Chess International Blues Series

The Chess International Blues Series is a Dutch series of 24 LP's all from the Chicago Chess label. It ran from late 1964 to 1968. The series was compiled by Pete Felleman, head of the Funckler division at Artone in Haarlem Netherlands. At first the series was limited to 15 volumes (see the promo leaflet in images) starting with House Of The Blues in late 1964 early 1965 .These where USA Chess releases from 1958 till 1965. A highlight in this series is the stunning original Artwork for Moanin' In The Moonlight. Later on it got expanded to 24 volumes ending with Electric Mud in 1968. The first 15 volumes came with a special on 3 sides open foldout art sleeve in a special hard plastic sleeve. These where used by Artone / Funckler and CBS Holland from 1962 till early 1966. Something to do with avoiding copyrights on regular flip back sleeves. Another identifier is that the Chess International Blues Series banner on the back is blue. Most of this series was re released with regular sleeves in 1966-67. Here the banner is mostly grey. Volume 16 to 24 where released in Stereo and keep more in line with the Chess USA release timing like the series "The Real Folk Blues" and "More Real Folk Blues" . On the back there are no liner notes anymore but promo pictures from the series. Here the Chess International Blues Series banner is grey from 16 to 21 with the exception of 18 which is blue again. The last 3 volumes from 1968 have the blue banner.