First Pressing? Who Cares

Here’s a catch-up on some of the jazz vinyl auctions we’ve been watching:

Hank Mobley Quintet, Blue Note 1550. This was a West 63rd Street pressing, deep grooves, but it did not have the New York 23 so, I guess, that would make it a clear second pressing, but a very early second pressing? The record was probably VG++ with some light surface noise and the cover was VG. The price was $908.

Kenny Dorham, Round ‘Bout Midnight at the Cafe Bohemia, Blue Note 1524. The consensus seems to be that this was a later pressing using old Lexington Avenue labels and an older Lexington Avenue back cover. It was listed as a first edition, however, replete with flat edge and deep grooves. The record was probably VG++ and the cover was VG. It sold for $578. It was, by the way, the same seller as the Mobley, who did all right with a couple of records that were not quite first pressings.

Jackie McLean, The New Tradition, Ad-Lib 6601. This was an original pressing in VG+ condition for both the record and the cover. It sold for $1,975.

A few more:

Eric Dolphy at the Five Spot, Volume One, New Jazz 8260. This was an original pressing in VG+ condition for both the record and the cover. I had a feeling the bidding would get heated for this one after my post and it did. The final price was $505.90.

Grant Green, Am I Blue, Blue Note 4139. This was an original New York USA pressing. The record was in M- condition and the cover was probably VG++, based on the description. The final price was $355.