Playing Favorites
No sooner did I empty the Jazz Collector eBay watch list did I fill it up again, starting with two of my all-time favorite records from the same seller: Sonny Rollins, Tenor Madness, Prestige 7047. This is an original New York yellow label listed in M- condition for the record and probably VG+ for the cover, based on the description and the pictures. Maybe VG for the cover. I know the seller and he is very reputable. The auction closes in about three days and the start price is about $450 with no bidders yet. Another of my favorites from this seller Benny Golson Sextet, The Modern Touch, Riverside 256. This looks to be an original pressing with the blue label and small logo. The record and cover are both in M- condition. This one also closes in about three days, with a start price of about $250 and no bidders . . . yet. Both of these records will sell, if not to anyone else then perhaps to me. Yes, I have copies. But the M- Golson is a strong upgrade for one of my top records. Love the arrangements and all the playing, especially an impeccable Kenny Dorham.
Since I’m focused on my favorite records today, we will close with Horace Silver, Blowin’ the Blues Away, Blue Note 4017. This is an original West 63rd Street deep-groove pressing. The record is probably VG+, although the seller uses the EX grading. The cover is listed as near mint. The auction closes in two days. The bidding starts at about $180 and so far there is no action. I would be remiss to not mention that this was also a favorite record of my dad’s. I can still picture him sitting in our living room with a glass of booze in one hand and a cigarette in the other and bopping happily to Sister Sadie, while urging me to come in and listen. It was one of the few times we kids were allowed in the living room, for reasons that are difficult to comprehend, but having to do with the living room being a showcase, so visitors to our tiny two-bedroom garden apartment could admire my mother’s great taste and style in decorating. It’s a great memory.
First off, Al is on FIRE this week! Thank you for keeping us all entertained! Jazz Collector plays a big role in keeping me distracted from working, so please do keep it up!
Second, that’s a nice story about your connection to jazz with your dad. That’s also how I was introduced to jazz (by my dad, not yours), and I wonder how many other readers have a similar story, be it a parent, close relative, etc. I certainly have no hard evidence, but most jazz lovers I know were introduced to the music by someone, rather than simply stumbling into it on their own.
Japhy did you ever read my article on the site called “Song for My Father.” If not, do a search. I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever written for Jazz Collector.
That Horace was one of the first Blue Note “originals” I ever bought; $15 in Bellingham circa the early 90s. Sigh.
I did actually stumble into jazz on my own, with help of like minded friends!
I was 20 in 1965 and a big fan of all the R&B bands that were around in the UK during the 60s.Graham Bond’s bands,Zoot Money’s Big Roll band, JohnMayall,Chris Farlowe etc. etc. all with an element of jazz in their repertoire.
Michael Garrick ran weekly modern jazz sessions at the Highwayman in Camberley,not far from
where I lived and I was able to enjoy Tubby Hayes,Don Rendell,Ian Carr,Joe Harriot and even Jimmy Witherspoon(“just play the chords man” much to Michael’s disgust!)and many other great guests sitting in with the Garrick trio.
So it is possible,or was then,to discover this great music on your own but I doubt very much whether the same could be case now!
This introduction to modern jazz led to many adventures into the emerging free music scene and I was able to see Derek Bailey,Evan Parker ,Trevor Watts,John Stevens and many other innovators very often which,of course, led to a very large record,and CD collection which I’m still adding to now.
Fantastic music and a great site Al which I enjoy very muuch!
Wow James you saw some amazing stuff!
Al, nice to hear the story about your dad. I think that we can all agree that the market is changing.
Those who bid or don’t bid on Ebay are now the real price guide.
If you listen for pleasure, you won’t be disappointed by the current prices (too high or too low).
@Al : the Benny Golson Riverside seems to have a small label. In this case it would be a second press.
I checked my copy of Golson ‘s the Modern Touch. Big labels, 553W51th Street adress on sleeve, rear. GB US Patent numbers in dead wax.
Michel is perfectly right.