Jazz Record Stores

Chicago's premier specialty record shop focusing on funk, soul, jazz, Brazilian, African, and disco music. Founded in 1996, Dusty Groove is widely considered the finest shop of its kind in the United States, offering meticulously curated selections of both common and incredibly rare vinyl. What began as an online-only operation evolved into a beloved brick-and-mortar store, though its website remains a crucial resource for collectors worldwide. The knowledgeable staff and thorough organization make it a paradise for cratediggers seeking hidden gems.

This no-frills East Village shop has been a cratedigger's paradise since 1996, specializing in hip-hop, jazz, funk, and dance music. The store's ceiling is covered with music posters, while its shelves are packed with high-quality used vinyl treasures. A1's reputation for stocking rare and hard-to-find records has attracted famous DJs and producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Lord Finesse. The knowledgeable staff has deep connections to New York's music scene, making this a crucial stop for serious collectors looking for those special records that rarely appear elsewhere.

A specialty record store dedicated exclusively to jazz vinyl, from classic Blue Note and Riverside pressings to avant-garde and spiritual jazz treasures. The shop organizes its inventory by sub-genre, making it easy to explore specific areas like hard bop, free jazz, and fusion. The knowledgeable staff includes musicians and serious collectors who can guide customers through the often complex world of jazz recordings, offering insights on artists, labels, and pressings. For jazz vinyl enthusiasts, this carefully curated shop offers one of the finest selections available anywhere.

With locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Academy Records specializes in used vinyl with particularly strong selections in jazz, classical, and rock. The more compact Manhattan location focuses heavily on jazz and classical CDs, while the expansive Brooklyn outlet offers a treasure trove of carefully selected vinyl across all genres. Both shops are known for fair pricing on used items and knowledgeable staff who can help navigate their extensive collections. The Brooklyn location in particular has become a destination for serious vinyl enthusiasts looking for leisurely browsing in Williamsburg.

This Washington DC brick-and-mortar shop specializes in used jazz, soul, R&B, funk, go-go, hip-hop, and international vinyl. Located in the Uptown neighborhood, HR Records has cultivated a loyal following among serious collectors for its carefully curated selection and fair pricing. The store particularly excels in jazz and soul records, with many rare and hard-to-find pressings regularly appearing in their bins. The knowledgeable staff creates a welcoming environment for both newcomers and experienced collectors, making recommendations based on customers' existing tastes.

Tucked away in Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya district, Face Records is a vinyl treasure trove specializing in rare jazz, soul, funk, and disco. The store's atmosphere epitomizes Japanese record store culture - compact yet meticulously organized, with every inch of wall space covered in rare original pressings and reissues. The extremely knowledgeable staff provides personalized recommendations while spinning choice selections on the store's high-end sound system. Face Records is particularly renowned for stocking hard-to-find Japanese pressings, which are coveted by collectors worldwide for their superior sound quality and immaculate packaging.

With multiple specialized locations throughout Tokyo, Disk Union represents the pinnacle of Japanese record store culture. Each branch focuses on specific genres - the Shibuya store is legendary for jazz, Shinjuku for rock and psychedelia, and Shimokitazawa for used vinyl treasures. What sets Disk Union apart is its meticulous organization, expert grading system, and the sheer volume of inventory. The stores are famous for their floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with pristine vinyl, many featuring coveted Japanese pressings and obi strips. Despite the cramped spaces, the stores maintain an almost library-like organization system that makes browsing a pleasure for serious collectors. The knowledgeable staff communicates effectively with international customers despite language barriers.

Based in Melbourne with a second location in Brisbane, Dutch Vinyl claims to be Australia's largest online record store with over 30,000 titles in stock. The spacious brick-and-mortar shops offer an impressive selection of new and secondhand vinyl across all genres, with particular strength in jazz, soul, and audiophile pressings. The stores are known for their meticulous record grading and detailed descriptions, giving customers confidence when purchasing rare or expensive items. Dutch Vinyl also stocks a comprehensive range of record care products and high-quality inner and outer sleeves. Their knowledgeable staff can help track down even the most obscure releases, making it a favorite among serious Australian vinyl collectors.