Catching Up On Some Rare Jazz Vinyl
Here’s an update on some jazz vinyl auctions we’ve been watching on eBay:
Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan, Peckin’ Time, Blue Note 1574. This was an original West 63rd Street pressing in VG+ condition for both the record and the cover. Interesting, isn’t it, that we’re no longer surprised when VG+ records sell for more than $1,000. This one fetched a price of $1,009. Interesting to look at the cover of this record, given most of the covers that Blue Note was producing at the time, usually featuring some kind of picture of the artist. Simple graphic of a red suitcase and not sure what that has to do with Peckin’ Time or Mobley. There are also no pictures on the back cover. A little bit strange, no? I wonder if there is a story behind the cover?
Here’s another one that broke into the $1,000 bin: Freddie Hubbard, Open Sesame, Blue Note 4040. This looked to be an original pressing, although the seller put in the wrong catalog number. It was listed in VG++ condition for the vinyl and Ex for the cover, which I still take to mean around VG+, although it could be better. This one sold for the same price as the other, $1,009.
I seem to be a bit focused on $1,000 Blue Notes today. Here’s another:
Lee Morgan, Volume 3, Blue Note 1557. This was an original pressing in VG+ condition for the record and VG++ condition for the cover. It sold for $1,225.
This one did not make the $1,000 bin: Sonny Rollins, Tenor Madness, Prestige 7047. This was an original New York yellow label pressing, in at least VG++ condition, perhaps M-, depending upon how you view the seller’s description. This one sold for $657.
I believe that ex is typically more like VG++ than VG+
I love how the record on the auction information of the Morgan 1557 is wrong! Hopefully the buyer doesn’t get the Moe Tucker album!
…I always thought that “Peckin’ Time” was a play on “pecking order” referring to expression of dominance of birds or in this case musicians to determine who is at the ‘top’ and who is at the ‘bottom’ and where all the rest fit in between. (Basically the establishment of the dominance hierarchy in the Jazz world. In similar fashion to the way they use to hold “cutting contest jams” back in the big-band era.) Any who don’t measure up, should start “packing”… Hense the suitcase. That is my take on it anyway.
…I always thought that “Peckin’ Time” was a play on “pecking order” referring to expression of dominance of birds or in this case musicians to determine who is at the ‘top’ and who is at the ‘bottom’ and where all the rest fit in between. (Basically the establishment of the dominance hierarchy in the Jazz world. In similar fashion to the way they use to hold “cutting contest jams” back in the big-band era.) Any who don’t measure up, should start “packing”… Hense the suitcase. That is my take on it anyway.
peckin’ Time…. sounds also a bit as going on a leave, taking a break, doin’ nothing… hence the suitcase..??
I think Peckin’ Time refers to a staccato style of hard bop tenor popularized by Sonny Rollins and some others such as J R Montrose, which was called “pecking”. Off hand I would say check out Ira Gitler and an essay in his hard bop book for the reference. The suitcase on the cover is actually a case that stores master tapes for transfer. A very hip,inside image.
I don’t know what the English word “to peck” means, but I came across it first time in relation with a George Wallington album with Phil Woods and Don Byrd. It is a sort of ragged, staccato playing on a saxophone, practized by Phil at the time. J.R. Monterose is also a good example.
Hank Mobley has never played this way, and the red suitcase does not make sense to me, unless it is a word play on “packin’ time”.
I found it! In Ira Gitler’s liner notes, as always witty and informative, to Prestige LP 7032 (George Wallington’s “Jazz for the Carriage Trade”), one can read his comments on “But George” :……and the use of “the peck” (rhythmic conversation between the horns and the rhythm section)….
Was just listening to Mobley on Blue Note 1568, since a NM first pressing is for sale now by seller “8851serge”. On “Double Exposure” the second tenor solo, by Curtis Porter, is a typical example of the peckin’ style.
Guess this album will fetch over 3000. Bids are nearing 600 with four days to go.