing, pleading anguish of’ How Does it Feel(to be a Mother of a Thousand Dead). This was much more urgent, sombre and reflective of the realities of the enemies that we were facing. The music in itself is a strange, meandering mixture of punk and shouty poetry put to music all encompassed in the one tune. Not what I was expecting but again hypnotically compelling after a few listens due to the nature of the lyrics.” (Talk Punk) Price: 40 Euro |
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30. DAVE BRUBECK AND JAY & KAI: “At Newport” (Columbia – PL-5038) (Record: Excellent ~ Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Excellent ~ Near Mint). Very first Japan original pressing from 1958. Price: 25 Euro |
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31. The DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET: “Newport 1958” (Columbia – YL-128) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint). Very first Japanese press original from 1959 in great shape. Price: 30 Euro |
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32. The DAVE BRUBECK QUARTET: “Jazz Impressions Of New York” CBS/ Nippon Columbia – YS-475-C) (Record: Near Mint/ Fragile Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint). Rare 1965 Japan first original pressing in top condition. Recorded in New York, New York between June 16 and August 21, 1964.Quite an enjoyable LP, contains 11 songs written for the soundtrack of the long-forgotten television series Mr. Broadway. It pays tribute to New York in a more abstract way than Jazz Impressions of Japan celebrated Japan for Brubeck had to concern himself with having the music fit in with the show. In general these themes and the melodic improvisations of Brubeck and altoist Paul Desmond hold their own without the show although none of the songs became standards. It's amazing how well Brubeck captures the vibe of New York City, especially given the fact that he is a California native. But Brubeck knew the Big Apple well, and his ability to invoke the mood and overall atmosphere of New York is uncanny. This is especially apparent on the sprightly waltz "Spring in Central Park," which conveys a blithe, carefree spirit. Other pieces, particularly "Lonely Mr. Broadway," are more somber, revealing the dejection sometimes associated with life in the big city. Alto saxophonist Paul Desmond is in fine form here, as are drummer Joe Morello and bassist Gene Wright, and together they incite terrific group interplay. Brubeck himself performs unrestrained solos on many of these outstanding tunes, most notably on the upbeat "Summer on the Sound." Price: 50 Euro |
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33. DIZZY GILLESPIE: “At The Village Vanguard” (Solid State/ King Records – SR-3018) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Excellent). Nice and rare Japan 1st original press issue. A pair of unusual jam sessions, on the first (and more eccentric of the two) trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie is paired with baritonist Pepper Adams, pianist Chick Corea, bassist Richard Davis, either Mel Lewis or Elvin Jones or on drums and violinist Ray Nance with substitutes Garnett Brown. These lengthy performances (all but one of the seven songs are over 11 minutes) contain some loose and rambling moments but also plenty of creative playing by this unusual group of all-stars. Price: 25 Euro |
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34. DOLLAR BRAND: “The Children Of Africa” (Enja/ Polydor Japan – 28MJ3240) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint). Virginal Japan original press issue from 1983 all complete with obi and insert. Incredible 1976 LP from South African jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim aka Dollar Brand with his The Children Of Africa LP. Workings as a trio with Abdullah on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Roy Brooks on drums, the LP is steeped in themes of Africa with deeply moving moments of deep, meditative musicianship, occasionally reduced to just a plucked bass and tickling of drum. The highlight is surely the extended, spiritual 'Ishmael', where Ibrahim also picks up soprano sax and sings, whilst 'Yukio-Khalifa' and the more wistful 'The Dream' focus more on the dynamic pairing of piano and bass. Beautiful and future-proof late-night listens. Pristine Japan original. Price: 30 Euro |
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35. DOLPHY, ERIC: “Eric Dolphy In Europe Vol. 1” (Prestige/ Victor Records – SMJ-7212) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint). Rare Japan very first original pressing from 1964. The first of set recorded during in Copenhagen during Sept. 1961 by the unique Eric Dolphy, this date has the strongest program of the trio. Dolphy is heard on a definitive "God Bless the Child" playing unaccompanied bass clarinet, switches to flute for "Glad to Be Unhappy," romps on the bass clarinet on "Oleo," and plays alto for a duet with bassist Chuck Israel on Randy Weston’s "Hi-Fly." Joined by a supportive Danish rhythm section (pianist Bent Axen, bassist Erik Moseholm and drummer Jorn Elniff) on the two quartet tracks, Dolphy is in excellent form throughout the well-rounded release. So an essential set it hurts not having this. Very first Japan original press issue. Pristine condition! Price: 50 Euro | Price
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36. EJE THELIN GROUP: “S/T” (SWE Disc – SJ25-9011) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint). Japan original press that comes housed in Japan only jacket art. Eje Thelin was an extraordinary and prolific Swedish jazz trombonist during the 60s and 70s. This LP from 1975 (released by Caprice Records but released in Japan with alternative artwork in 1980) includes the musicians Bruno Åberg, Harald Svensson and Leroy Lowe. This album is a cool free jazz gem, but not as far out as you can guess, there's a Swedish kind of vibe of it that shines through and kind of adds to the overall sound. Sadly the whole Swedish jazz scene from the 70s is largely overlooked and this LP is amongst those gems that should have their place in the spotlights. Just a great treasure that hasn't seen the light of day since it's original release. Eje Thelin Group is groovy! So recommended!!!! Price: 50 Euro |
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37. EVANS, GIL: “Big Stuff!” (Prestige/ Victor Records – SMJ-7543) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Obi: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint). Japan original pressing with cool Victor first issue obi. Gil Evans was already a major force in jazz arranging through his work with Claude Thornhill and Miles Davis, but this 1957 date was his first opportunity to record as a leader. The midsize group will recall his influence on the Birth of the Cool sessions. Rather than the uniform instruments of the conventional big band, Evans picked his instruments individually for what they could contribute to distinctive tone colors. Thus the band includes a French horn in the brass and a reed section of soprano and alto saxophones and bassoon. The result is a series of highly distinct textures and a clarity that illuminates each piece. Evans's inventiveness extended to applying his gift for complex harmonies to Leadbelly's "Ella Speed," a sign of the openness that would later lead him to the music of Jimi Hendrix. The excellent soloists here include Evans's longtime associate John Carisi on trumpet, Lee Konitz on alto, and a young Steve Lacy on soprano. Price: 40 Euro |
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38. FRY, MARK: "Dreaming With Alice" (Akarma - AK-126) (Record: Near Mint/ Gatefold Jacket: Near Mint). Reissue of fantastic 1972 UK Acid Folk record par excellence. The record rests somewhere between Donovan’s erotic mysticism and the woodsy romps of Comus. At the time of the album’s recording, there was a renewed interest in surrealism in Italy, and this influence can be felt throughout the record. Although it pretty much stays within the conventions of psych-folk, trace elements of prog can also be discerned. In fact, it’s not difficult to picture Goblin finding inspiration in Dreaming. Price: 25 Euro |
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39. The RED GARLAND QUINTET: “All Mornin’ Long” (Top Rank – RANK-5023) (Record: Excellent/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint). Very first Japan original 1st press issue in great shape. Near perfect apart from a couple of faint sleeve lines I can detect under a bright light. On November 15, 1957, a quintet headed by pianist Red Garland recorded enough material for two records. On All Mornin’ Long, one can get lost in the 20-minute version of its title composition along with briefer renditions of "They Can't Take That Away from Me" (a mere ten minutes) and Tad Dameron’s "Our Delight." More important than the material is that, in addition to Garland, the main soloists are John Coltrane and trumpeter Donald Byrd. The latter was on his way to getting his sound together, while Trane was very much in his sheets-of-sound period, was already blazing a new path for jazz to follow. This is an excellent and often quite colorful jam session-flavored hard bop set. Price: 30 Euro |
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40. GATO BARBIERI: “The Third World” (Flying Dutchman Records/ King Records – SR-3165) (Record: Near Mint/ Gatefold Jacket: Excellent ~ Near mint – has some minor foxing inside gatefold/ Insert: Near Mint/ Obi: Mint/ Additional Tour Obi: Near Mint). Clean as a whistle Japan high-quality original press issue all complete with 2 obis. Price: 35 Euro |
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41. The GERMS: “Forming b/w Sex Boy”
(Gift Of Life – GIFT-008) (EP Record: Near Mint/ Picture Sleeve: Near
Mint). Reissue of quintessential LA punk slide. Price: 20 Euro |
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42. GORDEN, DEXTER: “Dexter Rides Again” (CBS SONY – SOPU-35-SY) (Record: Near Mint/ Jacket: Near Mint/ Insert: Near Mint). Top condition Japan original press issue. Classic early bop material from Dexter Gordon – originally issued as 78s in the 40s, and packaged here in a hip 50s album with a very groovy cover! The set features work from 1945, 1946, and 1947 – with Gordon in different three different groups – one with Leo Parker on baritone and Tadd Dameron on piano, one with Leonard Hawkins on trumpet and Bud Powell on piano, and one with Argonne Horton on piano. Price: 25 Euro |
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43. HAMPTON HAWES QUARTET: “All Night Session 1” (Contemporary Records/ King Records – SH-3072) (Record: Near Mint/ Flip Back Jacket: Near Mint) Seldom offered 1966 Japan first original press issue that comes housed in Japan only sleeve art. “The music resulting from Hampton Hawes’ All Night Session was stereophonically recorded for the Contemporary label in Los Angeles on the night of November 12 and into the morning of November 13, 1956. This session transcended the conventions of studio production by moving steadily from one tune to the next like a live gig with no alternate takes. Here is West Coast bop at its most spontaneous and exciting. Prior to this highly successful quartet experiment, Hawes had recorded mainly with his trio. He said that the addition of guitarist Jim Hall opened up more rhythmic possibilities. The currents passing between Hawes and bassist Red Mitchell were the metabolic pulse of this group; drummer Eldrige “Bruz” Freeman was a replacement for Chuck Tompson, whose heroin habit had forced him out of the band earlier that year. On this night Hawes chose to reinterpret a Dizzy Gillespie composition, along with a theme Duke Jordan by as well as some chestnuts from the standard jazz repertoire. But there's nothing "standardized" about this music. Like his main influence, Charlie Parker, Hampton Hawes was a strikingly inventive blues-based improviser; this element is strongly present throughout, particularly during spontaneously composed Hawes originals that materialized during this monumentally creative All Night Session! This to be acknowledged and appreciated as one of the truly essential jazz recordings of all time.” (All Music Guide). Price: 40 Euro |
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44. HAYNES, ROY with PHINEAS NEWBORN & PAUL CHAMBERS: “We Three” (Prestige/ Victor – SMJ-7299) (Record: Excellent/ Flip Back Jacket: Excellent). Damned rare Japan very first press issue from 1965. “We Three recorded in a single session on November 14, 1958, was the first American studio date as a bandleader for the diminutive and legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes although with pianist Phineas Newborn on board (along with bassist Paul Chambers), it really is a set dominated by Newborn, whose busy, two-handed technique here works in tandem balance with Haynes cool refinement. Newborn was all about amazing and dazzling piano runs that on some dates created simply too much flash and clutter to allow pieces to flow and breathe properly, but Haynes has always been about grace and flow throughout his career (if a drummer's style can said to be elegant, Haynes fits the bill), and here he rubs off on Newborn, who exercises just enough restraint to keep him in the proper orbit, resulting in a fine album. Highlights include the easy, pure swing of the opener, a version of Ray Bryant’s "Reflection," a wonderful and bluesy rendition of Avery Parrish’s "After Hours" (which findsNewborn in perfect balance between explosive ornamentation and smooth functionality), and a jaunty, fun spin through Newborn’s own "Sugar Ray," a tribute to boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. This trio had a brief recording career together, but as this solid set shows, they made the best of it.” (All Music Guide). Price: 45 Euro
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