There were certainly some Black Lion LPs that consisted of new or relatively new material -- Dexter Gordon Montmartre, Dollar Brand, Philly Joe Jones, and Ray Russell come to mind.
Definitely a label move because of what was popular at the time, but I think he makes it work -- the London calypso ensemble that was put together is quite enjoyable, and his solos are effective. The tunes themselves I can call up in my mind right now! But staying for the second half is well worth the price of admission.
For CDs, yeah, though most of the Japanese LP pressings I own (even of Japanese artists) have English text on the spines. The obis would not be visible unless one pulled them from the shelves.
I'd be interested to hear more from these sessions; have the LP set and it is an interesting artifact. Looks as though the CD set roughly duplicates what's on the vinyl.
A lot of people, Japanese buyers included, threw them away. However, they've since become perceived as part of the artwork. As long as the insert is present I can live without an obi, but if by chance a record I buy has one, it's a nice bonus.
1 is Mal Waldron, and it's from the LP Mal/4. A favorite rendition of this tune!
will get to the rest momentarily but now I'm listening to my Mal/4 album.
I liked that CD set with Evan Parker, Craig Taborn, and Ches Smith. Otherwise, most of the Holland I've spent time with is quite early -- 60s/70s music and the unaccompanied cello/bass LPs. I did not really care for the 90s/early 00s Quintet.
I think he tried to get that one and it was OOS. I'm not sure what the deal is, so will be curious to find out how the ordering process works for you. Keep us posted.
got hit with paywall on that, but here's the non-paywall version:
https://www.stereogum.com/2312231/carol-kaye-declines-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-induction/news/
and who am I to argue with Carol Kaye? Seems reasonable to me.