Groove Merchant was an American jazz and R&B record label during the 1970s. It was run by producer Sonny Lester and distributed by
Pickwick Records
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. Notable artists included
Chick Corea
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Buddy Rich
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,
Jimmy McGriff
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Biography Early years and influences
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Lionel Hampton
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. Lester would later close Groove Merchant and restructure it as Lester Radio Corporation, or LRC;
TK Records
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were distributors for a period. Lester still retains the rights to the Groove Merchant/LRC back catalog and independently distributes them on compact disc.
Discography
500 Series
The Groove Merchant 500 Series consisted of 34 albums released between 1971 and 1974.Jazzlists: Groove Merchant Records 500 Series accessed March 26, 2018
2200 Series
The 2200 Series, released in 1972, consisted of five albums which feature previously released and/or unissued material produced by Sonny Lester for various other labels.
3300 Series
The 3300 Series consisted of sixteen albums released between 1973 and 1976.
4000 Series
The 4000 Series, released in 1974–1975, consisted of twelve double LP compilations of previously issued material. accessed March 26, 2018
* GM 4400 Lionel Hampton: ''The Works!'' (material later released as the single LPs: ''Hamp's Big Band Live!'' on Glad-Hamp, and ''Good Vibes'' on 51 West/CBS)
* GM 4401 Carmen McRae: ''Velvet Soul'' (compiles '' It Takes a Whole Lot of Human Feeling'' and '' Ms. Jazz'')
* GM 4402 Groove Holmes: ''Hunk–a–Funk'' (compiles '' Night Glider'' and '' New Groove'')
* GM 4403 Jimmy McGriff: ''Flyin' Time'' (compiles '' Fly Dude'' and '' Let's Stay Together'')
* GM 4404 Reuben Wilson: ''Bad Stuff!'' (compiles '' The Sweet Life'' and ''
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Sundance
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