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Exact matches: 3
Exact matches1
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Duke EllingtonBethlehem Years Vol 1 (aka Historically Speaking) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Sealed ... $5.99
The album's a bit less "historical" than you might guess from the title – at least at the time it was issued in the mid 50s! The material is from Chicago sessions recorded in 1956 – unusual non-Columbia material for the period, featuring the Ellington group working in a slightly older-styled mode. Much of the material is from the earlier songbook of the orchestra – but it's done here with some slight modern touches that show the 50s impulses of the group firmly in place. Players include Cat Anderson and Clark Terry on trumpet, Johnny Hodges on alto, Paul Gonsalves on tenor, and Harry Carney on baritone sax – and titles include "Midriff", "Ko Ko", "Lonesome Lullaby", "Upper Manhattan Medical Group", "Jack The Bear", "Stompy Jones", and "Creole Love Call". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70s issue, still sealed with a small sticker spot.)

Exact matches2
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Duke EllingtonBethlehem Years Vol 2 (aka Duke Ellington Presents) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Near Mint- ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
An excellent and oft-overlooked 50s session from Duke – recorded in Chicago as a one-off for the Bethlehem label, and done with a lush, rich sound that's really tremendous! The group's nicely restrained and very moody – playing here in a mellow late nite mode that offers a good focus on the best horn soloists in the group, yet which also really hangs together perfectly from the slow-moving and eerie tone of the rest of the group. Jimmy Grissom sings a bit on the set, and other players include Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Cat Anderson, and Ray Nance – on tracks that include "Day Dream", "Blues", "Frustration", "My Funny Valentine", and "Laura". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mid 70s pressing.)

Exact matches3
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Dexter GordonBethlehem Years (aka Daddy Plays The Horn) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of Dexter Gordon's proudest moments of the 50s – a rock-solid session for Bethlehem – easily one of the best-remembered hardbop sides from the label's California years! The album's got a relaxed, free-blown sound that's quite nice – with Dex in the lead on tenor, supported by the trio of Kenny Drew on piano, Leroy Vinnegar on bass, and Lawrence Marable on drums. Gordon's perhaps not as fully imaginative as he would become in the 60s, but his sound and control is still great throughout – and the rhythm section really helps knock this one out of the park. Titles include versions of "Darn That Dream", "Autumn In New York", "You Can Depend On Me", and "Confirmation", plus two originals "Number Four" and "Daddy Plays The Horn". LP, Vinyl record album
 
Close matches: 44
Close matches4
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Australian Jazz QuartetAustralian Jazz Quartet ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A very cool quartet with a very unusual sound – one that mixes up reeds, piano, and vibes with a very fresh approach – one that's partly west coast cool, and partly east coast modern! Key players in the group include Bryce Rhode on piano and Errol Buddle on bassoon – both musicians who'd make bigger waves in the 60s back home in Australian – and the set also features excellent vibes by John (Jack) Brokensha, who'd stay on these shores and make some groovy records for the US, and Dick Healy on flute. The group's joined by Jimmy Gannon on bass and Nick Stabulas on drums – and titles include "Saxophone Pads", "Tune For Jaimey", "Spring Is Here", "Nostalgia", and "Thou Swell". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches5
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Australian Jazz QuartetAustralian Jazz Quartet (10-inch) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good ... $14.99
A mighty sweet set of 50s modern jazz – played by some key musicians from Australian who were working in the US at the time! The record's got a style that's somewhere between the hippest sessions of LA and Sweden at the time – all the coolness of both scenes, but a sense of playful expression that really comes through on some of the more unusual passages. The core group features Errol Buddle and Dick Healey on reeds, Bryce Rhode on piano, and Jack Brokensha on vibes! LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red label pressing. Cover has some surface wear, yellowing from age, some gloss peel at the opening, and is faded a bit at the spine.)

Close matches6
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Australian Jazz QuintetAustralian Jazz Quintet At The Varsity Drag ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Weird winds make this a mighty nice record – a blend of the tenor and bassoon of Errol Buddle and alto and flute of Dick Healy – all set to piano from Bryce Rhode, and vibes from the great Jack Brokensha! All players have a very strong sense of tone and color – and move together at a level that might be influence by the experiments of the Modern Jazz Quartet, but which also takes on a much more expressive feel with the presence of the reeds. Tracks are short and tightly arranged – and tunes include "So Nice", "Few Get It", "That Old Feeling", "Koala", and "Lover Man". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches7
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Max BennettHence Home – You Idle Creatures – Get You Home (10'' LP) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A great little album that's as compelling as its title! The set was one of the classic early 10" jazz sides recorded for Bethlehem in the early years of the label – and it features a group led by bassist Max Bennett, and featuring Charlie Mariano on alto, Stan Levy on drums, Claude Williamson on piano, and Frank Rosolino on trombone. Helen Carr makes a vocal appearance on a track or two, and the album's got a nicely schizophrenic style that pushes it past simple expectations – really cooking with a mean Mariano solo one minute, and laying back for a mellower vocal passage the next. Titles include "Rubberneck", "Just Max", "They Say", "TK", "Do You Know Why", and "I'll Never Smile Again". LP, Vinyl record album
(Nice Japanese pressing, with obi – TOJJ 1028.)

Close matches8
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Max BennettMax Bennett Plays ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An expanded edition of an earlier 10" LP – featuring a group led by bassist Max Bennett, one that includes Charlie Mariano on alto, Stan Levy on drums, Claude Williamson on piano, and Frank Rosolino on trombone! Helen Carr makes a vocal appearance on a track or two, and the album's got a nicely rich style that pushes it past simple expectations – really cooking with a mean Mariano solo one minute, and laying back for a mellower vocal passage the next – all proof that Bennett was one of the cooler leaders of his time, and it's a damn shame he didn't make more records like this! Titles include "Rubberneck", "Just Max", "They Say", "TK", "Do You Know Why", and "I'll Never Smile Again". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red label pressing with deep groove! Back cover has light aging, but the rest is great.)

Close matches9
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Art BlakeyHard Drive ... LP
Bethlehem, 1957. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
A well-titled set from Art Blakey – considering the hard-driving sound of the group! The album's one of the best from that unusual year of 1957 – almost a "lost" year for Art, when he was working away from Blue Note with a very different lineup of the Jazz Messengers than on his famous sessions for that label! The players here are all great – and include Johnny Griffin on tenor, Bill Hardman on trumpet, Junior Mance on piano, and Spanky DeBrest on bass – all working with a style that's a bit loose and open, allowing plenty of space for solos! Griffin's horn has all the sharp edges you'd expect, and Hardman's great too – and Blakey himself seems to sit back a bit more than usual in his chair, letting the soloists lead the tracks, instead of kicking things into gear from the drums. Titles include "Deo X", "Sweet Sakeena", "Late Spring", "Krafty", and "For Miles & Miles". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches10
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Art BlakeyHard Drive (70s pressing) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1957. Very Good+ ... $11.99
A well-titled set from Art Blakey – considering the hard-driving sound of the group! The album's one of the best from that unusual year of 1957 – almost a "lost" year for Art, when he was working away from Blue Note with a very different lineup of the Jazz Messengers than on his famous sessions for that label! The players here are all great – and include Johnny Griffin on tenor, Bill Hardman on trumpet, Junior Mance on piano, and Spanky DeBrest on bass – all working with a style that's a bit loose and open, allowing plenty of space for solos! Griffin's horn has all the sharp edges you'd expect, and Hardman's great too – and Blakey himself seems to sit back a bit more than usual in his chair, letting the soloists lead the tracks, instead of kicking things into gear from the drums. Titles include "Deo X", "Sweet Sakeena", "Late Spring", "Krafty", and "For Miles & Miles". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)

Close matches11
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Ruby BraffRuby Braff Swings (10 inch) ... LP
Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Near Mint- ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
They're not kidding about the title – because the album's one of Ruby Braff's most swingin from the time – a sharp-edged quartet session that's filled with well-blown notes! Ruby's in the lead on all numbers on trumpet – getting support from Johnny Guarnieri on piano, Walter Page on bass, and Bobby Donaldson on drums – and the sound is a bit more rough than some of Braff's other albums of the time – not so sweetly-trilling, and we mean that in a good way! The vibe is still slightly traddish, but with a really nice edge – and titles include "Ellie", "Mean To Me", "This Can't Be Love", and "Blue & Sentimental". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear, yellowing from age, and a small smudge in back.)

Close matches12
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Pete BrownPeter The Great (10 inch LP) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1954. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of the few albums ever as a leader from alto saxophonist Pete Brown – a less-remembered talent of his times, but a key link between the generations of bop and swing! The set was only issued as a 10" LP, but packs the full punch of most longer albums – sublime alto from Brown with a crisp tone firmly in place – sitting somewhere between older bop players and some of the emerging Tristano-ites from the east coast – a vibe that's almost like Charlie Mariano or Dick Johnson in their best younger years, but with a bit more soul too. The group's a hip sextet – with trumpet from Joe Wilder, guitar from Wally Richardson, and piano by Wadde Legge – and the album includes a great version of "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise", plus the nice originals "Delta Blues" and "Used Blues". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches13
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Ralph BurnsBijou ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Amazing small group work from Ralph Burns – a real standout, given the amount of his larger ensemble sessions in the 50s! The album features Burns on piano – overdubbed on some tracks – working with a combo that includes Jimmy Raney on guitar, Clyde Lombardi on bass, and Osie Johnson on drums – all gently modern players who fit perfectly with Ralph's vision for the record. Things aren't as dark or as arch as on some of Burns' bigger dates of the decade – almost a bit warm at times, especially thanks to Ralph's piano lines. Titles include "Autobahn Blues", "Echo Of Spring", "Spring Sequence", "Spring", "Spring Is Here", and "Gina". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red label pressing with deep groove. Cover has light ringwear, aging, small sticker remnants, heavy wear at the corners, splitting in the top seam with yellowed tape remnants, and some faint pencil marks in back.)

Close matches14
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Chris ConnorChris ... LP
Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... $19.99 24.99
An excellent LP that brings together a dozen tracks from some of Chris' lesser-known recordings for the Bethlehem label – originally released as eps and early 10" LPs. Backing on the set is by The Ellis Larkins Trio, The Vinnie Burke Quartet, The Ralph Sharon combo, and Sy Oliver's orchestra – and the set features tracks that include "All About Ronnie", "In Other Words", "A Good Man Is A Seldom Thing", "I Hear Music", "Out Of This World", and "Lush Life". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing – red label and deep groove! Back cover has discoloration from age.)

Close matches15
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Chris ConnorChris Connor Sings Lullabys For Lovers (10 inch LP) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1954. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
One of the most compelling early albums recorded by Chris Connor for Bethlehem – a sweet little 10" session that was part of her initial "lullabies" series! The backings on the set are extremely haunting – played by the Vinnie Burke Quartet, with a lineup that includes accordion, guitar, bass, and drums – all of which makes for a more unusual sound than the usual piano trio backings that might accompany a singer like Chris! Titles include "Lush Life", "Out Of This World", "Cottage For Sale", "How Long", and "Stella By Starlight". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing – vinyl and cover are great!)

Close matches16
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Chris ConnorThis Is Chris ... LP
Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Beautifully icy vocals from the amazing Chris Connor – the kind of record that set a new standard for vocal jazz back in the 50s! The session's a small group one – with Chris singing intimately alongside backing from Herbie Mann on flute and tenor, Kai Winding and JJ Johnson on trombones, Joe Puma on guitar, and Ralph Sharon on piano – all lightly arranged to allow Connor's vocals prime placement in the record, while shading in the spaces with some nicely modern colors. Titles are mostly familiar, but wonderfully transformed into Connor's own personal statements – and tracks include "Ridin High", "It's All Right With Me", "Someone To Watch Over Me", "All Dressed Up With A Broken Heart", "All This & Heaven Too", "Trouble Is a Man", "Blame It On My Youth", and "The Thrill Is Gone". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches17
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Duke EllingtonDuke Ellington Presents ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... $19.99
An excellent and oft-overlooked 50s session from Duke – recorded in Chicago as a one-off for the Bethlehem label, and done with a lush, rich sound that's really tremendous! The group's nicely restrained and very moody – playing here in a mellow late nite mode that offers a good focus on the best horn soloists in the group, yet which also really hangs together perfectly from the slow-moving and eerie tone of the rest of the group. Jimmy Grissom sings a bit on the set, and other players include Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Cat Anderson, and Ray Nance – on tracks that include "Day Dream", "Blues", "Frustration", "My Funny Valentine", and "Laura". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red label pressing with deep groove. Cover has light surface wear, mostly in back.)

Close matches18
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Don ElliottDon Elliott Sings ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
Don Elliott puts down his mellophone and starts to sing – and the results are a surprisingly strong set that's one of his standouts of the 50s! Don's got a limited range, but more than makes up for it with his sense of personality – a mode that's a bit like Jackie Paris or Matt Dennis at the time, with qualities that are quite far from mainstream male pop vocals of the period! Backing is by a core cool combo that includes Billy Byers on trombone and Hal McKusick on alto and flute – and the tunes have a sweet modern quality that's mighty fresh. Titles include "Ooh Baby It Scares Me", "I Hadn't Anyone Til You", "Every Time", "Let's Fall In Love", "Whatever Happened To You", and "Looking For A Boy". LP, Vinyl record album
(Heavy red label pressing with deep groove. Cover has light surface wear & aging, but is nice overall.)

Close matches19
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Booker ErvinBook Cooks ... LP
Bethlehem, 1960. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest albums on the Bethlehem label – and one of the first albums as a leader by the legendary Booker Ervin! At the time of the set, Ervin had come off a great stint with the Charles Mingus group – one that inflected his rootsy Texas tenor tones with a sharper modern edge – heard to perfection on this great little session, which is equal parts hard swinging soul jazz and dark-tinged early 60s modern! Zoot Sims joins Booker in the front line, and the two of them trade tenor solos throughout on the album's long compositions – grooving with a great sextet that includes Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Tommy Flanagan on piano, and Mingus' drummer Dannie Richmond on the kit! Cuts include "Largo", "The Book Cooks", "The Blue Book", and "Git It". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches20
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Booker ErvinBook Cooks (second pressing) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1960. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest albums on the Bethlehem label – and one of the first albums as a leader by the legendary Booker Ervin! At the time of the set, Ervin had come off a great stint with the Charles Mingus group – one that inflected his rootsy Texas tenor tones with a sharper modern edge – heard to perfection on this great little session, which is equal parts hard swinging soul jazz and dark-tinged early 60s modern! Zoot Sims joins Booker in the front line, and the two of them trade tenor solos throughout on the album's long compositions – grooving with a great sextet that includes Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Tommy Flanagan on piano, and Mingus' drummer Dannie Richmond on the kit! Cuts include "Largo", "The Book Cooks", "The Blue Book", and "Git It". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches21
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Russ GarciaSounds In The Night ... LP
Bethlehem, 1957. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A very unusual album from Russ Garcia – one recorded with a vocal choir singing (mostly) wordlessly on the tunes! The style isn't scatting so much as it is a precursor to modes that would be used more heavily on later soundtracks – an approach that's jazz-based, and often colored with some great blue tones – really hitting some especially eerie notes on the best numbers. There's a sad, almost spooky feel to the record that's really great – with some of the female voices hitting theremin-like passages – and although most tunes are familiar, the arrangements are plenty inventive. Titles include "Wow", "Ill Wind", "Blue Blue Blue", "Painting The Town Blue", "Music City", and "Sounds In The Night". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches22
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Bennie GreenCatwalk (aka Hornful Of Soul) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1960. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A killer of an album from one of the best hardbop trombonists of the 50s! This original's always been wickedly hard to find, and it comes from that later period when the Bethlehem label was cutting records that had a lot more of a soulful groove than earlier years. Bennie's playing with a hip group of underground players that includes Jimmy Forrest on tenor, Lem Davis on alto, and Skip Hall on organ – and although the tracks are short, they've got a fire that gets the job done in double-time, and which makes you think you're hearing some session on Prestige. Titles include "Catwalk", "Dee Dee", "Dibblin & Dabblin", and "Groove One". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a mark from sticker removal and some surface wear.)

Close matches23
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Johnny HartmanSongs From The Heart ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Good ... Out Of Stock
A nice little album from Johnny Hartman – recorded back in the mid 50s for Bethlehem, in the years before he recorded his more famous dates for the Impulse label! The set has Johnny singing nice and mellow – with backing by a group led by pianist Ralph Sharon, one of Tony Bennett's longtime accompanists, with added trumpet by Howard McGhee – which creates some nicely moody interplay in the relatively spare setting of the session. Hartman's vocals are a dream, as always – and tracks include "What Is There To Say", "Moonlight In Vermont", "I'll Remember April", "Down In The Depths", "I Fall In Love Too Easily", and "We'll Be Together Again". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches24
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
JJ Johnson & Kai WindingNuf Said ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good+ ... $24.99
A great mid 50s recording by one of the greatest pairings in popular jazz of the time – the twin-trombone lead work of JJ Johnson and Kai Winding, both players who'd come from differing backgrounds, but who created a wonderful new sound together! The interplay between the trombones on thesession is wonderful – a strongly pronounced mini-horn section – yet one that's fluid enough to work at a nice boppish pace, especially when paired with a rhythm section of Dick Katz and Al Harewood. Titles include "Thou Swell", "Gong Rock", "Out Of This World", "Lope City", "Mad About The Boy", "That's How I Feel About You", "Stolen Bass", and "It's All Right With Me". LP, Vinyl record album
(Red label pressing with deep groove. Cover has a touch of aging, but is nice overall.)

Close matches25
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Jimmy KnepperIdol Of The Flies (aka Swinging Introduction To Jimmy Knepper) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1957. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Great work from one of the most compelling trombonists of the 50s! Jimmy Knepper is probably best known for his excellent work on some of Charles Mingus' best records – but this set from 1957 shows that Knepper was also an extremely capable (if under-recorded) leader in his own right! The album is one of the rarest Bethlehem sides – and it features Knepper leading a crack group that includes Bill Evans, Gene Quill and drummer Dannie Richmond, making a rare non-Mingus appearance here! The tracks are shortish, and a number of them are standards, but the group swings nicely, and Knepper's tone is nice and edgey on most tracks. Titles include "Avid Admirer", "Close As Pages In A Book", "Ogling Ogre", "Irresistable You", "How High The Moon", "Love Letters" and "Idol Of The Flies". LP, Vinyl record album
(70s pressing. Cover has some ringwear, edge wear, and is faded a bit at the spine.)

Close matches26
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Stan LeveyStanley The Steamer (aka This Time The Drum's On Me) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
70s issue of the mid 50s recording from Levey, a nice little bit of bop from LA – featuring drummer Stan Levey at the head of a sextet that includes Dexter Gordon, Conte Candoli, Frank Rosolino, Lou Levy, and Leroy Vinnegar. Tracks are harder than the usual Bethlehem LA set, thanks to the bite of Gordon's tenor, and most tracks run for longer than five minutes, giving the players more space than usual to solo. Titles include "Diggin For Diz", "Ruby My Dear", "Tune Up", "Stanley The Steamer", and "This Time The Drum's On Me". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches27
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Stan LeveyThis Time The Drum's On Me ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A nice little bit of bop from LA – a tightly-crafted mid 50s date for the Bethlehem label – featuring drummer Stan Levey at the head of a great group of horn players! The album features some standout work from Dexter Gordon on tenor – making a rare appearance here as a sideman – and the frontline of the sextet also features Conte Candoli on trumpet and Frank Rosolino on trombone – both well-matched players, especially at this point in their careers. The group's completed by Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Lou Levy on piano – and there's a bit more bite on some tracks than the usual Bethlehem set. Titles include "Diggin For Diz", "Ruby My Dear", "Tune Up", "Stanley The Steamer", and "This Time The Drum's On Me". LP, Vinyl record album
Also available This Time The Drum's On Me (Japanese pressing) ... CD 12.99

Close matches28
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Herbie MannFlamingo – Herbie Mann Quartet Volume 2 ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An early showcase for the cool, compressed flute work of the young Herbie Mann – a style that created a great bridge to jazz for so many later players on the instrument! The Mann heard here isn't the overblown, soul-drenched Herbie of the 60s – but a player who's very careful with his tone and timing, yet still able to swing incredibly well! Herbie's solos are a masterpiece of economy – and set up strongly in a hip quartet that features some equally careful work from Joe Puma on guitar – plus Charles Andrus on bass and Harold Granowsky on drums. There's a number of strong original tunes on the set – numbers written with a bit of wit and angular finish – and titles include "Jasmin", "Woodchuck", "One Way Love", "Sorimao", "The Influential Mr Cohn", and "Beverly". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original red label pressing with deep groove. Cover has light surface wear & aging.)

Close matches29
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Charlie MarianoCharlie Mariano ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Insanely wonderful early work from Charlie Mariano – some of the freshest, cleanest alto sax work of its time – blown with a tone and sense of soul that goes way beyond some of Mariano's contemporaries at the time! The album was recorded for Bethlehem Records, and is relatively straight – but Charlie already shows a sense of complexity in his presentation that hints at all the greatness to come – and which bursts out here with some refreshing energy that really makes the whole thing sparkle. Charlie's tone is impeccable – somewhere between Lee Konitz and Charlie Parker, with that back bay Boston blend of soul and modernism, making the city one of the best scenes for alto players in the 50s – and he gets some strong rhythm support from the trio of John Williams on piano, Max Bennett on bass, and Mel Lewis on drums. Titles include "Blues", "Floormat", "I Heard You Cried Last Night", "Johnny One Note", and "King For A Day". LP, Vinyl record album
(Great Japanese pressing – with insert.)

Close matches30
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Charlie MarianoCharlie Mariano Plays ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Brilliant early work from Charlie Mariano – key proof of his genius, and one of the main albums we'd recommend by him! The album has Charlie coming of his years in the Boston scene – boppish at some level, but blowing with a raspy soulfulness that really opens up his horn into new territory – not Charlie Parker, not Lee Konitz, but a whole new space and sound of expression for the alto sax! The group features Stu Williamson on trumpet and Frank Rosolino on trombone – both players who bring a slight west coast feel to the record, but never in too-cool ways that dampen Mariano's sound! Titles include "Green Walls", "Chloe", "Manteca", "S'Nice", "You Go To My Head", and "Give A Little Whistle". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches31
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Howard McGheeDusty Blue ... LP
Bethlehem, 1961. Very Good ... Just Sold Out!
One of the best of the early 60s comeback albums by the legendary bop trumpeter Howard McGhee – and a record that really has the player finding a whole new groove in his music! At this point, Maggie's got a fantastic tone that was missing from his earlier records, filled with pain and raw emotion – but also measured with a maturity that gives his solos an incredible sense of economy that delivers a whole hell of a lot with just a few simple notes – a balance that comes through beautifully here, maybe even more so than on any other record by Howard from the time! He's playing here in a great group that includes Roland Alexander on tenor, Bennie Green on trombone, Tommy Flanagan on piano, and Pepper Adams on baritone – and tracks include "Dusty Blue", "Groovin High", "Cottage For Sale", "Flyin Colors", and "With Malice Towards None". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red label pressing with deep groove! Vinyl is nice and clean, but has short clicks on two tracks on side two. Cover has splitting on the top and bottom seams, but looks nice overall.)

Close matches32
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Howard McGheeThat Bop Thing (Return Of Howard McGhee) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... $9.99
Easily one of the best albums ever cut by this oft-overlooked bop trumpeter – and a clean, clear, no-nonsense session played in the company of a crack group that includes Sahib Shihab, Duke Jordan, Percy Heath, and Philly Joe Jones. Maggie's in the lead on firey solos, and tracks are short, but economical enough to get plenty across! Titles include "Tweedles", "Tahitian Lullaby", "Rifftide", "Oo Wee But I Do", "Transpicious", and "Don't Blame Me". LP, Vinyl record album
(Late 70s issue. Cover has some edge wear and a scrape near the bottom.)

Close matches33
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Audrey MorrisVoice Of Audrey Morris ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
The voice of Audrey Morris is a great one – sweet, but also sad too – but never in a too-sentimental way, and perfect for the gentler touch of the Bethlehem label! Audrey's working here with backings penned by Marty Paich – who also plays celeste on the album, with a group that features Stu Williamson on trumpet, Bill Pitman on guitar, Joe Mondragon on bass, and Irv Cottler or Alvin Stoller on drums. Paich uses a bit of strings on the date – never too much, but just enough to underscore the sadness of the bluer tunes, and create a bit of softness on a few of the ballads – all in a way that's never too dramatic, and which always gives way to Audrey's vocals when they slide into the mix – preserving the intimate quality that always makes for her best sort of setting. The track selection is great – far more unusual than the typical Bethlehem vocal date, with some great late nite numbers that include "If Love Were All", "I Never Mention Your Name", "It's Always You", "What More Can A Woman Do", "Blue Turning Gray Over You", "I Go For That", and "I Wonder What Became Of Me". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(80s Spanish reissue pressing – on Fresh Sound.)

Close matches34
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Oscar PettifordBasically Duke (10 inch LP) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1954. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Basically Duke, but a whole lot more too – a beautiful set from Oscar Pettiford, and ostensibly a session of Ellington material – but one that features some great arrangements that really go past the obvious! Tunes are partially penned by Duke, and material is played by a hip octet with a fair bit of Ellington players – trumpeters Clark Terry and Joe Wilder, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, and alto saxophonist Dave Schildkraut – with Earl Knight on piano, taking Ellington's place in the arrangements. Yet the tunes also have a distinct Pettiford feel, too – given Oscar's inventive modern way of putting things together – as you'll hear on titles that include "Tamalpais", "Swing Until The Girls Come Home", "Chuckles", "Time On My Hands", "Mood Indigo", "Jack The Bear". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches35
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✨✧ Oscar PettifordFinest Of Oscar Pettiford (aka Another One) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Don't let the Another One title make you think this is some passable record that repeats earlier ideas – because the set is a real gem in the 50s catalog of bassist Oscar Pettiford, and one of his strongest dates as a leader! Pettiford really sparkles here – leading a great group that features key 50s modernists like Gigi Gryce on alto, Jerome Richardson on tenor, Bob Brookmeyer on trombone, and Donald Byrd on trumpet – all tightly arranged at most moments, but given enough space on the set to strike out and state their own ideas. Pettiford's bass is wonderfully upfront in the mix, leading off most tunes with a nice sense of force – and titles include some really wonderful original material – like "Oscalypso", "Don't Squawk", "Bohemia After Dark", "Minor Seventh Heaven", and "Kamman's A Comin". LP, Vinyl record album
(70s pressing.)

Close matches36
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✨✧ Oscar Pettiford & Vinnie BurkeBass By Pettiford/Burke ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A split album that combines work from 2 different early 10" LPs on Bethlehem – both led by some of the best bassists to record for the label at the time! The first 6 tracks are classic work by Oscar Pettiford – some of his best as a leader, and cut with a hip group that includes Charlie Rouse on tenor, Duke Jordan on piano, and Julius Watkins on French horn. The tracks swing nicely with a strong modernist bop influence – and titles include "Cable Car", "Tricotism", "Oscar Rides Again", and "Golden Touch". The other 8 tracks are a bit mellower, but still quite modern – and with a really fresh approach. Recorded by Vinnie Burke's quartet, they feature a very unusual lineup of bass, clarinet, accordion, and guitar – the latter of which is played by the enigmatic Joe Cinderella, of Gil Melle group fame, and who gives the record a similar feeling to Melle's strange work for Blue Note. Titles include "For All We Know", "Time Out", "On The Alamo", and "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches37
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✨✧ Oscar Pettiford/Red MitchellJazz Mainstream (aka Basically Duke & Happy Minor) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1954. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An interesting LP, where Bethlehem pulled together two previous 10" sessions led by bassists for one LP! Pettiford's Basically Duike is a beautiful set – ostensibly a session of Ellington material, but one that features some great arrangements that really blow past the obvious! The group's an octet, with Pettiford leading trumpeters Clark Terry & Joe Wilder, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, and alto saxophonist Dave Schildkraut – with Earl Knight on piano, taking Ellington's place in the arrangements. Titles include 2 Pettiford originals – "Tamalpais" and "Swing Until The Girls Come Home" – plus a Terry number called "Chuckles", and the tracks "Mood Indigo" and "Jack The Bear". The second side is an obscure side from Red Mitchell, a tight little sextet session featuring a group of LA players that includes Zoot Sims, Bob Brookmeyer, Claude Williamson, Stan Levey and Conte Candoli. The set cooks nicely, a snapping west coast bop side that's hard to come by in any format. Titles include "Happy Minor", "Bluesology", "Kelly Green" and "Scrapple From The Apple". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches38
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✨✧ Charlie Rouse & Paul QuinichetteChase Is On (80s pressing) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1957. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A killer – and one of the greatest records ever cut on Bethlehem! Charlie Rouse and Paul Quinichette go head to head in a hard-blown session that's very different than most of the work on Bethlehem – grooving in a free-wheeling "chase" mode, as you might guess from the title – with lots of heavy tenor in the lead, cooking at a level that's more like a Prestige or Savoy session from the 50s! The group's as tight as can be – with some killer drum work from Ed Thigpen, and piano by either Wynton Kelly or Hank Jones. Titles include "The Chase Is On", "You're Cheating Yourself", "Knittin", "Tender Trap", and "When The Blues Come On". LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 80s issue. Cover has light wear, bumped corner, and is bent a bit at the edges.)

Close matches39
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✨✧ Ralph SharonRalph Sharon Trio ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
One of the few albums as a leader cut by pianist Ralph Sharon – a player who's best known for his years supporting singer Tony Bennett, but who sounds really wonderful here in an instrumental setting too! Sharon's got a way of coming up both with a punch and a fluid sort of groove – that gentle swing that worked so well to ignite the jazzier side of Bennett's vocals – and which gets lots of room to open up with a voice of its own here! The rest of the trio nicely match Sharon's liveliness on the keys – with work from Jay Cave on bass and Christy Febbo on drums – and although most titles are standards, they're handled with a fresh approach that makes us wish we could hear more from Sharon in such a setting. Titles include "Steeple Chase", "Angel Eyes", "Bluz For Suz", "I'm Glad There Is You", and "Give Me The Simple Life". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing, with deep groove. Cover has light wear and aging.)

Close matches40
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✨✧ Sue & Ralph SharonMr & Mrs Jazz ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
Mr & Mrs Jazz – and their cool cousins too – given that the combo also features some sublime tenor sax from JR Monterose, in addition to vocals from Sue and piano from Ralph! The set's a much harder-edged date than you might guess from the cover – and Sharon's approach to arrangements is a bit more dynamic than later work with Tony Bennett – swinging in a cool Bethlehem way, but given a great punch from the instrumentation – which also includes vibes from Eddie Costa and guitar from Joe Puma! Sue Sharon's a pretty nice singer, and appears on about half the tracks – the others are instrumentals – and titles include "That Goldblatt Magic", "Mynah Lament", "Just You Just Me", "Nothing At All", "Hugette Waltz", "A Nightingale Can Sing The Blues", and "A Trout No Doubt". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches41
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✨✧ Charlie ShaversComplete Charlie Shavers With Maxine Sullivan ... LP
Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An unusual slice of work by trumpeter Charlie Shavers – proof of his vitality and the range of his powers during the 50s! The first 4 tracks feature Shavers in a sextet with Hank D'Amico, Bennie Morton, Ken Kersey, Aaron Bell and Panama Francis, and some narration by Al Jazzbo Collins! Collins provides some hipster speak that sets that stage for a variety of older tunes featuring Shavers on solo. The set list includes "Dark Eyes", "Dawn On The Desert", "Story Of The Jazz Trumpet", and "Moten Swing" – all done in pretty cool, swinging versions. Side 2 of the LP features Shavers leading another sextet in front of the John Kirby Orchestra with vocalist Maxine Sullivan alongside too, and all of which include Buster Bailey on clarinet, Russell Procope on alto, and Billy Kyle on piano – on tunes that include "Windy", "Rose Room", "If I Had A Ribbon Row", "Flow Gently Sweet Rhythm", and "Molly Malone". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches42
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✨✧ Eddie Shu/Bob HardawayJazz Practitioners ... LP
Bethlehem, 1954/1955. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
An excellent set that combines the work of two lost horn players from the 50s! The first 8 tracks feature titles from an earlier 10" recording by Eddie Shu – an icy genius on the alto and tenor, working here in quartet format with Bobby Scott, Vinnie Burke, and Roy Haynes. Shu's got an angular tone that's a bit like that of Lee Konitz, but which is slightly less acrobatic, and perhaps a bit warmer – and he's a hell of a player, as you'll hear on the tracks "Tom Dick & Jim", "It's Sand Man", "Justice", "On East Side", and "Peace". Side two features one of the only albums ever cut by tenorist Bob Hardaway – a young west coast player who really cooks on this obscure record for Bethlehem! Hardaway's tenor has a bit more bite than some other Bethlehem horns of the time – and the vibe is almost east coast at time – with a stronger attack on the solos, and a sense of soul that comes through even more strongly on the ballads. The lineup is great, too – with Marty Paich on piano, bringing a nice punch to the tunes – plus vibes from Larry Bunker on side one, ringing out with a really wonderful tone. Bunker shifts to drums on side two – and the record features bass from either Max Bennett or Joe Mondragon, and additional drums from Art Madigan. Titles include "Jr", "Lou's Blue", "Indiana", "I Cover The Waterfront", and "Out Of Nowhere". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches43
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Zoot SimsDown Home (70s pressing) ... LP
Bethlehem, 1960. Near Mint- ... $11.99
A really great little set from Zoot Sims – earthy, and almost a bit more fragile than much of his other work! There's a real "down home" feel to the whole record – as Zoot blows comfortably and easily in a quartet with Dave McKenna on piano, George Tucker on bass, and Dannie Richmond on drums – making a rare non-Mingus appearance for the set! Zoot's horn has a bit more dirt in the tone than on some of his "cleaner" sessions – a style that we like a lot, and which really fits the feeling of the set. Titles include "Doggin' Around", "Avalon", "Jive At Five", "I've Heard That Blues", and "Goodnite Sweetheart". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some ringwear, edge wear, and is bent a bit at the edges.)

Close matches44
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Bobby TroupDistinctive Style Of Bobby Troup ... LP
Bethlehem, 1955. Near Mint- ... $13.99
One of the straighter sessions ever recorded by vocalist Bobby Troup – an intimate quartet side, with backing by Howard Roberts on guitar, Bob Enevoldsen on bass, and Don Heath on drums. Bobby sings and plays piano – in that warm, laidback LA style that's made him one of our favorite male vocalists of the time – and he's less tongue-in-cheek here than on some of his other recordings, bringing a simple but honest presentation to material that includes "Have You Met Miss Jones", "It Still Suits Me", "Little Girl Blue", "You Are Too Beautiful", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", and "The Boy Next Door". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(80s Spanish Fresh Sound pressing.)

Close matches45
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Mal WaldronLeft Alone ... LP
Bethlehem, 1959. Near Mint- ... $29.99
A beautiful album by Mal Waldron – recorded in 1960, after the passing of Billie Holiday, and a very loving tribute by Waldron, who was her accompanist for a number of years. The set moves way past the usual "Holiday songbook" mode, and features instead a dark batch of tracks, two written by Waldron – "Minor Pulsation" and "Cat Walk" – a third written by him and Holiday, the famous tune "Left Alone". Jackie McLean plays some fantastic alto sax on the version of "Left Alone", and the rest of the tracks are trio tracks played by Waldron, Julian Euell, and Al Dreares. The set also features one very strange track – "Mal Waldron: The Way He Remembers Billie Holiday" – which is an interview with Waldron about Billie! And sure, there were many cash-in records after Billie Holiday died, but this is one of the best, and it comes from a very legitimate source! LP, Vinyl record album
(Beautiful Japanese pressing, with insert – YP 7111.)

Close matches46
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✨✧ Stu WilliamsonStu Williamson ... LP
Bethlehem, 1956. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
A really sparkling session from trumpeter Stu Williamson – one of a few great records he cut for the Bethlehem label in the 50s, and a set that's one of the cookingest from the company at the time! Stu's trumpet lines are already mighty nice – tight, and often a bit bolder than others from the west coast – and he's got some excellent company on saxophone here – the great young Charlie Mariano on alto, playing with a nice edge on a few tracks – plus equally great work from Bill Holman on tenor and Jimmy Guiffre on baritone. The rhythm section cooks nicely, too – with a boppish swing on the best numbers, delivered on piano by Claude Williamson, bass by Leroy Vinnegar, and drums by Mel Lewis. Titles include "Oom's Tune", "Big Red", "Red Cross", "Hongry Child", and "Pee Jay". LP, Vinyl record album

Close matches47
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Kai Winding & JJ JohnsonK + JJ – East Coast Jazz Series No 7 ... LP
Bethlehem, Mid 50s. Very Good ... $9.99
A cool quintet session from the great trombonists JJ Johnson and Kai Winding – one that really lets their twin horns soar free together – with only a bit of light backing to spur them on! The group's got a great rhythm section – with Dick Katz on piano, Al Harewood on drums, and either Milt Hinton or Wendell Marshall on bass – and the format is simple, but wonderful – as Kai and JJ step out tightly on the leads, then trade solo lines with effortless easy – almost in the way a jazz vocal harmony group might at the time! The pair recorded often together, but this set's still one of their greatest – and titles include "Stolen Bass", "Out Of This World", "Gong Rock", "Lope City", and "That's How I Feel About You". LP, Vinyl record album
(Later red & silver label pressing with square logo and deep groove. Cover has some surface wear, aging, and a small sticker in back.)
 
Possible matches: 19
Possible matches48
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✨✧ Harry BabasinHarry Babasin & The Jazz Pickers ... LP
Mode, Late 50s. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
An excellent set of 50s west coast chamber jazz – featuring a quintet that includes Harry Babasin on cello, Terry Gibbs on vibes, Demsey Wright on guitar, Ben Tucker on bass, and Bill Douglass on drums. The pairing of cello and vibes in the frontline is really great – and with additional support from guitar, the instruments really swing nicely on the set. The album's the sort that you might miss, because the Premier label was sort of a budget operation – but it's a really nice little side that grooves with a keen late 50s approach that's very much in the manner of similar albums on Dawn or Bethlehem – but arguably better, as it's recorded with an open feel, and some really great sound. Titles include "Hoppy", "De Ge", "On Bear Hill", "Pee Wee", and "Wingo". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches49
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✨✧ Joy BryanJoy Bryan Sings ... LP
Mode, 1957. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A sweet little session of 50s vocal jazz – equally great not just for the singing by Joy Byran, but also for the arrangements by pianist Marty Paich! Paich's captured here at a great early point scoring for singers – and he gives Joy the same fluid jazzy approach that he used on the best Bethlehem albums by Mel Torme – a great thing for the singer, as it really makes the album sparkle a bit more than it might on its own. Joy's a pretty decent singer overall – with a range that's surprisingly deep, and a delivery that's best on the lighter, more sprightly tunes on the session – which are the sort that Paich does his best work with. Players include Bob Enevoldsen, Herb Geller, and Jack Sheldon – and titles include "You're My Everything", "My Shining Hour", "Round Midnight", "My Heart Stood Still", "I Could Write A Book", and "What Is There To Say". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches50
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✨✧ Conte Candoli & Lou LevyWest Coast Wailers ... LP
Atlantic, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
A lost west coast gem from the 50s – a unique quintet session for Atlantic Records, cut by a group co-led by trumpeter Conte Candoli and pianist Lou Levy! There's a bit more fire here than in some of the other sides from the time by the players – especially Levy – and in a way, the record goes a bit farther past the limits of Candoli's Bethlehem sessions, showcasing an especially searing sound in his horn! Other players here include the great Bill Holman on tenor, Leroy Vinnegar on bass, and Lawrence Marable on drums – and titles are all hard and short, and include "Marcia Lee", "Pete's Alibi", "Jordu", "Cheremoya", and "Comes Love". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches51
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✨✧ Conte Candoli, Shorty Rogers, Bob Cooper, & OthersModern Sounds From California – The Best From The West Vol 2 (10 inch LP) ... LP
Blue Note, 1954. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of the most obscure 50s releases from Blue Note Records – part of a pair of 10" albums recorded on the west coast – which was quite a change from the label's usual east coast home! The album's originally came with no full artist information, and were released as a "blindfold test" under the supervision of Leonard Feather – in which the listener was supposed to guess the players! The musicians on the original record were not named – probably because of contractual reasons – but artists include the cream of the LA scene of the time – Conte Candoli on trumpet, Jimmy Giuffre and Charlie Mariano on reeds, Howard Roberts on guitar, and Marty Paich on piano – all coming together with a fresh, clean sound that's more like the classic 50s sessions on the Mode or Bethlehem labels instead of Blue Note. Titles on volume 2 includes "Here's Pete", "Blindfold Test No 3", "Arcadia", and "Burbank Bounce". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches52
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✨✧ Al CohnCohn On The Saxophone ... LP
Dawn, 1956. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Al Cohn on the saxophone – blowing in that lean, clean style he first perfected in larger groups - then really used to perfection when he could open up in a smaller combo setting like this! The album's a nice change from some of Cohn's more tightly arranged records of the 50s – and features his strong tenor right out front – in a group that also features Frank Rehak on trombone, Hank Jones on piano, Milt Hinton on bass, and Osie Johnson on drums. There's a nice swing and tight solos on the set – which almost has a 50s Bethlehem Records vibe – and Cohn contributes the original tunes "Be Loose", "Good Ol Blues", and "Abstract Of You" – and the rest of the tracks include "We Three", "Idaho", "When Day Is Done", and "Blue Lou". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches53
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Chris ConnorChris Connor ... LP
Atlantic, 1956. Very Good ... $6.99 11.99
The first album in a legendary run of vocal jazz classics on Atlantic Records – and a set that really helped Chris Connor move to a new level of expression in her music! The sound here is much richer than Connor's previous recordings for Bethlehem – and the small combo jazz backings have been replaced by fuller orchestrations by Ralph Burns – done in a cool, edgey sort of way that really pushes Chris into newly sophisticated territory! The sound's on a par with the best June Christy/Pete Rugolo collaborations on Capitol – and the group's filled with some great jazz players, including Zoot Sims, John Lewis, Milt Hinton, and Oscar Pettiford. Titles include "I Get A Kick Out Of You", "My April Heart", "He Was Good to Me", "Where Are You", and "Get Out Of Town". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(Black label pressing with deep groove. Cover has splitting on the spine, some surface wear, aging.)

Possible matches54
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Chris ConnorChris Craft ... LP
Atlantic, 1958. Very Good ... $13.99 16.99
Chris' Craft is a great one here – beautifully simple and straightforward jazz vocals, served up at a level that few other singers can match! The album's one of our favorites from Connor's classic years with Atlantic – as it's got a mellow, moody approach that's filled with the darker tones that first caught our ears on Chris' earliest recordings for Bethlehem. Instrumentation here is mostly small combo – arranged by Stan Free, and featuring Free on piano, Bobby Jaspar on flute, Mundell Lowe on guitar, George Duvivier on bass, and Ed Shaughnessy on drums. Titles include "Be A Clown", "Be My All", "Good For Nothin", "Moonlight In Vermont", "The Night We Called It A Day", "Lover Man", and "On The First Warm Day". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(Black label pressing with deep groove. Cover has clear tape on the bottom seam, light wear along the opening. The back cover has light surface wear, 2 spots of marker. Label has sticker remnant.)

Possible matches55
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Chris ConnorWitchcraft ... LP
Atlantic, 1959. Very Good ... $4.99
A lovely side by Chris Connor for Atlantic, recorded not too long after her stint at Bethlehem – where she'd perfected an icy cool style of singing that's still to be matched to this day! The album features larger arrangements by Richard Wess – but still has a light jazzy feel, intimate in approach, despite the larger musical backings. Chris' voice is at once personal and removed – a razor's edge of emotion, repressing some impulses, and opening up surprisingly at other moments. Titles include "Skyscraper Blues", "The Lady Sings The Blues", "Come Rain Or Come Shine", "When Sunny Gets Blue", "Just In Time", "Baltimore Oriole", and "How Little We Know". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 60s blue & green label stereo pressing with deep groove. Cover has light wear and aging, mostly in back.)
Also available Witchcraft (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD 18.99

Possible matches56
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✨✧ Duke EllingtonEllington 55 ... LP
Capitol, 1955. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of Duke's most popular albums of the 50s – but we won't hold that against him! The session's one of a number of 50s outings that revisit older classics with the new level of quality offered in the studio – and it's got a similar feel to some of Duke's work for Bethlehem around the same time, which was also done by producer Gus Wildi – tight, but never too facile – and a perfect demonstration of the great balance the Ellington orchestra had at the time. The group includes key players Ray Nance, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry, Juan Tizol, Harry Carney, Paul Gonsalves, and Jimmy Hamilton – and titles include "Black & Tan Fantasy", "Rockin In Rhythm", "Flying Home", "Happy Go Lucky Local", and "In The Mood". LP, Vinyl record album
(Abridged 70s yellow label pressing.)

Possible matches57
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✨✧ Jane Fielding with The Kenny Drew QuintetEmbers Glow ... LP
Jazz West, 1956. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Quite a rare vocal jazz session – recorded for the short lived Jazz West label, which was one of the hippest LA imprints of the 50s! Jane Fielding's a pretty decent singer – with kind of a Chris Connor-ish style about her – but the real charm is from Kenny Drew's work as a pianist and arranger, both of which push the session past the usual sleepiness of a Bethlehem or Mode vocal jazz album from the time. Kenny's group features Joe Maini on alto, Ted Efantis on tenor, Lawrence Marable on drums, and either Leroy Vinnegar or Paul Chambers on bass. Titles include "Embers Glow", "Our Waltz", "Right Boy For Me", "Key Largo", "Make The Man Love Me", and "Round Midnight". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches58
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Peggy LeeBlack Coffee With Peggy Lee ... LP
Decca, 1953. Near Mint- ... $29.99
Wonderfully spare early jazz sides by Peggy, and the kind of material that's not easy to find amidst the bulk of her pop-oriented work. The album's a moving set of ballads and torchy numbers, recorded in small-combo fashion, in a style that's similar to some of Chris Connor's later Bethlehem work. The combo includes Cootie Chesterfield on trumpet, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Max Wayne on bass, and Ed Shaughnessy on drums. A real treasure – with titles like "A Woman Alone With The Blues", "Love Me Or Leave Me", "Easy Living", and "Black Coffee". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(60s color bar label pressing – in great shape!)

Possible matches59
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✨✧ Shelly ManneGambit ... LP
Contemporary, 1958. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
This album was the 7th in the Contemporary series of "Shelly Manne & His Men", but it's also easily the best, and features some of the most exciting playing of any of Manne's groups. The success of the whole album comes down to Charlie Mariano, who wrote a large number of the tracks, and who's at the height of his powers on alto here – hitting a beautiful mix of icy modernism and Boston soul, in the tradition of some of his best Bethlehem recordings. Side one features an extended work called "The Gambit", which has a nice blend of far-reaching soloing and tight jazzy rhythm. Other titles include "Blue Gnu", "Hugo Hurwhey", and "Tom Brown's Buddy" – and players include Stu Williamson and Russ Freeman. LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches60
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✨✧ Shelly ManneMore Swinging Sounds (aka Swinging Sounds In Stereo) ... LP
Contemporary, 1956. Very Good ... Out Of Stock
One of the few great records that alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano cut with Shelly Manne – and a heck of a wonderful record that really set a new tone for Shelly's groove at the time! Things here are a bit looser and freer than before – longer tracks with more room for solos to really take flight – yet still a sense of modern arrangement that marked the Manne sound from its inception. The group's a quintet with Stu Williamson on trumpet, Russ Freeman on piano, Leroy Vinnegar on bass, and Mariano on some especially nice alto solos – and the interplay between Charlie and Stu easily rivals the best Bethlehem recordings by the pair at the time. Titles include the excellent 10 minute "Pint Of Blues", an original by Charlie – plus Bill Holman's extended "Quartet", and versions of "The Wind", "Moose The Mooche", and "Tommyhawk". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches61
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✨✧ Shelly ManneSwinging Sounds In Stereo (aka More Swinging Sounds) ... LP
Contemporary, 1956. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock
One of the few great records that alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano cut with Shelly Manne – and a heck of a wonderful record that really set a new tone for Shelly's groove at the time! Things here are a bit looser and freer than before – longer tracks with more room for solos to really take flight – yet still a sense of modern arrangement that marked the Manne sound from its inception. The group's a quintet with Stu Williamson on trumpet, Russ Freeman on piano, Leroy Vinnegar on bass, and Mariano on some especially nice alto solos – and the interplay between Charlie and Stu easily rivals the best Bethlehem recordings by the pair at the time. Titles include the excellent 10 minute "Pint Of Blues", an original by Charlie – plus Bill Holman's extended "Quartet", and versions of "The Wind", "Moose The Mooche", and "Tommyhawk". LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches62
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✨✧ Helen MerrillNearness Of You ... LP
EmArcy, 1957. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
Icy brilliance from a young Helen Merrill – a record that's easily the Mercury equivalent of June Christy's classic work on Capitol or Chris Connor's classics for Bethlehem! Helen's working here with small combo backings on all tracks – carved out with players who include Bobby Jaspar, Bill Evans, Oscar Pettiford, and George Russell – all swinging gently alongside the vocals, but also taking care to shade things in with some of the darker, bluer colors that always worked best for Merrill – and which made her voice echo with a depth that few other singers could match! Titles include "When The Sun Comes Out", "I Remember You", "Summertime", "Let Me Love You", and "All Of You". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album

Possible matches63
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Frank RosolinoFrank Rosolino – Kenton Presents ... LP
Capitol, 1954. Near Mint- ... $9.99
One of the first albums ever cut as a leader by trombonist Frank Rosolino – a hip set issued under the Stan Kenton Presents banner for Capitol in the mid 50s – but done in a smaller combo mode than you'd hear with Stan! The setting provides a great showcase for the emerging solo talents of Rosolino on trombone – a player with a soulful swing that get way past his goofy image on the cover – and which is set up here in the company of some great collaborators who include Charlie Mariano on alto sax – playing so strongly, the album might well include him as a co-leader – plus piano from either Claude Williamson or Pete Jolly, trumpet from Sam Noto, bass from Max Bennett or Curtis Counce, and drums from Mel Lewis or Stan Levey. There's not only a lot of Kenton influence in the players, but a lot of Bethlehem Records styles as well – a reference that definitely shapes the sound of this set, and makes it a strong one for any fan of 50s work on that label – or Mode Records as well. Titles are a mix of standards and originals – and include "Ragamuffin", "Linda", "Carioca", "Besame Mucho", "Yo Yo", and "Freckles". LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 80s UK Affinity pressing. Cover has light wear and a small yellowed sticker spot.)

Possible matches64
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Mel TormeSunday In New York & Other Songs About New York ... LP
Atlantic, 1963. Very Good ... $9.99
One of our favorite-ever albums from Mel Torme – a set that sparkles with the same smooth swing as his best late 50s dates for Bethlehem records! Like those sets, this one features Torme's voice really taking off over some tight jazzy charts – arranged by Johnny Williams, Shorty Rogers, and Dick Hazard – all in styles close to those used previously by Marty Paich. But almost even better is the New York theme of the record – surprising, given the anti-NYC vibe of Torme's classic "California Suite" – but perfect, too, as it really ties the whole thing together wonderfully – creating this beautiful picture of the Big Apple in the postwar years. Titles include the greatest version of "Sunday In New York" you'll ever hear – plus "Let Me Off Uptown", "Autumn In New York", "New York New York", "Manhattan", and "My Time Of Day". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono red & purple label pressing.)

Possible matches65
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
Mel TormeTorme ... LP
Verve, 1958. Near Mint- ... $9.99
An overlooked gem from Mel Torme – a great early album for Verve, one that's every bit as nice as his stellar work for the Bethlehem label! The set's got Mel singing with the Marty Paich orchestra – a good thing, too – as Marty's always been the best arranger for Mel's unique way of putting over a jazz vocal. Tunes are all pretty nicely swinging, and at times expand the sound a bit past Mel's earlier work – with titles that include "House Is Haunted By The Echo Of Your Last Goodbye", "Gloomy Sunday", "That Old Feeling", "I'm Gonna Laugh You Out Of My Life", "Nobody's Heart", "How Did She Look", and "Where Can I Go Without You". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
(French reissue. Cover has faint ring wear.)

Possible matches66
CD, LP, Vinyl record album cover art
✨✧ Mel TormeTouch Of Your Lips (aka Prelude To A Kiss) ... LP
Venise, 1957. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock
One of the best-ever Mel Torme jazz vocal albums – right up there with his best Bethlehem recordings! The set was recorded with Marty Paich's Dek-tette, who set the tone perfectly for the warmly perfect style of The Velvet Fog – and who, like Mel, manage to be totally polished, yet also still swing with a fair bit of emotion. The result is a swinging batch of standards that lets Mel shine at his best – including titles like "I've Got The World On A String", "I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You", "Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea", and "I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart". (Vocalists, Jazz) LP, Vinyl record album
 
 
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