jazzis kirjoitti noin 20 vuotta sitten (16 kommenttia)

I kick off the new month with the addition of the Cream reunion materiel on CD and DVD:

CREAM ~ ROYAL ALBERT HALL LONDON MAY 2-3-5-6 2005

It takes titanium balls to on stage and try to reproduce a musical legend that happened almost 40 years earlier. Clapton, Bruce & Baker seem to have these and more, as they come out of this reunion effort with flying colors. Considering they are all in their 60`s now, the energy and sheer physical effort required must have been enormous. There is less fire and wild emotions here compared to the hay days, but perhaps that works in favor for the musicians and the listener - there is much refined and control, which were sometimes missing when they were young. The material spans the entire recording arsenal of Cream, from the debut album (Fresh Cream) to the last studio recordings (Goodbye) and any Cream fan can`t help but go through a deeply emotional state of bliss (I know I did) when listening to this stuff. Thank God and modern medicine for Jack`s successful liver transplant, which made all this possible. The DVD includes additional alternate takes and interviews with the musicians.
Don´t even think twice!

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December is the most critical month for Jazzis Web Shop - I need to generate enough sales to make it worthwhile for me to continue this service. Therefore I ask EACH and EVERY one of you to make a special effort and order from me this month.

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First 10 orders will receive a special Christmas bonus!

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Of course the sale continues and you all get 12 % discount on all your orders (ordes of at least 4 items). This means that your purchases, combined with the free shipping offer for orders of 10 items or more, can cost you much less this month!

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Have Fun!

jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Two excellent recent reissues of Israeli classic cult albums added today:

EINSTEIN, ARIK / HANOCH, SHALOM ~ SHABLOOL

One of the most important Israeli albums in all times, this 1970 album by Einstein / Hanoch received a cult status in Israel. The songs (all written by Hanoch) are all evergreens and Israeli Pop anthems. The singers are accompanied by the members of the legendary Churchils and a few guest jazz musicians. The songs were used as a soundtrack to the cult TV series "Lool" and also incorporated into films directed by Uri Zohar. This stuff is the best Israeli Psychedelic Rock ever made and it aged wonderfully, as it is as pleasing today as it was then. An absolute must for every lover of Isreali early Rock!

LEVY, SHEM TOV ~ WAKING UP

2nd album (recorded 1981) by one of the best Israeli Prog musicians (leader of "Sheshet" and member of "No Names"). A collection of beautiful tunes performed by Levy (flute and vocals) with the top Israeli jazz musicians, including the superb Mordy Ferber on guitar. One of the best and most musical albums ever recorded in Israel and a true classic.

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Some of you are waking up to the sale offer - well better late then never ;) Just keep 'em coming as it wont last forever!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Three classic albums added today:

CHICAGO ~ AT CARNEGIE HALL (IV)

4th album (recorded 1971), and the first live recording. After releasing 3 consecuitive double LPs Chicago astounded the music world with the release of this 4 LPs set - the first ever in Rock. The beautiful packaging and the enclosed goodies (photos & posters) made this one of the most memorable albums in the history of Rock. The music includes selections from the 3 first albums, as well as new tunes performed here for the first time. The recording quality is simply breathtaking, especially in view of the fact that Carnegie Hall was built and designed for acoustic (mostly classical) music. Also the ability of the band to perform live the complex and lengthy compositions is truly amazing. This is undoubtedly one of the most important live albums ever recorded and this expanded reissue, which includes a whole CD worth of bonus material is a treasure not to be missed.

CURVED AIR ~ AIRCONDITIONING

1st album (recorded 1970) by one of the most remarkable UK Prog bands. Formed by violinist Darryl Way, a graduate of the Royal College of Music, they would be one the first ensembles to incorporate classical music directly into their superb compositions. Way`s considerable instrumental skills were well supported by similar talent of the keyboards player Francis Monkman and they both composed all of the band`s material. The addition of vocalist Sonja Kristina, a remarkable singer with a unique voice, turned Curved Air into an outstanding creative musical unit. This album is considered to this very day one of the strongest debut Prog releases ever and the instrumental "Vivaldi With Cannons" turned into a Prog anthem. The original album was the first ever vinyl picture disk. A true Prog classic.

CURVED AIR ~ SECOND ALBUM

2nd album (recorded 1971) and a remarkable follow up to their superb debut. The band follows a similar pattern, with Way and Monkman sharing the compositional duties (this time each got a whole side of the original LP), with a clear difference between them - Way producing a more Rock oriented pieces while Monkman tendencies are more classically / Prog oriented. Kristina is excellent all the way, establishing a firm position in the lead of UK female Prog singers. Another classic.

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I remind you of the pre-Xmas postal delays and prompt you to place your orders in time for the Holidays. Music is the best gift you can give to people you love!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Three new items added today - 2 DVDs and a Box Set:

IQ ~ LIVE FROM LONDON

Filmed in 1985, this DVD is the oldest video document of IQ at the early day of their career, shortly after the release of their 2nd album "The Wake". The band includes the original vocalist Peter Nicholls, who left just a few weeks later. In time IQ were to become one of the leading bands in the Neo-Prog movement and this material shows why they were heading for success. Great melodies and powerful stage act characterized their music from the very beginning. 53 minutes. NTSC

PALLAS ~ LIVE FROM LONDON

Filmed in 1985, this DVD documents the early days of Pallas, one of the founding bands of the Neo-Progressive movement (with Marillion, Solstice & Twelfth Night). Captured here is a dynamic show featuring material from their debut album "Arrive Alive" and their second legendary release "The Sentinel" as well as their then recently released EP "Knightmoves". 59 minutes. NTSC

FAMILY ~ OLD SONGS NEW SONGS

This treasure chest includes the following:
5th album (recorded 1970-71), which was sort of a compilation of tacks released on earlier albums, but re-recorded and re-mixed (this was probably the first ever remaster) by the band, as they were not entirely satisfied with the original versions. In adition there is a plethora of previously unreleased demos and live tracks, as well as the best songs from all the albums - all that spanning the remainig 3 CDs. Also a reproduction of the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival programme is included - a great gem! An absolute must for every Family fan and a superb tribute to this fantastic band.
Limited edition including 5th CD with additional live material

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The sale continues!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
While writing down the Jazzis history (see my Blog) I realized that in four and a half years I never made any promotion for my own Jazzis Record label - shame on me.

So here it is:

Anybody buying 4 Jazzis Records LPs / CDs will get a 5th Jazzis Records release free as a bonus. This offer lasts till December 31, 2005.

Since the 12 % discount sale is still on, that means you get 20 % discount on top of the 12 % discount - quite a deal.

You can see all the Jazzis Record releases using the "Jazzis Label" function under "Catalog / Others" menu.

There is some damn great jazz, fusion and prog stuff on my label ;)

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
2 great new jazz additions today:

MUSTAFA ZADEH, AZIZA ~ AZIZA MUSTAFA ZADEH

1st album (recorded 1991) and a beautifuly bold statement by an emerging jazz star. Azerbaijani pianist Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, daughter of Vagif Mustafa Zadeh, who was a visionary pianist / composer, recorded this solo piano album under strong influence of her rather`s legacy. She also sings on three of the tunes. She composed all the music as well, except one piece by her father and one short Michal Urbaniak composition. Absolutely stunnung stuff and a must for any jazz lover with a flair and taste for the different.

MUSTAFA ZADEH, AZIZA ~ ALWAYS

2nd album (recorded 1993) by the brilliant Azerbaijani pianist. This time she appears in the piano trio setting - the best platform for any pianist. The rhythm section is no other that the legendary pair of John Patitucci (bass) and Dave Weckl (drums), the regular Chick Corea`s rhythm section for many years. All the music (except one piece by her father) is composed by Aziza and of course she plays like magic. Absolute must!

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Many items back in stock!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
2 amazing new jazz additions today:

UEHARA, HIROMI ~ ANOTHER MIND

1st album (recorded 2003) by Japanese pianist Hiromi Uehara, who stormed the jazz world with her dazzling technique. Born 1979 (which means she was only 24 when this album was recorded), she received a full scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, where she met and amazed many famous jazz musicians and eventually accepetd the legendary pianist Ahmed Jamal as her mentor (Jamal co-produced this album). She wrote all the music and she performs it mostly in a trio setting with an almost demonic energy and amazing stamina. She plays with a speed of a Ferrari and elegance of a Lamborghini, absolutely breathtaking. This is a kind of album you need to follow with an hour of silence just to get your breath back. The famous Telarc sound quality does not disappoint as well. If you are still thinking about ordering this CD - you are really slow ;)

UEHARA, HIROMI ~ BRAIN

2nd album (recorded 2004) by the amazing Japanese pianist. Hiromi uses the piano trio setting again, which is of course ideal for her astounding technique. She also composed all the music, same as on her outstanding debut. Her virtuosity is apparent form the first seconds the music starts to play and she manages to find new ways to amaze the listener as the album progresses. This dense, complex and yet melodic and well flowing musical barrage is just beyond words. Simply get it and listen...

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In the next few days I'll be adding many new jazz releases, as I feel I neglected the jazz selections way too much in favor of the Prog stuff. Fortunately many of you like both genres, so there are no loosers here ;)

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The sale (12 % discount) will end on December 17, 2005.

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Two more Weather Report albums added today on the way to complete this outstanding group's complete discography:

WEATHER REPORT ~ NIGHT PASSAGE

10th album (recorded 1980), which marks the return of WR to a more straightforward jazzy ambience, with extensive solo inmprovisations by the virtuosi players. This is probably the strongest WR album from their late period, with terrific support from the legendary rhythm section of Jaco Pastorious and Peter Erskine. A definitive must have for any WR fan and a worthy addition to any record collection.

WEATHER REPORT ~ WEATHER REPORT (1982)

11th album (recorded 1982). For some strange reason this was self-titled again (same as the debut album) and the cover art surely deserves a nomination for one of the ungliest ever produced. The music however is as good as one might expect from these brilliant musicians. This is the last album to feature Pastorious (who was about to die tragically only 5 years later) and Erskine, and is dominated again by Zawinul, who contributed all but one of the compositions recorded on this album.

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Last 2 days of the 12 % discount sale!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Two jazz classic added today:

BROOKMEYER, BOB ~ BOB BROOKMEYER AND FRIENDS

This wondeful gem from 1964 marks a renewed meeting between two American jazz giants - trombonist Bob Brookmeyer and saxophonist Stan Getz - who played together many times on earlier occasions. Getz brought to this date a new member of his group, the 21 years old vibraphone prodigy Gary Burton. The rhythm section is a dream come true - Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter from than current Miles Davis` Quintet and Elvin Jones from John Coltrane´s Quartet - one can hardly ask for a more competent bunch. Now for the first time on CD with extensive liner notes. A true gem!

HANCOCK, HERBIE / COREA, CHICK ~ AN EVENING WITH HERBIE HANCOCK & CHICK COREA IN CONCERT

A true meeting of the Titans! Two of America´s greatest piano players meet in 1978, facing each other accross two grand pianos and playing in unison for two hours. The music is sublime, uplifting and brilliant all the way. The true success of this recording lies in the fact that the two geniuses complement each other rather than competing with each other, dismissing their egos and concentrating on the wonderful process of music creation. The material includes jazz standards as well as compositions by both of the participants. Absolutely essential!

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Today & Tomorrow are the last 2 days of the End Of Year Sale (12 % discount).

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A great weekend to you all!

Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Two great new additions today - one jazz and one fusion:

COREA, CHICK ~ THE COMPLETE `IS` SESSIONS

This is the Blue Note reissue of the 3rd Chick Corea album "Is". These 1969 sessions were recorded shortly after Chick joined the Miles Davis ensemble, replacing Herbie Hancock, and just in time to participate in the musical revolution Miles was conducting at that time (with "Bitches Brew" to be recorded soon). Chick would play some of the most intensive music ever recorded with Miles, often in a keyboards threesome (with Zawinul & Jarrett). He took two of the Miles' players with him to take part in this recording: Dave Holland (bass) and Jack DeJohnette (drums) - one of the finest rhythm sections ever. The rest of the players were Chick's companions from the past: Hubert Laws (flute), Bennie Maupin (tenor sax - he of course came to fame later playing in Herbie Hancock's groups - who was omitted from the album's credits due to record companies' contractual bullsh*t), Woody Shaw (trumpet) and a second drummer Horace Arnold. The line-up collects some of the most talented cats on the
scene at the time, and the resulting music does not disappoint.

FUSE ONE ~ FUSE ONE

This obscure 1980 album by the group of American players, which called itself `Fuse One`, was sadly long absent from the market until recently reissued by CTI. The music is a great example of what fusion can be, when created by master musicians. The players include (among others) John McLaughlin (well he is not American) and Larry Coryell on guitars, Joe Farrell on saxophone, Stanley Clarke on bass and drummers Lenny White and Tony Williams - an absolutely amazing gallery of the best of the best. One of the most deserving reissues ever done.

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The End Of Year sale (12 % discount) ends today! As there are orders swarming in (why do you always have to keep it till the last moment?) I'll keep the discount "alive" till midnight "California time", i.e. 7 am Israeli time of tomorrow. So here is your last chance everybody. As it is my birthday, I can be nice ;)

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Two more great jazz albums added today:

HUBBARD, FREDDIE ~ RED CLAY

Freddie Hubbard is one of the greatest American trumpet players with a long and distinguished list of acheivements. Hubbard signed with CTI in 1970 and recorded several albums for the label, which are considered by many among the best material he ever recorded. This is his debut for the label (recorded 1970) and features him in an quintet setting, with Herbie Hancock (piano), Joe Henderson (sax - another legendary player), Ron Carter (bass) and Lenny White (drums). The material is very strong, mostly hard-bop with some funk overtones. In retrospect this does sound as good today as it did when first released.

HUBBARD, FREDDIE ~ STRAIGHT LIFE

This is Hubbard`s 2nd album on CTI (recorded 1970) with the same players as the debut, except Jack DeJohnette replacing Lenny White on drums and George Benson added on guitar and some percussion added as well. More of the same great jazz over funky rhythms with all the players soloing extensively. A great document of the era and a worthy addition to any jazz albums collection.

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The Jazzis Label special offer goes on till December 31st!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
Two more jazz classics added today:

HUBBARD, FREDDIE ~ FIRST LIGHT

This is Hubbard`s 3rd album on CTI (recorded 1971) with the same players (more or less) as the two previous albums, except this time accompanied by an orchestra (which also includes many famous jazz players, like Huber Laws). The intricate orchestral arrangements (by the legendary Don Sebesky, who did arrangements for many CTI albums) add another aspect to the music, which is more mellow than the previous albums, but remains interesting and still definitely swings. Hubbard delivers some great solos on muted trumpet and this is probably one of his strongest recordings ever.

DAVIS, MILES ~ IN EUROPE

Recorded live ar the Antibes International Jazz Festival (France) in 1963. This album documents the period just before the legendary second Davis quintet was formed, when the sax player George Coleman, who plays here, was briefly replaced by Sam Rivers and then by Wayne Shorter to form the best jazz group in the 1960´s. The elements essential in the trasformation of the Jazz Art Form, which was performed just a few month later, are largely already present here, especially the sensational work by Tony Williams at the drums chair. Exceptional, as everything Miles ever recorded.

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Many items back in stock!

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The Jazzis Label special offer goes on till December 31st!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
One Prog classic added today:

NICE ~ ARS LONGA VITA BREVIS (DELUXE EDITION)

2nd album (recorded 1968) this time as a trio, which was to be its format till the group disbanded. Emerson expands the classical influences by including music by composers like Sibelius and Bernstein, those of course in his wild and masterly improvised versions, adding extended compositions of his own. All together an excellent companion to the debut album. This edition adds fabulous previously unavailable material, both studio and live. A must!

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Two great jazz classics also added:

DAVIS, MILES ~ IN TOKYO

This 1964 live recording is the only document in exsistence of the "in-transition" formative period of the Miles Davis´ second legendary quintet, which features the work of the giant saxophonist Sam Rivers. Rivers replaced George Coleman (see "In Europe") for just a few weeks, which included a Japanese tour where this music was recorded. Rivers´ free-jazz tendencies were not exactly what Miles was looking for at that period, but on this recording Rivers` performance is remarkably "sold" (compared to his other recordings of that period) and beautiful. The Hancock / Carter / Williams rhythm section swings and drives the two frontmen like none other and the music is just heavenly. Absolutely essential!

DAVIS, MILES ~ IN BERLIN

Recorded just a couple of months after the 1964 "In Tokyo" album, this is the first recording of the legendary second Miles` quintet. Wayne Shorter replaces Sam Rivers and becomes the permanent member of the quintet for the next few years to take part in the jazz revolution that Miles orchestrated in the second half of the 1960`s. The chemistry of that ensemble is evident form the first note and the performances, although still based firmly in the jazz tradition of years past, obviously point towards the new direction those musicians were to undertake soon after. Absolutely essential!

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I wish all my customers and friends a Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hope to see you all back at my shop!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
One absolutely classic Rock album added today:

COCKER, JOE ~ MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN (DELUXE EDITION)

This is one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded! Following Cocker`s Woodstock appearance in 1969, which was one of the musical highlights of the festival, a US tour was arranged for him the following year (1970). The accompanying band, led by the mighty Leon Russell, provides Cocker with a perfect vehicle for his vocal pyrotechnics. The lad really shows the Yankees the true meaning of Rhythm and Blues! His husky voice and almost demonic ability to express feelings and emotions are unique and overpowering. The tour was filmed (and later a movie was released) and recorded and this album is a perfect document of that event. This new edition adds previously unheard material, creating two solid hours of some of the best music of the 1970`s one can ever hear. Heartworming, breathtaking and absolutely essential!

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As tomorrow is Xmas Eve, I wish you and your Families a Happy & Healthy Holiday. May God grant us some peace and happiness we all need so much.

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Many items back in stock!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
One jazz classic added today:

COREA, CHICK ~ TONES FOR JOAN`S BONES

The 1966 debut album by Chick Corea (recently re-mastered on Rhino and originally released on a small label called Vortex, which belonged to Atlantic). Chick leads a quintet with Woody Shaw on trumpet, Joe Farrell on sax, Steve Swallow on bass and veteran Master Joe Chambers on drums (Farrell will of course return and play with Chick many more times later, including the first version of Return To Forever). The music - composed by Chick except one tune by Kurt Weill - is basically hard bop with a distinct Latin tinge, which of course is hardly surprising as Chick paid his dues playing in several Latin bands led by Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, etc. His stint with Stan Getz also included a lot of Latin influenced material (Steve also comes from Stan's band). The album lost none of its power and excitement over the years and is a damn good listen.

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Merry Christmas Everybody!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
With Christmas behind us, Hanukkah still on and the New Year approaching rapidly, here is a collection of various updates to round up the year. There will be no new additions till January 1st (I think?).

I wish everybody a Happy New Year - mainly health, peace and fulfillment of your dreams!

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I still have in stock some of the out of print albums on the sadly defunct Mio Records label - like Atmosphera and Pocket Orchestra. These items are collectors items by now and on eBay their prices skyrocket. I have kept the prices exactly the same as they have always been.

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The Jazzis Records offer of "buy 4 get 5th free" is still on till December 31. This is your opportunity to enjoy the labums I produced with the best Israeli artists.

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The price of the OOAK items is still US $ 2.00 untill December 31. Last 5 days to get some great music almost for free.

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Those of you who enjoy reading about music are invited to read my on-line journal = Blog. It seems to be quite popular with many people, as indicated by the number of visits. Please make any comments on my rumblings, if you feel like doing so - there is an easy way to add comments on the Blog pages.

http://www.jazzis.com/journal/


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I will prepare the annual summary for 2005 by the New Year's Eve and mail it to you. 2005 was alltogether not a bad year for the Jazzis Web Shop - there is still a lot of work to be done, but I am making progress (sic)!

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I need to take stock of the warehouse - what a drag :( Counting thousands of CDs is always a bummer! This thing just grows every year.

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Thank you for your purchases during 2005 and hope to see you back in 2006!

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Have Fun!


jazzis kirjoitti noin 19 vuotta sitten+/- saldo : 0
So it's December 31, 2005 - end of year. As promised, here is the 2005 summary for the Jazzis Web Shop.

Sales statistics - compared to 2004:

Total Sales Volume: Up 49 %

Total Number Of Orders: Up 25 %

Total Number Of Items Sold: Up 122 % (many sale items)

Total Number Of Items In Catalog: Up 36 %

Total Number Of Customers: Up 13 %

As you can see it was not a bad year, although I didn't manage to increase the sales 100 % as I did in the 4 consecutive years before and the number of customers grew up much slower than I'd wish for. On the other hand existing customers ordered much more this year, which of course explains the increase in sales.

I hope I'll be able to keep the growth up next year at the same level with emphasis on expanding the customers base and the catalog, as usual.

A big "Thank you!" to all the customers and friends who made all this possible.

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The crazy SALE of the One Of The Kind items for US $ 1.00 continues till Midnight. I received a lot of emails from my US customers asking to extand the time limit till Midnight US time, so here it goes - I'll keep the US $ 1.00 price till 7 am January 1st, 2006 Israeli time, which is about Midnight Western US time.

Over 1,000 OOAK items were sold in the last 24 hours - I guess you just can't resist a "buck a CD" offer - well I'm glad so many people enjoyed it and helped me to clear the shelves before I need to take stock of the warehouse tomorrow.

Enjoy it while it lasts!

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As you all know 2005 was a very difficult year for me personally - so I hope 2006 will be better in every way possible. I wish you all what I wish for myself and my Family: Health and Peace and Happiness! God bless you all!

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Have Fun!