by Chris Skebo
I was never much for Black Friday shopping, but with the advent of a second Record Store Day on the day after Thanksgiving, I now consider it a splendid holiday. Re-pressings of out-of-print material, early releases, found archival material, outtakes, alternative looks at popular albums – these are the things that make RSD so special, and this year was no exception.
I was up at 0500, heading to my favorite record store – Street Corner Music in Oak Park. Winter arrived in Michigan, but despite the ice and 27° chill, me and my Stanley thermos of blonde roast were the first in line (and the second wasn’t even close). A crowd had gathered by opening time, and the madness began.
I headed straight for the bins, flipping frantically through rows of vinyl. Eager conversations with great friends justified my “need” to buy this Big John Patton record, and lots of other great stuff. I always enjoy catching up with old friends and feasting on must-have RSD treasure.
Here’s what I scored:
Live in Los Angeles – Julian Lage
Mack Avenue Records
edition of 1500
The always exciting Julian Lage recorded this live EP at the Blue Whale back in 2016,
and this was the first vinyl release of this awesome set. In comparison to the studio
album that contains this material, the band plays far looser and takes amazing twists
and turns. For those familiar with Lage’s 2016 release Arclight this is a must-have companion.
Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank 1978 – Sun Ra
Resonance Records
edition of 1500
It would not be a Record Store Day without a Sun Ra release. He is one of a handful of
artists that enjoy often multiple releases on both yearly RSDs. This is part of a series of albums that producer and “jazz detective” Zev Feldman has been associated with that are culled from the archive of concerts recorded at the Famous Ballroom in Baltimore by the Left Bank Jazz Society. Really clean and very inspired playing by the band and Ra seemed to be in excellent form that night.
Black One (Deluxe Edition) – Sunn O)))
Southern Lord
edition of 1700
I am a completist when it comes to the band Sunn O))). A left turn from the previous two
albums I picked up, this record is black metal and I would not be doing it justice by calling it dark. Electronics, horns, guitars, and voices create a cacophony of beauty. Exquisite artwork on very heavy cardboard for the jacket, as well as an elegant obi strip. This record is probably my favorite of the albums that I bought.
Live At The Cafe Montmartre – Cecil Taylor
ORG Music
edition of 1500
Recorded live in Copenhagen on November 23, 1962, this album features pianist Cecil Taylor with his trio featuring Sunny Murray on drums and Jimmy Lyons on alto sax, playing what many have called possibly the greatest live jazz record of all time. This was originally issued in two volumes, so it’s nice that this special edition is a complete set. The level of ESP between the trio is completely off the chain and you can feel the energy jump out of the speakers. Essential!
Live at the Captain’s Cabin – Charles Tolliver/Music Inc.
Reel to Reel Recordings
edition of 1500
There was a lot of excitement among the jazz-heads about this release. A previously-unissued live set recorded in Edmonton in 1973, Tolliver and his band are captured playing with unparalleled joy. The music jumps out of the grooves and showcases a band in top form, playing material with which they all seemed comfortable to stretch out.
Deluxe – Better Than Ezra
Real Gone Music
edition of 1500
Another departure from the jazz music that I gravitate towards on RSD, this record was my jam in junior high. I learned to play guitar to it, and holds a special place in my heart. It’s great to finally have a vinyl release that’s sanctioned by the band! I’d never heard this album on vinyl, and the mastering for this edition makes it sound fresh again to my ears. It was just a delight when I dropped the needle.
Many retailers may still have copies of these releases available, so if you are interested,
I urge you to contact (or even better – visit) your local independent record store to try
and score one of these or any of the other outstanding releases.
Think globally. Shop locally.
