Record Shopping on MLK Weekend
"Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness; Only Light Can Do That." - MLK
As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, the urgency of now that Dr. King once spoke of feels more like a roar than a whisper. In an era where the political landscape seems dominated by darkness, we’re reminded that progress is never permanent; it’s a practice.
Today, honoring Dr. King means more than just remembering his dream; it means protecting each other in a world that feels increasingly designed to pull us apart. ❤️
The Weekly Spin
On Saturday, I got together with a few friends, and we visited two record shops in northern Massachusetts. The first visit was to Dyno Records in Newburyport, which has a new owner. He seems to be into jazz more than any other genre, which is great! We chatted about Discogs, local businesses, and the new auction app Whatnot.
After lunch at Abraham’s, the next stop was Welfare Records in nearby Haverhill. An impressive used-vinyl, CD, and cassette shop, the selection is laid out brilliantly by genre, and the store offers an excellent view of the Merrimack River while shopping.
Fresh Finds & New Releases
This has been another busy weekend for my speakers after picking up some used albums at Dyno Records and Welfare Records. Here’s what has landed in my collection…
Bob Wills - The History of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys: Bob Wills didn’t just play the fiddle, he engineered a sonic revolution by combining big band swing, fiddle, and the blues to create Western Swing. With the Texas Playboys behind him, Wills proved that a steel guitar and a holler could bridge the gap between rural tradition and urban sophistication.
Milt Jackson - Milt Jackson Quartet: Milt Jackson is one of the best jazz vibraphonists ever to play the instrument. Recorded in 1955, this LP's sound is warm and intimate, featuring Horace Silver, Percy Heath, and Connie Kay. Jackson, Heath, and Kay were all part of the Modern Jazz Quartet. This album was also released as "Soul Pioneers" later in the 1960s.
Ancient Infinity Orchestra - It’s Always About Love: You can feel the joy in this music, a blend of modern jazz and soul with traces of folk. Led by bassist Ozzy Moysey, the ensemble leans into a campfire-esque spiritualism, most notably on the standout "Chant for Don Cherry," where shimmering harps, woodwinds, and collective vocals create a sonic embrace.
On the Radar
New or recent releases available for streaming:
Sault - Chapter 1: (Soul) – Already on their 13th album, this collective unleashes another masterpiece with help from Cleo Sol, Jack Peñate, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Craig Taborn - Dream Archives: (Jazz) – I’m new to Craig Taborn, but I’ve been a fan of drummer Ches Smith for a while now, so I’m eagerly awaiting hearing this entire LP today! This album was recorded live in New Haven in early 2024.
The Weekly Mix
I just felt like a good soul mix was needed... Dive into a seamless blend of vintage soul, deep funk, and global grooves that transition effortlessly from the gritty horns to the breezy jazz and all stops in between. You might get a lil’ sweaty.
Click below to listen now on Mixcloud.
Thanks for tuning into this week’s edition!
Join the Conversation: What are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing it with a fellow music lover.
See you next week,
JB