Transitioning Back with Rare Jazz Vinyl
Let’s celebrate our return with a look at random rare jazz vinyl on eBay, marking the transition back to Jazz Collector with some records from Transition: Doug Watkins, Watkins at Large, Transition TRLP-20. This looks to be an original pressing listed in VG+ condition for the record and VG for the cover. There is no mention of the booklet, and no pictures of the booklet, so my expectation is that there would be no booklet, making this particular copy incomplete. So far there is one bid at $750, with the auction closing in a couple of days. Whilst Transitioning, here is a new one to me: Donald Byrd Sextet, Transition 5. This looks to be a limited edition numbered reissue, and it seems to include the booklet as well. Looks pretty cool, if you are into numbered reissues. This is part of the Sam Records Artisan Series, number 138 out of 300. Since I don’t follow the reissues market as closely as original pressings, perhaps someone can enlighten us about this record and this series.
Charles Mingus, Pethecanthropus Erectus, Atlantic 1237. This looks to be an original black label pressing that looks to be in VG++ condition for the record and M- for the cover. A fine looking copy, indeed. Bidding is in the $270 range with more than two days left on the auction. Two Transitions, two Atlantics: Tony Fruscella, Atlantic 1220. This is also an original black label pressing. Looks to be like the record is in VG or maybe VG+ condition, and the cover is VG+. Bidding is close to $200, with more than two days left on the auction.
Let’s finish off today’s post with two Blue Notes: Jackie McLean, Let Freedom Ring, Blue Note 4106. This looks to be an original New York USA mono pressing in M- condition for the record and the cover. The bidding is in the $250 range and this auction also closes on Sunday. Lee Morgan, Volume 3, Blue Note 1557. This is an original pressing with the New York 23 label. The record is probably in VG condition and the cover is listed as VG+, although there is a water stain on the back cover that might bring the grade down for some potential buyers. Bidding is in the $399 range, and this is another auction that closes on Sunday.
how much were those Sam/Artisan reissues new? I have a Norma pressing of that record, which suits me fine. Clearly a lot of work went into making those covers; shame it’s got a corner ding!
I would happily take a nice Transition date without the booklet, similar to a nice Japanese LP without the obi in my mind. I would try to find someone who had the booklet and ask for scans, though.
Clifford – the retail on those was 100 euro. It was a pretty limited release, but $700 seems pretty ridiculous to me.
$700 for a boutique reissue? Pass. Buy a 70s Japanese press for $30 and it will sound just as good.
Yes, $700 is clearly insane. I guess half that is the going rate these days, which still seems a bit steep!
I have a couple of those Transition albums from Toshiba. They sound good. “Byrd Blows On Beacon Hill” has a lovely sound, and I spin that one often.
As I look to all my veteran, jazz-collecting, vinyl friends, I wonder if/how the “strong” dollar influences any purchases in Japan or Euro- nations’ vinyl? Might you share insights that could influence our possible bids?
And what strikes me here is how rarely I see Impulse! records among the collectible treasures!
Now spinning my Coltrane/Impressions first-stereo pressing that I received in the mail for €50 this week, so I am not actually complaining (find something similar on Blue Note!) .. but I feel I am missing something here.
kind regards, Albin
Daryl, when the EURO:DOLLAR ratio hit 1:1 the other day, euro listings on discogs got cleaned out. It was somewhat alarming.
Still can’t get my head around paying $20-30 for shipping a record from Europe to the US
I think they only pressed 100 of the Byrd. The covers were hand pulled silkscreens, hence the original price. I think Sam reissues and previously unissued releases are hidden gems in the reissue market. I’ve had much better experience with them than with ERC, for example. I bought my copy directly from Sam and I’m thrilled with it. The original audio quality is junk, so a quiet, well-pressed copy is essential to enjoying the music. That said, The record is definitely NOT worth $700.
How’s the sound on the Delmark reissue under Lateef’s name?
I too like Sam’s releases. They do an excellent job and I have no qualms buying a $40 reissue instead of chasing down a decent copy of, say, a Jef Gilson on SFP.