I’ll point out one more from the Carolina Soul/Chick Corea auction: Donald Byrd, Byrd in Hand, Blue Note 4019. This is also an original West 63^rd Street pressing. The record is listed in VG/VG- condition and the cover is graded as VG+. Bidding is at $325, and the auction closes later today. If you’re interested in cool stuff, bidding or just watching, you should take a look at the full auction by Carolina Soul.

Another big eBay seller, the Jazz Record Center, also has an auction going this week, including Mal Waldron, Mal/2, Prestige 7111.This is an original yellow label pressing with the New York address. The record looks to be in VG++ condition and the cover is probably VG+. Bidding is in the $260 range, with the auction closing on Monday. This one features John Coltrane. I have a Japanese copy, not an original. Could I be a bidder? One never knows.

One more: George Wallington Quintet, The Prestidigitator, East-West 4004. This is an original pressing that looks to be in VG++ for the record and VG++ for the cover. This one features JR Monterose on tenor sax. My dad owned this record and, fortunately, I still have it. He must have bought it in the bargain bin somewhere, probably spent about a dollar or two on the record. Thanks, Dad. Bidding on this one is at $100, with more than a day left on the auction.

I moved to Portland, Oregon a week ago and have spent every day but one (Record Store Day; I don’t like crowds) hitting the local record shops. The first one was Jackpot Records, where I had anything but good luck. You see, there was a pristine copy of “My Favorite Things,” but it was on hold for another customer. That led me up the street to Exiled Records and things began to improve. I found an original 1971 Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On.” That’s no easy feat, considering the fact that Rolling Stone had named it the top album of all time. Oh, and it’s VG (not a beater) and plays through.

Next was Music Millennium, which had just bought a small collection of Blue Notes from a private collector. There, I found a nice mono first pressing of Donald Byrd’s “Free Form.” It certainly didn’t come cheap but not outrageous either. That leads me to my last record store and the ultimate thrill ride.

In the very pleasing (antiques shops, cafes) and walkable neighborhood of Sellwood, I met Scott, who is an architect and owner of Dig Vinyl. While digging in his store, I came across a used copy of a George Wallington record. But of course, it wasn’t the one I really wanted and have never seen in the wild. That would be “The New York Scene.” Ok, I’ll cut to the chase.

Turns out, a fellow in Scott’s store has an original VG++.  His name is Charlie, an eBay seller, who goes by the name of strictlyheadies.  Take a look at Al’s posting of “Hot and Heavy” on April 18^th. You’ll see “Overseas” sold at $2,666.89.  That was Charlie’s sell.  Well back to my obsession with “The New York Scene.”  At a handsome price, Charlie agreed to sell me his copy the very next day.  So, I met him again at Dig Vinyl, made the transaction and left the store with a most elusive grail.  Now I just had to get the record home without getting it wet.  This is no easy task when you’re traveling by bus on a rainy day in Portland.  It did rain, but I managed to keep the record under my umbrella while walking, stood for cover at a bus stop and got home with a heavy hitter and newest acquisition to my vinyl collection.

From that same Jazz Record Center auction was Sonny Clark, Cool Struttin’, Blue Note 1588. This was an original pressing that looked to be in M- condition for the record and VG++ for the cover. When we wrote about it last time on Jazz Collector, the bidding was in the $1,100 range, and we expected it would at least make it to the $3,000 bin and perhaps as high as $5,000. Our over/under was $4,100 and if you bet under, you won. The record sold for a surprising $2,345. Again, who knows why? Perhaps it simply has to do with who is on eBay at that particular time. There’s another copy of Cool Struttin’ on eBay right now and the bidding is at $2,225 with nearly three days left on the auction. This one looks to be in M- condition for the record and the cover.

Finally, there is John Coltrane, Soultrane, Prestige 7142. This is an original New Jersey yellow label Prestige, listed in E+ condition for the record and the cover, which I am translating to M- in the terms commonly used here at Jazz Collector. This one has a start price of about $200 and, far there, there are no bidders. This is another one that supports my earlier point about music and values. This is, IMHO, one of Coltrane’s best records of his “early” era, my personal favorite among all the Prestiges. Yet, this is another one that has never made it to the $1,000 bin and has sold for a top price of $765 on Popsike.

By the way, I’ve never mentioned this before, but I know we have a lot of readers whose native language is not English and I do tend to use colloquialisms at times, so when I say “our friends at the Jazz Record Center,” it is not to imply that I as an individual, or the Jazz Collector site as a community, is, in actuality, friends with the Jazz Record Center. Truth is, I live six subway stops away and probably haven’t been inside the shop in a few years. Not that I am not a fan. I am. I’ve always had a lot of respect for Fred and regard him as the most credible dealer anywhere. And he’s always treated me well. When The Lovely Mrs. JC decided one year to get me an original Blue Note as a birthday present, he was very helpful and supportive and kind. It’s just that we’re not actually friends. Just to be clear. So that when I write about the Jazz Record Center, or Euclid Records, or Spike’s Record Rack and I use the term “our friends,” please take it as a sign of respect, not actual friendship.

Anyway, not sure why I went on that tangent, but it’s too late now. So let’s look at one more auction from our friends at the Jazz Record Center: George Wallington, The New York Scene, New Jazz 8207. This is an original deep-groove, purple label pressing that looks to be in M- condition for the record and probably VG++ for the cover. The pricing is in the $770 range, so this one could conceivably end up in the $1,000 bin. I think I’ve told my story about this record, but I’ll tell it again because I like it. On my lunch hours working on Long Island back in the day, I would often sneak out and go to a different record store each day. There were many to choose from. One of my favorite’s was Mr. Cheapo in Mineola, although he actually had two other locations in his prime. A quick search on Google tells me he still has two, which is pretty impressive to have lasted all this time. He actually started in Flushing before moving to the Island.

Anyway, I liked the Mr. Cheapo stores because for a long time they didn’t really know jazz and would price things, as their named suggested, on the cheapo side. And they were nice enough people. I even once went with the owner Stu on an excursion to buy a collection. I offered my advice, he offered me first crack at all the records. I think the price was $5 each, so I was very happy. In any case, over time they become more knowledgeable about jazz and, while you could often get a bargain, the prices for the really good stuff began to approach market realities, which, face it, if you are looking at prices in the 1980s or 1990s, we’d all love a time machine to go back in time and swoop up everything off the shelves.

In any case, Mr. Cheapo in Mineola had the jazz records in the back of the store, and they were neatly organized and arranged and it was easy to go through them. They also had a couple of bins on the floor of “junk” records that were available for 25 cents each. These were records that were in beat condition, or artists like Mantovani or Ray Coniff that no one would be interested in anyway. As a quick aside, who the hell ever bought Mantovani or Ray Coniff records anyway???????? There were times I would look in the 25-cent bins for the hell of it, but most times I would just go to the back of the store, look at the jazz records, go up to the counter to pay for my score, and be on my way. After awhile, the 25-cent bins just became scenery that I would pass

But on this one particular day, I did not want to go back to work, so I just lingered in the store for as long as I could, looking in the rock section, the folk section, even the country section. Then, as I was about to leave, I looked down, noticed the 25-cent bins and figured, what the hell, I may as well look. Well, you’ve probably figured out the punchline. Yes, George Wallington, The New York Scene, New Jazz 8207 was sitting there, in beautiful condition, record and the cover. For twenty-five cents. I went to the counter, put down a quarter, and got out of Mr. Cheapo as fast as I could with a huge Cheshire Cat grin on my face. I never did ask how that record ended up in the 25-cent bin on the floor, and I never brought it up again. But every time I see that record in my collection or online at eBay, that Cheshire Cat grin makes a sudden and happy reappearance.

I guess, in the end, I did have a story to tell, just didn’t realize it when I started writing.

Case in point, here’s another great Phil Woods record, of which I do own an original pressing: George Wallington, Jazz For the Carriage Trade, Prestige 7032. This was an original promo copy in M- condition for the record and the cover. The final price was $700.

This one fetched a higher price that I am accustomed to seeing: Miles Davis, Workin’, Prestige 7166. This was an original New Jersey yellow label in M- condition for the record and the cover. The final price was $520.

One more: Jackie McLean, 4, 5 & 6, Prestige 7048. This was an original New York yellow label in M- condition for the record and either M- or VG++ for the cover, depending upon your proclivities and perspective. This one sold for $843.

That Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section Stereo record seems to be still out there as far as we can tell. It didn’t sell for the $1,500 start price, was relisted, and did not sell for the $1,250 start price. I seem to have misjudged the market for that one, as, apparently, did the seller. The seller did have success with two of the Blue Notes we were watching: Lee Morgan, Volume 3, Blue Note 1557. This was an original New York 23 pressing listed in VG++ condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. The final price was $1,802. The Magnificent Thad Jones, Blue Note 1527. This was an original Lexington Avenue pressing listed in M- condition for the record and Ex+ for the cover. It sold for $1,725.

This one is more up Clifford’s alley than mine, but I couldn’t help notice it because of the final price: M’BOOM, Percussion, Strata-East 19732. This looked to be an original pressing listed in VG+ condition for both the record and the cover. The final price was $1,913. Clifford did, indeed, write about this record back in October of 2015. At the time he noted that it went for “a whopping $1,592” — and that record was in M- condition for both the record and the cover. I guess the price has M-boomed in the past year and a half. (Sorry).

Here’s a question: What do you do with a record that has an odor of mold? I bring this up because I am watching a copy of: John Coltrane, Ballads, Impulse 32. This is an original promo pressing in Excellent condition. The start price is around $300 and so far there are no bidders. This is one of my all-time favorite records and one that I listen to quite often because it is also a favorite of The Lovely Mrs. JC. My original mono pressing of the record play well but, alas, there is the aforementioned odor of mold whenever I pull it off the shelf. It is quite off-putting and has put me in a position where I would like to replace my copy. So, I guess, I answered my own question: I need to figure out a way to replace it. For a record like this, which I listen to often, I think I would go for an M- copy rather than excellent. Trade anyone?

Here’s another one that I’ve never owned as an original pressing: George Wallington Quintet at the Bohemia, Progressive 1001. I love the tagline “Featuring the Pack,” which just happens to be Jackie McLean, Donald Byrd, Paul Chambers and Art Taylor. Not a bad “pack” to have. This copy was in VG+ condition for the record and just VG for the cover,  with a seam split and tape on the back. Still, it sold for $511. This is an example of a huge change I’ve seen in the market over the past few years: Rare records in not so great condition still selling for top dollar. I’m sure there are many reasons for this phenomena, primarily that these records are now so hard to find in mint condition that collectors just want to own a copy and will be less discerning about the condition. Yes?

The Amazing Bud Powell Volume 2, Blue Note 5041. This one sold for $511.

Horace Silver Quintet, Blue Note 5062. This one sold for $422.

Horace Silver Trio, Blue Note 5018. This one sold for $472.

George Wallington Trio, Progressive 3001. This one sold for $382.

Miles Davis, The New Sounds, Prestige 124. This one sold for $168.

John Coltrane, Coltrane, Impulse 21. This was a mono pressing with the white label promo label. It was listed in VG++ condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. It wound up selling for $493.88. Wow. From the same seller was this: John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, Impulse 40. This was also a white label promo copy, also in VG++ condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. This one sold for $282. Then there were the two on Prestige: George Wallington, Jazz For the Carriage Trade, Prestige 7032. This was an original New York yellow-label pressing with the “Not for Sale” stamps on the label and cover. It was listed in M- condition for the record and probably VG++ for the cover. The start price was $499 and it did not sell. Somewhat surprising, right? Then there was:

Barbara Lea with the Johnny Windhurst Quartet, Prestige 7065. This was also an original New York yellow label pressing with the “Nor for Sale” stickers. It was listed in M- condition for the record and VG++ for the cover. The start price was $299 and that was exactly what it sold for with a single bidder.

Here are a few more odds and ends to share:

Our friend CeeDee sent me a note under the subject: “From the ‘I’ll see it when I believe it” department.” It was this link to Somethin’ Else, the Blue Note book by Ashley Kahn that has been in the works for several years. The note further states: “Ships on Jan. 30, it says here.” So, apparently, the long-awaited book will be available by the end of this week. I’ll see if I can get a review copy to cover here at Jazz Collector.

Here’s a very interesting read from Politico, excerpted from a book called “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs,” by Johann Hari: “The Hunting of Billie Holiday: How Lady Day found herself in the middle of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics’ early fight for survival.” Take a few minutes to read this. It’s quite chilling.

Finally, I got a chance yesterday to see the Clark Terry documentary, “Keep on Keepin’ On.” I will write more about this in a subsequent post. Until then, whatever you do, make it your business to see this movie. If you’re a regular here at this site you will absolutely love this movie. I promise.

Barbara Lea with the Johnny Windhurst Quartet, Prestige 7065. This is an original New York yellow label pressing with a “Not for Sale” stamp on the back. I’ve never actually owned or even heard this record and I have no idea who Johnny Windhurst was, but it is, of course, a record I would love to have, it being an original Prestige and all. This copy is in M- condition for the record and VG++ for the cover and it looks quite nice overall. The start price is in the $300 range and that is already too steep for me.

George Wallington, Jazz For the Carriage Trade, Prestige 7032. This is also an original New York yellow label pressing with a “Not for Sale” stamp on the back as well as on the labels. The record is in M- condition and the cover seems to be VG++. The start price is in the $500 and there are no bidders with four days left in the auction. Perhaps I am wrong

in assuming that these “Not for Sale” records are promo copies and perhaps they are just cut-outs or records that were taken out of commission. Careful readers will recall that Rudolf once told a great story of going to the Prestige warehouse and walking away with hundreds of original pressings that had been otherwise targeted for the trash heap (Guest Column: Treasure Hunt — Prestige).  Perhaps these are just cut-outs without the cut-out holes? I like to think of them as promo copies, as I’m sure the sellers do as well, along with anyone who buys them.

This one we know is a real promo copy because it has the infamous WLP designation: John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, Impulse 40. This is also being sold by Euclid records. The vinyl is in VG++ condition and the cover is listed at VG+. The price is more than $250 and the auction is closing soon, and perhaps it will be closed by the time many of you read this.