27-April-1998 -- Panagiotis Strougaris writes:

Hello, I'm a jazz fan from Greece and I'd like, if it's possible, to help me on the following subject: I'm looking for the following Italian based jazz record companies: Black Saint, Soul Note, and ESP. Is it possible to help me giving telephone no or mailing address or web address or whatever is possible in order to contact them?

Panagiotis, you can go to the labels page of our links section to find Black Saint / Soul Note and their affiliated labels. You can also contact them in the U.S. at:
P.O. Box 4292, Great Neck NY 11023.

Or in Europe, try:
IREC SpA
Via G. Rossini 2, 20067 Tribiano (MILANO) ITALY

ESP, on the other hand, figures to be a tougher nut to crack. Founded in 1964 NYC, it started out releasing avant-jazz works by Albert Ayler, Pharoah Sanders, etc., and later issued compilations of radio broadcasts by more traditional jazz artists such as Billie, Bird, and Bud Powell, and lasted until about 1976. ESP published two slogans on the back of each album, including "You never heard such sounds in your life." So you might have to start contacting record dealers or collectors instead of traditional retailers, Panagiotis. Write us back if you'd like some tips on how to get started, if you're interested, and thanks for writing "AAJ."

23-April-1998 -- Norman Burt writes:

Has anyone heard of a CD reissue of Jerry Hahn's early 70's album Moses, on Fantasy? Mr. Hahn is an electric guitar wizard, and his '95 CD, Time Changes, on Enja is great. But Moses was ahead of its time and should be heard by anyone who plays or has any interest in guitar.

Thanks, Norman, and welcome aboard. "Moses" isn't currently in Fantasy's catalog. The "All Music Guide" certainly agrees with you, calling this "a fairly definitive effort by the talented but greatly underrated guitarist." Hahn's quartet here includes Merl Saunders, who also cut several albums with guitarist Jerry Garcia for Fantasy.