This disc pictured below is a serious Holy Relic — a RCA Victor Program Transcription with autographs — Harry Carney, Johnny Hodges, Hayes Alvis, Rex Stewart and Ivie Anderson. The seller candidly says, “E- condition. Rough start on ‘East St. Louis.'”
The price is $400, but shipping is a bargain: “Buyer to pay $5.00 shipping (which includes $1.00 for packing material) in the United States. Shipping discount for multiple 78s. Insurance, if desired, is extra.”
Here‘s the link. Too late for Christmas, but always a thoughtful gift for the Ellingtonian in your house.
And perhaps you don’t have $405.00 for this. There’s no shame. I don’t either. So here’s the music:
and here’s the “stereo” version. This was created in the Seventies, I think, when Ellington collectors discovered two versions of this performance, each recorded with a different microphone setup, then stitched them together to create a binaural recording. No autographs, though:
This post is for my dear friend Harriet Choice, who always knows the difference.
May your happiness increase!