Pick A Peck Of Pepper and Blue Notes
Let’s start with a pinch of pepper: Art Pepper, Modern Art, Intro 606. This is an original pressing in VG+ condition for the record and Exc for the cover. There are more than two days to go and the bidding is already more than $900. The Return of Art Pepper, Jazz West 10. This is an original pressing in VG++ condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. The auction closes tomorrow and the bidding is nearly $200.
And now for some 10-inch Blue Notes. The Amazing Bud Powell, Volume 2, Blue Note 5041. This is an original 10-inch pressing in VG++ condition for both the record and the cover. I love the cover on this one and I don’t have a copy. There are three days left in the auction and the bidding is still in the $100 range, but it won’t stay there for long. From the same seller is Clifford Brown, New Star on the Horizon, Blue Note 5032. This one is also in VG++ condition for the record and the cover. Bidding is at $150 with four days to go. And one more while we’re at it: Horace Silver Trio, Art Blakey with Sabu, Blue Note 5034. The record and cover are in Exc condition, which I guess is near VG++ but not quite? This one closes in a few hours and is in the $250 range.
Speaking of Art, I saw his “The Omega Man” (Onyx) and “Omega Alpha” (Blue Note) at a local store this afternoon. Neither are really collectible, but I’m interested in the music. Anyone know much about these two releases? They appear to be the same sessions. Are they? If so, which one should I pick up?
Omega recorded music making up for two full LPs. The complete music came out on two albums in Japan, on Blue Note and on VSOP.
Check the two LPs in your store, they may be identical or each may have different music.
The music is great. Onyx was pretty bad soundwise.
Considering you can see the scratches/scuffs/wear in those photos of Modern Art, it’s not exactly a fresh copy…
Thanks Rudolf. I didn’t know anything about the Onyx label, but those 70’s solid blue label BN’s have such a bad reputation, I thought Onyx might have a chance in comparison. I remember the players were the same across both albums, but I didn’t compare the song lists. I’ll be sure to do that.
Henry: for best audio results I recommend the two volumes of “Art is the Art”, issued on Nadja Records PA 3140 and 3141 stereo. Nadja is a sublabel of Japanese Trio Records (excellent liners by Pete Welding). Then the V.O.S.P. issues, which were quite good, with nice art work. I had the V.O.S.P and Blue Note albums (LT series) for a while, until I found the Nadja albums at Mole’s in London for 8 pound sterling each.
A wealth of knowledge from Rudolf, as always. Thanks for the tips regarding Nadja and V.O.S.P. Here in the Central US, I don’t see a lot from those labels, but I’ll pay closer attention. I’ll delay my “Omega” sessions purchase until I can track down one of those releases.