Johnny Griffin's The Congregation Blue Note 1580 All-Original Mono VG++

$

598

Hello,

Here’s another in-demand LP from my early Blue Note library: Johnny Griffin’s The Congregation, recorded by Rudy Van Gelder on Oct. 23, 1957. This is a record for lovers of the rich-toned tenor sound of Griff, which is displayed so remarkably by Van Gelder’s engineering skills and ability to catch the live feel of a jazz performance for posterity. And the rest of the band sounds just as fabulous. A really outstanding session sonically. Of course, great musicians all: Griffin plus Sonny Clark (p), Paul Chambers (d), and Kenny Dennis (d). The renditions include the gospel-ish title track, the perky Latin Quarter, and the dynamic swing of I’m Glad There Is You.

 This is a can’t-miss/doesn’t-miss session that fully captures the warmth and swagger of mid-to-late swinging, modern jazz.

 The record has been cleaned on a VPI Record cleaner and is graded after being played and visually inspected as follows:

 Vinyl:

VG ++: There is light crackling in some places, a few pops, but mostly plays close to M-. There is some extended popping during Sonny Clark’s solo on the title track, but as is the case with Blue Notes, Rudy Van Gelder’s sonics are so superb, the vitality and in-room feel of the sound all but obliterates this momentary incursion. Not a perfect record, but a very good one that can be enjoyed by most listeners.

Jacket:

VG++: Front has a bit of ring and shelf wear, but Andy Warhol’s renowned front art work is excellently preserved. Top has a couple of scuffs, the bottom has a maybe 3/4” tear at the opening, and the back has some ring and shelf wear as well. I think most collectors would enjoy having this album ready to be played.

 Labels: Both sides have a deep groove with labels that are bright and clean without marks. The printed address is the West 63rd, NYC with Inc. in Blue Note name. There is a Plastylite ‘p’ or ‘ear’ in dead wax, along with Rudy Van Gelder’s stamped intitals. The rear label address is West 43rd, New York 10023.

 (All aspects of cover notation and LP markings are stated as being original by Fred Cohen, in his landmark book on Blue Note original pressings, “Blue Note Records: A Guide to Identifying Original Pressings –Jazz Record Center Books.)

 The album is guaranteed to be as depicted above. Return within seven days of arrival for refund less shipping, but if you feel you might not want a copy as depicted, perhaps better not to bid. Thanks.

Payment accepted through Pay Pal, and with personal check, which must clear the bank before LP can be shipped. Please do not send cash.

Shipping is via USPS Priority mail with insurance and delivery confirmation, approximately $12 US.. International shipping price on request, approx. $50 US.

Thanks for bidding, good luck, and best wishes for good days.