I just received the first batch of this reissue series which costs $30 each. Much like original Blue Note pressings, originals are 'unobtainium' unless you've got $1000+ burning a hole in your pocket for each title...
First of all the packaging is spectacular. I've been critical of AP's packaging in the past; most notably their Blue Note 45 rpm series pales when compared to Music Matters. But this time they've hit it out of the park. Beautifully reproduced covers printed on thick matte with nice QRP inner sleeves. The vinyl is 200 gm at 33 1/3 and impeccably pressed with deep groove labels.
So how do they sound? As the insert notes, Bob Weinstock, the owner of Prestige was infamous for his parsimony and wouldn't pay for the musician's to practice. (Leading to the old joke "Question: What's difference between a Prestige and Blue Note Date? Answer: "Three days of paid practice".) Some would argue that the result were looser, more spontaneous performances; however, it has been my experience that this culture also resulted in a lessor recording quality of Prestige dates when compared to Blue Notes and Contemporary records.
I play these with a Miyajima Utopia BE mono cartridge on a Durand Talea tonearm into a dedicated mono phono input...
I will definitely purchase more of these in the future. Considering that some used OJC reissues sell for similar prices on Ebay, I consider these a real bargain.
Tommy Flanagan "Overseas"
This is an absolute A+ performance. Spectacular mono sound. Run don't walk. A must have!
Elmo Hope "Informal Jazz"
Later reissued under Coltrane's or Mobley's (or both "Two Tenors") names. My first Elmo Hope LP. B+ for performance and sonics.
Hank Mobley "Mobley's Message"
Performance A-/Sound B/B+
Red Garland "All Mornin' Long"
Performance A-/Sound B+...Art Taylor's drumming is very well recorded. Unfortunately, this recording is an example of RVG's reputation for recording piano...
PS - Anyone have interest in dedicated reissue threads/reviews, i.e. a Music Matters, etc???
First of all the packaging is spectacular. I've been critical of AP's packaging in the past; most notably their Blue Note 45 rpm series pales when compared to Music Matters. But this time they've hit it out of the park. Beautifully reproduced covers printed on thick matte with nice QRP inner sleeves. The vinyl is 200 gm at 33 1/3 and impeccably pressed with deep groove labels.
So how do they sound? As the insert notes, Bob Weinstock, the owner of Prestige was infamous for his parsimony and wouldn't pay for the musician's to practice. (Leading to the old joke "Question: What's difference between a Prestige and Blue Note Date? Answer: "Three days of paid practice".) Some would argue that the result were looser, more spontaneous performances; however, it has been my experience that this culture also resulted in a lessor recording quality of Prestige dates when compared to Blue Notes and Contemporary records.
I play these with a Miyajima Utopia BE mono cartridge on a Durand Talea tonearm into a dedicated mono phono input...
I will definitely purchase more of these in the future. Considering that some used OJC reissues sell for similar prices on Ebay, I consider these a real bargain.
Tommy Flanagan "Overseas"
This is an absolute A+ performance. Spectacular mono sound. Run don't walk. A must have!
Elmo Hope "Informal Jazz"
Later reissued under Coltrane's or Mobley's (or both "Two Tenors") names. My first Elmo Hope LP. B+ for performance and sonics.
Hank Mobley "Mobley's Message"
Performance A-/Sound B/B+
Red Garland "All Mornin' Long"
Performance A-/Sound B+...Art Taylor's drumming is very well recorded. Unfortunately, this recording is an example of RVG's reputation for recording piano...
PS - Anyone have interest in dedicated reissue threads/reviews, i.e. a Music Matters, etc???
Last edited:
