A Question About Norgran Labels
Jason asks the following Norgran-related question:
“Al — I recently picked up two copies of Stan Getz / Interpretations #2 on Norgran. Here’s a question I haven’t been able to answer though. The label on the first lp is printed with a slightly smaller font and reads “Norgran Sales Corp.” at the bottom. The vinyl also feels slightly lighter than the second LP. The second LP reads “Jazz at the Philharmonic, Inc.” at the bottom and the vinyl feels more like slate in terms of weight. Other than that, the LPs are identical. Given the attention collectors give to what a label says, how it’s printed, etc., I was wondering if you or anyone on your site could add to what little info I have in terms of the significance of the variant labels. I also find it odd that such meticulous care is given to detailing the variations among certain labels (i.e. Blue Note), but others like Norgran seem to be ignored. Thanks for your time. — Jason”
So I looked through my collection and found my copy. That’s mine in the picture.
Mine also has the heavy vinyl and the deep groove and the “Jazz At the Philharmonic Inc.” at the bottom. This is certainly an original pressing. I’m not sure about the vintage of the other one, but it can’t be too far behind and perhaps is of a similar provenance. Anyone out there have more details?
I noticed this difference too. Since on the 10 inchers it reads JATP, Inc, I am inclined to say that 12″ inchers with JATP are more “original” than those with Norgran Sales Corp. The vinyl of the “JATP’s” is thicker and less flexible than the Norgran Sales ones, but they are also with more surface noise. I prefer the vinyl of the Norgran Sales Corp.
Btw, the later Norgran albums switched from yellow to black, with the same lettering. I have “the Modern Jazz Society” with a yellow and a black label, the latter being the obvious 2nd pressing.
Jason, congratulations with these Norgrans. The music is super.
Rudolf – Thanks for the info. (And thanks for posting my question Al.) That was my guess as well – that the JATP labels were earlier. I was surprised that this isn’t detailed somewhere given the obsessive nature of our hobby. – Jason
Jason: your question was a good excuse to have a further look at my Norgrans. What a wealth of music! When I limit myself to the first 20: the terrific Stan Getz Interpretations on 1000 and 1008. Mine are Norgran Sales labels. I have a Buddy de Franco (1006, I believe) with black label, which proved this artist sold very well. There is Webster on 1001. 1010 is a very heavy George Wallington (JATP label). There is the magnificent Bud Powell on 1017. Beautiful photo cover. I am puzzled why this one should bring less than a Blue Note Powell, but that is the way it is. Pres with a DSM cover on 1005. I don’t wish to be exhaustive, but I am glad to have dwelled there and have found good reasons to undust some gems.
I see that Norgran had a yellow label with dancers as opposed to the trumpeter. I assume that these were only on 10″ records and not 12″? Are all yellow 12″ Norgrans Trumpeter? And what is the last yellow label? Thanks in advance!
I have a green 12″ Norgran label with dancers, never saw a yellow dancers label. There are mate black Norgran trumpeter labels.