Guide to Bethlehem Records (Jazz Label Guide No. 9; Episode 381)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ส.ค. 2024
- The series of videos focusing on individual jazz record labels continues with a ninth episode. In this instalment Allan discusses Bethlehem Records, the independent label started by Gus Wildi in 1953 in New York, soon turned into a jazz powerhouse by energetic young producer Creed Taylor, and sadly brought down by mismanagement just a few years later. Includes the usual tips for new collectors.
03:43 Part 1: Gus Wildi and the Founding of Bethlehem Records
07:42 Part 2: Creed Taylor Arrives
12:02 Part 3: Peak Bethlehem
22:18 Part 4: Taylor Leaves and Bethlehem Falters
26:59 Part 5: Little Girl Blue and the End of Bethlehem
34:40 Part 6: The Bethlehem Catalogue in the Classic Era
46:56 Part 7: Later Bethlehem Reissues
51:02 Part 8: Conclusion and Tips for New Collectors
See also:
- londonjazzcoll...
- www.jazzdisco....
- Various interviews and blog posts on Marc Myers' JazzWax site, at www.jazzwax.com
- Tyler Alpern's interviews of Gus Wildi and Burt Goldblatt www.tyleralpern...
- Kiyoshi Koyama's interview of Chris Connor steve-albin.co...
- Mike Callahan and David Edwards' "The Bethlehem Records Story" www.bsnpubs.co...
- The Jazz Shepherd has several videos on Bethlehem @TheJazzShepherd
Check out the channel's home page and subscribe for weekly record reviews, label guides, special episodes and much more.
Allan - Excellent research and comprehensive narrative! Having been a fan of "Bethlehem Records" for many years this was a most enjoyable Post! Having to search for the exhaustive discography there are numerous "gems" to be found. Recently I have been exploring the music of Eddie Shu-Clarinet/Tenor Sax, to my surprise a Bethlehem label release showcased his talent. Along with the beautiful sounding Tenor Sax of Bob Hardaway, who was completely unknown to me. I know you were limited to show all of the label releases, if you don't already own a copy this is a "must have" recording! Thanks for all your time and effort, it is very much appreciated! "Jazz Practitioners" Eddie Shu/Bob Hardaway # BCP-3!!!👍
That’s one I’ve never heard! Thanks very much Rich for this great detail.
Your labels review are top tier. Thx.
Informative, educational, and a jump point for lifelong collectors.
Being relatively new to jazz, you a a few others have helped me build my collection outside rock (2.5k) and classical (1.5k) records.
Keep the channel evolving and growing.
Thanks Jim. Glad you get value from these - they’re simply milestones on my own journey.
Stellar and informative video !
So appreciate the time and passion you but into these label overviews. Looked forward to this one.
Thanks very much. I find them fun to do - they’re a natural outcropping of the learning we undertake as collectors.
Your label overviews are legend. This one does a great job of summing up a rather fishtailed timeline.
"Compass" logo, huh? I always read it as the "star" of Bethlehem," but that's maybe a little on the nose, and you are correct.
Cheers. Re the logo, you know I’m sure you’re right, it’s a star. I’m such a heathen that it never occurred to me! That’s funny.
Well researched and informative. Thanks Allan. Always a pleasure watching your videos.
@@marksheargold5536 thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Another excellent video Allan! Very interesting. Thank you
Thank you Peter.
Thank you very much. Once again a very informative and thorough covering of another Jazz label, exposing me to even more great material for my collection.
Please continue with as many labels as you can - they're greatly appreciated.
In summary: A cut above 😄
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the kind words.
Another great episode my friend, I learned a lot and was entertained. Embarrassingly the only 2, I think, I own are Little girl blue & Torme sings Fred.
Thank you. Well, in your defence those are two outright bangers. Check out the west coast stuff. Really good for the most part.
Could you cover some European free jazz labels like Black Saint or FMP? Many jazz commentators sneer upon music like this, and some refuse to even acknowledge the music's existence. I appreciate the attention you are giving to jazz music!
Thanks a mill. Thorough, v helpful. And enjoyable to boot.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks. It was a pleasure to put together, because I got to play all these great records again.
Love this series ❤
As usual top-notch video great content. Great subject. 5 stars all the way.
SUCH an excellent video I enjoyed tremendously, and another of your gargantuan efforts. I can't imagine the amount of work put into this.
One small correction about stereo discs: Bethlehem couldn't have released stereo discs in 1957, as that was not a format yet. In fact, the very first stereo demonstration discs came out in December 1957 from niche companies. It would take a while for the format to catch on. It's well documented that it was 1958 that marked a wider adoption of the stereo vinyl disc, but in Bethlehem's case it's probably safe to assume that their first stereo released came out around 1959 or 1960, a few years after the mono versions of the same albums, as was the case with other small labels such as Blue Note.
Now, Bethlehem did record in true stereo starting in 1957 or 1956. As to why companies would record for a format that was not yet a viable option for release, it's important to remember that "STEREO" had been a buzzword for most of the 1950s, with Atlantic Records doing first post-war stereo experiments in 1952, and by 1954 it would have already been adopted in the classical world (in the US). The only viable commercially available format before the advent of the stereo LP was stereo reel-to-reel tape, which was aimed at wealthy audiophiles who had today's equivalent of $150 to spend on a 30-minute tape.
Interesting, and thanks very much for this. I’m sure you’re right, though I did dig into this a fair bit in advance. Have to go back and check why I came to that conclusion but it may be as simple as Discogs data being erroneous! Shocking I know.
@@TenMinuteRecordReviews It's a minor thing, but I thought it worth mentioning. Discogs is wrong about many things, I've sometimes seen releases dated prior to the album even being recorded
But hard data is hard to find on these things, as nobody kept notes. I remember it taking me a year to find out what date Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage was released (not recorded, released), even his official site was wrong, and no mentions in Billboard that I could find. It's an archaeologic mess :)
I just had a look, and I think the source of my error was as noted, Discogs data. For example, the stereo release date of this Rouse/Quinichette date www.discogs.com/release/11800556-Charlie-Rouse-Paul-Quinichette-The-Chase-Is-On is given as 1958; I looked at the recording dates (which themselves are verifiable) and figured Bethlehem EITHER had to be recording in stereo in 1957 to make this possible OR they were faking stereo and marketing the results as the real McCoy. So I guess for this release, either it's fake stereo from 1958 or the release date is wrong with the editor assuming incorrectly that it was released at the same time.
There are in fact at least nine stereo Bethlehems which are listed on Discogs as having a release date prior to late 58. An editing job for a lazy Saturday!
@@TenMinuteRecordReviews Can confirm that the Rouse/Quinichette is a true stereo recording from 1957.
Of course, it's also possible that Bethlehem were way ahead of the curve and already released stereo in 1958. So I wouldn't yet go to Discogs and change all those dates. But evidence seems to suggest otherwise. A Blue Note example: "Blue Train" mono was released in January 1958 according to most sources, "Blue Train" stereo was released in June 1960. This time Discogs has it right.
Very,very good and interesting! I really enjoy your channel and picks.
Thanks - glad they hit the spot!
There are a couple of prominent on-line download sellers that have most of these albums available on 24/96 resolution and Dynamic Range listed at 10-12 listed as Bethlehem Studio Masters. It lists who did the remastering and oversaw the tape transfers. Most were done late 2013. I almost believe a remaster program was initiated either to preserve the music or to ready a remaster sales program. I have bought many since then and been very pleased. Still look for the records but this does just fine in a pinch.
BTW, the Marilyn Moore and Helen Carr albums are all killer if you like female jazz vocals.
Thank you!
This was excellent. Thanks. I recently revisited your Blue Note guide when I was purchasing some pricey early pressings. But back to Bethlehem… there are rumblings 🤐 - Mike
Oh yeah? That sound you hear is me clapping rapidly in a nerdy and embarrasing way.
And thank you!
42:29 I HAVE RIGHT HERE in my hand the Johnny Hartman SONGS FROM THE HEART - mono JPN repro from 1984; on the maroon label @ 6 o clock says :"BETHELEM RECORDS A DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL JAZZ EMPORIUM INC". The sleeve back bottom down says :" P 1984.6 NIPPON COLUMBIA CO. LTD."
Gotta be rare. Bought from JRC, NYC, 5/90 $8. Lucky me. Better than his earlier lp on Beth, which has useless strings, but no durations mentioned. All standards, however, roun 3' mostly.
Always a good day when I learn something. Thank you Allan. If you only had one Bethlehem record in your collection what would it be? And this I imagine is a label where you can still find some original pressings at a decent price as it is less known.
Tough question! I suppose just because if I didn’t have it, it would be the one I sought most actively, it would be the Nina Simone. But there are so many gems it’s really hard to pick a favourite. And there are some forgotten names historically who made superb records for Bethlehem.
Other candidates for desert isle Bethlehems would be Conte Candoli’s self-titled record, Red Mitchell’s debut, and Mel Tormé’s It’s A Blue World and Sings Fred Astaire.
As for pricing, depends what your definition of “decent” is! But early pressings of most of the above can be procured for $50 or so, sometimes much less; though not the Nina Simone… these days that will run you $100 in decent shape.
Also - just picked up a copy of Russ Garcia’s Four Horns And A Lush Life. Superb.
@@TenMinuteRecordReviews yes I I looked up Nina’s after your video some were under $100 but G condition. Thanks again.
@@rtmattson7224yes, not to be gotten on the cheap these days.