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Average of 7 reviews
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I came across this 1960 US Mono version at a used record shop. It's got a fantastic, crisp mono sound that even outshines my fancy 2011 stereo LP from Pure Pleasure Records.
The audio quality is absolutely superb, just as you'd anticipate from a Tone Poet release. My sole letdown is that the cover isn't a stunning gatefold like all prior Tone Poet issues. This time around, they chose a rather pleasant tip-on jacket that's above average, but undoubtedly a downgrade from the Music Matters-style gatefolds they'd been utilizing for this collection.
Title: An intricate recording showcasing numerous instruments, elaborate arrangements, yet boasting exceptional sound quality Stars: ★★★★ CD Review: Pacific Jazz 1988 AAD One Step Transfer An extraordinary recording that nearly resembles a big band, yet its clarity ensures no detail is overlooked. This is quite an accomplishment. The acoustic bass and percussion stand out prominently. Balancing the array of horns is another feat, especially allowing even the subtlest touches to shine. An outstanding recording, definitely worth acquiring. I haven't aimed to review the musical content as "beauty is in the ears of the listener." These reviews focus on the quality (or lack thereof) of the recorded sound. • Clarity – very good • Channel separation – very good • Channel balance – good, with a wide stereo image • Sound Stage – very broad and detailed, not particularly focused • Distortion – inaudible • Compression – very wide sonic and dynamic range, can be somewhat sharp at times • Atmosphere – nearly big band, as the recording delivers a powerful punch. It's easy to imagine a large space where this recording was made. It's not an intimate recording, but it's very upfront due to the clarity and punch • Bass – low frequencies – the bass isn't lost in the mix, more relegated to the background. The acoustic bass is quite clear and reasonably warm, clearly audible most of the time, which is no small feat. It could have easily been lost in such a large ensemble. The drum sound varies slightly between tracks but is excellent, with detail and purity of tone. The kit's rattle is audible, and the cymbals have a realistic, undulled sound. The interplay between the drums and bass is well-captured and clearly audible as the sonic foundation • Treble – high frequencies – the treble can be somewhat sharp occasionally, as it is so crisp and punchy. The horn sound varies widely, with the tuba deep and resonant, playing with the acoustic bass. Clarity is key as the horns soar and scream with a volume rarely heard these days. Yet there's a delicacy, particularly apparent in the piano tones, which are very good • Vocals - none As a general rule, recordings from the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s are nearly always better on the original vinyl. Remasters often fail to impress, as it's just not possible to make a silk purse from a sow's ear, i.e., the original recording lacks the necessary detail to be processed digitally and show an audible improvement. Indeed, such processing can make the sound worse. Modern recordings, which have been processed digitally from start to finish, can be as good as vinyl. CDs are often unfairly criticized for being poor quality. This is not the case; it is the original recording or the process which is to blame. Modern "remasters" can both enhance and degrade a recording. The statement GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out) is the limiting factor. Ignore this at your peril.
I purchased three brand new copies of this album from Amazon. Unfortunately, each one came with noticeable scuffs and light scratches on both sides, resulting in permanent surface noise. It's a real letdown because the remastered sound is actually quite good.
Incredible pressing! Spotless, flat and perfect! Very lively with depth and a ton of detail. Big, warm, rich and expansive sound. Blue Note knocked it out of the park. I'm really looking forward to more "Tone Poet" and "Blue Note 80" releases.
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