Vinyl plays nicely (play-graded). Cover looks great; a few creases near edges; light-scuffing, slight discoloration, and surface impressions (front/back); "45 RPM Volume I" sticker near top-right and spot where gloss has been removed near top-left and top-right on front. Inner-sleeve is poly-lined paper. Spine is easy-to-read with mild-wear. Some shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge; split near left of top-edge. Wear to corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. Date is approximate. (Not a cut-out.)
A group of San Francisco-based Dixielanders, under the leadership of clarinetist Phillip Howe, are heard on this enjoyable set. The format is certainly unusual for this 12" album has actually been released at 45 rpm speed. The original LP by Phillip Howe's Phrisco Phunction is at 33 1/3 rpm and has a dozen songs. However, the two volumes at 45 RPMs have eight tunes apiece with Vol. 2 having four numbers from the LP and four (including an alternate take) that were otherwise unavailable. The Dixieland-flavored music (which also includes a few swing standards and Horace Silver's The Preacher) is well played with clarinetist Howe, trumpeter Bob Neighbor, and trombonist Rex Allen forming the front line of the septet. Kathy Kreisel does a nice job with her two vocals and the band swings well on Clarinet Marmalade, That Da Da Strain, and I've Got a Feelin' I'm Fallin.'