TUBBY HAYES Tubbs 1961 UK LP FONTANA MONO 1st Press VG+

	£		33
	$		44

TUBBY HAYES - TUBBS

Rare and highly sought after 1961 UK 1st pressing of this jazz classic on FONTANA, TFL 5142

 Matrix Numbers :

  Side 1 AA 680 951 1L 2 // 420   Side 2   AA 680 951 2L 1 // 420

I don't normally give opinions in my ebay adverts on the actual musical content of an artist or band - it's such a subjective topic and that's not the reason for placing the ad in the first place - but for this album I'll make an exception...simply put, even on an off day Tubby Hayes could put most other jazz "greats" to shame. His musicianship and, in particular, tenor sax playing was peerless. A true multi-instrumentalist genius who sadly died way, way before his time at the tender age of 38. Arguably Tubby was close to his peak on this album - just listen to "Cherokee" or "Wonderful Wonderful" - and accompaniments by a number of other top class musicians (Terry Shannon, Jeff Clyne and Jimmy Deuchar to just name a few) make this a "must have" album for any jazz afficianado (I have another copy, by the way). Tubby Hayes...a true true legend.

The appearance of the vinyl is VG+, and it's hard to believe that this record is some 56 years of age. Both sides have a nice shine but there are a number of wispy hairlines and some sporadic mild scuff marks. All of these are surface only and non-feelable apart from one small mark on side 1, track 2 which is feelable (just) and results in some mild background interference (but no skips) although it does not really interfere with the overall quality of the track 2 audio. I have tried to capture this blemish in one of my photos.

Each label is excellent. All writing remains perfectly defined, as does the matt surface texturing, and of course the familiar Fontana dark blue and silver colouring with no fading. There are just a couple of very faint spindle traces adjacent to the centre hole on each side, and the "E/T" tax code on the side 2 label is clearly visible.

The front side laminated, outer sleeve is EX-. No scuffing at all on any of the edges which remain rigid and beautifully defined, as does the spine. There is just a little rubbing on the corners but nothing really of note. The reverse side is truly excellent with all writing totally legible and the flipbacks remain in great condition and fully functional. The iconic front side has retained it's original colour vibrancy.

And finally there is the quality of the audio, which ranges from VG to EXCELLENT.  When Tubby and the band get going the audio quality is excellent, but there is some light background crackle, which seems more in evidence on side 1 though even then it is mainly noticeable during the quieter interludes and before and after each track. If you're looking for audio quality perfection or even excellence throughout then this copy probably isn't for you. Having said that, on most of side 2  I wasn't really aware of any background interference/crackle, but look for it and you will find it - as I said, during the quieter moments. There is the occasional mild background click (at the beginning of track 3, side 1 there are 3 audible clicks but for the life of me I could find no abberation on the vinyl which accounted for this...I guess that's 60's vinyl for you!). Irrespective of this each and every track makes for a great listen, but side 2 audio quality is better than side 1.  

The tracks are :

Side A :

1. THE LATE ONE

2. LOVE WALKED IN

3. S'POSIN'

4. TUBBSVILLE

5. R.T.H.

Side B :

1. CHEROKEE

2. FALLING IN LOVE WITH LOVE

3. THE FOLKS WHO LIVE ON THE HILL

4. WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL!

Comes in original Fontana poly-lined inner, with no tears or splits and still fully functional. Just a little creased and with a little age discolouration.

In summary, an overall impressive (and strong VG) scarce first pressing of this jazz rock classic.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other listings for more 50's, 60's and 70's classic vinyl.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 45 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but over the years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boots, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I never intended selling any of my records but now I am retired and a combination of space requirements (caused partly by duplication) and a need to help fund my retirement has prompted me to "rationalise" my record collection and sell many of my much loved gems. 

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in removing the record from the outer sleeve in order to prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plasic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class  : UK £3.50, continental Europe £6, and Rest of the World £9. However, for items selling for more than £50 to non-UK buyers (and selling for more than £100 to UK buyers), I insist upon "tracked and signed for" postage, which will add a further £2-5 onto postage costs, dependent upon location. So, please...do NOT pay before I have invoiced you. I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines :

Mint

Description: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

Description: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packag­ing might have slight wear and/or creasing.

Very Good

Description: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable sur­face marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

Description: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

Fair 

Description: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for prop­erly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor

Description: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

Description: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.