Sonny Rollins, Esquire (And More)
Let’s catch up on some more jazz vinyl we’ve been watching on eBay, starting with: Saxophone Colossus, Sonny Rollins, Esquire 32-045. This was an original UK pressing listed in M- condition for the record and between VG++ and M- for the cover. It sold for $358. It seems that the prices for these original European pressings have been getting higher and higher in recent years. I imagine, for many collectors, these would represent second copies, along with the original U.S. versions? Or perhaps for newer collectors, this record at $358 is a lot more affordable than a U.S. original at $2,000? From a listening perspective, I don’t think there is a major difference between the U.S. and U.K. pressings and, as we’ve seen, some of our readers prefer the sound of the European pressings.
Lou Donaldson, Light-Foot, Blue Note 4053. This was an original deep groove, West 63rd Street pressing. The record was listed in VG++ to M- condition and the cover was a strong VG+. The price was $481.
From the same seller came:
Jackie McLean, Destination Out, Blue Note 4165. This was an original mono and promo pressing listed in VG+ or better condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. It sold for $388.
I would consider a European pressings a second pressing, but it wouldn’t stop me from buying one if the price of a US first pressing was out of my range. The only issue I have is with some of the cover art. If I didn’t like the cover art I would pass.
I have this Sonny Rollins LP it has PRLP 7079A engraved one side & B on the other I didn’t realise it could fetch that money but I am sure the buyer will enjoy it
Have another Sonny Rollins title Plus 4 on Esquire with Clifford Brown Max Roach Richie Powell & George Morrow how does this compare with Saxophone Colossus as a collectable item ?
Geoff: Saxophone Colossus is more in demand, but S.R. + 4 is certainly a collectors’ item, also on Esquire. It is one of the very few Esquires which kept the original Prestige 7038 art work on the front sleeve.
If you have these S.R. albums on Esquire, I would advise you to keep them, at least for the moment.
Thanks Rudolf also have Tenor Madness think I will keep all 3