The Sophisticated Audiophile

May 9, 2011 • 9:06 am 0

Freddie Hubbard – Here To Stay

Freddie Hubbard, along with Lee Morgan were the two trumpeters that reigned supreme during the early to mid 60s on Blue Note records. Hubbard was Morgan’s replacement in the Jazz Messengers lineup. Albums like “Open Sesame” and “Ready For Freddie” are usually the titles mentioned as his finest early work, but one album that is seldom mentioned is “Here To Stay”. It features Hubbard teaming up with Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Reggie Workman and Philly Joe Jones. The album was recorded in 1962, and Freddie was just 24. It wasn’t released until 1979, which was unfortunate. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: 45 RPM, Hard bop, Jazz, Video, Vinyl, Blue Note, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Philly Joe Jones, Reggie Workman, The Jazz Messengers, Wayne Shorter

March 4, 2011 • 3:48 pm 1

Review – Music Matters 45rpm ‘Fuchsia Swing Song’ by Sam Rivers

I recently wrote a review of the Music Matters 45rpm edition of ‘Fuchsia Swing Song’ by Sam Rivers for StereoTimes. Click here to read it.

Filed under: 45 RPM, Analog, Audiophile, Jazz, Vinyl, Blue Note, Jaki Byard, Ron Carter, Sam Rivers, Tony Williams

February 8, 2011 • 10:45 am 2

Blue Note Records – A Guide For Identifying Original Pressings

I recently picked up Frederick Cohen’s guidebook on how to identify original Blue Note pressings. Most people know Fred as the owner of Jazz Record Center in NYC. The book is fairly small, but it has more than enough information to prevent people from making really expensive mistakes. The book has colored pictures to guide you, and help you identify Rudy Van Gelder‘s signature work. I fully recommend it for collectors interested in original Blue Note pressings. Despite what ebay might have you believe, original Blue Note pressings from the 50s and 60s in mint condition are not that common. The important word there is mint condition. It’s the reason why many sell for several thousand dollars. Be careful.

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Filed under: 45 RPM, Analog, Audiophile, Hard bop, Jazz, Vinyl, Analogue Productions, Blue Note, Frederick Cohen, Hardbop, Jazz Record Center, Kevin Gray, Music Matters, Rudy Van Gelder, Steve Hoffman