Product details
- Label Craft Recordings
- Artist Various
- Series CRAFT Recordings
- Format Box Set
- Country United States
- Released Date 2023
- Genre Jazz
- Sealed Yes
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The Birth Of Bop by Various is one of those legendary sessions that jazz enthusiasts discuss with reverence.
I remember finding this gem in a dusty basement shop in New York – the owner didn't even know what he had.
This recording captures Various during a transformative period in both their personal artistry and the broader musical landscape.
Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Various leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.
From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.
What makes this pressing special:
Track A1 [S5712-5] recorded September 15, 1944 at WOR Studios, New York City
Track A2 [D5844] recorded October 30, 1945 in New York City
Tracks A3 [S3309-11], E2 [S3312-1] recorded June 26, 1946 in New York City
Tracks B1 [S36-110-5], E3 [S36-113], H2 [S36-111] recorded February 23, 1949 in New York City
Track B2 [D845] recorded March 23, 1948 in Detroit, MI
Track B3 [S36-127] recorded May 2, 1949 in New York City
Tracks C1 [S3369A], I3 [S3370] recorded December 18, 1946 in New York City
Tracks C2 [S3470-4], I1 [S3472-4] recorded November 6, 1947 in New York City
Track C3 [S5869] recorded December 14, 1945 at WOR Studios, New York City
Track D1 [S5848] recorded November 26, 1945 in New York City
Track D2 [S3311-2] recorded June 26, 1946 at WOR Studios, New York City
Track D3 [S5878-2], H3 [S5881-3] recorded January 29, 1946 in New York City
Tracks E1 [S5770], G3 [S5769] recorded December 19, 1944 in New York City
Tracks F1 [S3496], I2 [S3497-3] recorded December 19, 1947 in New York City
Track F2 [S3324] recorded July 31, 1946 in New York City
Track F3 [S3374] recorded December 20, 1946 in New York City
Track G1 [S3433] recorded July 15, 1947 in New York City
Track G2 [S3433] recorded January 22, 1947 in New York City
Track H1 [S3310-1] recorded June 26, 1946 in New York City
Track J1 [SLA1100] recorded 1948 or on January 19, 1949 in Los Angeles, California
Track J2 [S3412] recorded March 5, 1947 in New York City
Track J3 [S3379] recorded January 24, 1947 in New York City
Daniel Krieger did not left his typical etchings in the runouts but is credited in booklet.
Credits/durations as given in booklet
Track Listing:
. The Birth Of Bop Volume 1
A1. Romance Without Finance
A2. Dexter‘s Minor Mad
A3. Jay Bird
B1. Hearing Bells
B2. Chase‘n The Lion
B3. Stan‘s Mood
. The Birth Of Bop Volume 2
C1. Hollerin‘ And Screamin‘ (Fatso)
C2. Church Mouse
C3. Always
D1. Byas A Drink
D2. Jay Jay
D3. Long Tall Dexter
. The Birth Of Bop Volume 3
E1. Little Benny (King Kong)
E2. Mad Be Bop
E3. Bubu
F1. Solitude
F2. Don’t Worry 'bout Me
F3. Maternity (Lard Pot)
. The Birth Of Bop Volume 4
G1. Donald Jay
G2. Saxon
G3. Dee Dee‘s Dance
H1. Coppin‘ The Bop
H2. Junior
H3. Dexter Digs In
. The Birth Of Bop Volume 5
I1. Unmeditated
I2. The Lion‘s Roar (Lion Roars)
I3. Stealin‘ Trash
J1. Pete‘s Beat
J2. Pumpernickel
J3. Blowin‘ For Kicks
Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.
I've recommended this to countless collectors, and it never fails to impress. Essential listening for any music lover.
– Miles Waxey
Artist: Various
Format: Box Set
Genre: Jazz
Label: Craft Recordings
Catalog Number: CR00590
Series: CRAFT Recordings
Release Year: 2023
Country: United States
Condition: Sealed (New)
Frequently Asked Guestions
The condition of our vintage records varies, and we do our best to clearly state the condition of each record in its description. We rate them as 'Mint', 'Near Mint', 'Very Good', 'Good', or 'Fair', following the Goldmine Standard.
We understand the importance of ensuring our products reach you in the same condition they left us. Each record is packed using professional record mailers with additional padding. We also remove the record from its sleeve to prevent seam splits during transit.
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