January 31, 2007
MONTHLY RECORD FINDS - January 2007
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1. HANK JACOBS - "So Far Away"(Sue) 1965
Original Pressing
Mr. Jacobs cut a hit single of the same name back in 1964/65 which lead to this, his full length debut. Attempting to cash in on the success of that single, the record is very similar thruout; being a mixture of Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and organ-lead 60s pop. And what a devestating mixture it is!
I found this far below market value and in a place I thought I would never see it.....so so good!
2. SUN RA - "Sun Song"(Delmark) 1956
Reissue
I have read that this was Sun Ra's debut record - released on the predominantly folk/blues label Delmark back in 1956.
As usual with Sun Ra, this record is literally light years ahead of it's time - possessing a modal tranquility coupled with an eirrey tension on-top which makes for a sometimes uneasy listen.
The song titles alone("Call For All Demon's", "Possession", "Fall Off The Log") would go far in demonstrating that!
This includes an early version of "Call For All Demon's" which is what initially grabbed my ears upon previewing it at the record store. It has bounce, swing, a mood in the minor key and a percussive tendancy which makes it perfect for an adventurous dancefloor.
File Under: 'Devestating Jazz that fails explaination'
3. SUN RA - "Nubians Of Plutonia"(Saturn) 1960
Reissue
I should state this off the top; this is by far my FAVORITE Sun Ra record. Of the many I've heard(online, from friends, on record, etc...) this one has it all for me!
A lot has been written of Sun Ra and his various musical 'phases' - those periods in time when he and his Arkestra would experiment with a particular set of themes, modes and/or concepts. Well this record falls into what I believe to be his percussive phase. With songs like "Aiethopia" it's easy to see why. The sounds and rhythms venture far away from conventional Jazz, drifting into what is at times 'afro-centric', polyrhythmic and positively spiritual. The odd chord changes are to my ears borrowed directly from the five-tone pentatonic Eithopian scale(hence the titles cryptic writting!)
If you are looking to get into Sun Ra and enjoy Afrobeat, Latin or spritual Jazz like John Coltrane, than this is a great place to start!
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4. SUN RA - "Demons & Angels At Play"(Saturn) 1958
Reissue
Probably Sun Ra's most famous from his 'percussive' phase. This record is friggin bananas! Includes the classic often compiled title track("Angels & Demon's At Play") with it's future forward flute and reverb-heavy percussion - not to mention the rock-solid bassline which holds the whole affair together.
The album as a whole is a stunning listen and yields many layers upon repeated visits.
Well worth the $14.99 I paid considering an original would set you back nearly $300+USD!
5. JOHN COLTRANE - "Coltrane Plays The Blues"(Atlantic) 1962
Original Canadian Pressing
I'd often seen this at shops, either used or on reissue but for some reason never bothered to pick it up. Not that I am not a fan of Coltrane - in fact I love the man's music - however every time I did see the record I was never inspired.
This all changed a few weeks back when I picked this up for the paltry sum of $3.99.(yes)
Let's just say I could not imagine my ears without this!
It's all about the song "Mr. Day" for me...
Beginning with a baseline that only Coltrane could write(minimal, modal, yet heavy), the song explodes after a 6 bar cut time intro into a sonic territory yet uncharted in Jazz at that time. Riding a mid-uptempo swing, Coltrane explores his range to devestating effect, weaving the melody back into the song every 32 bars or so. Nearing the end, Elvin Jones and Bassist Steve Jones take back the song for a solo to be followed by a reprise of the theme.
Of course, the whole record is good, it's Coltrane, but for me, being the minor-key loving, percussive heavy spiritual jazz fanatic, "Mr.Day" is nearly perfect.
6. MILES DAVIS - "The Musings Of Miles"(Prestige) 1954
Original Pressing
Picked this up with a bunch of other jazz records that had unfortunately succombed to mold. Both the cover and the vinyl were f*&ked when I got it. I had to clean the hell out of this one to get it looking anywhere near the still messed up condition you see in the photo!
It's all about the music tho, and suprisingly the record plays quite well.
The sound is so incredible on these vintage MONO jazz records. Engineer Rudy Van Gelder, who also recorded for the legendary Blue Note record label oversaw the majority of these 50s and 60s Prestige Jazz recordings and what a great ear that man had! The clarity of sound, where you can hear the decay from each cymbal hit undoubtedly kick-started the whole audiofile movement!
A marriage of stellar music and great sound is hard to pass up and that is what exists on this record...
The standout song for me is Miles' cover of "Night In Tunesia". Minimal, tranquil yet perfect for the dancefloor due to the latin-influenced rhythm.
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7. MILES DAVIS - "Bag's Groove"(Prestige) 1954
Original Pressing
Found a cople of Miles' classic period albums all in one go. Was quite happy to pick this one up as I'd only heard about it, never actually had the privalege of hearing it.
This record is soaked in Miles' 'cool jazz' era influence, even on the title song 'Bag's Groove' which is a Milt Jackson original. A decidely understated number, but posessing a lot of swing per square inch. This song also features Thelonious Monk on the keys who lends a rather odd twist with his use of unusual melodic phrases...a nice juxtaoposition to the songs overall cool jazz feel.
Once again, it is the sound on these 50s & 60s jazz records which grab me. And even though this one isn't M-, being closer to VG++/NM, the sound hasn't lost any of the vitality or clarity since initially being pressed into the grooves some 50+ years ago!
8. AUGUSTUS PABLO - "Thriller"(Echo) 1980
Original UK Pressing
Wicked dub business upon this one here!
This lp finds Pablo still riding the pre-synth vein, which is exactly what I was hoping for when I found it a few weeks back.
Featuring some foundation riddims - melodies which are known to those who are familiar enough with reggae music from the 70s.
Of course, Pablo's melodica is in fine form and there sparks a few killer cuts on this one including my favorites "Last Of The Jestering" & "Skibo Road".
Although not the eternal holy grail that his 'Fire House...' & 'Rocker's Uptown' lps are, this one retains full respect in my book.
9. JACKIE MITTOO - "Macka Fat"(Coxsone/Studio One) 1970?
Original J.A. Pressing
Lucky enough to spot this one in a local downtown shop filed in the reissue section!
Walked away with it for a cheapish $15!
Unfortunately, the sound quality isn't exactly what I'd hoped it'd be, expecting that since it appears to be an o.g., it would spank with some deeper clearer sound. But nah, not quite the fidelity but none-the-less some tracks still resonate thru with punch including the monster 'Ghetto Organ' which some might know as the version to Dawn Penn's classic "No, No, No".
This is an essential listen, even if say like myself, you are not too keen on the low-fi pressings.
Go out and seek hence-forth!
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10. BLACK SABBATH - "S/T"(Warner Bros.) 1970
Original Canadian Pressing
Got this one in a batch of other Rock essentials including my 3rd copy of the White album, Black Sabbath's other lp 'Paranoid' and some Hendrix lps. All between $3 and $10.
This lp is just out of control! I find it hard to believe that it sold upon it's initial release back in 1970. But I suppose the strange cultural climate of the late 60s set a perfect stage for something as derranged as this!
It is really all about "The Wizard" for me; a true heavy metal classic with of all things a bluesy harmonica accompanying the sinister fuzz guitar, bassline and drums.
The influence of Led Zepplin is readily apparent here, however I think the aim of Sabbath was to convey social commentary - albeit hidden under a veil of pseudo-satanic & gothic imagery! Unlike Zepplin who just ripped the aesthetic of the Delta Blues right down to the words scribed by the original masters.
11. MOONDOG - "Moondog 1"(Columbia Masterworks) 1969/70
Original US Pressing
My 2 month search for this lp ended last week when I was handed it by my friend while at a local record shop...I was overjoyed to say the least!
This record represents music of true pioneering vision from a man who is actually sightless!
Moondog, born Louis Hardin, recorded this album in the late 60s for Columbia, some 10 years after he'd already established himself as a iconic street performer on the streets of New York City.
The music on this record is a mix of Ethno-European Classical and Be-bop era Jazz. Although he sights his music as being predominantly rooted in the European Classical Scale, he decided to take on the challenge of arranging Jazz for this particular record...ostensibly to create the illusion of improvisation within the classical form.
He succeeds with flying colours on the now classic "Bird's Lament" - a song which will be familiar to those who've frequented any underground dance club within the last few years - being that it was sampled by Mr. Scruff on the now anthemic "Get A Move On".
The remaining numbers feature atonal melodies that are underpinned by the most unique of percussive arrangements - ranging from 3/4, 5/4 and standard 4/4 cut time.
Glad to say that the hunt is over!
12. LES VICKINGS DE GUADELOUPE - "S/T"(Univers Disques) 1974
Original French Pressing
Traded this a few weeks ago with good friend and legendary collector A Man Called Warwick.
The majority of this lp consists of traditional roots-based calypso, biguine and what the lp jacket describes as 'cadence lypso'.
All but the Monster cut "Let Stay Up Vicking's", which is one of the best afro-funk songs I've heard.
Hailing from Guadeloupe, the Vickings drop one serios cut of funk with full on heavy horns, breakdowns and one of the most creative 'returns' I've heard in a tropical funk song.
If you see this one be sure to pick it up with the quickness!
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13. OZZIE TORRENS & HIS EXCITING ORCH - "Boogaloo In Apt. 42"(Decca) 1966/67
Original Canadian Pressing
Big Boogaloo classic here!
I had the good fortune of finding this one at a local shop for the outrageously low price of $3.99. I had no idea that it fetched upwards of $100 dollars when I easily forked over the low amount.
Glad I did!
Not only does this feature 2 amazing Boogaloo's ("Mia's Boogaloo" & "Ozzaboo") but brings the heat up ten notches with the pure BLAZING "Way Out Mambo"!
To be filed directly into my 'Latin Heaters' section(which is growing but could admittedly use some more love!)
14. NOEL ELLIS - "S/T"(Light In Attic/Summer) 1979/80
Reissue
I am so thankful for this reissue!
The fine cats at Light In The Attic are the masterminds behind this!
It's funny, seeing as they're a Seattle based reissuer/record label and this was originally a Toronto production that someone within the city didn't jump at the opportunity to put this one out!?
I personally know of atleast 2 people with the skills and knowledge but I guess they were trumped by a bigger company...?
Either way, the music is out there - on both CD & Vinyl and will find a great home in the collection of anyone who loves Roots Reggae music.
A brief background...
Noel Ellis was born the son of Rocksteady great Alton Ellis in early 50s Jamaica. Made his way to Toronto via his father who had temporarily relocated up here hoping to find more work outside of J.A.
Unfortunately Alton left for the UK not long after Noel's arrival - leaving the youngster in the care of his aunt & uncle.
Growing up in Scarborough, Noel felt a difficulty emersing himself in his new surroudings - Toronto at that time having little knowledge of Reggae music or Jamaican culture. Gradually an influx of Jamaican immigrants made there way to the city and with them some of Jamaica's foremost musical talents. Jerry Brown and co. opened Summer records studios and started releasing deep roots based reggae that featured a roster of enormous talent(Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, Johnny Osbourne amoungst others). Noel latched onto this growing scene and the atmosphere around the Summer Records studios and was eventually allowed to cut a record - the results of this session were his self-titled debut; a work of immense beauty.
All songs on here are heartbreaking, emotive and spiritual in one form or another. The lp includes the monster cut "Rocking Universally" which originally came out on a Summer Rec's 12".
For the lovers of deep, sweet roots reggae and heavy dub!
15. EDDIE FLOYD - "12" E.P. incl. "Big Bird" & "Knock On Wood"(Stax) 199?
Original German Pressing
I was pleasently surprised by this one a few weeks ago. Not only does it contain "Knock On Wood"(the stereo mix, unfortunately!) but also contains the classic "Big Bird".
My girlfriend has already started petitioning me to play this one at our next Foot Prints party!
Loud and unadulterated booming pressing of these two killer cuts!
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16. DEE FELICE TRIO - "Nightingale b/w Little Liza Jane"(Terry) 1966/67
Original US Pressing
I was flipping through a box of loosely filed soul music at a secret spot north of the city when BOOOM, I find this! I could hardly contain my excitement! But being the seasoned professional that I am(lol!), I held the joy inside until after leaving the building!
I'd long owned the Jazzman reissue and was quite satisfied in the knowledge that I'd probably never find an original...little did I know the good fortune I'd have to walk out of there with it for a mere $5!
Those not familiar with this song needn't waste any more time prolonging your self-deprication! Do yourself a favour and acquire this by any means necessary...Soulseek, various CD compilations & vinyl reissue instantly come to mind.
To my mind the song "Nightingale" is an unmatched thing of beauty and quite possibly the most legendary of all Jazz-dance tracks!
Incidentally, the Dee Felice Trio went on to work with James Brown of all people, actually cutting a full length lp(this too is collectible!) called "In Heat". It spans a range of lounge jazz covers of pop hits of that era("Summer In The City", etc...) to the blazing cover of "Crickets Sing For Anamaria" by the highly talented Brasilian songwriter Marcos Valle.
Although I am a fan of original pressings, with approx 75% of my collection being such, I am keen on either trading or selling this one.
A brief view of popsike yielded a wide range of market values but generally on the insane side!
Those interested can contact me jasonofshaft@gmail.com.
Condition is VG++/NM
17. RAW SOUL - "Stormy Weather b/w Tyrone's Brake Down"(Plut) 1972/73
Reissue of unreleased material
This 45 is easily my pick of the bunch from this last month, trumping even the lucky Dee Felice Trio find!
How this never got released back then I can't quite understand - to my ears it sounds like pure heaven.
Heavy baseline + 2 Inspired Female Gospal Vocalists + 2 Killer Horn Players + Drums that won't quit = DANCEFLOOR MADNESS!
The purpatrators of this funky stew - Raw Soul - are nothing knew to soul music collectors, having released a handful of small run 45s from 1969 to 1975.
However to my mind absolutely none of them have featured the killer Gospel Vocalists(who sadly will remain nameless!)
I think you can still find this one about, if not in stores than on ebay.
I know my friend just recently found one after being floored upon hearing it at one of my recent dj gigs.
18. RAY AGEE - "Leave Me Alone"(Celeste) 1966/7
Original US Pressing
I've been really feeling dirty R&B 45s of late. The period where r&b crossed over into soul music territory has been particularily fascinating. Although I've yet to find too many that stoke my furnace, this one has found a place in my collection.
Ray Agee was a r&b singer that cut some blues sides in the 40s/ 50s then acquired some success during the mid-late 60s for his fusion of soul with rhythm & blues. In a similar vein to Bobby 'Blue' Bland and Lee Dorsey, a laid back relaxed yet commanding singing style coupled with a strong funky r&b backing.
A mixture I could not resist for $7.
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19. JUNIOR WELLS - "Come Into This House b/w Little By Little"(All Points) 1965?
Original US Pressing
This is an intoxicating little track.
To my ears a standard blues number, but a really good one at that. And electrified as it was recorded in the mid 60s.
Wells' voice is haunting, especially on the chorus' vocal refrain...sounding a bit like B.B. King hitting the higher register of notes.
A good find for 30 cents!
20. HANK BALLARD - "From The Love Side b/w Finger Poppin Time"(Polydor) 1972
Original US Pressing
I've always been aware of this 45 yet hadn't come across it until just recently.
"Finger-Poppin Time" is essentially an update on Ballard's early-mid 60s r&b hit, substituting the 3/4 bluesy shuffle of the original for an uptempo funky 4/4 rhythm. One can see why Ballard decided to do this. At that time r&b was passe and out of date with the youth, funk was 'in' and James Brown, being a good friend of Ballard and label mate offered him a chance to cut 2 sides with his fantastic band.
It works, not because Ballard is particularily strong working within a funk vein, but because it is a James Brown production with both Maceo & Fred Wesley playing their finely tuned brand of get-down!
The b-side is the now classic "From the Love Side" - a remake of Marva Whitney's "I Made A Mistake...". I actually prefer Ballards take on it. He's got this laid back delivery which I interpret as being his indifference to the material at the time.
This was Hank Ballard's swan song in a way...I don't believe he released anything else after this.
21. MARY LOU WILLIAMS QUINTET - "The Credo"(Mary) 1970
Original US Pressing
I'd often heard the name Mary Lou Williams spoken within Jazz collector circles - usually in high regard.
Turns out for good reason as this 45 is very special indeed!
"The Credo" is a downtempo blues vamp that is heavy on the bass and drums. In fact it is featured on a website usually reserved for strictly funk 45s!
Williams was a highly respected Jazz Pianist during her time, I heard that even Thelonious Monk owes a thing or two to her, having been her pupile for several months! It certainly shows in these sides, cut on her on "Mary" records label during what sounds to my ears like the early 70s(could be wrong however).
The flipside "Willis", an uptempo bop influenced number could be an ode to Willis Jackson - not too sure?
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22. SENSATIONS - "Demanding Man"(Hip City Soul Club) 1965/66
Reissue of obscure Northern Soul
I was at a local shop at the beginning of the month, fiending to find good soul 45s and happily walked away with this one and a few others...
This is a reissue of what is undoubtedly a very rare soul 45, written by a young Jerry Washington, who later went on to record some of the most sublime mid-late 70s soul music for southern US labels Excello, Abet & Glades.
This is what would commonly be referred to as Northern Soul...a classification of
soul music of obscure nature that got it's start as a youth-driven sub-culture in the late 60s in the north of England(hence the term "Northern").
And although the movement saw it's peek in the mid 70s it is still going strong to this day as anyone can tell you England is a country heavily prided on it's little pockets of sub-culture!
This is to my mind an unmatched piece of incredible soul music!
(*soundclip to be added asap)
23. GARY BARTZ - "Music Is My Sanctuary"(Capitol) 1977
Original US Pressing
This song has become synonymous with the Rare Groove scene. A sweetly sublime song that is filled with a positive message and testement to the powers of music.
Cut by Gary Bartz, who was no stranger to soulful music, releasing the now legendary "Harlem Bush Music: Uhuru" with his NTU Troop which includes the gorgeous "Celestial Blues" just a few years before this.
This is catchy and fun to sing, sometimes being unfairly coupled into the catogory of Jazz-Fusion(Bartz was a famed Jazz Saxaphonist).
I see it more as a progression of Jazz music, which at the time of this 45s release was going thru some real changes...
A whole big can of worms could be opened up here but I'll save that for the next time!
Thanks for reading!
Contact me if you want to speak about music, have trades or sales offers.
jasonofshaft@gmail.com
(*ps: I've had to close the comments box as I've been getting a s&*t load of spam!)
FEB 2007 EVENTS
1. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY! "FROM THE LOVE SIDE"
w/ Djs: Stuart, General Eclectic & Jason Palma
When: Sat, Feb 17th, 2007 - 10pm start
Where: The Rivoli 2ND FLOOR (332 Queen St. W)
$$$: $5 b4 11:00 / $10 afterwards
With the success of last month's James Brown Tribute, Foot Prints is off to an amazing start in '07!
For this month we're digging it from the 'Love Side', working with a Valentine's theme. As the party falls just 3 days after the Big Day it just made sense to us.
Expect to hear some sweet soulful selections which compliment our musical policy of fun eclecticism.
As usual, we suggest you please arrive early! We had to turn away nearly 80 people last month due to capacity!
For more info log on to our myspace page here
*ps: if vintage 45s & LPs peek you're interest click the link above to visit a NEW page dedicated to my monthly vinyl finds in and around Toronto!
*this page will be updated monthly*
All booking inquiries please contact this address.