Random Rarities
Randomness from an eBay watchlist. John Coltrane, A Love Supreme, Impulse 77. This looks to be an original mono pressing. The record and cover are both graded as M-, although the picture seems to show wear on the cover, unless that is just a reflection from the camera. In any case, there are five days left on the auction and the bidding is already in the $325 range. Out of curiosity, I popped over to Popsike to see if A Love Supreme had ever made it into the $1,000 bin and the answer is that yes, indeed, it has, a few times, maxing out at $1,225. You kind of get the feeling because the album is such an icon, that the value will continue to go up. Is this the highest price we’ve seen for any Impulse? I can’t think of one off the top of my head. I put it in this post primarily because I wanted to show a picture of the cover, which always puts a smile on my face.
This one closes later today: The Magnificent Thad Jones, Blue Note 1527. This looks like an original Lexington Avenue pressing. The record and cover are listed in Ex condition. There is a “discontinued” stamp on the label, which the seller somehow thinks is a selling point. Oh well. Bidding is at about $1,000 but it hasn’t yet met the reserve price and there is also a buy-it-now price of $2,400. For that kind of money, you would hope the seller could afford a better camera, or at least a lamp or two to illuminate the record.
Just because they’re there, here are a few from the Jazz Collector personal want list. Cliff Jordan, Blue Note 1565. This looks to be an original New York 23 pressing listed in VG+ for both the cover and the record. Bidding is in the $535 range with more than two days left. Louis Smith, Smithville, Blue Note 1594. This is an original West 63rdStreet pressing, listed in EX+ condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. The bidding is already at more than $1,300 with more than three days left on the auction.
The Coltrane is a second pressing. A first would have a catalogue number of A-77 on the label not A-77-A/B. This still doesn’t seem to be common knowledge among collectors as the second highest price on Popsike is for a A-77-A/B pressing.
I’d probably grade the Trane as VG++ just to be safe, but it looks nice. Meanwhile I might try to grab that Truly Fine Citizen from the same seller. Could use a clean two-eye.
ALS has absolutely skyrocketed in value over the last 5 years. It used to be a $50-$75 record on a good day. Heck, I got a minty WLP copy for $113 on eBay back in 2015, and sold the double for about the same amount, which I was very pleased with at the time. Meanwhile, the true rarity of the Impulse catalog, “Out of the Afternoon”, has sat stable at around $100. Interesting.
mono first edition of Impulse label up to A-80 should not have suffix -A on labels, except A-79-A.
The seller of the Thad Jones has zero feedback which would make me uneasy about spending that kind of money. Also I don’t recall ever seeing a “discontinued” stamp like that. Even if I had the cash I would pass on that one.
Thank you for this site (even though i can’t afford the prices commanded by good jazz now 🙂 I still enjoy hearing of other peoples finds and purchases. The question I have is being in Canada some of my pressings are Canadian, one being A Love Supreme that is Impulse Mono A-77 but Spartan Records, a product of Am-Par Record Corp, London Ontario. Does the value differ between this and US pressings? Thank you in advance.
Yeah, Sparton LPs don’t command quite the value of original US pressings, although they’re creeping up for sure.
No way that Louis Smith cover is VG+. I mean look at that staining on the back (obscuring some of the liner notes, too!), the taped corners, and the chipping on the spine. That’s a weak VG at best, and only because the front is presentable. I don’t envy whoever is on the hook for $2,600 for that copy, yikes! That’s the third highest eBay price for 1594, according to Popsike. Not sure what’s going on with this one…
Thank you Clifford. it’s been interesting seeing how much Esquire pressings have gone up too as I have some of them. I plan to enjoy what i have for a long time but it’s nice to know they’re a good investment as well as a great pleasure to listen to, appeases my wife 🙂
Yeah, Esquires are expensive indeed. The issue with them (beyond being made in smaller numbers) is that the thin covers don’t really survive, so finding a clean one is next to impossible. Same with Tempo releases, from what I gather.
Just wanted to jump in…I have John Coltrane A 77 M- and I do love it. However I also have a special original print (12×24 silk screen)from Saint John’s African Orthodox Church, San Francisco when the store front church was on Turk and Eddy. This licensed church canonized John Coltrane and the entire sermon every Sunday for apprx 4 hours of solid music playing only “LOVE SUPREME” and then have a Sunday supper. About 1/3 of the congregation was street people and left over’s and the rest was musicians in all ages, shapes, forms and background with amazing musical talent. Throughout the sermon in black robes, the preaches played tenor, 2 pseudo nuns kept all under control, and 2 pianos – various musicians would walk up to the pulpit on their knees playing Love Supreme and would be blessed.
Was there twice and what an experience! I believe the church is still in existence but moved. Just thought I would share this treasure and wonder if anyone else has ever been there.
i have a collection of records 1950’s 1960’s including the John Contrane record Love Supreme and wonder what the
true market value is today. Anybody has any ideal?