{"product_id":"hearts-watermelon-man-vinyl-lp-columbia-ln-24052","title":"Watermelon  Man (Vinyl LP, Columbia LN 24052)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWatermelon Man\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLabel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Columbia Records  |  \u003cstrong\u003eCatalog:\u003c\/strong\u003e LN 24052  |  \u003cstrong\u003eSide A Matrix:\u003c\/strong\u003e XEM-59414-1  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12\" Vinyl LP, Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWatermelon Man\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the most infectious and enduring compositions in jazz history, penned by pianist and composer \u003cstrong\u003eHerbie Hancock\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1962. Originally recorded for his debut Blue Note album \u003cem\u003eTakin' Off\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe song's reach extended far beyond Hancock himself. Latin percussionist and bandleader \u003cstrong\u003eMongo Santamaría\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Album\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003cstrong\u003eXEM-59414-1\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title track \u003cem\u003eWatermelon Man\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVinyl Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis record has been carefully cleaned with a \u003cstrong\u003eSpin-Clean record washer\u003c\/strong\u003e and stored in a \u003cstrong\u003enew inner plastic sleeve\u003c\/strong\u003e. The vinyl shows \u003cstrong\u003eminor surface scuffs\u003c\/strong\u003e consistent with age and prior play, but \u003cstrong\u003eplayed flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips\u003c\/strong\u003e. Minor pops and crackles were noted — typical for a record of this vintage and grade. Overall a very listenable copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVinyl Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e G (Good)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJacket Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e F (Fair) — good condition with light shelf wear and a small spill on backside\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCleaned:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — Spin-Clean\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInner Sleeve:\u003c\/strong\u003e New plastic poly sleeve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlayback Test:\u003c\/strong\u003e Passed — no skips; minor pops and crackles noted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePressing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Columbia Records, USA Mono\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCatalog Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e LN 24052\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide A Matrix:\u003c\/strong\u003e XEM-59414-1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Portage MCC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47768691572989,"sku":"Storefront Vinyl","price":28.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/9597\/7651\/files\/Watermelon_Man_Vinyl_LP_Columbia_LN_24052.jpg?v=1783177177","url":"https:\/\/portagemcc.com\/fr\/products\/hearts-watermelon-man-vinyl-lp-columbia-ln-24052","provider":"Portage MCC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}