So, I recently signed up for Phil Schaap's jazz e-newsletter, which so far has turned out to be mostly lists of things he has for sale. Before going further, I want to say that I'm a fan of Schaap's long-running Charlie Parker show. He is an incredible living resource and important force in promoting and furthering appreciation of the music. I noticed a strange thing about the items Schaap has for sale, though. Many of them are ostensibly rare records signed by, but not featuring, Wynton Marsalis. Now, what I said above about Schaap also applies to Marsalis. I have nothing against him and have enjoyed his music - he's clearly an important figure. But why would anyone want (to cite just one example of an actual item for sale) a 78 of Fats Waller playing "Carolina Shout" signed by Wynton? Or (to cite another example) a 1927 Bix Beiderbecke 78 signed by Wynton? At least in that case, it's one horn player signing another's record, which maybe sorta kinda makes some kind of sense - or not? Does Marsalis' signature on somebody else's rare record make it more or less valuable to collectors? If you were trying to sell a rare Mickey Mantle baseball card, would you get A-Rod to sign it? I'm honestly confused.
Update:
Here's something I have no confusion or reservations about - hours and hours of archived Phil Schaap broadcasts, available for streaming. Gold mine. Treasure trove. Cornucopia.
Showing posts with label why?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label why?. Show all posts
Monday, December 6, 2010
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