Harvey Mandel was one of the greats of the Chicago blues scene in the mid-60’s and beyond.  He was also an innovator as well as a mentor to other up and coming artists.  In 1971 he pulled together 16 of the best Chicago blues artists and organized a blues jam session.  He wrote much of the music here.  The result was this album, which Mandel produced.  It is a wonderful example of the beauty of the blues, especially in a free and open environment.  The album was released on Ovation in 1973, number OV 14/15.  This is the original release of the album.  The vinyl is in beautiful condition with its bright original luster and couple of very light fingernail scratches that do not significantly impact play.  It plays with just very light occasional background noise.  The vinyl grades VG+.  The gatefold album cover shows just a hint of ring wear and some very light corner and edge wear.  All seams are sharp, tight, and intact.  The cover grades VG+. 

Album Tracks: 
Check Me Out
Local Days
Highway Blues
Sweet Lynda
High-Test Fish Line
I’m A Lonely Man
Race Track Daddy
Springfield Station Theme
Jellyroll

Grading Information I always clean and then listen to every record I list on eBay.  I do this to make sure I can give as accurate a description of each record as possible.  I will do both a visual check and an audio check.  I will say that when it comes to the letter grade my inclination is always to give more preference to the sound of the record.  I’ve seen many records that had a few light scuffs so the vinyl did not look beautiful, but the album played like new.  In this case I may grade the vinyl as high as VG+.  And I have also seen records where the vinyl looked pristine, but upon playing I was hearing static or other background noise throughout.  At best that vinyl would be rated VG.  The only time I would rate an album as NM is when it looks and plays as though it is brand new.  I absolutely attempt to give as objective a grading as I can.  I don’t ever want you to be disappointed in the quality of the album you receive. 

I only use three grades in my grading:  NM, VG+, and VG.  The only exception is a sealed album which is presumed to have vinyl in mint condition.  My NM grading means, as noted above, that the vinyl looks and plays as though it is the first time out of the sleeve.  The VG+ rating is used on any album that plays great but plays less than perfect.  It may have a pop here and there, or either some occasional or even light consistent background noise.  The key is that, in my opinion, the album will be one you will be proud to have in your collection and will always enjoy hearing.  VG is the lowest grade I use, and granted, this is very subjective.  I will never sell an album that I would not play again myself.  That’s why I listen to every record I list.  I’ve thrown out quite a few albums that I wouldn’t want to say I sold.  Still, there are albums that play well but just have a little more than that typical level of noise.  They sound good, and I’m confident you’ll still enjoy the music.  But you should expect to hear some distracting noise here and there. 

Shipping Information – Combined Shipping Shipping is $4.00 in the continental U.S.  I happily combine records from multiple auctions to reduce total shipping cost.  In fact, I welcome it!  The $4.00 cost for U.S. shipping applies regardless of the number of auctions won in any 5-day period. 

Canada and other International Shipping is calculated based on weight using US Postal Service rates.  Combined shipping is also welcomed here and does result in significant per-album cost savings. If you do win an auction and you are from a non-continental US location, please wait for an invoice from me.  The standard shipping cost eBay puts on the initial invoice is often higher than necessary.  I will weigh the package and then send you an invoice with the actual shipping charge. 

All albums will be shipped in specially designed album hard cardboard mailers. Payment by Paypal is preferred. 

I am committed to one day turnaround on sending shipments.  If I receive payment before 1:00 CT I will package and ship that same day. 

Thanks for looking and please contact me with any questions.