THE JAZZ SCENE - NORMAN GRANZ SIGNED, NUMBERED SET

$

432

 Thanks for looking at this item.  You are bidding on copy number 2323 of 5000 issued sets of THE JAZZ SCENE, produced by Norman Granz in 1949.  Granz played no instrument, but he was a great lover of modern jazz and produced many great live and studio recordings by the greatest musicians of the postwar era.  The whole Jazz At The Philharmonic series was his work.  This is his absolute best:  an album set of six 12" records - 78rpm of course - manufactured and pressed by Mercury Records.  Only 5000 of these sets were made.  Each one is signed by Norman Granz and numbered on the title page.  This is set #2323.  Also visible on the title page are a small handstamp of the original owner's name and town (H. Turney Fletcher, Jr., of Marfa, Texas - if you're interested), and a small card paperclipped to the top right.  The card asks the new owner for feedback and describes the intention to issue similar sets in the future.  Don't think that ever happened.  The address given is Jazz At The Philharmonic in New York, and Norman Granz thanks you.  I have not seen another of these sets with this card still attached.

Following an introductory essay by Granz, the balance of the set is organized around the six discs with a descritive paragraph and full page photographs of Jazz Stars featured on the record.  I have included a photo of the first, which shows the Duke.  Also pictured are Harry Carney and Billy Strayhorn, then the Ellington record.

Record 2 is Neal Hefti, who arranged for Stan Kenton.  Hefti is pictured, and Charlie Parker is featured on the record.

Record 3 is Lester Young on one side and Coleman Hawkins on the other. Both are pictured, along with Buddy Rich, who accompanies Pres. Tenor no end.

Record 4 is Ralph Burns on one side and George Handy on the other.  Both are pictured.  Burns conducts a 15 piece band.  Handy has a BIG outfit.  The sidemen read like Who's Who of jazz.

Record 5 is Charlie Parker on one side and Willie Smith on the other.  Both are pictured.  Alto no end.

Record 6 is Machito on one side and Bud Powell on the other.  Machito side also features Flip Phillips.

The set concludes with a final barrage of full page photos of 21(!) more jazz immortals from Satch to Sweets to Billie to Ella to the Count, and more.  5 pages show 2 musicians - the rest are single portraits.

Let's talk condition.  The outer black cloth cover is a bit faded, but there is no fraying or loose threads.  Inside, all is as-new.  No stains, no creases, no dogears.  Paper shows some age discoloration.  The six records are in excellent shape, which is important as these were pressed on vinyl instead of shellac.  A few plays with a bad needle would have wrecked them, but that never happened.  I'm diggin' Bird as I type, and the sound is crisp and clear.  Not even the usual 78 needle swish - just a few minor ticks here and there and lots of music.

This is an exceptional set of records and photographs.  Only 5000 were made - who knows how many exist today.  Here is yours.

Shipping:  I will ship via Media Mail to any US address for $4.  That's under cost, but EBAY won't let me say $6.  Properly packed for shipping, this set weighs 8 1/4 pounds.  International customers are advised to plan accordingly.

I will gladly respond to any comments or questions.