Catching Up With Miles, Sonny’s Crib
Here are some results from the recent eBay auction by the Jazz Record Center. We were watching some of the Miles Prestige recordings with interest because you may recall last month we saw an original copy of Steamin’ sell for only $75 in very nice condition, which struck us as very low and a bit odd. Especially when an original copy of Relaxin’ sold for nearly $740. I think the results this week from the Jazz Record Center are probably more indicative of the real market. Miles Davis, Steamin’, Prestige 7200. This was an original pressing with the New Jersey address. It had a promo stamp and was listed in “near new” condition, which is certainly M- for the record and the cover. The price was $307.99. Miles Davis, Workin’, Prestige 7166. This was also an original New Jersey yellow label pressing without the promo staff. It was described as similar condition to Steamin’, M- all around, and sold for $305.01. This next one
has always sold for a higher premium, being earlier in the catalogue, with the kakubushi cover and the first appearance of John Coltrane as a sideman with Miles: Miles Davis, The New Miles Davis Quintet, Prestige 7014. This was an original New York pressing that looked to be in probably VG++ condition for the record and M- or VG++ for the cover. The price was $510.01.
While we’re looking at the results of this auction, we also wanted to follow up on that copy of Sonny Clark, Sonny’s Crib, Blue Note 1576. This was close to an original pressing, although it didn’t have the New York 23 labels so, for most collector’s, it is just an early second pressing. That attitude was certainly expressed in the bidding, or lack thereof, on this great record. It had a start price of $500 and there was just one bid. I think the seller got a bargain. A great, early pressing in beautiful condition, great music and probably a great sound, equal to the ones with the New York 23 on the labels. And, given the fact that we saw a New Jersey Saxophone Colossus sell for more than $1,000 last week, probably a good investment as well.
That copy of Miles 7014 is a second pressing, the first pressing has “Prestige LP 7014” in a script font on the upper right while later pressings have “Prestige Hi-Fi LP 7014” in text. While both have the W.50th ST address on the label the type setting is different between the two.
How about the copy of Herbie Hancock’s Takin Off that sold for $423! (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Herbie-Hancock-on-Blue-Note-/290886939691?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item43ba36742b) It was a review copy so I’m guessing that’s why it sold for so much…this shattered the popsike record btw
Aaron is right: I add two more criteria: the second pressing has a laminated cover, the first is non-laminated. The first pressing labels are different from the second pressing labels, although both are yellow/black with the NY adress.
yes, I was careless about the Miles record. good thing I wasn’t bidding on it . . . or perhaps I would have been more aware. Let’s hope so at least.
I don’t have the Blue Book, but if Sonny’s Crib does not have the New York 23 labels, presumed to be the first pressing, then the just auctioned copy is an original third pressing. It is a Blue Note Inc. version with the trade mark “R” on the label. A second pressing exists, 47W63St, without New York 23, and without Inc. and R.
I have just stamped Review Copy on my Original pressing of Takin’ Off … I know have a very valuable Review Copy. LOL>