MINI-LPs

Marr (Sound Archives)’ Influential & Notable Items – Limited Pressings

Dig in

Which one did you get?

Julia Lee record

Julia Lee

Kansas City Star, released in 1995.

Jay McShann record

Jay McShann

After Hours, 1977, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Charlie Parker record

Charlie Parker

Bird in Kansas City, 1941-1951, Kansas City.

Raymond Scott record

Raymond Scott

Manhattan Research Project, 2000, Basta Music.

About this project

The promotional “Mini-LPs” produced by UMKC Libraries and the Marr Sound Archives serve as a unique and engaging way to raise awareness of the archives’ collections, while also providing basic contact information for the archives. In presenting the Mini-LPs as collectible items, the libraries not only highlighted the significant albums with a direct connection to the archives, but also created an opportunity for deeper engagement with the public. The high-resolution scans of these albums provide a tangible connection to the past, appealing to both music enthusiasts and collectors alike. Through this creative strategy, the libraries were able to simultaneously showcase its valuable holdings, increase visibility for the Marr Sound Archive, and encourage interaction by providing contact details in a memorable format. The record itself contains a QR code that takes the user to the promotional webpage associated with the project.

 
Dig deeper into the archives

Julia Lee

Kansas City Star

“Kansas City Star” is a comprehensive five-CD box set released in 1995 by the German label Bear Family Records, featuring every known recording by Julia Lee, including tracks sourced from the Marr Sound Archives. Known as the “Queen of the Blues,” Lee was a prominent Kansas City singer and pianist celebrated for her risqué songs and significant contributions to the city’s jazz scene.

Jay McShann

After Hours

“After Hours” was recorded on April 12, 1977 in Copenhagen, Denmark, by renowned Kansas City jazz pianist and band leader, Jay McShann. UMKC Libraries is proud to be the home of the Jay McShann archival collection and holds a comprehensive collection of McShann’s recordings.

Charlie Parker

Bird in Kansas City

“Bird in Kansas City” is a collection of rare recordings by jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, captured in his hometown between 1941 and 1951. Released in October 2024, the album features 13 tracks, many previously unheard, showcasing Parker’s relaxed yet masterful bebop style. 9 of the 13 unique tracks on the album were sourced from the Marr Sound Archives, and the album was co-produced by Marr’s Curator, Chuck Haddix.

Raymond Scott

Manhattan Research Project

“Manhattan Research Project” is a compilation album featuring the groundbreaking electronic music experiments of Raymond Scott, released in 2000 by Basta Music. The album showcases Scott’s pioneering work in early synthesizers and electronic sound design. Raymond Scott’s archival collection is held by UMKC Libraries and the album was largely sourced from these materials.

Streaming video request

EXHIBIT DISPLAY TABLES

Case dimensions: 5’ long x 30” wide x 9” high sitting atop 3’ legs

Glass exhibit table

FIRST FLOOR GALLERY

The First Floor Gallery is located just inside the main entrance of the Miller Nichols Library.

Wall with exhibit content

Conference Room 325

Located on the Third Floor of Miller Nichols Library. For access, enter the library at the north ground floor entrance or the west first floor entrance. Then take the stairs or the elevator to the third floor..

Map of third floor of Miller Nichols Library