Before Christmas I went to visit an Aladdin's cave in Blackpool. I was invited to view this record collection, and I was absolutely knocked out. I brought away such treasures as Bunk Johnson's Brass & Dance Band (Storyville), George Lewis 1943-1945 (Storyville), Wooden Joe's New Orleans Band 1945-1949 (Storyville), Washboard Rhythm - Jimmy Bertrand, Clarence Williams, Beal Street, Alabama and Chicago washboard bands (Ace of Hearts, Echoes from New Orleans - Bunk Johnson, George Lewis, Kid Shots, Wooden Joe, Baby Dodds, Emile Barnes and more (Storyville), Jelly Roll Morton Library of Congress Recording, Bunk Johnson and his Superior Jazz Band and I could have taken more.

These records are from a “Private Collection” owned by a Mr Joe Lawson. Joe inherited this collection from his late brother-in-law who was a truly devoted Jazz Enthusiast.

The collection is in mint condition, I'm already on my second record, and when you get that tight fit as they go over the spindle, you just know they have hardly been played.

Joe is now offering for sale items from this private collection. He isn't asking silly prices, and is open to offers. He just wants to see records from the collection to be appreciated by either musicians who are learning techniques or failing that to individuals who would really enjoy this music.

Other artists in this collection are: LOUIS ARMSTRONG, CHARLIE BARNET, COUNT BASIE, SIDNEY BECHET, EDDIE CONDON, BOB CROSBY, TOMMY DORSEY, JIMMY DORSEY, BILLY ECKSTINE, DUKE ELLINGTON, BENNY GOODMAN, DIZZY GILLESPIE, LIONEL HAMPTON, COLEMAN HAWKINS, WOODY HERMAN, JOHNNY HODGES, HARRY JAMES, JO JONES, LOUIS JORDAN, STAN KENTON, GENE KRUPA, GLENN MILLER, JELLY ROLL MORTON, CHARLIE PARKER, ARTIE SHAW, BESSIE SMITH, MUGGSY SPANIER, JACK TEAGARDEN, ART TATUM, FATS WALLER, CHICK WEBB, TEDDY WILSON, LESTER YOUNG.

This is like viewing an encyclopaedia of jazz from year one.

Fred Burnett

If you would like to discuss or view this collection, you can contact Joe via his son's email address -