The Numero Group

October 23, 2009 - 10:47 AM

The Numero Group is a USA-based label that specializes in rarely-heard gems from (mostly) little-known American acts of the soul, folk, and international variety. Their titles are beautifully mastered and packaged. They were originally a web-only label, meaning their items were unavailable in stores. One of the reasons I've been reluctant to bring in their titles is that they're a little pricey when imported and redistributed by a Canadian company. I've now found a reliable source south of the border at what I think is the best price possible and our first shipment is on its way.

Here's a list of what's coming, along with links to more info on each title:

Various Artists - Wayfaring Strangers: Lonesome Heroes
Various Artists - Wayfaring Strangers: Guitar Soli
Various Artists - Eccentric Soul - Young Disciples
Various Artists - Eccentric Soul - Smart's Place
Various Artists - Local Customs: Downriver Revival
Various Artists - Soul Messages from Dimona
Various Artists - The ABCs of Kid Soul: Home Schooled
Various Artists - Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label
Various Artists - Eccentric Soul: The Deep City Label
Various Artists - Eccentric Soul: The Big Mack Label
Various Artists - Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label
Various Artists - Don't Stop: Recording Tap
Various Artists - Cult Cargo: Grand Bahama Goombay
Various Artists - Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up
Various Artists - Eccentric Soul: Twinight's Lunar Rotation
Various Artists - Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal
Various Artists - Light: On the South Side

All of The Numero Group's titles thus far have been wonderful but this last title is a stunner. Light: On the South Side is 2 LPs documenting Chicago's South Side night club scene between 1975 and 1977 accompanied by a 12x12 132-page hardcover book with photos by Michael Abramson. For those unfamiliar with Abramson's work, here's a PDF of an article called Groove Memories from last year's Chicago Tribune.

That article--and those photos--were the spark for The Numero Group doing this boxed set. Here's a photo of the box and book:



I don't yet have pricing on any of this stuff as it'll depend on what happens when customs gets hold of it, but I'll do my damnedest to offer them at the lowest price in Toronto. You can read more about the Numero Group on their site.