To Sleeve, Or not To Sleeve

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Before getting back to the normal business of watching rare jazz vinyl on eBay, I have a question for the community that is gnawing at my brain. It has to do with record sleeves, specifically the plastic record sleeves most of us use to protect our records. I have been using sleeves for as long as I can remember, 40 years, maybe even 50. For my 12-inch LPs I used to prefer the tight 12-5/8 sleeves I would get from Bags Unlimited, but over time I have evolved to the larger 12-sleeves. Either way, all of my records have sleeves on them and that has always been the case. As I’ve been doing the radio show, I find it’s more convenient for me to take the records out of the sleeves and keep them out for a while. And I’m liking it. At lot. For Seinfeld fans, think Kramer and the thin layer of gaberdine. I’m thinking of letting my boys roam free, with no sleeves at all, nothing between me and the covers. They look SOOOO much cooler this way. Is this insane? Will my records get damaged? Is there anyone out there with a sizable collection who has gone bareback and lived to tell about it? I know this may not be the most pressing question in the world, but inquiring minds — at least this one — want to know. BTW, my latest podcast is already available for download if you are interested. This one is focused on Bill Evans’ work as a sideman. I listened to it live last night and I kind of enjoyed it, gaffes and all.

Coming to You Live (Sort of): Jazz Collector Radio and Podcasts

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I just got back from taping my seventh Jazz Collector Live radio show in the studio of WTBR-FM in Pittsfield. I’ve really enjoyed doing the show, but I have to admit that it has taken away time that might otherwise have been devoted to posting here at the Jazz Collector web site. Hopefully, I will soon be able to strike a better balance, especially because doing the radio show is getting me more involved with my collection and listening much more attentively. For example, today’s show was devoted to John Coltrane, as a leader, playing standards, on the Prestige label. Soultrane, Settin’ the Pace, Lush Life, et al. Great stuff. Last week, I did Bill Evans as a sideman, and the week before the show was devoted to Thelonious Monk. Sound interesting? Well, the shows are now available to be downloaded as podcasts. Go to this site: WTBRFM.COM. There’s a tab for shows, and under the tab for podcasts you will find the familiar Jazz Collector logo at the very bottom. Read more

Jazz Vinyl: Where’s the Action?

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Haven’t been on eBay in a while. Have I missed anything? I meant that as a joke, but now that I’m looking I feel like perhaps I have missed something. I’m seeing a lot of records that would have gotten a lot of action, not getting much action at all. I know things always change as auctions get near closing time, but having been off eBay for a few weeks I have to say I am a little taken aback by the lack of activity. Has anyone else noticed this?  In any case, there are many records that are getting bids, so let’s look at a few of those, starting with Miles Davis, Kind of Blue, Columbia 1355. This is an original mono promo copy with the white labels. The record is listed in VG condition, and the cover is also VG, with some writing on the back and a partial seam split. Certainly not the best copy you will find, but there are already 16 bids from 10 bidders and the price is up to $300, so clearly the demand for this one remains pretty high despite the condition. Read more

Alive and Well (And Live on the Radio)

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It’s been a looooooooong time between posts, so let me catch you up on what’s been going on around here. Overall, I’ve been extremely pleased with the way things have gone in my dealings with Carolina Soul. They have been professional in every respect. Very communicative, clear, consistent. They have been prompt with payments, and have answered any questions I’ve had with clear explanations. As for differences of opinion that we may have had on grading: I respect what they do and how they do it. I heard from several winners of the auctions that they agreed with me that some of the records were undergraded. Yet, Carolina Soul also experienced a number of returns. In fact, about 20 of my records that were returned are on eBay right now. For example: Andrew Hill, Black Fire, Blue Note 4151. I’ll provide a more complete list at the end of this post.

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