Tracking a Trio of Jazz Classics
Here’s some of the jazz vinyl we’re watching now on eBay, starting with a familiar face: Hank Mobley, Blue Note 1568. This looks to be an original pressing, albeit without the NY 23 that makes it more original in the minds of some collectors. Interesting thing about this one is that the record is only VG-, while the cover may be VG++ or even better. The seller including some sound clips and there’s definitely some background noise, although for my ears this would be fine. There are more than two days left on the auction and the price is in the $460 range. I would still expect this to sell for close to $1,000 or more, even in VG- condition.
Jackie McLean, Lights Out!, Prestige 7035. This is an original New York pressing. The record looks to be in VG+ condition and the cover VG++, but both could be better, based on the seller’s description. The seller certain did well by himself with a very clear and nice picture of the cover. This one has five days left and the bidding is already close to $400.
I’m still getting used to seeing this one pop up regularly as a high priced collectible:
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue, Columbia CS 8163. This is an original stereo pressing with the 6-eye label. The record is listed in M- condition and the cover is VG+. The price is in the $235 range. I sold a similar copy a couple of weeks ago at the WFMU Record Fair for quite a bit less. I’m thinking I had a price of $100 on it. Perhaps I should have put it on eBay instead. But it’s been several years since I’ve sold on eBay, so that wasn’t likely to happen any time soon.
This may represent a case of creative memory, but I recall seeing a “Kind of Blue” 12-inch LP pressing with the pre-eye, solid red Columbia label. It was in the stunning, mostly promos collection of the late Rhode Island jazz radio host Jim Mendes (for whom Billy Taylor composed “Mood for Mendes,” recorded in 1959 for the “Taylor Made Jazz” Argo LP). Has anyone else seen such a pressing? Thanks.
I would say, a canadian pressing.
The Mobley 1568 has a bit too much “frying bacon” for me to be able to focus on the music, especially for a song like “Falling In Love With Love” with quieter dynamics. But that’s the wonderful thing about collectors … they have different levels of sonic acceptance which insures a vibrant marketplace for sellers.
Thanks, Michel. Arguing against this explanation is the fact that Mendes was on the promo list of just about every U.S. record label with jazz product. He was not a “collector” as we define the term; he simply received thousands of 10″ and 12″ promos and held on to them throughout his life. His long-time radio co-host, Carl Henry, owned the legendary Carl’s Diggins’ record shop on Providence’s North Main Street. It’s long gone, alas, as are Carl and Jim. And by the way, they also hosted live broadcasts from The Celebrity Club, the nearby jazz mecca through which ALL the greats passed in the 50’s and early 60’s. So I don’t think the Canadian pressing theory holds up. And before anyone asks: the Mendes and Henry collections were scooped up years ago by, among others, Leon Leavitt (Mendes was a hi-fi enthusiast; he actually sold hundreds of records to fund his purchases of the period’s state-of-the-art A/V equipment. I often co-hosted the Mendes/Henry radio program that was taped at Jim’s home.)
I would find it very hard to believe that Kindablue (CL1355 – 1959)was ever pressed with the original, red & gold Columbia label, which IIRC stopped with #650 (4 years earlier)
I agree with Earl and thought the same thing as Michel but even the Canadian pressing had gone to the six eye by then: http://www.popsike.com/MILES-DAVISKind-Of-BlueLPColumbia-6-EyeCL-1355CanadaNM/151209659658.html
Man, is BN 1568 really still considered “Mega Rare”? There seem to be copies on eBay all the time. Rare would suggest to me something that comes up maybe once or twice a year if that.
I agree with Earl, it sounds unbelievable (or over-creative?). The Canadian theory does not stand.
Hi Charles, may be saw Round about Midnight instead of KOB?
Time is a trickster. I have no way of verifying my recollection. But within days of seeing the LP in question, I told Carl Sannella, a friend and fellow collector, about it. He owned what then and now is judged to be an original pressing, and he argued that I must be mistaken. Sad to say that he too has passed.
Hi Everyone,
I just picked up last week at a used book store, “Kind of Blue , The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece”
by Ashley Kahn , Aug 2000
ISBN 0306809869
Beautiful Hardcover book , that tells it all.
Most of you might have this book or already read it, but if you have not, highly suggested reading.
Peace
Am pretty sure Round About Midnight never pressed with Red/Gold label either
me too….
Lotta change for a VG– Mobley, though I assume that with a mono cart it would sound better.
Check this out. I believe it’s Canadian.
http://collectorsfrenzy.com/details/370531944530/Miles_DavisRound_About_Midnight_Columbia_1st_Press
Nice find! Even the US WLP is six-eye, I do believe that is Canadian like this one:
http://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-Round-About-Midnight/release/4410962