very rare Broadway LP Acetates Kander Ebb Dick Charles Recording Label

$

160

For your consideration is a 2-LP, rarest of the rare Broadway production acetates. The reason I say this - there is no doubt these records are the only ones in which John Kander and Fred Ebb performed selections from the 1971 Broadway play, 70 Girls, 70. According to sources online, Kander and Ebb are two of the most famous song writing team in the history of theater known for their collaboration on Chicago, All That Jazz, Cabaret and many others. The duo penned the song New York, New York that Frank Sinatra made famous. Both are members of the New York Theater Hall of Fame.

Dick Charles of Dick Charles Recording Service has historicity as well. As an American songwriter, he penned many songs and collaborated with other famous names. For example, he wrote the song Casanova Cricket with Hoagy Carmichael and Larry Markes and co-wrote "If Anything Should Happen to You" with Fred Ebb. His resume includes Director of ABC Radio along with producing and directing Paul Whiteman's radio show. In 1954, he started his own recording company. In addition, there were a number of up and coming stars out there before the stars were signed by big record labels - performers like Neil Diamond, Carol King, Paul Simon, Little Eva, Hank Davis and others. I am sure there is more history of Dick Charles Recording Studio that the more knowledgeable know of. However, I could not find any information when they recorded at Charles' studio.

The acetates are in a double, hardback album cover that says on the label, Dick Charles Recording Service, 729 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
JU 2-7920. In handwritten ink, underneath the label is 70-Girls-70. I am not an expert in acetates, but yo ucan see on the edges the white metal in places. One LP has four holes in it.

Another nice thing that adds to the rarity is only Kander and Ebb and their piano are singing and playing on the acetate, whereas on the Columbia LP it is the Broadway cast. Another nice addition is that Kander and Ebb recorded the song, "End of Act One" that did not make it to the production. There are two songs on the Columbia LP not listed on the acetates. Here are the songs listed on the acetates:

First Acetate:

• Side 1: Old Folks. Home. Broadway, My Street. The Caper. Coffee in a Cardboard Cup.
  
• Side 2: You and I. Do We. Hit it Lorraine. See the Light. End of Act One. Folk Song.

Second Acetate:

• Believe. Go Visit. 70-Girls-70. The Elephant Song. Yes. The other side is blank.

Condition: I am not an expert grader, but I have graded quite a few records. Some buyers stated I am too conservative. The acetate with recordings on both sides has a bad scratch on the first song, Old Folks. Not only can I feel it, it skips halfway through the song. There is some light static and occasional pops. If I do not count the first song, I think the record plays VG to VG+. There is no doubt it needs cleaned which may help with the static and the pops as well, I think. Visually, both records have a lot of paper scratches which I usually rate VG-. I have a cheap turntable (Detrola) and the needle is getting old, but it still plays pretty good. 

I am throwing in the 70-Girls-70 Columbia LP Promo free of charge.

I realize the Broadway production did not last long and it never reached the heights of Kander and Ebb's other successful works, but to have the acetate for one of their shows is a great addition to a Broadway collection. In addition, it quite a conversation piece because where are you going to find another one - especially on Dick Charles Recording Service acetates?

Feel free to write with questions and if anyone has knowledge to share. It would be interesting to know when and how Kander and Ebb chose Dick Charles.

RETURNS: Item may be returned within 14 days provided I have missed something when describing condition. Item must be returned in the same condition as sent. Customer satisfaction is very important to me, so please do not hesitate to drop me a line before leaving anything other than a positive feedback comment or all 5 stars on the seller ratings as this is what I strive for. Thanking you in advance for taking this additional time to personally let me know how I am doing :). Please do let me know immediately if you receive your item damaged in transit, or in any other condition other than what is described in writing or pictured in this listing or any others that I offer on eBay.

PAYMENT METHODS: PayPal only, please. I do expect payment within 3 days of purchase. If this request does not fit within your budget, please drop me a line and I will try to work with you as much as I can.

SHIPPING METHODS: Media mail or priority mail shipping in US. Sorry, no international sales. I ship next business day upon receipt of cleared payment. Purchases paid for on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will not ship until Monday.

To all international bidders: Please do not ask me to ship your item first class international mail. I am unable to accommodate such requests because the US Postal Service does not offer tracking information on items shipped this method. In addition, please do not ask me to undervalue the final bid price or mark the package as "gift". I cannot accommodate these kinds of requests either because it is against the law. Finally, any and all customs charges, taxes, duties, and the like are the sole responsibility of the buyer and are not included on the eBay invoice. Please check with your local customs office for more details.

Do you have questions or knowledge to share about this item or any others that I am currently offering? Please do not hesitate to write to me - both are welcome and appreciated here. I generally respond to questions, concerns, etc., the very same day they are received.