The record changer (Jan 1955-Dec 1957)

THE RECORD CHANGER ie Complete Magazine of JAZZ 957 VOL. 15, NO. I CONTENTS pondence ial 'Took a Blue Note 7 I j: Nicholas |ruce King 15 is Noted alph Berion |ck Hadlock Martin Williams '7 Noted )rrin Keepnews 23 d the Cobwebs Jarl Kenziora 25 tudded Shellac ohn McAndrew 26 s Happening? 27 1 Listings 32 COVER cover this month is an abstract impresa Paris jazz club in a medieval cellar — ion the spot last summer by artist Ben n. was born in Germany and lived in —leaving just before the occupation in or New York. Three years later, Ben's anization was completed by his being into the U.S. Army. By 1945^ khaki, mbat in Germany were behind him, and an his studies at the Parson's School of . Following graduation in 1950 and a lent painting trip to Europe, Ben setwn to free lance illustration and design, ied, he lives in Brooklyn — paints for e and relaxes with his guitar and stacks go records. (Editorial The warm response to our first issue of the new Record Changer has been gratifying. Rather than pat ourselves on the back, we want to comment on a couple of things which seemed to confuse our readers, and then set down a few ideas and observations. The Jim Newlands auction closing date was misprinted as February 1, although the correct date of February 20 appeared elsewhere. Notices were sent to all subscribers and the date was extended to February 28. A few readers have asked about the motor car on page fourteen. That is an advertisement for Rolls-Royce cars. If you are shopping for a car without tail fins, drop in on your RollsRoyce dealer and mention The Record Changer. Thanks a lot. This month we are running the second half of the late Jim Newlands' collection. This list is loaded with unusual and fascinating personality records, rare twelve-inch items, unique transcriptions, and more Star Dust. At the present time we are behind schedule according to the date on each issue. This could be solved simply by changing the date, but we would prefer to have an issue for each month, even if the first two or three are late. Gradually you will start to receive your copy closer to the middle of the month indicated on the cover. If we are to remain healthy, which means growing, we are going to need new blood, new ideas, and new readers. You can help, especially with the latter. If you know someone who is a jazz enthusiast and he or she has not subscribed to The Record Changer, tell them about it. Spread the gospel, and we shall grow. Early bids on the January auction confirmed our belief that record collecting is still a very active and exciting field. The thrill of the hunt and the discovery is still there, perhaps more than ever now that many items are becoming harder to find with each year. The day of the "professional" collector may be past — and just as well. We are less concerned with the "collector" who sends out an army of men to cover several states for dealer stocks than with the individual who is trying to find a Baby Mack Okeh or a copy of Black Patti 8045. The Record Changer is unique in that it assumes a fair level of jazz appreciation and intelligence on the part of the reader. We will never talk down to our readers, but rather present ideas and opinions for you to evaluate. We are collecting, presenting, and trading views so that we may all learn more about the music we love. We do not intend to pose as "experts" on jazz. It is doubtful whether there can be an expert in the field when no one has even come up with a good definition of jazz yet. It is essential to cover contemporary jazz as well as the history of the music. We hope to do more than mere biographical sketches or transcribed publicity-type interviews. By exploring the way a musician feels and thinks, we may learn more about his music. It is not necessary to talk to "names" to understand more about jazz. Every city of any size has musicians, some of whom may some day move on and become famous. Talk to them when you can; find out why they are playing jazz and what they want from it. Then you will be closer to understanding what goes into jazz; after that you can begin getting more out of jazz as a listener. The Record Changer is published monthly and copyrighted 1957 by Hadlock Publications, Inc., 171 Sullivan Street, New York 12. N. Y.