Random Musings on Random Jazz Vinyl

Here are some more random jazz records we are watching this week on eBay, starting with Steve Lacy, Soprano Sax, Prestige 7125. This is an original yellow label pressing with the New York address. The record looks to be in VG++ condition and the cover also looks like it is VG++. The start price is in the $100 range and, so far, there are no bids. I’ve never heard this record, nor have I ever owned it, but I would like to. A copy recently sold for around $480, which would be out of my comfort zone anyway, even if I were inclined to buy on eBay.

We are continuing to see an interesting phenomenon with Blue Note, whereby even later pressings are soaring in value and interest among collectors. One further example sitting on eBay now is John Coltrane, Blue Train, Blue Note 1577. This is a Liberty pressing with the Stereo stamp on the cover and the clear Stereo label. This record was not originally recorded in stereo, was it, so I wonder how they got they stereo sound and what it actually sounds like when you put it on the turntable? The record is listed in VG++ condition and the cover is only VG, with some splitting on the seams, in spite of the presence of shrink wrap, which provides further indication that this was probably released in the early 1970s. In any case, there is somewhat of a bidding war going on for this copy and the price is up around $130, with the auction closing within a few hours after I post this.

And here is Art Pepper, Getting’ Together, Contemporary 3573. This looks to be an original pressing with the deep grooves. The record and cover are listed in VG++ condition. The bidding is in the $125 range with three days left and a lot of action – 37 bids so far. This is not typically one of those records that sells for crazy prices, and even at $125 would be toward the top range. We’ll see if this is another bidding war as well.

Sonny Rollins, The Sound of Sonny, Riverside 241. This is an original white label pressing. I get the sense that Riverside did not issue many white label pressings of any records, since the blue labels are much more common. What would you guess – a first printing of maybe 1,000? Anyway, this one is listed in VG+ condition for the record and VG for the cover. Bidding is in the $120 range. This one was recorded in 1957 with a rhythm section comprising Sonny Clark, Paul Chambers and Roy Haynes. Just imagine what it would be worth if you changed the name on the label from Riverside to Blue Note.