John Handy Concert Ensemble Projections Jazz 1968 OG US First Press CS 9689

John Handy Concert Ensemble Projections Jazz 1968 OG US First Press CS 9689

Visually Graded:
Cover: VG+
Inner Sleeve: Generic
Record: VG+
CS 9689
We conservatively grade our records.

John Handy Concert Ensemble – Projections (1968, Original US First Pressing, Columbia Records, Catalog #: CS 9689) is a standout jazz album by saxophonist John Handy, celebrated for his innovative approach to modern jazz. This record captures Handy's rich compositional skills and the ensemble's dynamic interplay, blending post-bop with experimental and avant-garde influences.

Key Details:

• Artist: John Handy Concert Ensemble
• Album Title: Projections
• Release Year: 1968
• Label: Columbia Records
• Catalog Number: CS 9689
• Genre: Jazz, Post-Bop, Avant-Garde

Notable Features:

• Dynamic Performances: Highlights Handy’s versatile saxophone work, seamlessly integrating traditional jazz and boundary-pushing compositions.
• Innovative Sound: Explores complex arrangements and harmonies, showcasing the ensemble’s collective virtuosity.
• Production: Features the rich, warm analog sound of the original pressing, a hallmark of Columbia's jazz releases.

This first pressing of Projections is a must-have for jazz aficionados and collectors, offering a deep dive into the creative brilliance of John Handy and his ensemble during a pivotal era in jazz history.

Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading: 

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.