Ping Pong Percussion and the Harmonica Album Art

Eddy Manson (1919-1996) was an American harmonica player. This specific album cover was one of three different versions, each from a separate label. This one was published by Promenade Records. 

This recording was an experiment to introduce the harmonica to a more professional context by accompanying it with full jazz instrumentals heavily centered on the percussion ensemble.

The bright orange coloring, 2D illustration, abstracted combination of type and subject matter, and replicating geometry is exemplary of the general trend of abstraction and constructivism present in 1960's album cover design. 

The Main title doubles as a grid representing a harmonica- the main instrument of focus on this recording- being held in a caricatured illustration of a hand. This orange rectangular shape is used consistently below to separate track highlights for the album. 

The funky shape of the hand is a great marker of the equally funky rhythms and tunes within. The black outline is made up of varying sizes of stippling in which the circular shapes slightly mimic the sprinkling of bongos used consistently throughout the recording. 

The graphic designer is currently unknown.