I have delved into my vinyl records collection of late. The records in the collection are ones I've not replaced with digital versions for various reason, though a big one is there has not been a digital copy made.
Most of my jazz albums in this collection were purchased in the 1970's, when I had discovered jazz and when jazz records were very inexpensive to purchase. I started thinking of bands I'd listened to in college, but did not have a recording of them, that's when I recalled the Toshiko Akiyoshi – Lew Tabackin Big Band. This was a Grammy winning, contemporary jazz band very popular with college jazz programs. Many of my Acacia Fraternity brothers who were into jazz music played these records. I attempted to find copies to purchase, whether digital or CD, and was surprised how little there is to be found.
From what I read, most of the band's records were released in Japan, where Ms. Akiyoshi is from. The distribution in the U.S. was a hodgepodge of labels.
I decided to check a local used record store, Reverberation Vinyl. The store has a large collection of records, and they are alphabetized, but where would the put a band with this name? Under "T?" Under "L?" I asked the proprietor. Helpful guy, but he could not recall every receiving an album from that band. So, not being surprised, I dug through his collection and found a few other artists to purchase.
Last Saturday, the 2nd of April, I went back to Reverberation Vinyl to peruse all the goodies they have, plus I wanted to get rid of a few albums I will never listen to - I believe all of them were NOT purchase by me - Three Dog Night? Oh, the HORROR!
I entered the store, and the proprietor recognized me. He asked, "Weren't you the guy looking for that jazz big band?"
Someone had sold their jazz album collection to him, and he recalled somebody was looking for the "Toshiko Akiyoshi – Lew Tabackin Big Band."
He had 4 pristine copies for me. The albums did not need cleaning at all. No dust, no fingerprints, no scratches..... SCORE!
This is what I got:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kogun
Insights (1976)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insights_(album)
Salted Gingko Nuts (1978) – also known as SHIO GIN NAN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salted_Gingko_Nuts
From Toshiko with Love (1981) – also released as Tanuki's Night Out
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/From_Toshiko_with_Love
