Jazz Vinyl Miscellany and Mail
Before getting back to writing about my own experiences doing the recent auction with Carolina Soul Records, let’s return to our normal activity of watching other peoples’ rare jazz vinyl in eBay and taking a peak in the old Jazz Collector inbox. Let’s start with Sonny Clark Trio, Blue Note 1579. This looks to be an original West 63rd Street pressing. The record is listed in VG+ condition. The cover is also listed as VG+, but the pictures show it to be no better than VG. It’s from a seller in Thailand who has one feedback. The start price is $1,250 with less than a day left on the auction. We’ll see if anyone is desperate enough to take that kind of risk. Meanwhile, I have a beautiful VG++ copy that may make it to the next round of auctions. Or, maybe not.
Here’s one I can’t figure out: Hank Mobley, Roll Call, Blue Note 84058. This is a West 63rd Street pressing with the ear, Van Gelder and deep grooves. But it’s also a stereo pressing. Was Blue Note issuing stereo copies of this record when it was first released in 1961? I recall seeing stereo copies of Blue Train and Art Blakey Blue Note 4003, but they had a Stereo stamp on them, and not the number 8 in front. I’m sure someone will have the answer. In the meantime, this copy is listed as M- for the record and Excellent (and Amazing) for the cover. The bidding is at $325 with about three days left on the auction.
Billy Taylor Trio at Town Hall, Prestige 7093. This is an original New York yellow label pressing. The record is listed as M- and the cover is EX. The start price is around $500 and the auction closes in a day and a half from this posting. I realize, of course, that this is an original yellow label Prestige and those are quite desirable. And I’m also a fan of Billy Taylor, not just as a musician – he was great, popular and underrated all at the same time – but as an advocate and voice for the music. But I never got the sense any of his records were valued that highly by jazz collectors. So, let’s pause for a moment and work our way over to Popsike . . . I guess I was wrong. There have been several instances of Billy Taylor original Prestige records selling for more than $300, with a top of $405 for A Touch of Taylor, Prestige 7001. If the seller were to get his asking price for this Town Hall record, it would be a new high for Taylor. As for this particular record, the highest previous price was about $167.
This one is from Clifford: Tina Brooks, True Blue, Blue Note 4041. The note said: “$3K for a True Blue with a nasty scratch on tracks one and two, side B. I would not call that EX+!” So, yes, the record was graded EX+ and the cover was M- and the price was $3,055. With records like this, is it possible buyers have no intention of listening, and just want to have a copy, especially one with a nice cover, in their collection? Or is it just that these records are so hard to find, that even what Clifford describes as a “nasty scratch” isn’t a deterrent from someone paying more than $3,000?
Here’s an inquiry from a reader in London: “Hi. I have to travel to Houston for work from London soon. Do you know of any good record shops that I should visit for jazz?” Personally, I don’t, but perhaps someone here does.
Jim sent me a note about a record store that bought a collection a few years ago and is just getting around now to putting them on the shelves, including some original Blue Notes. Jim mentioned Lee Morgan City Lights, Horace Silver Cape Verdean Blues, and an Ike Quebec. No mention of price or condition. A few years ago, I would have jumped into the car immediately and started the three-hour journey. But, I now seem to be more in the subtracting mode than adding mode, so I’m passing the information on to Jazz Collector readers. The name of the store is Bull Moose and it is in Scarborough, ME. They also have other stores in the area, so perhaps these records are making their way across various locations in Maine and New Hampshire.
You guys are doing great without me. But I’m still here. Just finished a major work project. Looking forward to relaxing with some great jazz.
Al, i would be very interested in that Blue Note 1579 you have. do you have a price you would let that go for?
Aloha Al, looking forward to your next write-up! If you have more pearls of wisdom in regard to consignment with CS! Nice to get a reply from Robert above, sounds like we both frequented the same record store in Oakland! That’s a small world! And Clifford/Anders giving me tips on Tina Brooks reissues. Mahalo!
Kyle, your mention of the Pepper Adams on Jazz Workshop had me remember another lp on that label I enjoyed. Had a somewhat blah cover, like done by a junior ad-man. The lp was from pianist Earl Washington, and think it had the two “Franks,” Foster and West. Nice stuff.
And since it isn’t one of those in demand labels, still might be kinda cheap. As far as what passes for cheap these days.
Hello Kyle and Robert.
I believe you both were talking about my dear friend Berigan Taylor who owned Berigan’s Records. Along with Roger Brown (dba Brown) and Rick Ballard (Grooveyard), they formed a jazz record store triumvirate in Oakland. At one time, each had their own store or partnered with the other, but only Beri was so outgoing and warm.
He was well known for his knowledge of jazz and his eagerness to share that knowledge. He wrote the book “Jazz For Dummies”, a wonderful introduction for anyone interested in our favorite music. He was the model for the character in Michael Chabon’s Telegraph Ave. But most important was his kindness and generosity.
When he died a few years ago, we arranged a memorial that included some great local musicians, most of whom were from Berkeley High and all of whom had experienced what you had. Among them were Benny Green, Ben Goldberg, Peck Allmond, and Howard Wiley. Such good vibes. The music lasted well into the night. I’m glad that his actions touched you and that you remember him with fondness as all who knew him do.
Aloha Bill! I wonder if I ran into you at Berigan’s! You’re right the other two, nothing against them, just not the warmest – out going type. It was by providence that I happened to walk into Berigan’s shop and he took me under his wing. He had a great right hand man, Big Dave. The two of them were giving me a crash course, I felt like the movie the Matrix, trying to feed me from the beginnings explaining blues, early jazz. We’d listen to Sidney Bechet after hours in the shop. Berigan knew that so many were only into Bop but he wanted me to have an appreciation for all of it, thus traditional to swing to big band and then giving me the education on Parker/Dizzy/Monk what became bebop and so forth. Because of Berigan and Dave I have Art Tatum, Lester Young, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Ellington, Coleman Hawkins and even some Armstrong and Bechet! Plus Taylor Berigan would let us try different amps/preamps out mainly tube equipment. You brought up Berkeley High, known for it’s jazz department. Well Joshua Redman was one I remember and he knew Berigan’s shop. Folks from ZZ Top would come too and talk about how much they loved the music and Berigan’s place. I kept in touch later with him through his ebay store. Then had to help family with caregiving and when I tried to check back in I had learned of his passing. So much more I can share later, I miss him greatly and how he made the music come alive for me, one who wasn’t around when this all started but felt as if at times I was there. Thank you for sharing and letting me know there was a memorial service for him. Mahalo nui!
Aloha Lennib! Thank you for the recommendation! I have another Jazz Workshop record whereby Roy Brooks is the leader. I will definitely look for the one you are recommending under Earl Washington. I see it includes Thad Jones who I like and feel was not as appreciated as a musician. Thank you again for this information, I’ve been happy with the two Jazz Workshop records I have, looking forward to this one! I know what you mean about prices today! I never thought some of these vintage records would cost so much, then I see what the reissued/special re-releases are costing. Just amazing. Nice to find a “price performer” from time to time. Mahalo!
Looks like the seller of that fake True Blue” got some buyers to pay for those fake records he passed off as originals, they have already left him positive feedback on several of those records,including the Lou Donaldson and Lee Morgan-Leeway, record
https://www.ebay.com/fdbk/feedback_profile/hwooso?filter=feedback_page:RECEIVED_AS_SELLER&_trksid=p2047675.l2560
Aloha Mark, are all the records you mentioned fakes or an original record with later cover? I’m curious as the seller is out of Korea. Is someone making these and do they include the “P” RVG 9M where applicable? I want to make sure to be a where of this and let others know. It’s very sad that folks would take advantage of others. Thank you for the heads-up. Mahalo
Kyle, if I were Korean, I would be insulted by your insinuation.
Aloha Rudolf, I’m sorry I was not saying anything in regard to the person’s ethnicity. Rather, as one who has spent much time in Asia, has family that are Koreans and also understands about some of the copyright situations that have taken place out of there over the years, I was curious if this spilled over into the vinyl market. I have only been here on this wonderful site for a little bit but have seen a lot of chatter about this particular seller so I wanted to understand if more was going on. There is much more I can share because of my experiences both with family and friends in regard to Korea. Again, please accept my apology. Take care now. Mahalo
No problem here. Don’t worry.
Now that we are talking directly to each other: is Aloha and Mahalo the way to greet in Hawai? I am just curious.
The above to Kyle.
Aloha Rudolph, two of the best words for use in the islands are Aloha and Mahalo as you can see from my usage. There are different combinations with other words to make other phrases as well. Aloha as a greeting when seeing/talking with folks as one begins a call or visit. Mahalo as a way of saying thank you, your welcome, see you again. Mahalo!