I made ONE LAST attempt at having a good experience here, and was let down yet again. The owner is incredibly off putting. His communication skills (or lack there of) ruin my experiences here every time. This time he scoffed at me saying "I'll pass on this one" to a record with a 8" scuff. Even after I apologized and led with "I am admittedly picky with my vinyl". Customer is always wrong in this establishment. It's unlikely i'll be returning in the future, and if I do it'll be for the selection of CDs only as I find the used selection is rather out of style. Very little GOOD used stuff. The reissues are plentiful, well curated, and priced at MSRP. The CD selection is admittedly incredible, but the pricing reminds me of FYE prices circa 2003; height of CD era prices. If you decide to come here I'd suggest only coming for the great selection of CDs and reissues, despite the prices of the former. I am happy with the CDs I did buy, as well as the reissue, but am very let down by the condition of the used record I brought home. The lighting is plentiful, so I'll take full responsibility for picking out a subpar album. I will never take responsibility for being treated like I am a nuisance by the owner; time and time again despite always spending a good chunk of money every time I visit. I'd much rather spend my hard earned money where it is appreciated. read more

Jazz Record Center - 8th floor entrance - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

I was seeking a VERY rare book on jazz guitarist Tal Farlow, an amazing guitarist from the golden age of jazz. Published back in 2014 the "Deluxe" Edition which is signed by the author and Tal's wife, with additional photos and a CD was limited to 150 copies making it an instant rarity. I called the store and they had it and I finally was able to buy the book after a very long search. The seller was very knowledgeable about the book and was super helpful regarding purchasing it and getting it shipped to me quickly. BTW the store did a great packing job ensuring that this rare book arrived as sent. What a great treasure it is to finally own this masterpiece. I can't thank you enough Jazz Record Center. read more

met the owner and had a great conversation about current and past jazz music. excellent collection at competitive and low pricing. snagged a few out of print gems ! he has been in business for decades, I am a fan of this rare business read more

I am by no means an expert in jazz records, but I'm confident in what I do know. I do know this store is an absolute gem, racks and racks of jazz records. Some people are saying the prices are high, but every record I checked via Discogs fell within the median range as far as pricing goes. To me if it's a record you really want and the price is a few $ more than normal, I am ok with paying the extra for the convenience of not having to keep hunting. The owner is a quiet guy who says hello when you walk in the door and then lets you do your thing. I didn't have an extensive conversation with him, but when I was ready to pay I asked what was playing on the sound system. He was stoked I asked and told me it was a live recording of Herbie Hancock live in Germany. I swiped my card and he gave me kudos for bringing my own bag. FYI, the store is located in an office building and you have to buzz up to get to the actual store on the 8th floor. This was my first visit, but I will certainly be back when I return to the city. read more

Jazz Record Center - Record Racks - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

We walked by on accident and it was a lucky win for us to have found this hidden gem! Everything that a jazz connoisseur would want is to be found here. A must go to for any jazz record lover - you for sure find something that makes your heart beat faster! read more

Jazz Record Center - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

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During our last stop in NYC I wanted to pick up something for a friend and was looking for a specific Art Pepper recording. I figured if anybody has it, the Jazz Record Center would. They have a large selection of Jazz music in both vinyl and CD's - both new and used. They also have some jazz books, artwork, postcards, and other items. Prices are reasonable for NYC. You may be able to find better prices on-line, but it isn't nearly as fun as coming here and browsing. A must stop for any jazz enthusiast. Yes, they had the Art I was looking for on CD and I ended up getting him another CD as well as 3 more for myself and a couple for my daughter. Unfortunately I didn't prepare for traveling home with vinyl, so didn't buy any records on this trip. Next time. I will come back when my travels bring me back to the Big Apple. Note: some of the CD's are used but not labeled as such. You can tell the used ones - they are in a sealed plastic sleeve vs the original wrapping, but they are not labeled as used and it's not very obvious. That is the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. read more

This place is such a hidden gem that I'm afraid to tell people about it. If you're looking for jazz, look no further. Fred the owner is nice. Pick up one of his "jazz record center" tote bags, it's great for vinyl. Always find something good here. It's like looking through the jazz section at a record store, except it's the whole store! As a jazz/vinyl collector, it's a must. Not far from Penn station too for those taking the train into the city. read more

Jazz Record Center - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

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If you love jazz, you need to stop here. Stopped on a visit this weekend and it was one of the best record shops I've ever been to. The prices were fair, the condition of the records were amazing and the owner was a nice guy. The only gripe I'd have is that there wasn't much as far jazz vocalist LP's go. The space is limited so I understand why. Instead of packing in anything else this is an extremely well organized, clean, and extensive jazz collection. Lots of amazing books, box sets, and CD's too. read more

Jazz Record Center - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

I love that places like this still exist. Awesome prices, to the point with legit merchandise and just plain cool. From CDs, vinyl, books, poster, artwork, vintage magazines, movies, and t-shirts this is your go-to place for everything and anything jazz. It seems they're largely stocked by collectors coming to sell or trade, which is pretty dope as well. I took my jazz obsessed boyfriend here as a sort of birthday gift and he was just floored - after about two hours of browsing around he left with a dozen rare CDs and a huge smile on his face. The man at the front desk was super helpful and even let him listen to one of the CDs to hear before he bought it. I was also amazed at how many people were actually here considering how damn hidden this place was. I only knew about it because of a coworker of my sister who happened to stumble onto it himself. Love it. A true New York vibe kinda place. read more

I was not impressed at all. Being a collector of rare jazz records, I had high hopes finding some gems here but all I saw was junk with a high price tag. I'm from Los Angeles and I've found better records in thrift stores there than this place. The owner mentioned that anything rare goes on eBay because he can't put a price on them in the shop. That's fine but if someone makes a cash offer in person maybe you should hear them out before dealing with the hassle of eBay bidding, taxes, and shipping them across the globe. I went to Brooklyn the next day and picked up a 1957 Hank Mobley blue note for a great price so my NY trip wasn't a total loss. Owner could care less about his in store customers. Too bad. read more

For all things jazz, this is your spot in New York City. I was looking for an out of print album for my dad for his birthday and after checking online and then making a call, this place had it! They were so nice and helpful and while the record wasn't cheap, my dad was thrilled I tracked it down for him Keep in mind this hop is not a regular storefront on the street. It's upstairs on (I think) the 8th floor of an office building on 26th Street. You need to know it's there of you'll never know. I'm not a jazz fan myself, but I would imagine this is a jazz-lovers dream shop. Rows and down of records and great service. They also have jazz books and photos. Kudos to Jazz Record Center! read more

Jazz diggers paradise. Impressive selection including some signed LPs by various Jazz legends. Prepare to spend at least 2-3 hours flipping through their bins. read more

Jazz Record Center - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

Great selection of records and the owner was friendly and knowledgeable. He let us sample one of the records. Bought 2 records, very reasonably priced and quality was great. Will be back for more! read more

Excellent selection of classic jazz records but the prices were not great for used LPs. During my trips to Japan I can purchase flawless used records for a fraction of the cost. Jazz Record Center was very refreshing and the ambiance was very reminiscent of days of our old and I expected one of the Jazz greats to walk through the door. read more

A jazz lover's dream. Impeccable selection and prices that are absolutely fair and often better. Long may it reign. read more

Was in New York and visited this place because I love music and records. I went twice and both times the gentlemen running the place had friendly conversation with me. Its cozy and the music choice was amazing, stayed there for a couple hours browsing. read more

tl;dr If you're looking for an obscure jazz album, and don't mind paying a significant price premium, it's worth a visit If you're into jazz (and I am) you definitely should visit this shop. It's organized well, has both used and new albums, lots of box sets, and even books. However, it also carries a significant price premium over shops like Rough Trade. Thankfully, a hassle-free return policy for new records exists. Selection runs the gamut for jazz, but I noticed a smaller-than-expected selection for Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, and Charles Mingus. Most notably missing throughout the store are audiophile quality pressings from labels like Music Matters, Analogue Productions, MOFI, or Classic Records. read more

(Teenage son) Daaaaaad!We need to go to this Record store asap. Really? You brought me to the Salvation Army looking for Vinyl records, I wasn't a happy pappy then. Yessssss, lets go! We walk 10 blocks and sure enough, there is a plain building. No sign, no banner, no storefront. (Italian/Greek dad trying not to sound like Marie Barone) See? Its a scam, they want to see how many people they can trick. Hold up, lets check the door. I walk over and see "Jazz Record Center", I push the button to get buzzed in, what could happen?? We get buzzed up and take the elevator up. Another buzzer, we finally get inside. This was a total score. Clean, classy and upscale with some old vinyl presses. My son is in his glory He finds an artist we both like and I buy him a record from someone he's never heard of,Charles Mingus. Great jazz record store (Remember those?) they have rows and rows of classic jazz artists. If your looking for a jazz album, trust me.Jazz Record Center has a large selection for your listening pleasure. Marie Barone from Everyone Loves Raymond and I both did the same thing. Support our children with their interests. read more

I walked out sad. I had such an amazing time exploring the excellent material that they have, vinyls, books, artwork, original photographs, listening to these great records they keep playing... Everything went to trash when I just tried to ask Fred for some recommendation. His prejudices and condescending tone ruined my experience. Big shame. read more

What can you say about a world-class NYC landmark like this. This place is NYC - all of the best stuff rolled up into one. You a jazz fan? Not many spots on earth better than this. I buy vinyl and listen to Jazz - they sell Jazz on vinyl - a super complete collection of greatness. Go, visit, buy stuff, say hi to the lovely family that owns the place. You will be the better for it. read more

Maybe I just caught Fred, the owner, on a bad day. When I came into the store and asked him whether they were still open (they were, but it's only polite to ask when the store is closing in 25 minutes, right?) and when I said goodbye as I was leaving, I was met with stony silence and a frosty stare. It's a shame because I really wanted to like the place. For what it's worth, they have a fairly decent collection of jazz vinyl at reasonable prices, mostly reissues. read more

After checking with the few stores I purchase from local, as well as checking a couple online, I called the store and was really pleased that Jazz Center had what I was looking for. This was not my first purchase from them, but I had not written a review before. Thanks for being there. Jazz is my way of life, soothes all my mental needs. read more

Cool place for jazz enthusiasts. It's located in a Chelsea building that's part residences and part commercial. Randomly there's this jazz store on the 8th floor. So many jazz records and even cds. Worth checking out if you're a fan. read more

Jazz Record Center - Music & DVDs Near Me - New York, New York

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The best jazz record store I have come across in the US. Great selection of records, we got a few really nice original pressing mono's (incl. one of my favorites Dimensions and Inventions Herbie Hancock) and some very rare Blue Note and Esquire 78's. The owner, Fred Cohen, is extremely knowledgable, funny and friendly. We love this place. Been coming here for years, leaving many kilo's heavier with a significantly thinner wallet. Prices are actually reasonable, and the quality of the records very good. He also has a big collection of memorabilia and posters. Highly recommended. A place that is filled with passion and that is run with a deep love for music. read more

When I was looking for an obscure out-of-print record--A Child's Introduction to Jazz, narrated by Cannonball Adderley--people pointed me toward this place. (At the time, the store had recently moved out of its storefront and into its current office-building space.) I guess I kept calling Fred for about a year or more, and he finally got it! It was a gatefold first-pressing that had come in in a collection he'd bought. It wasn't overly expensive, either; this is a great store with an excellent selection of jazz LPs and--of course--CDs. It's worth the trip. (And oh, right--I got a copy of "Jazz Is" by Nat Hentoff and got him to autograph it. Yeah!) read more

Amazing store! It's almost impossible to find, I went to the listed address and found myself at a locked groundfloor door of an office building. I looked at the registry and saw the button for the store I pushed it and was immediately buzzed in. It would be nice if the building owner would let them put up a nice sign to alert folks to their presence but none of this detracts from the quality of the business itself. I only mention because knowing this may save the reader some time as they won't walk right past it 2 times as I did. Great collection of new and used records, DVDs. CDs, Posters, books, etc. The woman who was working there was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Defiantly worth a visit one of the greatest music stores I've ever visited. read more

It's on the eighth floor of a building without a doorman. Buzz up from the street, and if the door bell's ringing, they'll ring you in. Otherwise, they'll send someone down to get you. I went for the first time just last night, about 30 minutes before closing -- they're open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, if I recall correctly. While I don't know the layout of the store well yet, I was able to find what I was looking for: the Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz on LP ($50) and Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" on CD (a Japanese reissue of the Blue Note album). They've got a ton of LP's and CD's -- in two shelving areas, and I'm not sure how the ones in the bins are different from the ones in the cardboard boxes near the front. They also have a bunch of books -- all of which appeared to be shelf copies, so I'm not sure how much they actually have in stock to sell. That'd make an awesome research library. They're having a $5 VHS sale through the end of year, so check that out if you're interested. All in all, an impressive collection -- even though I couldn't find Freddie Hubbard's "Mr. Clean" and they don't carry Cadence magazine -- and a shop I'll return to. Feels more like a store for targeted searches -- know what you want when you go in -- more than browsing. Not as large or cluttered as Chicago's Jazz Record Mart. Proprietor Fred Cohen seems to really know his stuff. read more

A real find. I practice aikido at the Kokikai Aikido dojo next door. I've been doing that for over five years as I write this. And yet, I never knew about the Jazz Record Center. It's on the upper floor of its building with no signage outside, and I didn't have a record player until a few months ago, so it stands to reason. I bought my girlfriend a record player for her birthday. I thought it would be nice to buy her some records to go with it. I fired up Yelp and found this place. Right next to a regular haunt of mine. And she likes jazz. Seemed like the perfect find. It was. It's like one of those businesses that you expect to only find in New York. Maybe it will remind you of the way New York used to be, even if you were never there. The owners are extremely knowledgeable, as you would (should) expect. Browsing around, I happened on a Nina Simone album (gf loves her) so asked about it. The husband in the husband-wife team (am I making assumptions?) suggested a different one as her "best" album, even though they're all good. That's useful advice. I was happy. Girlfriend was happy. To quote Arnold, I'll be back. read more

Rude employees. Extremely unprofessional and not at all helpful. Lost multiple customers today due to their poor treatment towards consumers. read more

Terrific store for fans of jazz. Impressive selection of LPs, too. If you're searching for a hard-to-find LP, CD, or book, chances are that they'll have it there. The store is on the 8th floor. Outside, hit the buzzer for 804, and you will be let inside. read more

The absolute BEST jazz record store in NYC! I have been coming here for many years, and I've been to every store in the tristate are and this one wins hands down. Owner Fred Cohen is super-knowledegble, friendly and extremely hip. The collection of CD's and vinyl are reasonable in price, and the store is clean and well-organized. There's also an excellent jazz book collection, unparalleled in any other bookstore in the city. And cool posters and art for sale. This is a happy place! read more

This place is heaven to fans of Jazz music. Not only do they have records, they have CDs too. And so so so so many to look through, some rare records too. I can always find something to buy when I visit, and I have discovered so many Jazz artists I've never heard before. Prices can be a bit hit or miss though. But for a store to house so many Jazz music I can't complain too much. They can be a bit hard to find since they don't have a storefront, but with the pictures here on Yelp and some simple directions its much easier. Oh yeah, they also have posters, DVDs, books and probably some other stuff I missed too. read more

Great gem of a place that still sells vinyl and cd jazz sides esp since record stores are dead now and you want to buy the product in hand or don't want it coming from an Amazon box. Even has a wide book and dvd collection to buy from as well. They only deal in real jazz quote unquote. No jazz off-shoot categories like vocals, fusion/smooth jazz, etc. And if you don't see it, they can order it. The parking downstairs is not the greatest on that block but that's NYC for ya, better come with folks who can sit in the car whilst you go up so you won't get a parking ticket. Treasure of a place. read more

Cannot say enough great things about JRC and Fred. My husband collects jazz vinyls and I wanted to get him something really special for his birthday and Fred did not disappoint. I called on a Saturday and told him I was shopping for my hubby's birthday and wanted something rare and highly collectible. He asked my budget and I told him I'd go up to $1000 to which I think he was a bit relieved as he mentioned he gets people asking for the same thing but with a $50 budget but this was a multiple of five birthday so I wasn't going to spare any expense. He said he'd look around and call me on Monday and that he did with four or five wonderful options based on what I told him my husband liked. On Wednesday, I surprised my husband with a trip to JRC and Fred showed him the items he pulled for him and explained what made each particular vinyl special. Given the nature of Fred's business, I certainly could not expect to bring something home and then if it wasn't exactly what hubby wanted expect Fred to accept a return so he graciously played the records that he had selected while my husband looked through his carefully curated inventory. Lots of Bud Powell, Johnny Griffin, tons of Miles, Chet, and Charlie. I don't know much about jazz, just what my husband is passionate about and plays for me. My husband settled on a fabulous Charlie Parker Dial 202 with a one-of-a-kind cover as it was the prototype for what they sent to press and, while it set me back $750 unbeknownst to my husband, he'll cherish it for the rest of his life and you can't put a price on that!! Thank you, Fred. We'll surely be back soon and often. read more

A large collection of vinyl and CDs with good deals. Friendly service. Only criticism is that there only seemed to be vocal jazz vinyls, not CDs. If you're looking for instrumental jazz, however, this place is top-notch. read more

I called ahead about selling several hundred jazz CDs, many unopened. I showed up with a backpack full. 8th floor shop, obsessively organized. But I got no eye contact, no "can I help you", or any sign of life from the three apparent employees. I could have used my NYC personality but instead decided to play it out - used CDs for sale, jazz only, and lousy customer skills? This place is a bad business model bonanza. Something for an SNL skit. I did my best to look needy for 15 minutes, saw a couple of my CDs for 3X what I paid online, and decided to take my business elsewhere. I won't be back as a buyer or seller. As far as I can tell, darkly soulless and without the contagious enthusiasm that makes music fun. Not for me. And sad for jazz as a struggling genre. read more

(Updated 1/16/17) Lots of great jazz vinyl...CDs and jazz-related books too. The owner is Fred Cohen, author of "Blue Note Records: A Guide for Identifying Original Pressings". I've been frequenting this store for about four years now. The colossal selection of used vinyl is mostly common titles that aren't very 'collectible' per se, but if you time it right you can find some good stuff sifting through their sea of used records. I like going there to look for Japanese Blue Note reissues, Original Jazz Classics reissues, and original pressings that aren't super rare but are in really great shape and priced fairly. There's usually a handful of highly collectible stuff in the new arrivals section--stuff valued anywhere between $100-$300--but if you're interested in stuff that's more expensive than that you'll have to follow the store on eBay. There's also a healthy selection of new vinyl from reissue labels like Music Matters and Analogue Productions and a large CD selection. The staff is friendly but I get the impression that they'd rather not get involved in lengthy discussions with customers. read more

Very interesting store. Good selection at fair prices. Strong assortment of jazz memorabilia. Service was good and insightful. Good luck.

If you collect jazz vinyl, you have to go here when you go to New York. When you get to the address, you won't think you're at the right place, but you are. Go in, take the elevator up, and enter suite 804. Lots of amazing condition jazz vinyl - mostly original (although some reissues). Tons of stuff, and I do disagree with another poster here, this is a great place to browse. Allot two hours minimum. read more

What a wonderful (and accidental) find. This is a store that occupies several rooms in a Chelsea office building, but don't let that put you off. The owner is wonderfully knowledgable man whose repertoire includes details about many specific recordings, and how best to listen to those recordings. He even wrote a book about Blue Note LP pressings--turns out, the quality of the listening experience relies, in part, upon the quality of each individual record's pressing. There are rows and rows of LP browser bins, plus boxed sets on the shelves above, new and used, heavy vinyl and more reasonably priced stuff, plus many more browser bins filled with CDs, and lots of bookshelves filled with every jazz book I've ever seen. And postcards, posters, the list goes on. What fun! read more