A Couple More Surprises For the Price Guide
Here are some of the other interesting items we’ve been watching on eBay. Nothing for the $1,000 bin, but there are other collectibles, aren’t there?
This is one I’ve never thought about as a major collectible, but it seems to be getting more popular among collectors, as are some of the other records on the Impulse label: Roy Haynes, Out of the Afternoon, Impulse A-23. This features Roland Kirk as a sideman and is a nice record. Perhaps the value is going up because Roy is still alive and well and playing formidably, keeping the tradition alive. Anyway, this record was listed in M- condition for both the record and the cover. It sold for $136.49.
Would you feel comfortable bidding on this record: Dexter Gordon, Our Man in Paris, Blue Note 4146? The seller listed the item as
a “first press” with no details. Then he listed the condition as: “You won’t be disappointed.” Someone asked the questions about the provenance and the condition. For the label he said “NY.” Which to me could be a Liberty with a New York address, or a blue label with a New York address. It did not say New York USA. For the condition he said “E,” which also is nebulous and gives no indication of the real condition of the record or the cover. Want to guess what this sold for? How about $141.50. I know I’m a gambler, but even that would be too steep for my blood.
The Roy Haynes album is really a good one, and for this (good) reason is sought after. It is always relatively pricey. No big surprise.
This is one of the few sideman appearances of Roland Kirk, and in my eyes, one of his best recordings. No gimmicks, no crowd pleasing, just virtuosic 3- or 2- horn paying ans nice solos on tenor, stritch, manzello and flute. Roy Haynes drum intros are also outstanding.
I always liked that album, but haven’t listened to it in years. If I were home, I’d put it on, but, alas, I am away in the country. I loved Kirk and saw him live many times. I always felt his albums never captured his ability as either a player or performer. The live side of Volunteered Slavery came closest, IMHO. I did a small article on Kirk a few months ago:
https://jazzcollector.com/uncategorized/a-rare-roland-kirk-lp-and-some-fond-memories/