Comments on: As the Records Turn

By: Staffan Lindstrom

Staffan Lindstrom — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:12:18 +0000

I think we must say that Tom Hannan created the colour block/photo concept and that Esmond Edwards continued with it on those albums you mentioned. Other examples are Shirley Scott´s Great Scott! 7143 and perhaps Coltrane and Quinichette 7158. Both are great albums.

By: Rudolf

Rudolf — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:42:28 +0000

Steffan: my 2nd vol. Gray, # 7009, 2nd issue has the same colour as vol. 1.
You rightfully mention Hannan. He was something special indeed. The minimalist approach on 7038, with just 2 colours on white is a nice example.
Bob Weinstock contributed some very nice pictures.

By: Staffan Lindstrom

Staffan Lindstrom — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 08:50:16 +0000

Thanks Aaron and Rudolf for the info. The one Aaron sent a link to is the one I mean. Does volume 2 have a different colour? Anyway, I find that kind of photo fascinating and would much prefer to have that cover (I only have the OJC reissue with the Gray photo). But it seems to be extremely rare. And Tom Hannan is seldom mentioned as being one of the greatest. It is all Reid Miles. Btw, one who never gets the credit for being an outstanding photographer in this genre is Prestige boss Bob Weinstock himself, e.g. The New Miles Davis Quintet 7014 and Wail Moody Wail 7036. Very atmospheric.

By: Rudolf

Rudolf — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 07:34:32 +0000

Aaron/Staffan: the Clifford Brown Memorial album # 7055 has its cover design attributed to Hannan and Edwards. It may very well be the first time Edwards’ name appears on a sleeve.
The very similar sleeve design of # 7008 and 7009 was for a second issue. The first issue had a picture of Wardell, courtesy Ray Avery, red letters on 7008 and blue on 7009.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 04:59:36 +0000

Staffan Lindstrom, is this the one?
https://www.discogs.com/Wardell-Gray-Memorial-Volume-One/release/16899369

By: Staffan Lindstrom

Staffan Lindstrom — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 18:01:48 +0000

Speaking of Esmond Edwards colour block cover art there is one very elusive example. The Wardell Gray Memorial om Prestige 7008/9 typically has a photo of Gray playing his King Super 20, but I once saw a different cover on an auction site. This was very similar to the Clifford Brown Memorial on 7055 with colour blocks and the same motive taken from a slightly different angle. Does anyone know anything about this? Whis was the original?

By: gregory the fish

gregory the fish — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 14:43:05 +0000

aaron: no ads. how nice! it was literally $5 at a roadside shop that I stopped at spontaneously on a road trip.

By: Rudolf

Rudolf — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 07:06:15 +0000

Clifford, I have always been an ardent admirer of Esmond Edwards’ cover art. Take the portraits/coloured blocks group: Soultrane, MAL/3 and 4. Prime examples of using space, colours and a portrait.
Long Island Sound has the double sense of sound in the title and this dreamy unreal atmosphere which one finds in the music. The colour adds a lot to create this airy atmosphere.
Compare this with the straight approach of Parent on 7002 and many similar for Prestige and Debut.

By: Rudolf

Rudolf — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 07:10:13 +0000

When I found an impeccable copy of L.I. Sound, I ditched my 7002 and Esquire originals.

By: Bill W.

Bill W. — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:11:33 +0000

Clifford, I also have always been infatuated by that “Long Island Sound” cover on New Jazz. About 10 years ago I was lucky enough to grab a nice copy for $35 at Dusty Groove Records. I hope you find a good copy at a reasonable price this year.