Parker’s sax appeal

Legendary jazz virtuoso Charlie Parker's alto saxophone sold for nearly US$262,000 ($361,000) at an auction of memorabilia from some of the greatest names in jazz music.

The 430 lots on offer at the sale in New York included instruments, clothing and musical scores played, worn and written by such icons as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, John Coltrane and Stan Getz.

Along with the instruments, there was a lot of interest in a profanity-laced letter from Armstrong to his agent which sold for US$29,500 ($40,660).

Coltrane's original musical arrangement for A Love Supreme, sold for US$129,500 ($178,000).