For all its influence, it sometimes feels like the Chicago blues label Chess Records doesn't get the respect it deserves. That changes this fall with a series of new compilations and reissues of old ones, set for release from Universal Music Group to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the label's creation. Polish immigrants Leonard and Phil Chess became ingratiated into the club scene on the south side of Chicago in the '30s and '40s. They were intrigued by the thriving local talent - many
This Friday - April 20, or 4/20 - is a date that's not going unnoticed by the folks at the Jazz Dispensary label. And the festivities are continuing right through Record Store Day. On Friday, Jazz Dispensary teams with SPARC's four cannabis dispensaries for a new 7-inch vinyl single, which will be followed on Saturday's Record Store Day by the release of the 12-inch LP Soul Diesel II. The annual cannabis celebration 420 falls this Friday, hence the release that day of Private Stock Series #