Updating the Jazz Collector Price Guide
I’ve been spending time updating the Jazz Collector Price Guide. I hope you guys use it: It does take up a bit of time to keep it going. In any case, as I’ve been going through older watch lists on eBay, here are some of the odds and ends I’ve been seeing.
I would classify this as a bargain: Gene Ammons, The Big Sound, Prestige 7132. This was not an original pressing with the New York address, but it was an early yellow label with the New Jersey address. The record and cover were ion VG+ condition and the price was $32. What makes this record interesting, in my opinion, is the presence of John Coltrane as a sideman. I have to admit I haven’t listened to this record in years so perhaps that will be one of my chores for the day to report back to you on the quality of the music.
There was a seller a few seeks ago with a bunch of autographed records, including: Art Farmer, Modern Art. This was a reissue, worth about $3 without an autograph. With the autograph it sold for $47. There were also a couple of records signed by Dizzy Gillespie, including: Dizzy Gillespie, Perceptions, Verve 8411. This was listed in VG+ condition for both the record and the cover. Without the autograph this would be maybe $10: With the autograph it sold for $60. Did I ever tell you about my copy of AT’s Delight signed by Art Taylor?
Who would have thought Freddie Roach records would fetch such a price: Freddie Roach, Good Move, Blue Note 4158. This was an original New York USA pressing in M- condition for both the record and the cover. It sold for $587. I remember this one from the bargain bins in the early 1970s.
Al, running a blog can be a thankless job, so if we don’t collectively say it often enough – thanks!!
Regarding Roach, I’ve always been a little surprised by just how well his Blue Note titles sell (but they are Blue Notes, after all). I’m always happy to come across extra copies, knowing I’ll be able to flip them for a little walking around money. BTW I’m currently listing that RCA Les Thompson 10″ with Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray that Al wrote about not too long ago. Nice shape if you’re interested see japhy. Thanks.
I have an original Bird and Diz ten inch. The one with the David Stone Martin art signed by Buddy Rich and Dizzy Gillespie. I bought it from the original owner who told me about how when he was 14 he heard this crazy new sound so he ran to the record store and bought this record. He had it signed on a jazz cruise in the 80’s. It one of my prized possessions. I got it for $60 on eBay. A steal I suspect I got because this is the 1st item this guy had ever listed. I sold a copy of this once on eBay 10 years ago for $500.
I really enjoy reading this blog and use the price guide often. It’s a really great resource–thanks Al!
Thanks from here too AL!
Man I can’t believe someone would pay $500+ for a Freddie Roach lp! I just can’t listen to too much of his stuff let alone pay that price. Mobley or no Mobley!
AH! The seller was DonHorsto! I’ve seen him sell “mint archiv” reissues for hundreds of dollars! UA and DOL presses! He could make you believe you anything! Sure doesn’t look like a deep groove!
curious:4158 was issued without dg:the high price is certainly related with something that shouldn’t be.
know what I mean ?
I think we may be getting ahead of ourselves…these are rare groove gems and hence in demand by DJs, hipsters and hammond junkies! There is a larger audience for some of the soul jazz slash rare groove records, come to think of it there was a whole UK Jazz Dance scene that took inspiration from these records and (like it or not) spawned the Acid Jazz craze about two decades ago. Seems a more plausible explanation in the instance…
Another unexceptional piece that goes for highish prices but yet you may have never bothered with is this Reuben Wilson gem ‘of sorts’: http://www.popsike.com/Reuben-Wilson-LP-Set-Us-Free-SEALED-ORIGINAL/170395105610.html
As much as I hate to admit it these are easier to spin on decks at any club night..hence the demand
“Good move” isn’t really a bad LP. With Mobley and Blue Mitchell the frontline is exquisite and there are a couple if nice tunes on it.
I think it depends on what type of organ playing you like. Roach really digs a soulful and gospel-like vibe and that’s nicely swinging sometimes.
If you’re digging Larry Young the most, problably Roach isn’t it!
“Good move” is probably the best LP Roach has recorded.
Ditto on the Freddie Roach-for organ lovers(like me),tunes like “Wine,Wine,Wine” will have you reaching for the nearest bottle of Boone’s Farm! It’s not “Unity”,but it’s not SPOSED to be…
I actually like “Good Move” but mostly because of Mobley and Mitchell. I’m a Larry Young(with Unity being my favorite) type of guy. Actually, my other favorite Jazz Organ player is Larry Grenadier. I don’t love too many others but am always open to suggestions.
I like a good Jimmy Smith lp but there’s only like 4 or 5. And I gotta say he’s incredible as he kicks bass, comps and plays melody/solo. He has ways to actually sneak the 4th part in as well! But ….. organ gets old after awhile and I only need 3-5 great BN “organ” records. I like UNITY as well but take away Mr. Henderson? I don’t know? I really like that FRED JACKSON – ROOTIN and TOOTIN’ (4094)with EARL VANDYKE onit. Grooves pretty hard. BTW, has anyone ever seen a 47th W. 63rd press of that lp?
DOCTORJAZZ -> curious:4158 was issued without dg:the high price is certainly related with something that shouldn’t be.
know what I mean ?
I MOST CERTAINLY DO MY FRIEND!
thanks Z47,I really appreciate.
4094,as first pressing,was released as NYC,but in the near future we may see it offered in a pantagruelian description with W 63 address.
And we’ll know WHO !
as side info 4094 is the first BN with VG instead of RVG.
“pantagruelian”-who ever said record collecting is low-brow? Not ME!
I have that Gene Ammons. Paid $65 for a VG++ copy, and thought that was fair. I know a 70+ year old man who thinks “Jug” was the best horn player and got me into Gene through this recording.
Did you notice John DOES NOT PLAY TENOR; JOHN COLTRANE IS ON ALTO!! 🙂