Maynard Ferguson LPs -- 1950 - 1957 (Capitol/Mercury/Vik Era)

MAYNARD FERGUSON, DIZZY GILLESPIE, MILES DAVIS, TRUMPETS ON HIGH – Tall Tree TT 6002

This is the 1984, ultra-rare re-release of some of Maynard Ferguson's greatest work from the early 1950s. (It also has some tracks by Diz and Miles.) Tracks include Take the 'A' Train, What's New, The Hot Canary, Short Wave, Love Locked Out, and Band Ain't Draggin'. WOW!!!! These are THE tracks recorded by Maynard in the early '50s for Capitol. And this LP was issued in VERY small quantities. It's super hard to find, and copies have sold in the past for more than $175.00!
SORRY! NO COPIES ABVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

VARIOUS ARTISTS, WAY TO THE WEST (SPANISH RELEASE) – Fresh Sound Records Capitol 054-2602131

This is the 1984, ultra rare re-release of some of Maynard Ferguson's greatest work from the early 1950s. Maynard is featured with his orchestra (actually, he's backed by the Stan Kenton band) on the tracks Love Locked Out, Band Ain't Draggin', Take the 'A' Train, and Short Wave, all recorded 9/13/50. WOW!!!! Great, great early MF tracks from the very earliest part of his career! But wait! There's more! This LP also has MF in the Pete Rugolo Orchestra backing Johnny Parker on the tunes Can't Seem to Laugh Anymore, Never Again, Our Little Ranch House, and Two Weeks with Pay. Before this LP was issued, you could only get these four tunes on 78s or 45s. All four tracks were recorded 5/26/50. This LP is super well documented, with a superb discography on the back cover. Phenomenal! I've seen this LP sell for in excess of $150.00.
COPY #1. The cover on this one is clean and nice, but a 4" spine crack at left center had to be repaired, reducing the cover from NMINT+ to NMINT-. The vinyl is almost certainly MINT, NEVER PLAYED! Overall, this is a nice, clean copy with the only problem being that minor spine repair. It's $35.00. BONUS! I WILL INCLUDE A TRANSCRIPTION CD OF THIS LP WITH YOUR PURCHASE.
COPY #2. The cover on this one has a minor bend in the upper right corner, and an extremely minor bend in the upper left corner -- hardly noticeable. Otherwise the cover is absolutely pristine! It still rates a NMINT. The vinyl is almost certainly MINT, NEVER PLAYED. This one is $38.00. BONUS! I WILL INCLUDE A TRANSCRIPTION CD OF THIS LP WITH YOUR PURCHASE.
COPY #3. The cover on this one is still FACTORY SEALED. I can see the very slightest corner tip bend at upper right, but the cover is still NMINT+. The vinyl is, of course, MINT. Let's call this one NMINT++. $40.00. BONUS! I WILL INCLUDE A TRANSCRIPTION CD OF THIS LP WITH YOUR PURCHASE.
COPY #4. The cover on this one has a small corner bend at lower left. Otherwise it's in MINT condition. Let's call this one NMINT+. The vinyl is almost certainly MINT, NEVER PLAYED. A near-perfect NMINT+++ copy. It's $39.00. BONUS! I WILL INCLUDE A TRANSCRIPTION CD OF THIS LP WITH YOUR PURCHASE.

VARIOUS ARTISTS, BATTLE OF THE BIG BANDS – Capitol T667

Here's the 1956 Capitol big band compilation LP which includes Maynard stratospherically soloing on the track "What's New," recorded 5/31/51. But wait! There's more! He also appears with the Stan Kenton Orchestra on the track "Jolly Rogers" (recorded 2/5/50), the Charlie Barnet Orchestra on the track "Pan Americana" (recorded 8/16/49), and the Billy May Orchestra on the track "Hi-Fi" (recorded 5/26/54). They should have just called this "The Maynard Ferguson Show" LP. Seriously, it's amazing that this one LP has MF in four different orchestras. It's a MUST HAVE for every MF collector.
COPY #1. I can't believe I've got a copy of this in stock. This one, unfortunately, has clear tape on both seams. It's aged a bit, and is easy to see. There's also some general surface wear, front and back, and there's a scrape on the front cover, about the size of a dime, near the left edge. There's also some small writing on the back at top right. All these things add up to maybe a VG- cover -- a bit below average, although it looks half way decent. The vinyl has numerous light surface scratches. It's likewise in the GD+ to VG- range. Overall, this one is just a space filler, in the GD+ to VG- range. It's just $3.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, JAM SESSION – EmArcy MG-36009

Here's one of the GREAT EmArcy releases by Maynard. It contains just two tracks: Our Love is Here to Stay and Air Conditioned. At one time, you could find these pretty easily. No more! Maynard improvises beautifully on this session, and this LP is a must-have for every serious MF collector.
COPY #1. The cover on this copy has clean and nice front paper with no tears or problems of any kind. The seams were split top and bottom, so I carefully repaired them, and the repair is almost invisible -- very hard to detect. The back cover shows a little brownish toning and surface wear, mainly around the edges, but it's better than on most copies. Overall, this cover rates a VG+ to an EX-. It's flawed, but still quite nice. The vinyl has quite a few scratches on it, so I played it completely through and listened carefully. There's some definite surface noise in places, but it plays without skips, and the fidelity is actually quite good. Man, I absolutely LOVE to listen to this deep groove vinyl, even when it's not pristine. It just sizzles on the turntable! Let's call the vinyl VG to VG+. Overall, this copy is VG+ -- just a hair better than average. Well worth $7.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one has had about half the clear laminate peel off the front, and there's a bad, rectangular area, about 1" by 1.5", where the cover paper was peeled off by an aftermarket price sticker removal. I took a black felt marker and colored in this area so it's not quite as bad, but it's a definite defect. There's a record store label on the back, along with some light water stains along one edge. So this cover is pretty-much worthless as a collectible. It's POOR. The vinyl, however, is REALLY nice -- EX++ to NMINT-!! So if it's just a "listening copy" you're looking for, this is the one. Just $5.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, JAM SESSION (JAPANESE PRESSING) – Nippon Phonogram EXPR-1026

Here's one of the GREAT EmArcy releases by Maynard. It contains just two tracks: Our Love is Here to Stay and Air Conditioned. This is a Japanese re-issue of the original EmArcy recording, and it looks just like the original. You have to read the "fine print" to see that it's the Japanese version. The vinyl is 10 times better than on the original, as the Japanese really know how to press an LP! This is the best way to get a clean, good-sounding version of this LP.
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, JAM SESSION (JAPANESE PRESSING) – Nippon Phonogram 15PJ-34(M)

MAYNARD FERGUSON, JAM SESSION – Trip Jazz TLP-5525

Here's one of the GREAT EmArcy releases by Maynard. It contains just two tracks: Our Love is Here to Stay and Air Conditioned. This is a re-issue of the original EmArcy recording on the Trip Jazz label from the 1970s. These were great pressings!
COPY #1. The cover on this copy shows just a tiny bit of record ring wear at top center. There are a few seam abrasions along the top edge, and there is a bit of wear visible on the back cover. Overall, it's a nice cover, well above average, and deserves an EX rating. The vinyl is NMINT to NMINT+ -- super condition. Overall, this copy is NMINT-. $13.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one show quite a bit of record ring wear and the top seam is split 2/3 of the way across. There's some definite surface wear on the back of the cover, as well. So this cover is just VG -- an average copy. The vinyl on the other hand is quite nice -- a seldom played NMINT. Overall, this one is EX. $8.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, MAYNARD FERGUSON OCTET – EmArcy MG-36021

This is the rarest of the Maynard Ferguson EmArcy LPs. It's very, very hard to come by these days. It was recorded 4/25 and 4/27/55 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Tracks include Finger-Snappin', My New Flame, Autumn Leaves, Inter-Space, 20 Rue de Madrid, Super-G, What Was her Name?, and Yeah. These are some of the best tracks Maynard ever recorded, and the band absolutely swings! And it's a LOT of music. I'm not sure of the track timing, but it's a very long LP. This is an absolute MUST in every serious MF collection. It lists for $75.00 in one jazz guide, and $100.00 in another, in NMINT condition. I seldom have a copy for sale, and I've seen nice ones priced in excess of $100.00.
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, MAYNARD FERGUSON OCTET (AUSTRALIAN RELEASE) – EmArcy MG-36021

MAYNARD FERGUSON, DIMENSIONS – EmArcy MG-36044

This is the great 12" version of what was probably Maynard's most popular EmArcy LP. (It also exists as a 10" LP, but with only 8 of the 12 tracks you'll find on this 12" LP.) Although it's not rare, it's getting increasingly hard to find, especially in decent condition. It was recorded 2/19/54 and 8/26/56. Tracks include Egad Martha, Breakfast Dance, Maiden Voyage, Thou Swell, The Way You Look Tonight, All God's Children Got Rhythm, Slow Stroll, Wonder Why, Willie Nillie, Hymn to Her, Lonely Town, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. These are some of the best tracks Maynard ever recorded, and the band absolutely swings! This is an absolute MUST in every serious MF collection. It lists for $50.00 in one jazz guide, and $75.00 in another, in NMINT condition.
COPY #1. Just in, the cover on this copy has super clean and nice front paper. It's got no problems that I can detect -- really nice. The seams and spine are a little toned from age, and there was a 2" seam split at upper right which I carefully repaired to prevent further splitting. The repair is almost undetectable. The back has "3.98" (the original price) written in small blue inked numbers at upper right. Otherwise, other than a little of the typical surface wear, it's in great shape. Let's call the cover VG+ to EX-. The vinyl has quite a few visible scratches on side A, and is a bit cloudy on side B. Because of this, I played it all the way through to listen for any problems. I was surprised that it played as well as it did. There was some definite surface noise, but it played through with excellent fidelity and no skips or pops. It really surprised me. I'd rate the vinyl as VG+, as well. Overall, this copy is in VG+ to EX- condition. Well worth $9.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one has super clean and nice front paper. There's a 2" seam crack at bottom center and a 1" seam split at bottom right. On the back, there's some of the typical brownish toning, mainly around the edges. There's also a Braille sticker, someone's initials, and some other writing near the right edge. I'd rate this cover as VG+ to EX- ... a bit better than average. The disc has a tiny raised sticker on the side A label (for use by someone visually impaired) and the vinyl has some very light scuffs and light surface scratches. It's got the original silver "drummer" label, and is EX- to EX, but plays remarkably well. Overall, let's call this one EX-. It's yours for $10.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, DIMENSIONS + 4 (JAPANESE RELEASE) – Nippon Phonogram 195J-10103

Here's the rare 1988 Japanese re-issue pressing of the Dimensions LP. It has four bonus tracks that are not on the original EmArcy Dimensions LP - Roses All the Way, And So I Waited Around, Homing Pigeon, and Wow. (They were all released on 78s and 45s in the early '50s, but Nippon Phonogram added them to this Dimensions LP re-issue in the '80s.) Because of these four extra tracks, many collectors call this the Dimensions "+ 4" LP. Of course, these pressings are on pure virgin vinyl - the best available. Relatively scare when they were originally issued in Japan, they are now downright RARE in the U.S.
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, DIMENSIONS 1955 – Trip Jazz TLP-5507

This is the great Trip Jazz re-issue from the 1970s of the 1955 Dimensions LP. This Trip series was quite nice, and is somewhat hard to find. Due to the fact that it has a black cover, most copies will exhibit record ring wear.
COPY #1. The cover on this copy has a bit of the typical record ring wear, but it's not too bad. Otherwise, it's a great cover. Let's call it EX+. The vinyl is NMINT. Overall, this copy is NMINT-. $14.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one shows a bit of surface and record ring wear, and some of the corners have very slight bends. All this is minor, but needs to be mentioned. I'd rate this cover as EX+ to EX++. The vinyl is NMINT-. Overall, this one is EX++. Yours for $12.00.
COPY #3. The cover on this one shows a bit of surface wear on the front. The back has a little piece of the backing paper missing at top, but it's been repaired and reglued, and looks fine. I'd rate this cover as EX+. The vinyl hasn't been played more than once or twice. It's in beautiful, NMINT to NMINT+ condition. Overall, this copy is in the NMINT- to NMINT range. Yours for $15.00.
COPY #4. COVER ONLY. The covers on this LP tend to get ring wear very badly. Here's a cover that's pretty nice. There's only just the very beginning of a little ring and surface wear on this cover. Each of the corners is very slightly dinged, as well. But overall, it's a nice looking cover and better than most I've seen. If you need to replace a ratty cover in your collection, this is the one. EX+. Just $3.00.
COPY #5. This copy is still in the original shrink wrap. There are some stickers on the shrink, but the disc is still factory sealed. There's a bit of abrasion on one bottom corner where the shrink is disturbed, and there's a corner bend visible through the shrink, but it's still at least a NMINT- cover. The vinyl is, of course, MINT. $13.00.
COPY #6. This copy is still in the original shrink wrap. There are some stickers on the shrink, but the disc is still factory sealed. There's a bit of abrasion on one bottom corner where the shrink is disturbed, but it's still a NMINT cover. The vinyl is, of course, MINT. $14.00.

VARIOUS ARTISTS, THE BIG BAND SCENE ... AND ALL THAT JAZZ –- Big Band Archives LP-2204

This is a double gatefold LP that's notorious with MF collectors because it's got a completely nude woman lying face down on the front cover. They are extremely hard to find because there's a category of record collectors who collect LP covers with nude and simi-nude models on them. There are very few MF collections that have this LP in them. MF is represented on one track ... Lonely Town.
COPY #1. Just in, this is the first copy of this rare LP I've had in some time. The cover on this one is really clean and nice, with just the very beginnings of some slight surface and record ring wear visible in a couple of places. Still, it's NMINT. The vinyl is likewise a clean and nice NMINT. One of the nicest copies of this 2-LP set I've ever seen, it's in overall NMINT condition. Due to its rarity, $35.00.
COPY #2. This one has a NMINT+ cover!!! It looks like it just came out of the shrink wrap. The vinyl appears to have been played exactly one time per side!!! Likewise, it's NMINT+. Fantastic!!! This ultra clean and nice copy is yours for $45.00.
COPY #3. This one has a NMINT- cover. And that's conservative. It looks great! But there is the tiniest hint of a seam crack forming at top center, and a little toning in one spot on the back. Still, it's a very clean and nice cover. The vinyl appears to have been played maybe once or twice, with the only issue being a few VERY light scuff marks on the surface of the discs only. So the vinyl is NMINT. Overall, this is a nice, clean, NMINT- to NMINT album. It's $30.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, HOLLYWOOD PARTY – EmArcy MG-36046

This is the great 12" version of one of Maynard's most popular EmArcy LPs. (It also exists as a 10" LP.) It's getting increasingly hard to find in nice condition. It was recorded 2/23 - 2/24/54. There are just two (long) tracks -- Night Letter one side one, and Somebody Loves me on side two. This LP is absolutely essential for all serious MF collections. It lists for $50.00 in one jazz guide, and $75.00 in another, in NMINT condition, and I've seen dealers asking $100.00!
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, HOLLYWOOD PARTY (JAPANESE RELEASE) – Nippon Phonogram EXPR-1005

This is the great Japanese re-issue of the 12" version of one of Maynard's most popular EmArcy LPs. (It also existed originally as a 10" LP.) It was recorded 2/23 - 2/24/54. There are just two (long) tracks -- Night Letter one side one, and Somebody Loves me on side two. This LP is absolutely essential for all serious MF collections. This Japanese version usually sells in the $40.00 - $50.00 price range, depending on condition. I'm not sure when it was released, but I believe it was in the early 1980s.
COPY #1. The cover on this copy is a clean and nice NMINT. The vinyl is a seldom-played NMINT+. Overall, this one is NMINT to NMINT+, and it's yours for $25.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, HOLLYWOOD PARTY + 1 (JAPANESE RELEASE) – Nippon Phonogram 195J-10087

This is the great and RARE 1987 Japanese re-issue of the 12" version of one of Maynard's most popular EmArcy LPs. (It also existed originally as a 10" LP.) It was recorded 2/23 - 2/24/54. Normally, there are just two (long) tracks -- Night Letter one side one, and Somebody Loves me on side two. However, this LP is SPECIAL!!! It also includes an ALTERNATE TAKE of Night Letter. (That's why we collectors call it "+ 1".) This LP is absolutely essential for all serious MF collections. This Japanese version usually sells in the $100.00 price range, depending on condition, due to the rarity and desirability of this particular "+ 1" pressing. Once you listen to this version, you'll ask yourself if it could have possibly been recorded in 1954!!! It just doesn't seem possible -- the fidelity and recording precision are that good!
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

VARIOUS ARTISTS, VOLUME VIII, THE JAZZ GIANTS, DRUM ROLE – EmArcy MG-36071

This is the a very interesting compilation LP put together by EmArcy in about 1956. It contains various tracks with outstanding drummers. Included is drummer Shelly Manne playing with MF on an excerpt from the Night Letter track which appeared on the Hollywood Party LP. This is an exceptionally hard LP to find. I've only seen a couple of copies over the many years I've been hunting MF material.
COPY #1. The cover on this copy has clean and nice front paper. The top seam is split 4" from the right edge. On the back there's some of the typical brown toning around the edges that you almost always find on these older EmArcy LPs. Still, this is definitely one of the better covers I've seen on this elusive LP. I'd rate the cover as EX- to EX. The vinyl has a few scuffs and light surface scratches. I test played it a bit, and it has good fidelity (as expected on these heavy old EmArcy LPs) and almost not surface noise. I'm going to call the vinyl EX+. Overall, this is a nice, solid EX copy of an elusive LP. It's $14.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one looks really nice. The front paper is really clean. Upon closer inspection, I do see that clear tape has been used to mend the lower seam a bit more than half way across. The back of the cover has just a small amount of the brownish toning that's typical with these EmArcy LPs. Still, this is definitely one of the better covers I've seen on this elusive LP. I'd rate the cover as EX- to EX. The vinyl is a glossy, seldom-played, NMINT-. Overall, this copy is EX to EX+. A very decent and excellent appearing copy. $12.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, AROUND THE HORN WITH MAYNARD FERGUSON -- EmArcy MG-36076

I seldom have a copy of this great LP in stock. It's becoming increasingly hard to find. It's got MF on the tunes Mrs. Pitlack Regrets, Never You Mind, Pork Pie, Dream Boat, Well, Hardly Ever, The Roamin' Showman, Dancing Nitely, Ain't Life Grand, Idyll, Open Sesame, C'est La Blues, and Wildman. Great, great jazz from the mid'50s from our man Maynard!!!
COPY #1. The front cover on this one looks quite nice, with just a little bit of delamination to the clear covering which was placed over the front paper on these LPs. There a 2" seam split at lower right, and a little brownish toning around the edges, fron and back. I'd rate this cover as EX-, but it's better than most you will find. (These early EmArcy LP covers are hard to find in super nice condition.) The vinyl has a few very light surface scuffs, but it plays very nicely with great fidelity. It's EX++. Let's call this one EX overall. It's $15.00.
COPY #2. The front cover on this one looks great except a 2" x 1/4" horizontal portion of the front paper at top center is missing. There's also substantial foxing on the back of the cover, and three large stamps in red ink stating "PROPERTY WMBH-FM." Due to all these issues, this cover is just GOOD+ -- not so hot. The vinyl on the other hand is really nice. I'm listening to it right now, and the fidelity is GREAT. I do see a few light surface scuffs but they're not affecting the play. I'm going to rate the vinyl as EX+. Overall, this one is in the VG+ range, but due to the cover problems, this on is just $5.00. A GREAT listening copy if you don't care too much about the cover.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, AROUND THE HORN 1955 -- Trip Jazz TLP-5558

Here's the great Trip Jazz re-issue of the original EmArcy LP entitled Around the Horn with Maynard Ferguson. These came out in the '70s, and are super nice re-issue pressings.
COPY #1. The cover on this one is almost perfect. There's just a small stain at bottom left on the front cover. Otherwise it's a pristine cover. Let's call it NMINT-. The vinyl is almost certainly MINT, NEVER PLAYED! Overall, let's call this on NMINT to MINT+. Truly a super copy, it's $16.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, AROUND THE HORN WITH MAYNARD FERGUSON (JAPANESE RELEASE) -- Nippon Phonogram 195J-56(M)

Here's the great Japanese re-issue of the original EmArcy LP entitled Around the Horn with Maynard Ferguson. These came out in the '80s, and are super nice re-issue pressings, on pure virgin vinyl. I'm certain there's no better pressing available of this LP!
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, AROUND THE HORN WITH MAYNARD FERGUSON (U.K. RELEASE) -- EMARCY PYE EJL 1275

Here's the original U.K. version of the Around the Horn with Maynard Ferguson LP. Much, much rarer than the U.S. version!
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, BOY WITH LOTS OF BRASS -– EmArcy MG 36114

Here's MF on the original EmArcy LP, recorded 8/2/57 in New York City, and released in late 1957. Tracks include Give Me the Simple Life, My Funny Valentine, The Lamp is Low, Imagination, The Song is You, Jeepers Creepers, Love Me or Leave Me, A Foggy Day, Easy to Love, Moonlight in Vermont, I Hadn't Anyone Till You, and I Never Knew. This version is the MONO one with a photo of Maynard on the front cover holding a trumpet and trombone, NOT the later STEREO Mercury version with cartoon-like trumpets on the cover. It's a very, very popular record.
COPY #1. Just in, this is the first copy I've had of this earlier cover in about a year. The front paper has just a little surface wear, but it's still quite nice. The seams and spine were completely intact, and there's just the typical surface wear on the back cover. Overall, this is a really nice cover -- one of the best I've seen -- EX+. The vinyl is clean and nice, with just a few VERY light surface scratches. I played it, and except for a little of the typical background noise in places, it plays GREAT. I'd rate it as EX+, as well. So here's a very nice, EX+ copy -- very hard to find in this nice condition. $19.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one has clean and nice front paper. The spine, however, was completely cracked, so I repaired it carefully with transparent tape. I also repaired a seam split at lower right. Both repairs are relatively hard to detect. On the back there's some brownish foxing, and there's a half-dollar sized discoloration where a price sticker was removed, a bit of definite surface wear, and the number "4750" (small) stamped in ink. With all these small flaws, this cover only rates a VG-, even though it looks quite nice from the front. The vinyl, which has the original silver on blue "drummer" label, has quite a few light surface scratches. These can be heard on playback as surface noise, especially in the softer passages. I'd rate the vinyl as VG-. Overall, this copy is VG- -- just slightly less than an average copy. A good item for beginning collectors, it's still well worth $7.00.
COPY #3. The cover on this one is super clean and nice. The front paper looks almost like new, and there's just a tiny bit of wear on the back. The only problem with the cover is a 7" seam split at upper right. (I'll carefully repair this for you prior to shipping if you like -- just ask.) Even with the seam split, this nice, clean cover deserves a NMINT-. The vinyl has the silver "drummer" labels. It's got a few scuffs and some ultra-fine surface scratches, but on this deep groove recording, you can hardly hear them. I'd rate the vinyl as EX+. Overall, this is a super nice copy, easily in EX++ condition. They're very, very hard to find in this nice condition. Yours for $20.00.
COPY #4. The cover on this one shows just a little bit of wear on the front paper, and what looks like a little coffee stain. It's very, very light, but you can see it on close inspection. There's also a minor bend at upper right. I carefully repaired a 2" seam split at upper right, and it's hard to detect the repair. On the back there some very light wear, the faintest hint of some toning around the edges, a Braille sticker, and some writing near the right edge. It's actually a very nice looking cover, but due to all the small faults, it's just VG+ to EX-. The vinyl has a tiny raised sticker on the A label (for recognition by the visually impaired). There are a number of light scuffs and light surface scratches. I'd rate this one as VG. Overall, this copy is in the VG+ range. Yours for just $8.00.
COPY #5. The front paper on this copy is really great! It has just the very slightest wear, and is super nice. The seams and spine are completely intact. Nice! On the back cover, there are three spots visible where someone put some Scotch tape for some unknown reason. Two of those spots are yellowed from the tape. Without these tape marks, I'd have rated this cover NMINT. With the marks, just EX. The vinyl is relatively clean and nice, but is does have a number of light surface scratches. Let's call it VG+ to EX- -- just a bit above average. Overall, this is a nice, solid copy, with wonderful front paper. It's EX- and is priced accordingly at only $11.00.
COPY #6. The font paper on this one is clean and nice with just a hint of surface wear. The seams and spine are completely intact. The backing paper has a little wrinkle in it that is obviously a factory defect -- it came that way. I'm being very picky here. Overall, this cover still rates a NMINT- because it's very nice. The disc has clean and nice labels, and the vinyl is a quite-nice EX+. Overall, this copy is EX++. A very, very nice copy, it's $20.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, BOY WITH LOTS OF BRASS -– Mercury MG 20556

Here's MF on this great 1960 LP, recorded 8/2/57 in New York City. Tracks include Give Me the Simple Life, My Funny Valentine, The Lamp is Low, Imagination, The Song is You, Jeepers Creepers, Love Me or Leave Me, A Foggy Day, Easy to Love, Moonlight in Vermont, I Hadn't Anyone Till You, and I Never Knew. This version is the MONO one with cartoon-like trumpets on the front cover, NOT the earlier MONO EmArcy version with a picture of Maynard. It's a very, very popular record!
COPY #1. The cover on this one is super clean and nice on the front, and has just a hint of shelf wear on the back. it's NMINT. The vinyl has a number of ultra fine surface scratches. They cause just a little bit of noise of playback, but don't significantly affect play. I'd rate the vinyl is EX to EX+. Overall, this copy is EX++. $14.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one is a clean and nice NMINT. The vinyl has quite a few very light surface scratches. They do translate into a little bit of background noise in some of the quieter passages. Still, it's well above average -- EX- to EX. Overall, this copy is in the EX+ range. $13.00.
COPY #3. The cover on this one has a bend at bottom right, and some slight roughness along the opening slit. There's some slight brownish toning on the back, and someone wrote "CP" in small letters in light blue ink. Overall, I'd rate this cover as EX. The vinyl is clean and nice, but under a very bright light I can see a few very light surface scratches that won't significantly affect play. It's NMINT-. Overall, this copy is EX+. Yours for $13.00.
COPY #4. This one has a super clean and nice cover with no significant issues of any kind. It's NMINT to NMINT+!!! The vinyl isn't quite that nice. It has a number of scuffs and light scratches. I spun it up for a test play, and on the place where I thought I might find a skip, it played through fine. So let's call the disc itself VG+. Overall, this one is EX to EX+. Yours for $12.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, BOY WITH LOTS OF BRASS -– Mercury SR 60124

MAYNARD FERGUSON, BOY WITH LOTS OF BRASS (CANADIAN PRESSING) -– Mercury MG-C20556

MAYNARD FERGUSON, STRATOSPHERIC – Mercury EMS-2-406

This is the 1976 re-issue double LP album of many of Maynard's greatest hits on the EmArcy label. Highly sought-after by collectors! Includes material from the Dimensions, Around the Horn, and other albums. An absolute essential in every MF collection.
COPY #1. The cover on this copy would be NMINT, but there is some price sticker removal damage. Still, it's a fantastic, almost pristine cover -- at least NMINT-. The vinyl is hardly played -- NMINT. Let's conservatively call this copy NMINT-. $14.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one shows very slight wear, but it's at least NMINT-. The vinyl is NMINT- to NMINT. Conservatively, this copy is easily NMINT-. $14.00.
COPY #3. The cover on this one has a quarter-size spot of sticker damage in the upper left corner. There's also a water stain on the tip of the upper right corner. These two problems make an otherwise-NMINT cover just EX. The records would be NMINT-, but someone wrote a "zero" on two of the labels with a black pen. Thus, let's call the vinyl just EX. Overall, this is a slightly damaged, EX copy, that will play quite nicely. Yours for just $8.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, STRATOSPHERIC (AUSTRALIAN PRESSING) – Mercury 6672 506

Here's the 1976 re-issue double LP album of many of Maynard's greatest hits on the EmArcy label. Highly sought-after by collectors! Includes material from the Dimensions, Around the Horn, and other albums. An absolute essential in every MF collection. And this one is the much rarer AUSTRALIAN pressing. It's very similar to the U.S. version, but there are some subtle differences in the packaging.
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

VARIOUS ARTISTS, MERCURY 40TH ANNIVERSARY V.S.O.P. ALBUM -– Mercury 824 116-1

This is the FANTASTIC 1984 Japanese release of a number of previously unissued Mercury recordings. Maynard's band is included on the tracks "The Roamin' Showman" and "Taking a Chance on Love." He's also heard with Clifford Brown on the track "Coronado." This is a 4-LP boxed set, and it's an ULTRA collector's item, selling normally in the $50.00 price range for a NMINT copy.
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, BIRDLAND DREAM BAND, VOLUME 1 -- Vik LX-1070

Just before Maynard signed with Roulette, he produced two albums on the Vik label -- The Birdland Dream Band, Volume 1 and Volume 2. These are getting almost impossible to find. I seldom have one in stock. Most record dealers want $60 to $100 for them, when you can find them at all.
COPY #1. The cover on this one has a bit of surface wear, front and back but it's not too bad for this mid-1950s LP. At one time someone put a 2" piece of Scotch tape on the middle of the upper seam due to a slight seam crack. It was brittle and very yellow, so I removed it, but it left some slight yellow residue, mostly send on the back of the cover. Frustrating, because the seam crack is only about 1/4". Due to these issues, I'm going to rate the cover as EX- -- better than average but nothing special. The vinyl is really clean and nice, with just a few very, very light surface scratches. It plays beautifully. I'm going to rate is as EX++. Overall, this is a decent EX copy. It's $15.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, BIRDLAND DREAM BAND, VOLUME 1 (CANADIAN PRESSING) -- Vik LX-1070

Here's the Volume 1 Birdland Dreamband LP in a Canadian pressing. The cover is the same as the U.S. version, but the label is quite different.
SORRY! NO COPIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

MAYNARD FERGUSON, BIRDLAND DREAM BAND, VOLUME 2 -- Vik LX-1077

Just before Maynard signed with Roulette, he produced two albums on the Vik label -- The Birdland Dream Band, Volume 1 and Volume 2. These are getting almost impossible to find. I seldom have one in stock. Most record dealers want $60.00 to $100.00 for them, when you can find them at all.
COPY #1. The cover on this one has clear tape on the top seam, and a 2" seam split at bottom center. There's some general toning, front and back, and there are small water stains on the back on two edges. I'd rate this cover as VG- -- a tad under the norm. The vinyl, on the other hand, is definitely above the norm. It's in the EX to EX+ range. Overall, this copy is VG to VG+. It's $9.00.
COPY #2. The cover on this one has minor corner bends in 3 corners, a 4" seam split at upper right, and a bit of surface wear, front and back, but overall it's still a quite nice looking cover. It's EX-. The vinyl is surprisingly nice! It looks and plays great, NMINT-. Overall, this one is in the EX+ range -- about as good as you get for this LP. It's $17.00.

MAYNARD FERGUSON "CONDUCTS THE BIRDLAND DREAMBAND" VOL. 1 & 2 (FRENCH IMPORT) -- RCA Jazz Line PM43841

Here's a rare French import LP of Maynard with the Birdland Dreamband. It's a double gatefold LP, and has 6 tracks per side, a total of 24 tracks. Recording dates are 9/11, 9/17, 9/24, 9/25/56. Very, very hard to find!!!!!!
COPY #1. The cover on this one is almost like new -- NMINT to NMINT+. The vinyl is almost certainly MINT, NEVER PLAYED. Overall, this is a pristine NMINT++ copy. It's $24.00.

RECORDED LIVE 1956, MAYNARD FERGUSON AND HIS ORIGINAL DREAMBAND -- Artistry AR-104

Here's a rare live recording of Maynard's Dream Band, laid down in December, 1956 in Los Angeles. This great Artistry LP was released in 1984, and became an instant classic. They've been out of print for years, and they're very, very hard to find. Tracks include Goodbye Mr. Chops, Lady Bug, Velvet, Maynard the Fox, Free Lee, More West, Great Guns, Dancing Nitely, Groover Wailin', Ain't Life Grand?, Early Hours, and The Wailing Boat. Treat yourself to one of the rarer MF recordings!
COPY #1. The cover on this copy has a little roughness on the seams at top center and bottom center. It looks like they're about to crack a bit, but haven't broken through yet. Still, it's a very clean and nice undamaged cover -- almost like new. It's NMINT. The vinyl is likewise clean and nice -- NMINT. Overall, it's a great, NMINT copy. $25.00.

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