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Freddie Mitchell / Maurice Rocco Crimson Moods Halo 50212 Deep Groove R & B
Vinyl E sol / sleeve E-
A very interesting record! The sleeve proclaims the artist to be the All Star Jazz Orchestra, but that name is a made up one. The real artists are Freddie Mitchell aka Hen Gates on one side and Maurice Rocco on the other.Halo Records was a budget label owned by Record Corporation of America - the same initials as Radio Corporation of America- ie RCA. Needless to say, the companies were NOT related. Halo, and the Record Corp Of America - was owned by Eli Oberstein, who had a long history in the record business, dating back to the 1930's, when he did in fact work initially for RCA Victor. He owned many budget labels, and their history is varied, baffling and very intriguing. And far too long and convoluted to get into here! But back to this record. The Freddie Mitchell sides come from Derby Records, which went bankrupt in 1954. The masters appeared on many budget labels, under many pseudonyms. Just why is a mystery, because Freddie, a very fine tenor player, was currently making some noise with the growing popularity of Rock n Roll, and even worked in Alan Freed's Rock n Roll Band. One would have thought his name would have been exploited. But no. Instead, his sides appeared under the name of Hen Gates on Plymouth, Palace and other labels, and also under the name of Jack Haines.The other side is made up of sides cut by Maurice Rocco, the white suited singer who played the piano standing up like Little Richard. These sides come from the Majestic label and date to the 40s.The final point of interest is the jacket itself. This record was first released by Halo in 1956 - this particular LP dates from 1957, and while the jacket design is the same, the actual front and rear have been glued over another Halo release - which one I have no idea. I suppose you could find out by carefully steaming off the top cover, but that would be a dumb idea. That the rear has been 'overglued' is apparent by the sheer whiteness of the current new back contrasting with the rather yellowed original background as can be seen in the photos. No real big deal in itself, but just one more aspect of the cheapness of the budget label business.Regardless of all this, this is a great record, and it is one that should be on your shelf!

Freddie Mitchell / Maurice Rocco Crimson Moods Halo 50212 Deep Groove R & B

$7.99Price
Excluding Sales Tax

    We Use The VJM Record Grading System

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    NB 45s use the LP system as below.

     

    N (78) M (LP). As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed).

    N- (78) M- (LP). Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.

    E+ (78) VG+ (LP). Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.

    E (78) VG (LP). Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.

    E- (78) VG- (LP). Still shiny but without the lustre of a new record, few light scratches.  LP: Some wear, scratches and scuffs, but no skipped or repeat grooves.

    V+ (78) G+ (LP) V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced. LP: Below average with scuffs and scratches on fewer than half the tracks. No skips or repeat grooves.

    V (78) G (LP). Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.

    V- (78) G- (LP). Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level. LP: Lowest Grade. Audible scratches, etc. on more than half the tracks. Listening uncomfortable.

    G+ (78). Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.

    G (78). Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.

    G- (78). Music still prominent, but wear and scratch damage extensive.

    F (78). Most of music remains audible over surface noise, but listening now uncomfortable.

    P (78). Unplayable.

    NB: Damage to labels and jackets (LP) should be noted whenever present.

     

    Abbreviations: sfc = surface; lbl = label; nap = not affecting play; scr/scrs = scratch/scratches; lc = lamination crack; cr = crack; hlc/hc = hairline crack; wol = writing on label; sol = sticker on label; fade = faded label; gr/grs = groove/grooves; eb = edge bite; ec = edge chip; ef = edge flake; rc = rim chip.

     

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