Hot Pressings

[Bill Hart]

When I moonlighted at Chesky Records, David Baker (one of the great recording engineers) sat in on a session. Very nice man who went on to produce and record some amazing jazz albums. David Chesky said he was one of the best in the business. David did not say things like that lightly. He worked at the Eighty-Eights label until his passing and those Hank Jones SACDs he did there are some of the best sound I have heard on jazz. I'm not sure which are on LP though. I believe he trained the existing engineer as well or at least passed on some top practices. His work is also outstanding.

Lee, I've been home sick, and one of the things I can manage is to cue records. I'm currently listening to an album entitled "Hello, Hank Jones" with Clifford Jordan on East World, apparently a direct to disc recording- sounds fab. Cutting engineer is credited as Ray Janos.

 

[MylesBAstor]

I heard that rumor too. Given the huge range of music on Maestro Classics and 30 Years Tube, I wouldn't be surprised. After working with Winston Ma and hearing his stories, I realize how tremendously difficult it is to secure reproduction rights.

You can say that again! The major labels often demand absurd, up front money from these small labels. Many times, that prevents them from getting those recordings. On top of that, they'll only send their tapes to certain people they know in the local vicinity for mastering. Or they'll try and get you to accept a digital copy. Bruce can fill in more of the blanks

 

[Bill Hart]

Lee, I've been home sick, and one of the things I can manage is to cue records. I'm currently listening to an album entitled "Hello, Hank Jones" with Clifford Jordan on East World, apparently a direct to disc recording- sounds fab. Cutting engineer is credited as Ray Janos.

I am rarely in the habit of quoting myself, but this record is just killer! Highly recommended.

 

[MylesBAstor]

While you're on it, picked up a copy of the Otis Rush: Right Place, Wrong Time. What is strange is that TTP says it was released on the Bullfrog label but the copy I found for $5 at CAF was on the Hightone label. Maybe it was a later release. Anyway sounds pretty darn good and sure the tape release will trump it!

 

[jadis]

The ABC is a touch brighter and bit grainier compared to the ultra smooth analogue productions reissue.

Jerry,

You're right on the money with these 2. I just played them and I think there is none more analogue sounding LP of Nat than the AP pressings cut at 45RPM. Indeed a tad brighter and grainier by comparison, and the AP is more relaxing to listen to.I just wished the guys at AP would put a round sticker that says 45RPM like those RR lps of old. I played them at 33.3 and got a bit alarmed.

 

[jazdoc]

Couple suggestions for the more adventurous:

Mimicking Birds, Glacial Pace Recordings, 2009 - Great Acoustic LP

Calexico "Tool Box", Quarterstick, 2012

 

[Bill Hart]

Carnaval- Ron Carter, Hank Jones, etc.- found an old cut-out on Galaxy in my stacks- pretty amazing record, piano seems to 'ring' on certain high notes, horns and drums are amazing; great performance.

 

[jazdoc]

Oliver Jones "Speak Low, Swing Hard", Justin Time,

Hadn't listened to this one in a while. Classic jazz trio and one of my favorite pianists. Fantastic sounding and most importantly, great music!

 

[jazdoc]

I've been trying to fill in the holes in my collection of great jazz tenor recordings from a recent JazzTimes article..http://jazztimes.com/articles/30446-tenor-essentials

Just got this one and it is terrific. Hawkins on the left, Rollins on the right and the rhythm section in the center. "Summertime" has an evocative, spectacularly well recorded acoustic bass solo. Bonus is the great cover art.

 

[Bill Hart]

I've been trying to fill in the holes in my collection of great jazz tenor recordings from a recent JazzTimes article..http://jazztimes.com/articles/30446-tenor-essentials

Just got this one and it is terrific. Hawkins on the left, Rollins on the right and the rhythm section in the center. "Summertime" has an evocative, spectacularly well recorded acoustic bass solo. Bonus is the great cover art.

Nice list, and perhaps easier than summitting the 8k metre peaks?

 

[Bill Hart]

I've been trying to play lot's of stuff that I haven't heard in my collection, but every once in a while a warhorse tempts me. That Athena pressing of Johanas conducting Dallas Symphony of Rachaminoff Symphonic Dances is on most lists for a reason: what a great recording and performance! Well worth a listen if you haven't played it for a while. Perhaps just a blithering insight into the obvious.

 

[MylesBAstor]

I've been trying to play lot's of stuff that I haven't heard in my collection, but every once in a while a warhorse tempts me. That Athena pressing of Johanas conducting Dallas Symphony of Rachaminoff Symphonic Dances is on most lists for a reason: what a great recording and performance! Well worth a listen if you haven't played it for a while. Perhaps just a blithering insight into the obvious.

Yep and it's unusual in its use of Figure-8 config mikes.

 

[jazdoc]

Nice list, and perhaps easier than summitting the 8k metre peaks?

Some people climb tall mountains; others buy records

 

[garylkoh]

Some people climb tall mountains; others buy records

Too right!!

 

[Bill Hart]

Too right!!

As long as we don't have to listen to Kate Smith sing it, I'm cool.

 

[rockitman]

I've been trying to fill in the holes in my collection of great jazz tenor recordings from a recent JazzTimes article..http://jazztimes.com/articles/30446-tenor-essentials

Just got this one and it is terrific. Hawkins on the left, Rollins on the right and the rhythm section in the center. "Summertime" has an evocative, spectacularly well recorded acoustic bass solo. Bonus is the great cover art.

Great album. I won a sealed Test pressing of it last week.

 

[rockitman]

Led Zeppelin "Stairway To Heaven" 12 inch 45 rpm single pressed on clarity vinyl by Classic Records. This is a test pressing and very few exist. This was never released for sale/production (clarity vinyl version). It is the best sounding version of the song bar none, save for the master tape. It was a heated auction to say the least.

 

[Bill Hart]

Led Zeppelin "Stairway To Heaven" 12 inch 45 rpm single pressed on clarity vinyl by Classic Records. This is a test pressing and very few exist. This was never released for sale/production (clarity vinyl version). It is the best sounding version of the song bar none, save for the master tape. It was a heated auction to say the least.

(devil horns)

 

[jazdoc]

Cat Power "Sun"

Just got this release yesterday:

Great tunes; amazing vinyl/recording.

Got my tickets to see her later this fall. Disappointed in the haircut...

 

[jazdoc]

David Murray "Ming's Samba"

Hadn't played this one in a while and had forgotten what a terrific LP this is. One of David Murray's many excellent recordings:

Includes John Hicks (p), Ray Drummond (b) and Ed Blackwell (d)