bakeostrin

I am having a heartbeat looking at that also, but I am wondering how many CD's I have in my collection that in fact are CD-R's. I find the packaging very distressing in that it very much resembles, via the scan (and thank you again for posting it) my actual copy of the CD (from memory--I can't locate my copy). However, at least for this CD, it displays a bar code on the disc. I don't recall ever seeing that on any original Blue Notes or any others. I have wondered also, about the prevalence of counterfeit mini-lp CD's. Sure, some of these mini-lp's can fetch big prices on e-bay, but the market itself for jazz is so limited, I would think that people would not bother to counterfeit jazz CD's. I hope I am wrong and welcome input. In summary, from reading the previous posts, you really can't distinguish by looking, at least casually? You needed to inspect the booklet at an angle. I recall reading on a previous post (on counterfeits, I believe) that someone mentioned that with counterfeits, you will not see the manufacturers serial number imprinted on the non-playing part of the CD. With regard to this legitimate CD-r, does it also have markings imprinted onto the CD and the inner clear part of the plastic? Thanks, Baker

I have just heard that the great photographer William Claxton passed away on Friday.

"Journey into Jazz" by Nat Hentoff illustrated by David Stone Martin and "The First Book of Jazz" by Langston Hughes are two earlier children's books on jazz.

Hello, I just won a collectible jazz book on e-bay and the seller will ship only to the UK. The seller will accept my paypal payment; however he will not ship to me in the US. If someone could accept shipment and forward it to me in the US (with my paying the shipping costs through Paypal), I would appreciate it. Or, if any one has other suggestions as to how to accompish this, I am open. Note the book is very heavy (weighs at least 10 pounds). regards, Baker

I recently ordered "East Meets West" by Abdul Malik on Caiman; it had been listed for a while at $30 and was the only copy available from Amazon; I figured it was out of print and that it would be a waste of time ordering it (also I did not value the CD at $30). But I checked one day last week and saw that the CD was listed as being in Caiman's close out bin (or words to that effect) at about $12.99, so I figured I would take a chance. I got tracking confirmation within a day and the CD arrived within five days. I was surprised, quite pleasantly, especially given some of the experiences detailed in this thread. I suppose they actually had the CD in stock. Regards, Baker

I have a few digi pack issued CD's from A&M, including "Brown Rice"; "The Age of Steam" by Gerry Mulligan (also replicated in the jazz heritage format with smaller cover shot; a Wes Montgomery, a Jim Hall (I forget the title, but I have never seen it in jewel case and two Chet Bakers ("The Best Thing for You"; "You Can't Go Home Again" since reissued in a double CD, I believe). It appears to me that the Watts Towers appear in the background of the "Brown Rice" cover; see also Harold Land's "Harold in the Land of Jazz" which also features the covers. Put me in the I hate digi pack camp also; I do not mind so much the folding paper covers (such as used in the Verve elite series), but packaging with the plastic spindles affixed permanently to the CD are a horrible idea in my view--very fragile. Regards, Baker

Please refer to this link a jazzhouse.org for an homage and obituary for Francis Paudras, discussing his relationship with Bud Powell and Bill Evans: http://www.jazzhouse.org/gone/lastpost2.php3?edit=920558424 There may be some board members who knew Paudras, I would expect Brownie, for one; and they may have insights. There have been other threads on the "Mythic Sound" recordings of Bud Powell, originating from tapes Paudras made. My familiarity with Paudras comes from being a book collector and he authored (or co-authored) two of the most desirable and collectable jazz books: "To Bird with Love" and "La Danse des Infideles"; each of which has been the subject of other threads (see the book thread on "labors of love" from this board). Also, he designed the layout for Herman Leonard's "L'Oeil du Jazz," certainly a fine book, but not in the class of the former two for collectibility and rarity. Each features material from Paudras' collection, particularly "La Danse des Infideles." The english language version "Dance of the Infideles" is small format softcover and, while generously illustrated, lacks the hundreds of photographs featured in the original hardcover French edition. I add this homage to Paudras' books because I find it impressive, apart from his other accomplishments, that he produced two such wonderful, rare books. Someone has a thread up right now about artists as a leader for only one label, two album mimimum. It is an even smaller list to think of authors who have written two highly collectible and rare jazz books (with no other non-collectible titles). Hope this helps, Baker

Sad story, but it fits in with many others posted here regarding the closure of record stores. The phenomenon affects other businesses, such as second hand book shops, which are disappearing. In my area of Los Angeles, a developer has purchased a block and is tossing out the neighborhood hardware store. Support what is available, for example, Grooveyard/Rick Ballard Imports, mentioned on another thread. The factors underlying "gentrification" undoubtedly are complex; but insofar as the purchase of secondhand/collectible books, cd's and records, the internet has been a double edged sword. Anyone reading this post can sell inventory on online sales or auction sites, but at the expense of the "brick and mortar" store. At the other extreme, Virgin Records on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood is closing this week. Los Angeles tends to build over its own culture; I remember when developers tore down the Schwab's Drugstore (ironic to have a drugstore as a cultural icon; and I believe that was not even the original location of the Schwab's) and a "Googie" style coffee shop (along with a Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlor) to build the complex containing the Virgin store. I decry the displacement of people's lives when businesses fail; however, I don't regard Virgin's closure as a great cultural loss. Hopefully the record stores in Harlem can relocate, but it seems like an uphill battle for them and a great loss to the community's identity.

One more vote to start with "Bass Line"; I think "Overtime" is scarcer in hardcover. But, both were printed in softcover. If you are not looking for hardcover first editions, you can probably find softcovers for under $20 each--they will pop on e-bay from time to time (if you you shop there). $50 for "Bass Line" $75 for "Over Time" in hardcover first is reasonable when buying from an antiquarian dealer, you get the book quickly and conveniently. But you'll get copies much cheaper looking on e-bay and waiting (and going for the softcover).

My apologies; thanks for posting the list. It took me years to find that Teagarden CD; if you dig his vocals you will like this.

I would also like to see the list via PM or posted on the board.

This is a very nice collectible set. I thought about it when someone had posted, I believe in "reissues," Which Pacific Jazz Chet Baker should I get?"; hopefully that poster will notice this offering. This set is a great sampling of those Pacific Jazz recordings. Even though the cover features a Bob Willoughby photo, the booklet contains some really nice William Claxton photos--an extra attraction, if you will. Regards, Baker

I also agree with get all those used Elites at that price. You can always trade them to someone else if you don't like them. Apart from taking the "Original Jazz Classics" for granted (in print for so long before sale to Concord; also not really a specific series, but a massive reissue program), the Verve Elite series was far and away my favorite domestic reissue series when considering content, packaging and rarity. Verve did not reissue any of these afterwards and not many had been issued before ("Motion" by Lee Konitz definitely an exception; of course reissued before and after each time without the extra two cd's). Very few showed up as separate Japanese re-issues ("Clark Terry," "Before Dawn" and the "Marquis de Sade" are three that did; also the Joe Gordon that is paired with the Blakey, I believe). I put it ahead of Blue Note's Conns because so many of the latter were reissued either in Japan or the US, in different configurations. On the subject of reissue series, I would say my favorite has to be the Bethlehem "The Works" from Japan; 100 CD's many not issued before or since. In contrast to almost every domestic reissue of Bethlehems, which recycle the same titles (maybe those are the big sellers). But, to see "Sounds by Socolow," for example was pretty amazing (I discount the current gray market reissue). Blue Note's the works 1500 series was a big favorite (especially remembering this board's origins), but fortunately much of the music was reissued several times, so it did not have the rarity aspect of the Bethlehem series. I would liked to have seen more Sonny Stitt on the Elite series; "Think Well of Me" by Teagarden is also a favorite. It is great to hear how much people enjoy these--keep it up. Regards, Baker

Swede, Thanks for all the information and work. I looked at that list and saw a number of CD's that I had forgotten about; the Lockjaw Davis one w/Paul Gonsalves, for example (US RCA/Bluebird CD was a compilation and does not have all the tracks from this one). I agree 100% with your description of the series; many items off the beaten path with an eclectic mix of choices. Obviously producing these disks is a business (as well as a labor of love for some); so the popular titles get reissued more often. "The Bridge" and the two Bud Powells got US reissues (so did that Witherspoon/McShann), but for some that may be the only reissue. Has "Chatter Jazz" been reissued any place else, for example? I am glad when anything gets reissued. I was lucky enough to find a Jonah Jones at the Embers out of the German series, so to me it is no big deal that Mosaic is putting it out as a single; likewise the Austin High/Bud Freeman CD (would have liked the German, but got a legitimate Fresh Sound). But for others who have been looking for it, great. As long as the reissues (legitimate ones) keep coming, hopefully there's something for everyone. Regards, Baker

Thanks for the information. I would correct the Shorty Rogers title information to "Big Shorty Rogers Express"; the cover shows Rogers in front of a Sante Fe Railroad engine (some of which were called "Super Chief"; hence my confusion). There was also a Jimmy McPartland cd, called, I believe, "Happy Dixieland"; also, I have a "Jonah Jones at the Embers" and also a Nat Pierce album. A couple of US issued RCA CD's also have that same large format insert; there is a Gary Burton album and a Jay McShann/Jimmy Witherspoon; but I would appreciate any more information on the German RCA reissues. Also, while I am glad that Mosaic is reissuing albums as single cd's (my own personal preference over box sets); it disappoints me a bit to see material reissued that have been reissued once already. The Bud Freeman is a great album (if you like his type of music and I always dig a Teagarden vocal); but it has been reissued legitimately previously by Fresh Sounds; ditto the Al Cohn/Perkins/Kamuca (Spain/Japan); the J.J. Johnson (Spain/Germany) and indeed the Jonah Jones (although this last one was less widely available than the others). I would like to see more of the Pacific Jazz series such as the Roy Ayers and Pepper Adams both reissued by Water (I think). There is a load of great material on Pacific Jazz, to hijack my own thread on RCA, which has never been reissued either on CD or other than in a box set, which I would like to see. Regards, Baker

Hello All, I have a few CD's that are German BMG reissues of 1950's RCA albums; a couple of Ruby Braff's (I think one of them was the one recently issued as a Mosaic single, if it featured Walter Page on bass); "The Horn is Full" by Jack Montrose; a Red Norvo; "Super Chief" by Shorty Rogers; these were reissued I believe in the mid 90's; one distinguishing feature is the inlay card which is in one piece and folds out so that one side is a full size (almost) shot of the original cover. The series had discographical information and liner notes (original, I believe). Does anyone have a full list of the titles reissued? I tried a brief Google search, unsuccessfully. Thanks again and Happy New Year, Baker

Many thanks couw for the links; those could make up a nice book of graphics in and of themselves. One just does not see those in the US. Big Beat Steve, on the DSM covers, I think they portray a full range of emotions; consider the Hampton and Tatum covers that convey movement and activity; also a Gene Krupa comes to mind, with the stick being tossed in the air. Indeed the Farlow cover you mentioned does resemble more one of the Billie Holiday covers. Often, according to "Jazz Graphics," the cover bore no relation to the album's content; some of the covers came from illustrations from the book "Mister Jelly Roll." Daver puzzled over a Ralph Burns cover of a composer on his bed with a score for "Milneberg Joys" on top of him. It came from "Mister Jelly Roll." "Jazz Graphics" describes the detail Stone Martin would go into in order to do most of the covers. He actually knew most of the musicians and saw them work. The Verve trumpet player logo depicts Charlie Shavers, for example. Compare some pictures of Shavers (see, "Jazz Giants" by K. Abe) and you will see the details. As for Jim Flora, the exuberance compensates for a lack of subtlety. Regards, Baker

Very nice site. Someone had posted a link to a site featuring jackets of Scandanavian jazz albums; I can't find the link; could someone kindly repost it? Thanks in advance. Baker

One of many great parts of "Jazz Graphics" is that Daver interviewed Stone Martin for the book, so that accompanying text features DSM's comments on many of the covers. Concerning the Kenny Drew cover, it apparently was a DSM Christmas card, explaining the doves; the cover having nothing to do with the music; Daver has no explanation for the vultures (some covers DSM gave no explanation for certain touches). Magnificent covers and music from those 50's albums; Goldblatt was a great photographer in addition to being an artist and graphic designer. Claxton, my favorite, designed many of his covers also. Many Claxton covers blur the distinctions between painting and photography--those solarized (?) covers for his book "Jazz West Coast" and the albums for the anthology series. Goldblatt used an x-ray machine to show a saxophone for a Charlie Mariano cover. Bringing this over to the Verve Elite Editions thread, a great reissue series, made even better when it featured DSM covers (Sweets Edison & Meade Lux Lewis, for example). Regards, Baker

The Konitz had been issued on CD in Japan previously. I remember a fellow named Ron Arfin who used to trade at the Jazz Trading Post was trying to find it for several years; hopefully he can enjoy it now.

Apart from the discography in Porter's Coltrane book, consider the nearly 400 page discography and "musical biography" published by Scarecrow Press written by Fujioka, Porter (and a third author). Now, how out of date can that be? I am as hard-core obsessive a book collector as there is and dig limited edition books. However, I agree that at $150, there would have to be significant photo-illustrations to interest me. For example, previously unavailable or unpublished Claxton, Stewart, Friedlander or Goldblatt photographs, attractively presented would attract me. Also, album covers presented in color, perhaps with alternate shots by the photographers. The publishers could have had the photographers sign also (with the exception of the late Mr. Goldblatt, of course). Very few books are worth that high price tag; only the most collectible. I would expect top notch quality. Compare, for example, "Omniverse Sun Ra," even though it is softcover; many color plates, attractively presented make for a book worth twice the asking price of this Coltrane book. I would be very interested to hear anyone's impression of the book's quality of content and format. Thanks for the update on it.

This is a topic that has been visited before by other publishers and authors, but as with Taschen's "Jazz Seen," it is nice to see a relatively inexpensive nicely done book so that more people can enjoy the material. As a hard-core collector, I prefer the first editions of Claxton's books, but it is also good to have the aforementioned. Likewise, the two Daver books are both well put together and collectible, so it would be nice to see something that makes those covers available to more fans, particularly the non book collectors. There have been other threads on the album cover books, but when one considers "Jazz Grafico" (Spanish exhibition catalog); "Jazzin the Black Forest" (complete SABA/MPS covers w/detailed discography); "Jazz West Coast" (the Japanese book on Pacific Jazz covers--as opposed to the 1955 original); the Stirnweiss and Flora books, the field has been covered as far as the most well known designers and recognized covers. Still, there is more to do; I obtained some interesting books of album slicks (in comb binders for salespeople to use as samples) of jazz material a few years ago; Coral and Brunswick label. Probably the most well-known cover depicted was the Al Cohn/Bob Brookmeyer designed and photographed by Burt Goldblatt or "Jazz at the Academy" by Hal McCusick. When I got these, I thought, I would really like to see one of these books for Blue Note, Bethlehem, Verve or Prestige. But those spiral bound sets of slicks have to be the first "album cover" books. By the way, if any forum members can direct me to the site someone posted of Swedish record covers, I would appreciate it, as I had difficulty finding it via the search engine and those were some interesting covers! Keep on enjoying jazz and jazz books. Regards, Baker

You're rich!!!! MG Well with those autographs Brownie your vinyl might fetch $6026.48 on the open market. A Buy It Now price of $6026,47 will bring this vinyl to whoever wants to get this album Regarding "Enfin", I picked up a copy on e-bay after reading this thread; another copy remains.

That is my point on the transaction; just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. As a book collector, I remember the "labor of love" thread started by Brownie; and you, Chuck added the Art Ensemble of Chicago book, at title unknown to me at that time. I acquired a copy from an antiquarian dealer at ABE (at a stiff price, but in loads better shape than the one someone on this forum obtained from Cadence in supposedly "new" but in reality heavily shop-worn, shape). That title is in my collection and I certainly didn't turn around and flip it on e-bay, or offer to others here at an even higher price. I suppose if the original dealer had offered it for >$10, then perhaps less people would have bitten. Still, the seller did get five other sales from you. I don't want to beat it to death, but the Mobley transaction left me a bit unsettled. It seems the Blue Notes are frequently reissued in Japan, so hopefully this one will return so that others may have the opporunity. Regards, Baker

Regarding that "Hank Mobley Quartet" of which only one copy was available, that copy appears to be up for auction at e-bay right now (not my listing and I am not advertising for it). It must be the same copy because it is marked as a "sample." I have the jewel case version of this one, lucked out a few years ago on e-bay. It is a very scarce CD obviously, a Japanese only reissue and not likely to turn up in a legitimate reissue soon, or ever, given the existence of the Mobley box set. I suppose it may be reissued in Japan at some point. I find it disquieting to see it on e-bay so soon after the notification on this board regarding the sale. Someone else on the offering board mentioned the fact that he is reluctant to offer his rare CD's on this board because he then sees them offered on e-bay. I have gotten a few cd's from board members (such as Allen Lowe) before I even joined the board. Years ago, I had traded with John Felser at the old Jazz Trading Post. As a collector, I appreciate not only the offerings but the commentary appearing within this topic as well as reissues. I primarily collect rare jazz books and have advised others (including members of this board) how to list books on e-bay to get the best bids. That said, if one wants to run a business, fine; just don't do it off a space devoted to collectors. The other five people who wanted that CD probably did not want to make use of that cd's availability by flipping it. And, yes, I know it is a free country/internet and that markets need to be efficient and if you can't afford the cd, don't bid on it.