Ramblings, Records and Rancor, Oh My
In my real life I’ve been writing what we call an “eBook” for a client. Basically, it’s a long term paper of about 5,000 words. The topic is climate change and, if you want to get really depressed, read the latest report from the United Nations. Anyway, I share this because being buried in work has left little time for the important things in life, like Jazz Collector and, lo and behold, in my absence there are 55 comments, and counting, on the latest post. Surely, they can’t all be about getting happy with Freddie Redd and Jazz Collector, so I am curious about what is going on to inspire such interest and, perhaps, inspiration. So, pardon me while I catch up. Hmmm, now I see that there was a personal, and in my view entirely unfounded attack on Clifford from a new commenter named Gohoos81, who has since apologized and rambled to the point where I am having trouble deciphering whether this was a real diatribe or an attempt to spam the site. Whatever. I see there has been enough pushback without me having to waste more time worrying about it. But Gohoos81, if you are still here, you may find that there are other sites where the community is more welcoming of your rancor and bluster, but you don’t seem to have a very welcoming audience here, including your usually amenable host.
In my absence, there has also been a stockpile of email and other items that will be of interest to many of you, starting with a note last week from our friend Fredrik, under the subject line “Two classic collectibles – more record-breaking prices?” The note said “Hi, Al, hope everything’s alright. You’ve probably already seen these two albums for sale, but I thought I’d highlight them if you haven’t. I’m curious to see what two classic top collectibles such as these will go for at this moment (the Dorham is already at $4,300 with three days to go).” Then there were links to two records, which I had not seen because I was hard at work on my term paper.
Hank Mobley, Blue Note 1568. This was an original pressing with the New York 23 on side two and West 63rd on side one. The record was listed in VG++ condition and the cover was VG+. The picture also showed some wear on the labels. I didn’t see where the bidding was when Fredrik sent me the note, but the action went from $3,950 to a final price of $6,800 in the final minutes. I guess there’s a symmetry in 1568 and 6,800, but I’m sure the final price is not surprising to anyone who follows the market closely. I still don’t have an original pressing after all of these years.
Kenny Dorham, Quiet Kenny, New Jazz 8225. This one closes in about two hours from the time I am writing/posting this and is still in the $4,300 range. There are already 60 bids from 19 bidders and 375 watchers, which is quite a lot. This copy, from the reliable seller Carolina Soul, is listed in VG+ condition for both the record and the cover. According to Popsike, the previous high price for Quiet Kenny has been $4,500 for a copy listed in M- condition. Looks like there will be a new high price for Quiet Kenny by the time most of you read this.
My friend Dan sent me this link under the subject line “Sonny subbing for Trane.” This is an audio clip from July 27, 1957. “The controversial trumpet player that the whole country listens to.” Dan mentioned that he thought Sonny was kind of trying to be a bit Trane-like, but to me he sounds most like the Sonny from the Contemporary Leaders album. In any case, it’s a great clip, probably on a bootleg LP somewhere, although I don’t know which one (which is weird, because I probably own it and never listened to it). Any help out there? We speculated that Sonny was playing in the Miles Quintet at a time when Miles may have fired Coltrane for being high and unreliable. Make sense? Accurate?
Here’s a note from Japhy, under the subject “jazz collector note.” It reads: “Hello Al, I was trying to submit this via the blog, but the submission keeps getting hung up, so I dug up an old email and thought I’d send it direct. I know the gang likes to ruminate over these alleged ‘autographed’ items from time to time, and here’s one of interest. The double grail of a Coltrane-signed Blue Train? It was a BIN for $800 from an otherwise seemingly reputable seller in Paris who states, ‘Coltrane played in Paris, especially at the Olympia Hall in Nov. 17th 1962 and it was probably signed there according to my info. I used to work for the famous jazz magazine during 15 years, for your info.’ Not sure how that qualifies him to attest to the legitimacy of the signature, but I guess he thinks it does. Curiously, most of his recent sales are photos of Michael Jackson. Don’t know about you, but if I had a signed ‘Blue Train’ I’d start the bidding at $800 and see where it goes. Cheers, Japhy.”
Here’s the link, with a picture below: John Coltrane Blue Train – Original US LP Blue Note BST 1577 SIGNED by JOHN! To me, it looks legitimate, but I’d welcome a comment from Don Lucky as to his opinion. As far as what I would do if I had a signed Blue Train? I think we all know the answer to that. I would NEVER sell it, even if I sold everything else in my collection.
Speaking of which, finally and appropriately, we save the last word for our friend Lenni B, who sent this under the subject line “Something from Florida.” Here ‘tis: “Good day to you. Trust you and the Mrs. are doing well. Since you allowed me to write two columns and you were kind enough to expose them to other eyes via your website, you do have some skin in the game. So, I wanted to let you know that I have no more Jazz records, LPs or 45’s or eps. And just one 78, a Bird Dial, 1056, which used to be sought after. Anyway, I did it and it is a wonderful feeling to have them all gone. Peace, blessings and abundance to you and yours. lenni”
yeah, that Coltrane autograph looks legit to me as well.
The Miles Davis club recording was issued on Bandstand USA No. 2. I never saw one and don’t know in which format they came. Similar material was issued on a Chakra lp, one of Boris Rose’s lo fi productions.
I for one find the Rollins solos typical Rollins of that period. Trane was in a very different vein those days.
Quick update: Quiet Kenny, $5,200.
wow. I’ll stick with my Japanese Victor pressing. Lovely album — Kenny’s playing on it is incredible.
Yeah,Clifford…prices like these just make me cherish my 5.99 OJC lp all the more(and my XRCD disc sounds pretty good, too)! BTW,had to reread the “rancor files” to refresh my memory about the “to n’fro”. Shheesh. Al says he was away from the fray(lucky you,Al)-I thought he was merely “letting the kids figure it out for themselves “,as they say. It seems to have worked out that way,I suspect. Re:prices. As I’ve said before,I HATE when prices are bid up so high that my odds of winning die a miserable death(well,at least it’s often a quick death)…”Opening bid is 400.00”. I’m out! Not surprisingly, when I sell,I tend to favor the “bid early and bid often” philosophy.
“Tis a puzzlement”,as it was once said.
Happy listening, Boris Rose or otherwise….
Al, Comment was founded but over the top.
Al you are a man of privilege, my point was to be supportive of each other given our privilege, but more importantly to recognize it, acknowledge it, and change it.
I see that point was utterly lost on you…shame…
Al, also love the hooks you stole from Pac that he dropped 25 years ago in Hit Em Up while putting my name in your post (“Youse a beat biter, a Pac style taker…”). Except Pac succeeded in his attempt (“Check this out, you motherf***ers know what time it is. I don’t even know why I’m on this track. Y’all n***** ain’t even on my level. I’ma let my little homies ride on you…..little accident murderers, and I ain’t never heard-a ya” [If you don’t see the poorer reflection of this in your post, you’re broke….]
Al, this was all so lost on you… you didn’t even notice the shade I threw your way in my reply on your Freddie Redd entry. …it’s just that sad…
By the way, this is what you were coppin, whether you knew it or were just ignorant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41qC3w3UUkU (contains adult language!)
How about that Hank Mobley 1568 cover pic ! Nice one.
You can listen a very nice version (with Ernie Henry) of Lotus Blossom on Riverside 255 !
I see some marks on the Mobley; hopefully for the buyer’s sake they do not sound.
Oh no, I see someone spilled their alphabet soup!
That signed Blue Train was an incredible purchase for the lucky buyer. What a treasure. That is if the autograph and story are legitimate, which I wouldn’t doubt too much given the visual and the seller’s reputation.
How about this for shade: nobody cares about your stupid attempts at cleverness. You have a bad case of logorrhea, you should have it checked out by a doctor.
I doubt that the above is a real post. Regardless, it serves no purpose for incoherent rants and/or attacks to be on view here. Whatever the policy for banning is on this site, it’s time for it to be utilized.
To clarify I’m referring to the 8/16, 7:03 post.
Perhaps English is a second language?
Paul, I’m with you. Bill, I got your six, brother.
Thanks for the encouragement Clifford. I’ll let you know how it sounds….
i’m with paul.
The Miles with Sonny Rollins comes from the Cafe Bohemia broadcasts in July 1957 . The 13th July came out on Ozone 18 with a complete version of Four and half of Blackbird. 20th and 27th of July came out on Bandstand as previously mentioned. It was a white label released with just a printed sheet inside. The 20th had a full version of Dear old Stockholm and part of Bag’s Groove and the 27th had Blackbird as previously already covered and part of Tune Up.
All the tracks have come out on some European CD’s . I think Rollins is excellent and is not trying to reflect Coltrane’s approach. Such a shame that more was not recorded and worth trying to find .
@ lenni b. it seems you are happy and at easy with the choices you made… Big Up! .. i can only be jealous.. love your input always.
when i tune in to jazzcollector i always put a jazzrecord on the turntable.. then i read and enjoy all the importance and nonsense of those great and overpriced records… i love it.. i spinn an original, or a japanese, a blue label liberty or a tone poet LP, a Verve, Barclay, Vogue, a 3rd pressing riverside or just a DOX 15 dollar reissue 2020…. and i can only think: DON’T YOU LOOOOOOOOVE THAT JAZZZ!!!!
maarten i was with you until you said Doxy 😉
Gohoos81to reiterate my post from last week why so much for Easterly Winds?!
Martens, Love your post, it’s want this love of music is all about, at least to me. Not the pressing, but the sounds. Yes , very happy, it feels right to let it all go into the universe again. And yesterday I have sent off Dial 1056 to a new home. I’m honored you love my input; I will admit to be blushing a tad upon seeing my email to Al ending this latest column.
Lenni — it is my pleasure to make you blush. 🙂
Maarten, NOT Martens!! Geeesh!&!$#%?!!!!
Oh my Gohoos, you really fucked up! Peace
Al-
Re my blushing. Far be it for me to deny you a pleasure.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LP-Horace-Silver-6-Pieces-Of-Silver-MONO-Blue-Note-1539-West-63rd-RVG-Deep-G-/165015768966?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Horace Silver looking good. 🙂