Guide to Bethlehem Records (Jazz Label Guide No. 9; Episode 381) 

Allan - Excellent research and comprehensive narrative! Having been a fan of "Bethlehem Records" for many years this was a most enjoyable Post! Having to search for the exhaustive discography there are numerous "gems" to be found. Recently I have been exploring the music of Eddie Shu-Clarinet/Tenor Sax, to my surprise a Bethlehem label release showcased his talent. Along with the beautiful sounding Tenor Sax of Bob Hardaway, who was completely unknown to me. I know you were limited to show all of the label releases, if you don't already own a copy this is a "must have" recording! Thanks for all your time and effort, it is very much appreciated! "Jazz Practitioners" Eddie Shu/Bob Hardaway # BCP-3!!!👍

So appreciate the time and passion you but into these label overviews. Looked forward to this one.

Your label overviews are legend. This one does a great job of summing up a rather fishtailed timeline. "Compass" logo, huh? I always read it as the "star" of Bethlehem," but that's maybe a little on the nose, and you are correct.

Your labels review are top tier. Thx. Informative, educational, and a jump point for lifelong collectors. Being relatively new to jazz, you a a few others have helped me build my collection outside rock (2.5k) and classical (1.5k) records. Keep the channel evolving and growing.

As usual top-notch video great content. Great subject. 5 stars all the way.

Well researched and informative. Thanks Allan. Always a pleasure watching your videos.

Stellar and informative video !

Another excellent video Allan! Very interesting. Thank you

Thanks a mill. Thorough, v helpful. And enjoyable to boot.

Thank you very much. Once again a very informative and thorough covering of another Jazz label, exposing me to even more great material for my collection. Please continue with as many labels as you can - they're greatly appreciated. In summary: A cut above 😄

Another great episode my friend, I learned a lot and was entertained. Embarrassingly the only 2, I think, I own are Little girl blue & Torme sings Fred.

Very,very good and interesting! I really enjoy your channel and picks.

Could you cover some European free jazz labels like Black Saint or FMP? Many jazz commentators sneer upon music like this, and some refuse to even acknowledge the music's existence. I appreciate the attention you are giving to jazz music!

SUCH an excellent video I enjoyed tremendously, and another of your gargantuan efforts. I can't imagine the amount of work put into this. One small correction about stereo discs: Bethlehem couldn't have released stereo discs in 1957, as that was not a format yet. In fact, the very first stereo demonstration discs came out in December 1957 from niche companies. It would take a while for the format to catch on. It's well documented that it was 1958 that marked a wider adoption of the stereo vinyl disc, but in Bethlehem's case it's probably safe to assume that their first stereo released came out around 1959 or 1960, a few years after the mono versions of the same albums, as was the case with other small labels such as Blue Note. Now, Bethlehem did record in true stereo starting in 1957 or 1956. As to why companies would record for a format that was not yet a viable option for release, it's important to remember that "STEREO" had been a buzzword for most of the 1950s, with Atlantic Records doing first post-war stereo experiments in 1952, and by 1954 it would have already been adopted in the classical world (in the US). The only viable commercially available format before the advent of the stereo LP was stereo reel-to-reel tape, which was aimed at wealthy audiophiles who had today's equivalent of $150 to spend on a 30-minute tape.

This was excellent. Thanks. I recently revisited your Blue Note guide when I was purchasing some pricey early pressings. But back to Bethlehem… there are rumblings 🤐 - Mike

Love this series ❤

There are a couple of prominent on-line download sellers that have most of these albums available on 24/96 resolution and Dynamic Range listed at 10-12 listed as Bethlehem Studio Masters. It lists who did the remastering and oversaw the tape transfers. Most were done late 2013. I almost believe a remaster program was initiated either to preserve the music or to ready a remaster sales program. I have bought many since then and been very pleased. Still look for the records but this does just fine in a pinch.

Always a good day when I learn something. Thank you Allan. If you only had one Bethlehem record in your collection what would it be? And this I imagine is a label where you can still find some original pressings at a decent price as it is less known.