Moving On: Tracking More Jazz Vinyl Collectibles
As much as it may pain me to interrupt the scintillating discussion on my previous post, it is time for me to move on and write a new post because, after all, that is what I do. I do think that the previous post set a new high for comments on Jazz Collector — and counting — and we came within 10 page views of our all time high for a single day, set last summer during the midst of my stories about purchasing the record collection of Irving Kalus. In any case, I received a missive from our friends at the Jazz Record Center that they have a new auction on eBay, so I took a look over to see what they had. Here are some of the things I found, starting with: Serge Chaloff, Boston Blow-Up, Capitol 6510. This is an original promo pressing that looks to be in M- condition for the record and possibly M- or VG++ for the cover. I haven’t seen that many yellow label Capitols through the years, to be honest. This one does not seem to have the same cachet as Blue Serge, perhaps minus the presence of Sonny Clark on piano, so it will be interesting to watch this and see if it fetches a collectible price. The starting bid is $50.
Art Farmer, Modern Art, United Artists 4007. Like Blue Serge, this one benefits from the presence of a gifted piano player — both musically and as a collectible. In this case the pianist of note is Bill Evans. This is an original pressing in M- condition for the record and perhaps M- or VG++ for the cover. The start price is $50 and there is already one bid.
Pepper Adams,10 to 4 at the 5 Spot, Riverside 265. This is an original blue label pressing in M- condition for both the record and the cover. The record is newly listed with nearly seven days to go, but already there are two bids and the price is close to $100. Perhaps we’ll see a bidding war for this one. Someone asked me recently if the Five Spot was still around. I told him that it was long gone, but I do remember being there as a kid or young teen. My father used to take us to jazz concerts when we were quite young. I remember my kid brother at 5 or 6 falling asleep at a Kenny Burrell show at one of the clubs. I was probably at the Five Spot half a dozen times. I know I saw Thelonious Monk there, but can’t remember anyone else. I’m also not sure when the Five Spot actually closed. Just tried doing a quick Google search, but it didn’t come up easily. I imagine someone out there will either know or be more persistent in finding out.
That Pepper Adams record is a-mazing. Tremendous stuff.
Every Pepper Adams I have bought is great. Knock wood. There is a Prestige title of his named ENCOUNTER! I just love that lp! Wanna say mid 60s(?) has Zoot- Tommy F -Ron C and Elvin J on it. They do a few Joe Henderson tunes! WOW! I found it for a few bucks in a VG+ condition. What a great lp!
I just picked up that MODERN ART lp up a few weeks back. It’s alright. Mine was that red UA label. A nice VG. It’s Got Bill Evans on it but they don’t seem to be playing very cohesively(sic!). It’s ok in my book. Don’t think I need a NM copy especially at the prices that guy gets. My $10 VG press is just fine.
oh, I bought a beat up original of that SERGE CHALOFF listed above just to hear it a few weeks back. I do like to hear new things. Well, I couldn’t get through it. So corny and all. I don’t like cornball stuff like that! It’s just my opinion and I know some here do like that schmultzy stuff and I respect that. I just prefer the harder bop : )
The 10 to 4 at the 5 spot is outta my budget with my daughter in college so anyone know of a great sounding re-issue I should get?
zara – have no idea but I have the CD and it’s very OK soundwise.
The Pepper Adams was reissued on OJC vinyl. It’s a low OJC number (031), so will be analog mastered and have a paste-on back cover. Those sound terrific to my ears, and can be found for under $15.
zarabeth47, I’ve never discussed the Modern Art album with anyone and glad you brought it up. I haven’t listened in a few months but my recollection is that I would say the Rhythm section is off and I thought it was Bill Evans messing it up. It was like he didn’t fit into the Farmer/Golson scheme of things. Now, I’m in the minority in saying that if I had to take all the Farmer/Golson material OR all of Bill Evans materials to a desert island I would not hesitate to take the Farmer/Golson records, but I think that Bill Evans was not a very good fit for that album and a pianist like Cedar Walton or Hank Jones would have been a better selection.
MIKE I agree. It just doesn’t seem like Bill fits in as a sideman. His style doesn’t come through either like he’s playing different to fit in for lack of a better description. Makes sense though as his playing IS different on KIND OF BLUE as well but it fit the mood just perfect. Rushed session maybe? Maybe an ALFRED LION 3 day session would of benefitted this lp? The lp is OK. My copy was cheap enough.
Weird as Bill’s records are some of my favorites and are Art’s and Benny’s! FARMER’s MARKET is an absolute must have. GROOVIN’ WITH GOLSON is just killin’. EVERYBODY DIGS BILL EVANS is out of this world with what I might describe as groovin pathos. One of my all time favs! Hmm…..
I agree, Evans is only a good sideman in the right situation for his style. I think Basically his vision and style were so unique(at the time, nowadays every fourth piano player is a POOR Evans clone) that only in a few situations would he make a good sideman. Miles new how to pick the best and get the most from his sidemens talents.
Farmer/Golson had there own vision and generally they chose sidemen that could adapt. I’m a huge Jazztet/Farmer/Golson collaboration fan. VG++ Mercury Jazztet records can easily be found for less than $20 and sometimes less than $10. Some nice music at affordable prices.
I dig all of my Jazztet lps. I have a killin’ EVERYBODY DIGS BILL EVANS stereo dg copy but my mono is lacking seriously. It has a great cover but the record is G+. Agh. I have been meaning to upgrade the lp on that one.
Been bidding on some WALTZ FOR DEBBY’s but they go super high and I’m pretty cheap. I can’t imagine that lp ever being true NM as it’s so quiet. I have had originals in the past and even when they look clean they don’t play clean. EXPLORATIONS is like that too. I have never listened to a VG or VG+ original of either. They must exist ’cause my stereo EVERYBODY DIGS is clean and plays really quiet. Great sounding record! So I keep tryin’ ….