1.) Junior Mance Trio – Happy Time represents straight-ahead jazz piano at its most joyful and accessible, captured in this superb Japanese first pressing that preserves the album's warm, swinging spirit. Originally showcasing Mance's blues-inflected piano mastery, this 1978 Japanese pressing captures the trio's effortless chemistry and soulful approach in a presentation of exceptional quality. The Japanese pressing reveals the album's intimate trio setting with stunning clarity. From the buoyant title track "Happy Time" to the blues-drenched "Jubilation," every nuanced performance emerges with beautiful definition. Mance's soulful, gospel-tinged piano work weaves through Martin Rivera's walking bass lines and Mickey Roker's crisp drumming with seamless interplay that benefits from the legendary Japanese audio engineering. The album's perfect balance of bebop sophistication and blues feeling sounds more immediate and engaging than ever in this pristine pressing. This copy is exceptional for its near-mint condition throughout. The OBI strip remains crisp and vibrant, the insert is flawless with original liner notes and photography perfectly preserved, and the vinyl surface plays with the warm, detailed sound that Japanese jazz pressings are renowned for. The cheerful cover artwork—featuring Mance's beaming smile—looks particularly striking in this Japanese edition, perfectly capturing the album's uplifting, good-time atmosphere. A soulful celebration of piano trio jazz, preserved in collector's dream condition. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Junior Mance Trio - Happy Time Format / Pressing: Vinyl LP - First Japanese pressing, Stereo Label & Catalog Number: Riverside Records VIJ-5049 Year / Country: 1978 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Near Mint - Minimal handling evidence, sharp corners, clean surfaces Media Condition: Near Mint - Visually pristine, no visible defects, plays with perfect clarity Contents: Complete with original OBI strip and insert TRACKLIST Side One: 1. Happy Time 2. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child 3. You Are Too Beautiful 4. Wee Side Two: 1. Rock-A-Bye 2. I Don't Care 3. Jubilation 4. Diane COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: First Japanese pressing in exceptional near-mint condition Special Features: Includes all original Japanese elements - OBI strip and insert Musical Content: Soulful piano trio jazz with blues and gospel influences Authenticity: Confirmed by Riverside catalog number VIJ-5049 _____________________________ 2.) The Red Garland Trio – Groovy represents piano trio perfection from one of jazz's most elegant and influential pianists, captured in this superb Japanese mono pressing that preserves the album's timeless sophistication. Originally showcasing Garland's impeccable taste and swinging sensibility, this 1976 Japanese pressing captures the trio's cohesive brilliance in a presentation of exceptional quality. The Japanese mono pressing reveals the album's intimate studio session with stunning clarity and warmth. From the buoyant opening of "C-Jam Blues" to the romantic "Will You Still Be Mine," every nuanced performance emerges with beautiful definition. Garland's distinctive block chord style and lyrical single-note lines weave through Paul Chambers' melodic bass and Art Taylor's crisp drumming with seamless interplay that benefits from the superior Japanese audio engineering. The mono mix creates a wonderfully centered and intimate soundstage, making these classic interpretations sound more immediate and engaging than ever in this pristine pressing. This copy is exceptional for its near-mint condition throughout. While lacking an OBI strip, it includes the original insert with liner notes and session information perfectly preserved. The vinyl surface plays with the warm, detailed mono sound that Japanese jazz pressings are renowned for, capturing every subtle nuance of Garland's elegant touch. The classic cover artwork—featuring the clean Prestige mono design—looks particularly striking in this excellent edition, perfectly capturing the album's timeless, sophisticated aesthetic. A masterclass in piano trio jazz, preserved in collector's dream condition. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: The Red Garland Trio - Groovy Format / Pressing: Vinyl LP - Japanese Mono Reissue Label & Catalog Number: Prestige SMJ-6504(M) Year / Country: 1976 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Near Mint - Minimal handling evidence, sharp corners, clean surfaces Media Condition: Near Mint - Visually pristine, no visible defects, plays with perfect clarity Contents: Complete with original insert (No OBI) TRACKLIST Side One: 1. C-Jam Blues 2. Gone Again 3. Will You Still Be Mine Side Two: 1. Hey Now 2. What Is There to Say 3. M-Squad Theme COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: Japanese mono reissue in exceptional near-mint condition Special Features: Includes original insert with complete liner notes Musical Content: Classic piano trio featuring Paul Chambers and Art Taylor Authenticity: Confirmed by Prestige catalog number SMJ-6504(M) SALE TERMS & SHIPPING Shipping: Within 1 or 2 business days after payment Packaging: Professional, secure vinyl mailer | Record shipped outside the cover to prevent seam splits Vinyl Care: All our vinyl records are professionally cleaned with an ultrasonic machine before shipping. We also include a free outer sleeve and new inner sleeve. Shipping Areas: Worldwide Payment: Required within 3 days after auction closes ABOUT THE SELLER A passionate collector for over 30 years, my journey through music has been a lifelong adventure. With the creation of STREAMZER, I've chosen to share this profound love for music and records with enthusiasts around the world. Each record from my collection has been carefully selected, stored in optimal conditions, and handled with the respect that these musical treasures deserve. I'm delighted to offer these pieces to fellow music lovers who understand their true value. Happy bidding! Musically, Olivier