Watermelon Man

Label: Columbia Records  |  Catalog: LN 24052  |  Side A Matrix: XEM-59414-1  |  Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Mono

About the Artist

Watermelon Man is one of the most infectious and enduring compositions in jazz history, penned by pianist and composer Herbie Hancock in 1962. Originally recorded for his debut Blue Note album Takin' Off, the tune became an immediate sensation — a swinging, blues-drenched groove that bridged hard bop and the emerging soul-jazz movement. Its irresistible rhythmic momentum and call-and-response phrasing made it a crossover hit, landing on pop charts and earning Hancock his first taste of mainstream recognition.

The song's reach extended far beyond Hancock himself. Latin percussionist and bandleader Mongo Santamaría recorded a landmark version that became a genuine pop hit in 1963, introducing the tune to a massive new audience and cementing its place in the American musical canon. The Columbia LN 24052 pressing captures this era's vibrant intersection of jazz, Latin rhythm, and soul.

About the Album

This Columbia mono pressing (LN series) dates from the early-to-mid 1960s — a golden era for the label's jazz and Latin jazz output. The LN prefix denotes a standard mono 12" LP, and the XEM matrix prefix confirms a Columbia pressing plant origin. Side A matrix stamp XEM-59414-1 indicates a first-generation lacquer cut, which collectors prize for its closer proximity to the original master tape and the warmth and presence that comes with it.

The album reflects the era's appetite for groove-forward, accessible jazz — music that worked equally well in a living room hi-fi setup or a late-night club. The arrangements are tight, the rhythm section is front and centre, and the energy is infectious from the first groove to the last.

Highlights

The title track Watermelon Man is the centrepiece — a blues-inflected, Latin-tinged romp that defined a generation of jazz listeners. Beyond the title cut, the album features a selection of originals and standards that showcase the ensemble's range: from slow-burning ballads to up-tempo swingers. Expect rich horn voicings, a propulsive rhythm section, and the kind of spontaneous interplay that makes 1960s jazz recordings so compelling to revisit.

Vinyl Condition

This record has been carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new inner plastic sleeve. The vinyl shows minor surface scuffs consistent with age and prior play, but played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Minor pops and crackles were noted — typical for a record of this vintage and grade. Overall a very listenable copy.

• Vinyl Grade: G (Good)
• Jacket Grade: F (Fair) — good condition with light shelf wear and a small spill on backside
• Cleaned: Yes — Spin-Clean
• Inner Sleeve: New plastic poly sleeve
• Playback Test: Passed — no skips; minor pops and crackles noted
• Pressing: Columbia Records, USA Mono
• Catalog Number: LN 24052
• Side A Matrix: XEM-59414-1