Comments on: Jazz Vinyl Countdown: Max Roach, Dorham, Mobley

By: bethellodge

bethellodge — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:11:29 +0000

I think Jason nailed it. COVERS. As an artist and the son of a graphic designer, I’m still consistently amazed by Reid Miles’ ability to lay type. The guy was genius – a term that is so overused that it has lost much of it’s meaning, but I use it here with conviction. He had an uncanny knack for balancing asymmetrical lines of text in a way that seems organized, but where maybe only one or two elements actually line up. Staggering really. (rereading this it almost sounds like I’m writing about Jazz !!!)

Then of course are the are those fantastic Wolff photos…

It seems like there’s a formula, but a look at Wayne Shorter’s Soothsayer or those other late releases and it becomes clear that it’s not so easily copied.

By: Bob Brooks

Bob Brooks — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:12:13 +0000

I found a vg++ copy of this max roach record yesterday for 5 bucks at my local store here in chicago. It was in the front of it’s pile so I’m surprised nobody else picked it up. Kenny dorham really cooks, I wondered if I had the speed set at 45 for a second.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:03:33 +0000

What I think Blue Note did better than any of the other labels was brand itself. Labels like Mercury were all over the map in terms of artists and the “look and feel” of their lp covers. People aren’t necessarily buying a Hank Mobley lp, they’re buying a Blue Note lp.

By: rl1856

rl1856 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:45:23 +0000

EMARCY recordings are somewhat collectable. Later Mercury issues, whether 1st pressing or reissue tend not to be. You raise a good point. Certain labels are collectable without regard to the content. Others may not be even though the content may be praiseworthy. I can think a few Verve recordings that sound sublime, but are generally available for less the $20 in excellent or better condition.