LOU DONALDSON - BLUES WALK

An extremely rare and sought after original (1958, I believe) US Blue Note pressing of this superb blues classic on US Blue Note, MONO BLP 1593

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1  BN-LP-1593 - A 1 with stamped "RVG" , hand etched "9 M" and "dog ear" p

Side 2  BN-LP-1593 - B with stamped "RVG" and hand etched "dog ear" p

The dog ear "p", "9 M", and "RVG" are each chracteristics unique to very early US Blue Note pressings. 

The appearance of the heavy duty vinyl is excellent+. Completely flat and exuding a lovely jet black lacquered sheen. There are no scratches and even when viewed under a bright light there are barely any markings at all - just a couple of very small paper scuffs. This record has obviously been played just a few times. Truly excellent+ condition vinyl.

The labels are excellent. Actually, the side 1 label is pristine - unmarked except for a couple of small and very faint spindle trails which are only detectable under a bright light; the side 2 label is very good+...there is just a little ink smudging on the label - this is very mild but is noticeable and if you tilt the label in a bright light it looks as though there has been a little rubbing to the label. Not particularly intrusive but it means that the condition of this label is very good rather than excellent. Note the "47 West 63rd, NYC" text around the periphery of each label along with the sought after "deep groove" on each label - these are characteristics unique to only the earliest US Blue Note pressings.

The front side laminated outer sleeve is very good+.  All edges remain firm and uncreased with barely any scuffing at all, apart from in the corners which although remaining well defined right angles are accompanied by some storage scuffing : 2cm in each corner on the bottom edge, and 1cm at each corner on the top edge. A previous owner has neatly coloured in the scuffing to match the hue of the front sided photo. The spine is excellent : rigid and with all writing perfectly legible. The photo and colouring on the front side remains rich and vibrant, and still iconic. There is a light 7cm diagonal crease towards the top right corner...this is minor and not immediately obvious. The condition of the reverse side is excellent apart from some mild age discolouration towards the opening edge and a horizontal strip of light brown tape towards the top edge. This could probably be removed but may leave residue. Note the text at the bottom of the reverse side "BLUE NOT RECORDS INC., 43 West 61st St., New York 23" - again, indicative of a very early pressing.

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent+. There is wonderful tone and clarity throughout and with no distortion, even on the higher frequencies and at higher volume. Great clarity with real depth and certainly no clicks or background interference - a terrific listen throughout. Sit back and be taken away by some great blues/jazz musicians at the top of their game : Lou Donaldson, alto sax; Herman Foster, piano; "Peck" Morrison, bass; Dave Bailey, drums; Ray Barretto, conga.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. BLUES WALK

2. MOVE

3. THE MASQUERADE IS OVER

Side 2 :

1. PLAY RAY

2. AUTUMN NOCTURNE

3. CALLIN' ALL CATS

Comes with original BLUE NOTE inner sleeve with which has a single 6cm split in the middle of one side, otherwise excellent. Note that I always post the record in a new plain white inner in order to protect the original.

In summary a solid overall EXCELLENT condition copy of this extremely rare and highly sought after 1950's Blue Note classic.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boots, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I never intended selling any of my records but now I am retired and a combination of space requirements (caused partly by duplication) and a need to help fund my retirement has prompted me to "rationalise" my record collection and sell many of my much loved gems. 

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class, tracked and signed for  : UK £5.00, continental Europe £9, and Rest of the World £13. 

 I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler