What Are Jackie McLean Blue Note Records Selling For?

Prices rising, but still affordable?

If you have been collecting Blue Note records for a while, you are aware of how much Jackie Mclean vinyl is selling for. Pretty much window shopping for me considering the growing prices for the first press albums like 1959's New Soil  and Swing, Swang, Swingin, or 1961's Bluesnik.

That doesn't mean you can't still collect. Many time the second an third pressings sound almost as good, if not equal to the originals. Personally I have gone after a lot of the Late 60's to Mid-70's United Artists and Liberty issues of McLean's by default.

Note: The above album Bluesnik is selling in excess of 100 dollars for 45 rpm re-issues. The original press could easily set you back $500. The NY USA issues are themselves in the $100 to $250 range.

It is important to remember that all of these prices fluctuate wildly, but it is the nature of the market. A record is only worth what the buyer is willing to pay, and what that particular seller is willing to sell it for.. Patience often times pays off.

Nothing wrong with the Liberty pressings

8 years ago I was spending 10 buck a piece for these Liberty pressings, glad I did, as the original presses, even mid 60's New York USA pressings went through the roof and easily are bringing upwards of $200 dollars, those cheaper Liberty issues are now rising fast and will set you back on average 50 bucks, with some pushing 100 dollars.

Sometimes gambling that a seller is a conservative grader helps too. Pre Liberty Blue Note vinyl seems to hold up well to moderate scuffs and marks. I have found a VG record often times plays like a much better copy at half the VG+ or excellent grade's price.

Can't beat the experience of the 12 inch cover art

I love the music there is no doubt, but for me the album covers are nearly as important. Just having a vintage copy of these iconic covers are worth it to me, even if what I have isn't usually a 1st or 2nd press.

I remember the first time I bought Blue Note records at my local record shop, thinking to myself how puny and worthless those CD booklets were. They just do not do this art work justice.

Yes, I do have nearly 500 CD's as well, I am also a liner note fanatic, and I just can't seem to get enough of  the newly updated thoughts on this timeless music.

Did that cover scare the hell out of you?

20 Years ago or so, when I was just getting into jazz, and had only briefly made my way through the Miles Davis catalog, and only barely heard of Blue Note yet, I remember thinking at the time, if this was a McLean version of Miles Davis' Bitches Brew or something?

 Of course it's not jazz-rock at all, just another good free-bop album, typical of the inside outside playing McLean mastered during the 60's for Blue Note. All be it, this time it seems to be more in a modal vein and stays grounded more, with a fairly straight ahead ballad "Toy Land".

I shouldn't judge the cover, but not my cup of tea honestly. I do like some of Mati Klarwein's covers though, Bitches Brew and Santana's Abraxes come to mind.

Demon's Dance is actually one of the McLean Blue Note albums that can be had fairly reasonably in the record shops I have noticed. On eBay though it can be tough to find, but I did purchase mine for 20 bucks. CD's are fetching as much as 40 bucks, not a chance.

Ornette Coleman in support of McLean, but on Trumpet!

New and Old Gospel is one of my favorite McLean records. The track "Old Gospel" has one of the greatest McLean solos I've heard. Jackie was always rooted in the blues, and to his credit by this point seems to have mastered the alto sax.

One of the oddities of the record is Ornette Coleman playing trumpet instead of alto sax. The first time I heard this record I was not impressed. Over time I have come to appreciate the simple contrasting style. Coleman's not Freddie Hubbard, and that's OK, it's a sound that grows on you.

This pictured copy is a European import I picked up on eBay many years ago for 20 dollars. As of 2018 these are selling in the 40 dollar range, not bad at all for a great record.

 Music From the Connection: A dollar thrift store find

Jackie Maclean and Freddie Redd Music from the Connection is one of my greatest thrift store finds. I found this at a local Salvation Army Thrift Store for 1 dollar. was shocked at the vinyl condition. Solid VG+.

An original or second press will run you 50-100 dollars, with late 60's pressings running about 20 bucks or so. This is one of my favorite records, but definitely worth hearing.

One Step Beyond and Destination Out

One Step Beyond and Destination Out are 2 of the best 60's post bop albums of the era. Trombonist Grachan Moncur III is the composition star here. Besides being a tremendous instrumentalist these compositions are full of interesting things. Not exactly easy listening, sort of the same style as Eric Dolphy's Out to Lunch. A chamber jazz if you will. Extremely thought provoking music.

These albums were released in 1964 (January and November), and Moncur composed 5 of the 9 tracks on the 2 albums. I consider them companion albums, along with Moncur's Some Other Stuff  and Evolution.

The greatest achievement of these particular albums is knowing that 55 years after their recording, they still sound fresh, and honestly sound like they could have been recorded today.

What are Reuben Wilson Blue Note Records Selling For?

Another Overlooked Groove Master

If you're a organ soul-funk or Blue Note collector, these late 60's Blue Note's are still priced right. All of these can be had for under 40 dollars, and that's for excellent to near mint records. If you are OK with VG+ vinyl,  I see these all the time for 10 bucks a piece at the local shops and online.

82 year old Reuben Wilson is an active force even in 2018, but he made his bones back in the 60's and one of the plethora of soul-jazz organ master on Blue Note. 

Perhaps overshadowed by other Hammond B-3 players Jimmy McGriff and Big John Patton, his Blue Note albums have aged well, and feature perhaps the quintessential Memphis style soul funk organ sound.

From 1968 to 1971 his 5 Blue Note albums are all worth acquiring. The pictured above record On Broadway was Reuben's debut for the label, and while not as good the records to come does feature one of his best tracks "Ronnie's Bonnie".

Later stuff gets more commercial

After the records Love Bug and Blue Mode, I think Reuben, or the record label anyway, was striving for sales over art. That doesn't mean all the records aren't worth getting, they are. 

A Groovy Situation and Set Us Free are equal parts grooving soul funk and pop, rock, and psychedelia. The latter being a very lush atmospheric record, I rather enjoy that one, but the groove burners are harder find on the Set Us Free. 

If you are into grooving straight up gut bucket organ jazz, I'd say Blue Mode is where you should start, and then test the waters with the last 2 records.  I included a link below to a great compilation of Wilson tracks that feature the hardest grooving of his works.

What are Vintage Booker Ervin Blue Note Records Selling For?

Very few Booker Ervin Blue Note records to choose from

As you may know, there aren't too many vintage Booker Ervin Blue Note records available at all. The fact is, only the session The In Between is available as a regular vintage issue.

In the Mid 70's Michael Cuscuna of Mosaic Records fame produced a nice compilation unreleased music.

That re-issue series release Back From the Gig, featured albums that eventually ended up on a Blue Note CD called TexBook Tenor.

You can now get The in Between and Back From the Gig for about 20 dollars.

Booker Ervin is one of my favorite saxophonists. He has what I can best say a southern friend tone, hard boiled and drenched in blues vibrato.

He was born in Denison Texas, and that makes sense to me, his ballsy tone was as big as the Lone Star State.

Very unique indeed that tone, it worked well on those classic Charles Mingus albums Mingus Ah Um and Blue & Roots. 

Do you ever see Booker mentioned on the best all-time lists? Pity when you think of all those Mingus albums as a side man, and all those great Prestige label albums like The Space Book and The Book Cooks.

Blue Note re-issue series double albums

It is worth mentioning, those mid-70's Blue Note vinyl re-issues can easily be found, even today January 3rd 2018 on eBay or in your local record shop reasonably priced. You can find them featuring artists like Ervin, Jackie McLean, Andrew Hill, The Jazz Crusaders, and many many more.

The secret of those re-issues, is the fact that most of that music ended up released in CD form, on the 90's or 2000's Blue Note Connoisseur Series CD re-issue program, or as bonus tracks tacked on to other original albums. Much of the music on those CD's have never been issued in any other vinyl form than those original 1970's gate-fold issues.

When I first started collecting, and learning about the the music, I was not too crazy about those gate-fold covers, I felt they were a little on the bland side and seemed too library old-school for me. I like the classic Blue Note Reid Miles covers, and these were pretty basic.

However: Over the years after collecting nearly all of them, they do look nice in their own little section on my shelf. Plus as stated before, you have that music on vinyl and not to mention the quality album notes and detailed session info.

I'm not kidding, I see these all the time for less than 10 bucks in my local shops. eBay is more about supply and demand. You'll find huge mark ups now and then, but once a listing or two pops up to compete with it, the price drops like a rock.

Except for an Andre Hill/Sam River issue, I don't think I ever paid more than 20 dollars for any of them, and most times it was less than 10. The Andrew Hill one was a nightmare for me, I paid $75. At least it was a sealed copy.

The Free Jazz Don Cherry Blue Note Albums

Free Jazz with lots of colors

Trumpeter Don Cherry is best known for his side man roll in the Ornette Coleman Quartet. Don contributed to some of the most groundbreaking and controversial albums in the history of recorded music, Free Jazz, The Shape of Jazz to Come, and Change of the Century to name a few.

Don also Produced a live album Called Eternal Rhythm that is highly sought after and extremely free and out there. Brown Rice from the mid 70's shows a calmer Don Cherry with an irresistible world music vibe.

The topic here is Blue Note Records, and the 3 albums Don put together for the label between 1965 and 1967. Complete Communion, Symphony for improvisers, and the underrated Where is Brooklyn are featured..

The music on Don's 3 Blue Note Albums is certainly challenging, and them some. This music, much like Ornette's music, has plenty of melody, and does not sound angry like Peter Brotzmann's Machine Gun for instance, an album from 1968.

Though Gato Barbieri, on Communion, and Pharoah Sanders on improvisers, and Brooklyn do remind you it's the 60's, and a lot of people were extremely angry at the world, and not afraid to express it for various reasons, this anger comes out in the volatile music, but Cherry's music also leaves room for hope for a better day.

Overall I feel the music does not have an ominous vibe like Coltrane's music always had in his later period, there is nothing wrong with that at all of course, but I do want to illustrate the difference I hear?

I think these Blue Note albums touched on below would be a good place to start with free jazz, If you don't acquire the taste, I don't think you will ever have hope for any thing like Coltrane's later period music.

Complete Communion:

Complete Communion was Don Cherry's first session for Blue Note, recorded in 1965, and features Tenor Saxophonist Gato Barbieri, who's tenor tone suits the music to a tee.

A pair of side long suites, Complete Communion / And Now / Golden Heart / Remembrance" - 20:38 and Elephantasy / Our Feelings / Bishmallah / Wind, Sand, and Stars" - 19:36- Both of these Compositions are wide open structures, with each suite divided into multi-sound collages.

Cherry's Trumpet work has always been underrated in my mind, he does have a unique sound, a light jovial style, that is the perfect foil for angry toned tenors, Like Barbieri or Sanders this time out, I think that cherry played the "pocket trumpet" hindered him being taken as seriously as other musicians of his time, a real pity.

Symphony For improvisers:

Symphony For improvisers Was Don Cherry's second for the Blue Note label, released in 1966. This time a septet, instead of the quartet of Complete Communion, Barbieri is back, and tenor man Pharoah Sanders comes into the fold, he adds colors with his piccolo, Karl Berger adds Vibraphone to the mix, it adds a nice contrast to the Sanders tenor growls.

There is more subtlety in the compositions, the extra instruments for me really add to the dramatic effect. This is quite simply one of the best "Composed" Free jazz albums I have heard. I have always felt the best free jazz is the variety that isn't totally free, the soloists are free in a sense, but structures are given, and musicians are at least pointed in a direction.

Where is Brooklyn:

Where is Brooklyn, The last album Don Cherry made for Blue Note was released in 1967, and does not fail to impress. "Brooklyn" doesn't seem to get the respect it deserves.

This time we go back to the quartet format, with Pharoah Sanders filling the Barbieri Role. 'Unite" is the lone long composition clocking in at over 17 minutes, the other tunes range from , just under 5 minutes, to just under 7 minutes.

An interesting track "The Thing" (included below)  I believe appeared as theme music for the cartoon/comic book hero from the Fantastic Four of the same name during an animated series that ran in the late 1960's.

For those of you who are vinyl collectors, you can still find decent prices on Don's Blue Note records. I picked up 3 mid 70's reissues for under 25 dollars a piece several years ago.

Original pressings will set you back a few hundred dollars each though, It seems that the sky may be the limit for the rising prices on mint Blue Note vinyl.

It probably won't be long before these later reissue will be priced beyond the common man's pocket-book.

*Photo is my own*

The First 5 Andrew Hill Blue Note Records to Get

One of the first jazz artists I became infatuated with outside the Miles Davis John Coltrane realm was Chicago native Andrew Hill.

A pianist whom to my ears was heavily influenced by Thelonius Monk, but with a modern bent toward Bud Powell. Hill was born in 1931, and passed away in 2007.

Like most of the jazz artists who made their bones in the avant-garde jazz world, Hill too has been grossly overlooked outside of the genre.

Every Blue Note record he ever recorded is worth owning, and honestly I think all of his albums are well worth hearing.

Below are the 5 records I think are the most indispensable in his Blue Note discography.

Passing Ships

Passing Ships from 1969 and not released until 2003 just might be the best album he ever did for Blue Note. The album features an octet that switches out Woody Shaw and Dizzy Reese on an equal number of the 6 tracks.

Howard Johnson plays bass clarinet or tuba throughout and adds quite a bit of depth to the sound. The real star here though is the underrated Joe Farrell. 

Farrell plays alto, tenor, and soprano sax, as well as bass clarinet, alto flute, and English horn. Hard to believe this music was not released when it was recorded. It's easily one of my top 20 CD's of any genre. This CD has great Michael Cusuna liner notes on how the session was unearthed and brought to release.

Lenny White also appears in the drum chair, and it was only the second recording he ever appeared on. 

Point of Departure

Point of Departure is more famous for multi instrumentalist Eric Dolphy than anything else. Though with Tony Williams on Drums, and Kenny Dorham on trumpet, you know it's going to be a wild ride. 

Dorham and Dolphy together seems like something that had the potential for disaster, yet the music while clearly free bop, works very well and remains one of the best of its kind ever recorded.

Joe Henderson on tenor sax, seems to be the glue that holds Dorham and Dolphy together. Henderson sounds great no matter the setting, whether freer styles or even funky commercial styles. Did Henderson ever mail in a performance?

When you listen to this music, keep in mind that drummer Williams was just 18 years old! For my money the late Williams was the best jazz drummer who ever lived in terms of breaking new ground, as he did here and with the Miles Davis mid-60's quintet.

Lift Every Voice

This 2001 CD release of Lift Every Voice adds 6 bonus tracks from 1970 to the the original 1969 recording of the Hill Quintet augmented with voices, that are conducted by Lawrence Marshall. 

This is an unusual recording, one I did not expect to like. However it has become a dark horse of my collection with many hours either on the turntable or the CD player.

The standout other than pianist Hill, and the in unison singing vocals of course, is the the vastly underrated Woody Shaw on trumpet, who might be the last truly great innovator of the instrument.

Dance With Death

Dance with Death features the track "Yellow Violet" that has become my favorite Hill composition. A haunting theme played by Joe Farrell and Charles Tolliver on trumpet, just spectacular. 

This is just one of those tunes that gets me, not unlike say Miles Davis' opening sounds on the Kind of Blue track "Blue in Green" . "Yellow Violet" is an upbeat tune, and not a down tempo tune, but somehow evokes a similar mood for me.

The rest of the album is nearly as good with Farrell and Tolliver matching each other throughout. Dance With Death is another one of those albums (1980) not released when it was recorded (1968).

The CD release is well worth having, with once again stellar liner notes.

Judgement

Judgement is a 1964 quartet album that features Bobby Hutcherson on Vibes, and boy does it work well to show off both Hill and Hitcherson's talents.

Of the 5 albums chosen here, Judgement is the one that took the most effort for me to appreciate. I do miss a horn when it's not present. This is one of those cases though where Hill's compositions shine brightly and Hutcherson's hauntingly good vibes fill the horn void. 

After Judgement I began to search out more quartet records like this that feature the vibes and piano as the focal point.

Are You Allowed to Like Soul Jazz and Be a Vintage Blue Note Record Collector?

You like what you like

I laugh at the Blue Note record collecting elitist out there: I don't laugh because they like 50's era classic jazz records like Art Blakey 4003. I love that stuff as much as they do.

One of my favorite jazz records is a 60's classic, Little Johnny C. from trumpeter Johnny Coles.

My issue is mainly the elitist babbling I read from certain collectors who wouldn't soil their turntable with organist Jimmy Smith, let alone down rite funk-jazz from Reuben Wilson or Brother Jack McDuff.

I don't know if they know it or not, but most people today like such a variety of music, that the neo conservative viewpoint is outdated, and quite frankly it's laughable at this point. You like what you like, no one, including those who are the genre gatekeepers can keep your iPod playlist focused on one rigid genre.

There are certain elitist sites out there within the record collecting community where you will be ostracized if you dare venture outside a certain narrow classic-jazz box.

Now don't get me wrong, one should know going in to it what type of styles are discussed at some websites... but if they brand their site as a generic all-encompassing jazz site, only to allow the rhyming sycophants to brow-beat a person with a minority view, to the point they leave your site, what good is that?

Using insulting words because of ones musical tastes, seems a bit heavy-handed to me?

You should let it be known, that discussion of organ-jazz and fusion jazz of any type are not welcome, then the masses will know that your site is not for them.

Unfortunately I learned the hard way, where large bank accounts meet to discuss their under-glass record collections.... and yes, their stock portfolios too; their elitist drivel is as nauseating as it gets.

Am I envious, perhaps? But one thing I have learned in this life of window shopping: It isn't that hard to be nice to people; never once have I seen a U-Haul behind a hearse, you can't take it with you....

The Outrageous Auction Prices of Vintage Blue Note Vinyl Records

I remember the first time I did a Blue Note LP search: I used the auctions only option, my eye nearly popped out of my head.

When I noticed the sickening prices some of the original first press Blue Note LP's were fetching on eBay, I became demoralized.

Many well over $500, and now some of those same records are bringing in well over $1000, and many up and beyond $3,000.

Keep in mind, records that are selling for such high prices are top copies, the record and covers will be in excellent to near mint condition.

They will be original first pressings and many times they will have been play tested as well. It was discouraging to say the least, a man such as myself with a modest income, could only dream of being able to afford records like these.

Because of my cheep-skate approach, I have been able to find many of these titles as second or third pressings. Prices keep rising Many of Lee Morgan's original pressings are now topping $3,000, many of the Blue Notes featuring cover art from the iconic pop culture artist Andy Warhol are also rising fast in price.

In fact, there has been a huge boost in the prices for all Warhol covers on any label. When you add his name to a sought after 50's jazz session, It's a perfect storm of desirability for record collectors, and now art collectors are in on it fun as well

But, nothing prepared me for an $11,000 Blue Note eBay auction. 

A Great Crate Digging Find: Original Blue Note 4003 LP, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

The most thrilling thing about being a collector, any collector really, is finding a very rare and valuable item for a fraction of its value. Here's one of those stories:

As I was browsing through the jazz section at my local record shop, I ran across this pictured copy of the self titled Blue Note LP Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, also known as Moanin'.

It's nicknamed this due to pianist Bobby Timmons, and his composition of the same name.

The price tag that was affixed to the plastic cover sleeve was $29.99. I thought, probably a Liberty Records pressing? So I took the vinyl out from the sleeve to inspect, I glanced at the label, it read 47 west 63rd NYC.

 I can see the deep groove in the labels, it's a mono copy. I inspect the Blue Note logo, no trademark R under the E in Blue Note, and the RVG and the Plastylite cursive P are in the dead wax run off area.

Blue Note 4003 Available Now.


Did I re-sell it? 


The vinyl condition is stupendous, not mint, but a strong VG+ with light marks and scuffs. The vinyl still has quite a bit of luster and the labels have very light spindle marks, This copy probably would easily bring $300-$500, maybe more.

The cover is not bad either, no splits, strong intact spine, but certainly no better than the very good (VG) grade, but over all a nice playable copy.

Update:

I eventually sold this to an overseas buyer for $400.00. In hindsight, I probably let it go a little too cheaply, as he nabbed it up within a few days of the listing being posted. Considering how well it played, I am sure he was more than happy with it.

Even with it being a mid level condition record, I bet the one who bought it from me will turn it around and make a nice little profit, if they haven't already.

So it goes...

Finding a $500 record for $30 is what it's all about

To find this record in this type of playing shape for 30 dollars is just incredible to me, every Blue Note collector strives to find an original first press copy of classics like this.

Trying to get the best possible sound, and as close to the original source as possible is the key.

 Hearing a record like this for a true Jazz nut, can be almost a religious experience, it was for me.

 It's not really the sound quality so much, but rather the feel of the vinyl and jacket card board, you just don't get that from a CD or download.

The music quality of original vinyl might be tad oversold, especially when I have a new 45 rpm double LP that to my ear sound just as good. But If I had the cash, I would very much dig deep into the original vinyl.

I couldn't help but wonder why this usually high priced shop would have $30 on this record?

My only guess is, they tend to specialize in rock music and new independent vinyl issues, and it just slipped through the cracks. Maybe next time I will run into an original Hank Mobley Soul Station LP. You never know what might be in those crates?
What are Blue Note 4003 and others selling for at the moment?

A copy of Moanin' back in November 2012 sold for $1,125 on eBay reportedly in Mint Minus condition, the cover was much cleaner too than my pictured find. My find is definitely not a top copy, but still a solid play copy.

My copy was not close to mint, but it was VG+ and played with very light surface noise and sounded so present and full of life.

 I have a collection of well over 300 Blue Notes, but only 30 are original first pressings, and this was by far the best condition vinyl of those.

Most are in the VG- to VG condition. You must remember you are dealing with prices that most can barely dream of, with originals fetching between $2,000 and $5,000 all the time on eBay. I've been fortunate to find an original first press of Horace Silver's Horace-Scope in VG condition, played very well, I paid a lousy dollar for that at a thrift store.

I also found a Freddie Redd Connection with Jackie McLean first press for 2 dollars at a yard sale, that record had a few deep marks and heavy scuffs, but also played surprisingly well. The point is, you can get lucky if you dig.

Benny Golson: The Star of 4003

"Along Came Betty", "Are You Real", & "Blues March" were tenor saxophonist Benny Golson's compositions, and he is the real star on this Jazz Messengers classic.

Golson was responsible for 4 of the 6 compositions, with "Are You Real" "Along Came Betty", and "Blues March", all becoming standards.

Benny also provides an extremely tasty tenor sax solo on the Bobby Timmons track Moanin'. Golson is one of the unsung heroes of jazz, even with his recent notoriety.

His body of work speaks for its self, the number of standards and his arranging skills have influenced countless jazz musicians.

Benny has composed televisions scores for shows like M*A*S*H and Mission Impossible, he also lead the Jazztet from 1959 to 1962, and then again in the 80's.

It would be hard to argue that Moanin' isn't the greatest Jazz Messengers album, perhaps A Night in Tunisia or Free For All come close? When you run down the list, there are a lot of great albums to choose from.

*Golson PHOTO CREDIT: By Brianmcmillen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons* 

Do Original Blue Notes Really Sound Better than Reissues?

Quality Mid 90's Connoisseur Series reissue: 

Honestly I am becoming more and more skeptical about the prices and the quality of some of the so-called original first press Blue Notes.

How many times do I have to hear a Japanese reissue from the past 10 years that has better sound than a VG+ or better copy of a Lexington label original?

As a collector for nearly 10 years now, it has taken me a while to get to the point of having a real reference point for my own personal sound likes and dislikes.

David Hanum said there was a sucker born every minute when speaking of the customers of P.T. Barnum.

 I am beginning to think the high end Blue Note collector was in Hanum's mind when he said that. I realize there is more than sound to consider, it's the rareness of the record,  the cover,  and the closeness to the original session.

Are DMM Blue Note LP's Really so Bad?

When I started collecting vinyl again, it was logical for me to start collecting the music I had been stockpiling on CD on vinyl.

 I had noticed several different sources saying the DMM or (Direct Metal Mastering) LP's put out in the 84-85 time period by Manhatten Records were to be avoided at all costs.

Adjectives like "tinny" or "cold" come to mind,  unfortunately I took this as gospel, until I ran into Sonny Rollins' Volume 2 on Blue Note in the DMM form, I put it on and was amazed how the record sounded.

No tinny thin sound stage at all, plenty of warmth, and a nice clarity of instruments, it's hard to complain about it. So from there I thought: "OK if I see a DMM at a great price, I will not be so shy about the purchase".

I then Went on to nab Dexter Gordon's GO, and Eric Dolphy's Out To Lunch, and guess what? Yeah they have a nice sound. Certainly not horrific as I was lead to believe.

If you can't afford earlier pressings, and believe me you will pay through the nose for an original first press, the mid 70's Liberty's and these mid 80's DMM's are well worth the price, you can still get these and the Liberty's at reasonable prices.

Right now I have around 300 Blue Notes,  with 10 DMM in my collection, including A few Hank Mobley's and a Freddie Hubbard Hub-Tones, these sound just fine to myears.

Sure they won't have the depth of sound as a first-press copy I suppose, but darn it, try as I might to acquire this elusive "audiophile"ear for original Blue Notes, yet even while I am former musician and long time music listener I can't.

The sound has to be pretty bad for me to get bent out of shape. In the end it is "personal preference" and the wallet that matters. It's OK not to take the so-called experts at their word regarding the DMM vinyl.

Don't you also fee like it's splitting hairs trying to discern a difference in pressing sound quality?

Here is a list of cheap DMM Blue Notes on eBay

There's No Shame in Collecting Liberty and United Artists Addressed Blue Note Records

1970 Liberty U.S. Label

I wish I had money to burn, I would love to be able to afford the mega expensive original Blue Note LP's.

Since I am a man of modest means, I have to accept the fact that those incredible finds are few and far between, but oh so rewarding when they happen.

One way you can collect Blue Note is by collecting Liberty second and third pressings, and in some cases 4th pressings.

 Any record after 1966 that has the Liberty Address on the label will be quite affordable and as you get into the 70's United Artists issues they can be very reasonable in price.

Most of the records I have found were in the $5 to $50 range, obviously if you are buying on eBay you will pay probably in the $15 on the low end for a Liberty pressing.

You can find these Post 1966 Blue Note's in the record stores at even better prices, sometimes though, a record shop will not know the difference between the pressings and still have a crazy price on a 20 dollar record. You can learn much more about collecting the cheaper, but still great sounding liberty Blue Note issues here.

A Quartet of Jimmy Smith Blue Note Thrift Store Finds

Very unusual to find a Blue Note LP period in a thrift store bin, but to find 4 of the same artist.

 With all being New York USA or earlier pressings, all a strong VG vinyl wise, with the House Party being Near Mint, it's simply astounding for .99 cents a piece.

This type of find is rare to say the least, I began to think maybe this was the mother load I have been dreaming of for the better part of 10 years.

 Unfortunately the Smith's were it, I even asked 2 different people if more records were waiting in the back to be put out, one of these days I will strike the vinyl record lottery. 

What is Dead Wax to Blue Note Record Collectors, and What's Etched in It That Matters?

What is Dead Wax, and What's in the Dead Wax?

• Dead Wax simply refers to the run off area between the grooves and the label. This area will have various marks and or numbers that you can look for to find what pressing it is.

• RVG in the Dead Wax: Rudy Van Gelder was the engineer on most of the Blue Note sessions of the 50's and 60's, his sessions are desirable. He also did hundreds of other records for the Impulse and Prestige label.  RVG in the dead wax, hand etched or stamped, means it was mastered by Van Gelder, his sessions on vinyl are considered by many to be high quality. SEE PHOTOS.

• VANGELDER stamped in the dead wax is a later pressing. Sometimes, after 1960 STEREO is seen after the VANGELDER or RVG. 

• The Ear in the dead wax, "or cursive P" refers to the hand etched ear shaped cursive P in the dead wax. Plastylite was the pressing company Blue Note used up to the Liberty buy out of 1966/1967. No liberty issues will have this Ear. Typically, records with the P mean a higher quality "heavier" pressing.

Here is a photo of the EAR/Plastylite P as it rests in the dead wax run of area.

This Ear/Plastylite P is what collectors look for on a New York USA  label, to guarantee it is not a Liberty label masquerading as a New York USA. With excess NY USA labels being used AFTER the Liberty buyout of Blue Note, the EAR is your own assurance it's a heavier vinyl New York USA Plastylite pressing.

Note: linked Photos on this post are courtesy of LondonJazzCollector.com. The absolute best site anywhere in my opinion for a jazz vinyl aficionado. I highly suggest you check that site out if you're serious about vintage vinyl jazz, almost every label of note is discussed.

Vintage Blue Note Record Label Identification

Are you struggling to pick up on all of this Blue Note record label minutia?

Believe me, I know how tough it is at the start of your journey trying to track this record label stuff down.

Understanding what original and reissue really means was a daunting task.

I have been a Blue Note jazz aficionado for nearly 20 years, I didn't catch the Blue Note vinyl collecting bug for better than 10 years into that journey.

With auction prices reaching lofty heights, you better know what you're doing, both buying and selling, or you could lose your shirt.

Below I will show you photos of labels from my collection, these will highlight the labels that serve as a guide for pressing identification. I had to learn this stuff or else risk getting burned buying and selling on eBay.

I will also go over what terms like RVG in the dead wax mean, what the trademark R's importance is; also what the abbreviation (DG) means, and why it so overused on eBay listings. We can't forget that all important EAR in the dead wax either.

You can use the table of contents in the side bar to jump to things quickly you might be looking for

Notice below labels had subtle changes throughout the early years, then drastic changes after Blue Note was Sold to Liberty. Pay attention to the addresses for the pre 1967 records, then it's more fuzzy as you go forward through the 1970's where the non traditional colors become the identifying feature.

767 Lexington Ave NYC (1951-1957)

This is where it all starts, at least 12 inch LP Blue Note collecting anyway. Every single record released with the Lexington address is a mono copy, Blue Note did not release a stereo issue until 1959. Horace Silver's "Stylings of Silver" has the honor of being the first. These are generally all deep groove.

Also I would like to make the point that these original Lexington Blue Notes in VG+ to Near Mint Condition are commanding insanely high $1,000 plus prices.

Jutta Hipp, Hank Mobley, and Lee Morgan vinyl are fetching well over $3,000. Don't be discouraged, I find lesser condition copies of these at thrift stores and record shops all the time, with multiple marks per side some times.

The record is VG minus at best, but people will still pay 10% of Mint value if the cover is VG. Surface noise, ticks and pops can be lived with, but skips can not, a skipper might bring you 5% of Near Mint.

You can't forget though, that it's all about supply and demand, and both of those factors fluctuate so much, you can see some wild price fluctuations. Sometimes when selling a lesser grade copy, it's just happenstance, someone stumbles by and sees a record that sells for $3,000 Near Mint, but can't resist the idea of having a Good to VG minus condition copy for $150.

I sold this pictured copy for that much, I bet the buyer was thrilled. I didn't hear anything negative, they were probably so happy that they received a record that played better than the visual grade.

That's the thing about the Lexington's, they hold up well to moderate marks and scuffs. I distinctly remember that deep bass sound, or at least the bottom end on these being very impressive.

Surprisingly, these hold up well to moderate marks and scuffs. in fact, the photo of the Johnny Griffin label above is one such record I found that plays very well.

I paid 5 dollars for it. All of the Lexington addressed Blue Notes are mono, and they do sound good, this particular label usually boasts very robust and detailed sound. With these thick Lexington LP's, they always seem to have a deep, well recorded bass, and everything seems closer to the microphone.

Sometimes though, you run into a hiss sound, not the normal surface noise, a moderate distortion? I'm thinking this is groove wear. After so many spins the vinyl will degrade, I am sure that 50's era equipment was not as delicate as it became... So I can see why mint copies bring such extravagant prices.

Note: Thanks to a kind gentleman for straightening me out about the"767" and not "161" on the Lexington Label. 

47 West 63rd New York 23 (1957-1958)

This particular Label has stereo and mono "microgroove" recordings, sometimes you will find these with the "Inc." after Blue Note Records up near the address.

later on, the New York 23 was dropped and only the 47 West 63rd is left. The pictured record is a perfect example of the type of original Blue Note that won't destroy your budget.

I picked this Jimmy Smith record up for 5 bucks at a local record shop, the vinyl playing surface was graded liberally at VG, a few marks that I could feel. The record still sounds way above average, I am truly amazed at quality of these, even in less than average condition.

They are always worth a gamble, even if typically the condition makes you cringe a bit. Some staunch collectors are not huge fans of organ jazz, but I like it, and will not apologize for it. Here's another Jimmy Smith find, a trio of Blue Note's found at the local Goodwill thrift store.

47 West 63rd NYC (1958-1962)

This particular label used from 1958 to 1962 also began the stereo era at Blue Note. This was the label where the trademark circled "R" started being used under the E in NOTE, any records that saw their original issue prior to 4018 with the R are not original.

This Blakey LP pictured does not have the "R", therefore it is an original first press Blue Note. If one has the trade mark R before 4018, then it is not an original.

The address reads Blue Note Records, if it reads Blue Note Records Inc. It would not be an original unless that record's first issue had the Inc.

 NY USA (1962-1966)

The New York USA label is the end of an era really, the end of this address marked the end of Plastylite pressed records. Alfred Lion's association with the label ended, and unfortunately after the 1966 Liberty buyout, the quality of the record cover art suffered as well.

I have several 2nd press New York USA label Stereo's that match or surpass the original 47 West mono copies for what it's worth. The Jackie McLean Bluesnik, and even the Blakey Moanin' LP, I don't know what to make of this really?

These will not have the Ear/P in the dead wax, so ask questions if you need a true NY USA copy, that Ear must be in the dead wax.

Division of Liberty Inc. (1966-1970)

This is where things get confused and really tricky, 1966 is where Alfred Lyon sold Blue Note to Liberty Records. This is also where Plastylite was dumped as the pressing company, and soon Reid Miles was no longer designing covers anymore.

One of the confusing things, and I learned the hard way: Liberty at this point was still using NY USA Labels on their records which were not stamped by Plastylite, and the vinyl quality seems inferior to me as well on those if you compare.

But please understand this quality I speak of, can be splitting hairs. I have learned during my 4o plus years, one mans trash is another man's treasure, so check for yourself.

The quality difference is not nearly enough in my opinion to keep you from saving massive cash on Liberty issues.

I ran across a few of The 3 Sounds LP's several years ago, they were NY USA Labels, but there was no Plastylite P/Ear in the dead wax.

I had no idea about this Liberty using old NY USA labels stuff. Months later, after more research and comparisons, it was obvious the quality was inferior.

In essence these were just Liberty Pressings Masquerading as NY USA copies. Now please understand that the sound difference wasn't so wide that I wanted to throw the record away, but the point is, I paid a premium for that record and it was not a real NY USA. The seller perhaps didn't know that the EAR's meaning meant such a difference.

I would highly suggest if you're eBay shopping, and someone says "NY USA", ask about the Plastylight P, and make sure that RVG or VAN GELDER is somewhere in the dead wax. Then you know it's a real NY USA.

Remember if they say its original, or say there's an EAR, and there isn't one, that's out right fraud. Unknowingly or knowingly, who knows? If they don't mention the details that make it what you want, don't assume, in the end you have to be the one to find out.

Liberty U.A. Black Label (1970-1971)

This black label Liberty U.A. pressing might be the rarest of all Blue Note Labels, only used briefly after the year 1970, these usually sound pretty good too.

I like these sound wise over the blue and white Liberty pressings, usually these will have the VAN GELDER stamp in the dead wax. At least two first pressings I know of with this label, McCoy Tyner's Expansions and Ornette Coleman's Love Call.

I did do a cross comparison on Brother Jack McDuff's Moon Rappin', Tyrone Washington's Natural Essence, and Lee Morgan's Live at the Lighthouse: I could not tell any discernible difference in the sound between the Blue and White label pressing and this black label press.

I recently tested a Lee Morgan Candy, and a John Coltrane Blue Train, I though the records sounded fantastic, with a crisp clarity. I didn't weigh these, but it seems these are heavier than some of the blue and while label Division of Liberty, perhaps they are?

Division of United Artists Label (1971-1973)

These United Artist's pressings seem to be much lesser quality material wise, the vinyl is thinner and they don't hold up well to surface marks.

 There are other variations of these Blue and White label ones too: Sometimes 1972 will be under the the Produced by note: Also, blue track and production notes instead of the black ink pictured above. Just know that this United Artist blue and white label is dated 1971-1975.

The one perceivable thing that does stick out when testing the 70's as opposed to the 50's and early 60's presses is the depth of sound.

I mentioned before, the full sound, the ability of the early labels to sound good even in VG or less condition. It's absolutely there, the oomph is missing in the overall clarity. Sometimes new "2000's" reissues sound better to me than these 70's issues.

The black b pressings though sound better, and the vinyl thickness seems better, but it is common knowledge now that the weight of the vinyl doesn't necessarily equal great sound. The composition of the vinyl, its purity is what counts.

Division of United Artists Black b Label (1973-1978)

The "black b" Blue Note pressing is known as the poor man's deep groove Blue Note. It is a decent sounding record, PLUS the 70's era covers are still thick and have that vintage look and feel. This seems to be mainly a re-issue label, with the white b being new titles.

These are rising fast in price now that the other pressings have shot beyond expensive prices. Most U.A. black b's can be had from $10-40 dollars, some titles though like Sam Rivers, Grachan Moncur III, and Jackie McLean can approach $100. Generally all releases are stereo, and VAN GELDER is stamped in the dead wax, these do offer underrated quality sound in my opinion.

Many times I have compared these Mid 70's pressings to earlier pressings, while nothing beats the early 1951-1957 pressings for sound, these black b pressings are very good, and very reasonably priced. Perhaps the sound gap isn't as wide as many audiophiles say?

United Artists Blue Note Reissue Series (1975-ish)

This label was primarily used for the mid 70's 2-fer LP's, that featured many of the significant Blue Note artists and many unreleased sessions, out of print, or newly discovered sessions.

These particular sets can be found at bargain prices, and quite honestly are a hell of steel, I don't think they sound terrible, though many aren't thrilled with them, I guess the best way to state it, they are a bit of a mixed bag.

Producer Michael Cuscuna of Mosaic Records fame, compiled many of these double albums for release. Artists like Cecil Taylor, Booker Ervin, Jackie McLean, and Freddie Hubbard are featured prominently.

Much of the music on these re-issues have also been remastered for a CD release, most times complete with brand new art work. Since a CD's running time 80 Minutes, many time most of the music can fit on one disc.

I do believe in the case of the Andrew Hill 2 fer One For One, they squeezed out a CD re-issues Pax. and 6 track appear on The Mosaic Box #16. Hill's Change, came from the Sam Rivers Re-issue series release Involution as well.

Division of United Artists White b Label (1975-1979)

This label was used as new titles label for blue note from 75' to 79'. I also believe those 79-80 vault releases have this same white b, "you know the ones with the redesigned and ugly covers", that look nothing like the classic Reid Miles style covers?

The original vinyl was housed in generic uniform design with an even more generic, often times completely unrelated photo on the cover. Who ever came up with the idea to jettison the original classic Blue Note style cover art should have been slapped silly.

Some of the best of this reissue series were: Larry Young's Mother Ship, Andrew Hill's Dance With Death, and Bobby Hutcherson's Medina.

 These are also very reasonably priced, except the Andrew Hill Dance With Death, which can be a bit pricey due to Andrew Hill's popularity, and it being one of his best records period.

DMM Direct Metal Mastering Label (Mid-80's)

These DMM or Direct Metal Mastering LP's from the mid 80's are widely considered to be the worst sounding Blue Note vinyl pressings. I don't think they are all that bad, but some I have, do seem to have a thinner sound than I like. This Dexter Gordon Go LP wasn't bad at all, better than the CD at least.

Some, like the record pictured, sound pretty good. Usually you can find these dirt cheap, if your patient, these 80's pressing can be had for less than 10 bucks many times.

If I see a DMM in a bargain bin under 10 dollars, I will always grab it up, these will probably be rising in price as well as the Lexington's thru NY USA are year by year becoming luxury items.

The mere mortal collector like me has to settle for these lesser priced bargains, and if you don't have a completely ridiculous audiophile ear you can still enjoy records like these. You can find this same label without the DMM though, and I have heard that many people like these, I don't think I have heard any of the non DMM of this label type.

Scorpio Label- 304 Park Ave. S. NYC (Mid 90's-2000's)

The Scorpio label is a current reissue label that I can not find much info about, the weight of the vinyl is decent but I think under 180 gram. I have a few dozen of these, I picked up a bunch when an online store was going out of business, 5 bucks a piece was hard to pass up.

The mastering quality is average at best, I had a copy of Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil that sounded very good and seemed to have a little more punch on the bottom end. I now have a Liberty issue that does not sound better.

These were pressed at a plant called Scorpio, but reading further, knowing the plant name, I was able to find that there have been complaints from audiophiles about the sound quality. Apparently these are nothing more than digital copies pressed to vinyl, like listening to a CD for the most part.

As I mentioned above, for the price, as a filler copy, I wouldn't have a problem with it... but if you are a real sticker, I would pass on these.

It would be a wiser decision to pay twice as much for a better quality reissue. King Japanese reissues. The 45 RPM Music Matters double vinyl I hear great reviews about, and I know the mid-90's Capitol EMI Connoisseur's series sound good to my ears. I do think these are pricey, but they will be in mint condition and should be free of surface noise.

*All photos are my own: Vintage Blue Note LP labels.*

*Affiliate Disclosure: Any link or photo you click could take you to another site, if you buy a product on that site, I could earn a commission. I also may place links direct to my own eBay store.