Jack Moore, aka El Suprimo, loves records. For over 30 years he’s been seeking the world’s most authentic music and adding it to his massive collection. Over a lifetime of musical interests, as Moore moved from listener, to collector to DJ and the owner of El Suprimo Records, his passion became his life.
A lifelong Marylander, born in Baltimore and raised in Severna Park and Ocean City, Moore grew up listening to music the only way he could…on vinyl. Spending much of his youth in used record stores, Moore starting collecting himself in the mid 70’s. As he watched the music industry change through the 80’s and 90’s with the introduction of the 8-track, the cassette tape, CD, and now MP3’s, he never lost his passion for the unique feel and sound quality of an actual record.
“I like the tactile nature of records, and their large format graphic, but really, it’s all about the sound, and analog simply sounds better than anything else there is.” Moore continues, “When I got into this business, there was a question as to the whether or not vinyl would remain a viable format. We have now seen others come and go, but vinyl still sounds best.”
What began as a hobby for Moore eventually became his career. In the 1980’s, he began taking his records out of his home and did some radio work as a DJ, which seemed like the next logical step for someone with such a passion for music. In the early 90’s, he began spinning his records in public and sharing his unique collection of sounds with live audiences. Soon after, he adopted the name El Suprimo after an 19th century dictator in Paraguay. “It just seemed right!” he says.
Today, aside from collecting and playing music, Moore is the owner of a record shop in Fells Point— El Suprimo Records. This is the kind of record shop you see when you imagine what a record shop should be. The shop emerged out of the reality that when collecting is your passion, sometimes you have to let things go to make room for the new.
“When my collection got big enough,” Moore says, “I could start selling off my doubles.” Originally he set up shop at a Fells Point Antique Market on Broadway, selling and trading his extra records on the weekend. When demand for his offerings remained strong over time, he eventually created a permanent location for his shop where customers can now peruse through an extensive collection of records and related goods and take home a piece of El Suprimo’s extensive collection.
Moore’s love of vinyl is apparent when you step into his shop on Alceanna Street. Upon walking down the stairs that lead you to the musty basement storefront, the sound of a pricing gun can barely be heard over the music, as Moore prices his latest acquisitions and places them on the racks.
“I sell records, turntables, amps, speakers, guitars and books about music. We sell the best format for music to be heard, and the best devices on which to listen. Simply put, this store is here to celebrate music in the best way that I know how.”
The celebration has been going strong. In March of next year, El Suprimo Records will celebrate its 10th anniversary of supplying Baltimore with unique, honest and obscure tunes.
Obscurity seems to be another passion of Moore. He enjoys the hunt of finding new records, particularly those which few have ever heard, for which you have to work to discover. His interests range from International Psychedelia to Swampy Southern Soul, and everywhere in between. His collection boasts records from Japan, the UK, Germany, and all corners of the world, and though the genres he enjoys run the gamut of styles, one thing connects them all—authenticity.
“I am not interested in popular music, or anything made simply for commercial success. I seem to enjoy all music that is not trying to be a product, but rather music that comes from the heart and soul.”
Moore’s interest in soulful music was established at a young age, when his uncle introduced him to jazz. He cites Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Sun Ra among his early influences, each providing an introduction to music created as a true form of emotive expression.
“Jazz is such a unique form of music,” Moore says, “it is truly heartfelt and extremely creative.”
When Moore began playing records as a DJ at events in the early 90’s he discovered that his refined tastes and hand picked collection were appreciated by the masses. People throughout the Baltimore region have heard El Suprimo play, and have found themselves in awe at the variety of new sounds he is able to bring to the city.
Currently, aside from his regular hours at his shop, Moore plays in the local band, the Mopar Mountain Daredevils. He also runs a record label, which has released two LP’s so far, including one by his band, and another containing Cambodian Psychedelic Rock from the late 60’s and early 70’s, which he acquired during a trip to Cambodia. Moore can also be found playing records throughout Baltimore, embracing each opportunity that come his way as an opportunity to share the kinds of music he loves. He plays a monthly show at Golden West, and can often be found at a variety of special events throughout Baltimore.
Returning to his roots, El Suprimo now also has a regular gig at Clementine at the Creative Alliance through the end of the year. On every other Thursday evening, Moore can be found at the restaurant located in the Highlandtown arts complex where he is embracing the opportunity to play some of his very rare jazz collection for the restaurants patrons.
The event, promises “obscure soul jazz from Charles Rouse, Bill Mason & Jeremy Steig. Plus classics from the 50’s to the early 70’s, you will hear Django Reinhardt, Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, Elvin Jones, Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan, Art Blakey, Kenny Dorham, Hank Mobley, Gabor Szabo, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Charlie Parker, Yusef Lateef, Thelonious Monk, Jackie Mclean, Mile Davis, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday and many more.”
You can catch El Suprimo from 7PM – 10PM at “A Love Suprimo” at Clementine on November 15th & 29th as well as December 13th & 27th.
You can also visit Moore at his shop in Fells Point, located at 1709 Aliceanna Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday, Noon – 7PM and Sunday, Noon-6PM.
Before I leave El Suprimo Records, I ask Jack Moore if he has any final thoughts. Without thinking, he quickly responds with what had already become quite apparent, “Records are what I love. I look forward to doing it every day.”
Click here to visit El Suprimo Records!
Jack Moore aka El Suprimo with his wife, Paige Moore, AKA DJ Woman inside El Suprimo Records in Fells Point
