Audio Fidelity recordings
In 1969, the Clancy Brothers left Columbia records and signed with Audio Fidelity. The group released four LPs on Audio Fidelity between 1970-1973.
Accurate information about this company, concerning the Clancys' LPs and subsequent reissues, is scarce — at best. Audio Fidelity Records was founded by Sidney Frey in 1955, and released the world's first commercially available stereo LP, in November 1957. Apparently, Frey sold the company to Herman Gimbel, around 1965. Gimbel is credited as "executive producer" on the Clancys' Audio Fidelity albums. The company went into decline sometime in the late 70's or early 80's, and eventually out of business — possibly bankrupt. It is not known what became of the masters of the Clancys' Audio Fidelity recordings, or even if they still exist.
There is currently an Audio Fidelity label in business, founded by Marshall Blonstein; other than the name they have no connection to the company founded by Sidney Frey.
Some of this information came from Bruce Laing's Audio Fidelity website, which is now off-line.
- Original releases …
- Audio Fidelity introduced this black label about the time the Clancys began recording for the company.
- Clancy records with this label are the original.
- The address during this period was: 770 Eleventh Avenue, New York, NY
- 1980 reissues …
- This label seems (to me) to be the most common on Clancy Brothers releases.
- According to Bruce Laing's Audio Fidelity website: "From late 1981 onwards, this design was used."
- He further states, "All records issued from 1982 onwards with this (tan) label did not have an address listed on the label."
- In addition, the question has been raised to the quality of these releases at the old Liam Clancy Messageboard.
- The address during this period was: 221 West 57th St. New York NY 10019
- "Audio 10" (#1)
- This label reads: "Audio 10 Records, A Div of Audiofidelity Enterprises, Inc.".
- To my knowledge this label was only used on the alternate cover version of Recorded Live on St. Patrick's Day.
- Exactly dating this label is difficult — probably the mid 1980's.
- Sean McGuinness believes the reason for the alternate cover picture is that an AF creditor seized the original print.
- The back of the cover lists the 221 W. 57th address, with no mention of "Audio 10". While the record label has a 45 East Milton Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065 address.
- This "Audio 10" version is not that common, making, in my opinion, it somewhat collectable.
- "Audio 10" (#2)
- Yet another AF label (that I stumbled upon).
- As with the above, dating this label is difficult — my guess would be the mid to late 1980's.
- In comparing this (release/label) to the "Black label" release of
Save the Land,
certain things make me think was at the end of the road for AF …
- The minimalist design of the label.
- No address — anywhere.
- The omission for Herman D. Gimble as Executive Producer.
- The addition of "A10" to the catalog number. But, the omission of "Audio 10" title on the label (as above).