4045/ FREDDIE REDD - Shades of Redd

SOURCE: Collector

SPECS: 1ST PRESSING; MONO; 1961; DG; W63; MACHINED RVG; P.; LAM.

JACKET: Front: VG+, minuscule repair on front of jacket—poor repair attempt if examined closely but generally not noticeable, minor laminate crackles at opening; Color/Contrast: NM, no sun damage when compared with archive copies, deep blacks; Back: VG-/G+, no information loss but unrepairable water damage issues, cuts and tonal aging; Spine: VG+, retains red tonality, most copies found these days have fully white spines due to years of sun damage; Seams: NM, perfect

DISC (VISUAL): Side A: VG-, a hairline and many scratches; Side B: VG-, one long hairline and many scratches; Labels: NM; Warp: No

DISC (PLAYBACK): Side A: VG+, first 25-30 seconds of the first track play with light surface noise, same as other copies, rest is VG+ but final 1/5 of the third track plays with surface noise due to scratch area; Side B: VG/VG+, start of the side during bass solo plays with light noise but not major. Some other quiet areas have a touch of noise but no major impact, this side plays beautifully throughout; Groovewear: No

ORIGINAL INNER SLEEVE: Yes

NOTES: Viewing the disc under light appears far worse than it sounds. A must own 4000s title. Tina Brooks and McLean steal the show here.

OVERALL GRADE: VG