The Story: Not long after Art's death, when I was broke, I began writing to various record labels asking for royalties which hadn't been paid. This album, made in 1956, had never paid any royalties. I wrote letters, called around, threatened, pleaded, and so on with no luck. Then, in the process of researching the murky history of West Coast jazz and blues labels, I found that the most recent purchaser of the Tampa label had filed for bankruptcy. I contacted the court and asked to purchase this album. Somehow, I found out where the Tampa masters were stored, went to that warehouse, asking (Art's producer) Ed Michel to come along.We picked up ancient tapes, masters, mothers. They wanted to sell me the whole catalog including the Charlie Parker Records catalog. But like I said, I was broke. I was able to buy this master only. Somebody came along the next day and bought all the Tampa stuff. He called me and said one title was missing, could he buy it from me. No, says I, "I own Tampa 20." I've licensed it to Fantasy/Concord and others. It's one of my very favorites of Art's albums. And not because I own it. Because it's beautiful.
P.S. I realize most serious AP fans already own this album, but it's sooo worth posting.
