From the InBox: Sun Ra, Sonny Stitt, Swiftly Flow The Bucks
Let’s start by looking in the Jazz Collector inbox to see what treasures and wisdom might be awaiting us. I see that our old friend CeeDee has a few links for us, starting with another WOW: Sonny Stitt Plays, Royal Roost 2208. This was an original deep groove mono pressing listed in VG++ condition for both the record and the cover. The cover pictures could indicate some optimistic grading. The final price was $760. It went from $219, which is pretty high for this record, to the final price in the last few seconds of the auction. There were 12 bidders altogether. This has to be the highest price ever for a Stitt on Roost record. So, let’s swing over to Popsike and . . . . Indeed, it is not just the highest price for a Stitt on Roost, it is the highest price for any Stitt. Hey, it’s a great record and he was a great player.
More missives from CeeDee:
Shelly Manne, 2,3,4, Impulse A-20. This was an original orange label mono pressing from the Jazz Record Center. The record looked to be in M- condition and the cover was probably VG++. The final price was $400. This also must be top dollar for this record and perhaps any record with Shelly Manne as a leader. Back to Popsike . . . . Nope, it is the second highest. In 2013 there was as sealed copy of Shelly Manne & His Men at the Blackhawk Volume One that sold for $494.
Sun Ra & His Arkestra, Media Dreams, Saturn, CMP 1978, “Handmade Shower Curtain Art.” Not being a Sun Ra collector, I know little about this album, nor do I know what is meant by Handmade Shower Curtain Art, although it sounds quite intriguing. I’m sure Clifford will fill me and others in soon enough. In any case this record as in VG+ condition and the cover was VG-. The final price was $3,225. CeeDee also sent this one: Sun Ra & His Arkestra, Deep Purple, Saturn 485, also with handmade shower curtain art. This record was VG/VG+ and the cover was also VG-. The final price was $2,551.
I received a note from a gentleman in Sweden who has what is likely the most complete collection of Howard McGhee recordings in the world. I am not sure what he wants, but, with his permission, I would be fine to share his email address with anyone interested. You know where to reach me.
Here’s another question from a reader, for which I don’t have the answer at hand, but I do think the answer may be buried somewhere on the Jazz Collector site in comments. One of these days, when I am no longer working full time, I will take the time to go through the site and compile everything relevant into a wonderful print or web edition. In the meantime, the question at hand is: “Does anyone know what happened to the inventory of Dayton’s when Jimmy died? Was it sold? Does it still exist?”
Here’s another link that came in from a reader, with the following note:
“Subject: Jackie McLean on Ad Lib without cover
I wonder how many people would pay $1,280.99 for an album without a cover? Rare album of course, but still . . . .
Jackie McLean, the New Tradition, Ad Lib 6601″
The record was listed in VG++ condition. There was some damage to the label on the A side. Answer to the question: If someone had the cover, but didn’t have the record, that person would pay $1,280.99 for the record.
From the jazz record center’s auction, I was really surprised to see the Mal Waldron 4 to go for about 2.5k. For sure the record is rare in top condition (i’m lucky to own such a copy), probably is most “Monkian” set, but it is not his best IMHO.
Sun Ra records have always been high dollar collectable records, not my type of jazz but those records always go for high prices. on another note, looks like someone else is jumping on the Tina Brroks ,blue note 4041 train, same condition as the one that was auction for 8K last week, but the cover is kinda in rough shape, i guess we will see if they get the high price as previous high.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/354002502342?hash=item526c3182c6%3Ag%3AiRcAAOSwwERiUzRa&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5336393618&customid=&toolid=10049
Question to everyone – I know it’s been discussed previously in earlier JC threads – there was a name or two of a (I believe west coast?) conservator who did a good job with album covers (seams, removing pen marks, etc.). Can anyone please pass on the name/contact deets here? I’d appreciate it. Best to all, Todd Levin
The cover art of the Stitt on Roost is terrific. Very cool. Never listened to the album, but will remedy that.
Could swear I posted a comment yesterday but perhaps it got deleted — anyway, yeah, the Ra’s literally have shower curtain plastic adhered over the hand done artwork to make them look more trippy. There were about 10 different titles that received the shower curtain treatment in multiple variations in the early/mid 70s. They look really beautiful in person.
as far as paperstax auctions, the most enticing for me was the pre-release Spiritual Unity with the red back cover silkscreen. Beautiful example, would love to have a copy like that.
Professional Album Cover conservation/restoration in Oceanside, Ca. – JAIME MENDEZ
Fredrik, the Stitt on Roost is just one of the numerous albums he made on Roost and Argo. Nothing special. This one is marred by Freddie Green’ s rhythm guitar. I ditched my copy a long time ago, though not at the price this seller fetched….
rudolf – marred!?
i ADORE freddie green. what do you not like?
I would have kept the Stitt just for the killer cover!
Re: Sonny Stitt, I
Herman Leonard made that cover photo and let’s face it, he is the “master of smoke”. Credit him for showing Jazz in the coolest setting possible. This photo is the driving force behind the price. Sonny could blow but Herman could show !
Yeah…the great Cover drove the bidding – “Smokey Jazz” – It’s a hard Album to find clean.
I have a NM original Sonny Stitt with an immaculate Herman Leonard NM cover. Never found this particularily good. Its a just a good Sonny session…
Sonny Stitt with the New Yorkers sounds far better in my ears….
Gregory the Fish, I am a purist and I don’t like swing rhythm guitar in a bop rhythm section. I accept Freddie Green accompanying the Vice President, to give an example. But, in general, there are only a handful of guitar players I really dig, Jim Hall, Jimmy Raney and Tal Farlow, followed by Joe Puma and Joe Cinderella.
Tom Piazza’s Guide to Classic Jazz used another Herman Leonard photo of Stitt and smoke, likely from the same roll of film. My dad has that book and as I was getting into jazz found it remarkable in its conservatism. Little did I know…
well, rudolf, i guess we have no choice but to be mortal enemies now.
I appreciate your strong point of view Rudolf. It’s always stimulant. I may not always agree with you, but its interesting to undestand another point of view. I have learned so much from you.
Gregory, please, don’t be so harsh on me…..
I hope it was clear that I was just joking, Rudolf! I promise we are still friends.
Absolutely clear and friends forever.
$400 is surprising for the Shelley Manne. Some of the Impulse’s are getting expensive!