Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Discover our selection of turntables
4.0
Average of 19 reviews
10
2
4
2
1
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
The music on this record is fantastic, but it sounds like it's being played through a blanket. The sound quality is just a bit muffled.
I'd like to give a shout-out to Blue Note records (though it's about time) for including plastic-lined paper inner sleeves with this release. These Plastic Protector Inner Sleeves are top-notch, better than many quality ones I've bought and enjoyed over the years. Just the thrill of opening the cover for the first time and finding this nice surprise makes you want to take better care of the vinyl. That was definitely my instant thought. It's a whole different experience when you or I, the buyer, add the plastic liner ourselves. It's so refreshing to see a record company actually considering the consumer and the long-term value of their most crucial product. For every one of these I come across, there are a hundred silly gimmick custom inner sleeves focused on looks rather than functionality. I've lost countless dollars in value on my collection due to LPs getting scratched by cheap or ineffective inner sleeves. Record companies don't seem to care or bother to know better. So, I must thank Blue Note and highlight this lovely addition for collectors.
As the previous reviewer mentioned, the music is fantastic. I'm not convinced they had a faulty pressing, perhaps they just got a lucky one with less background noise. This copy is terrible, just like the usual poor quality pressings from United. There's so much background noise throughout.
Recorded in 1947**, I'm not sure what people expect when it comes to the quality of the tapes or the recording? These albums of the month are among the earliest BN recordings, so it's no surprise. I don't find the (brief) distortion to be too much of an issue, nor is it something I haven't encountered before on a 50s album that's been reissued and cut hot. You want analog, but can't handle some imperfections? Then stick with CDs. If you're hearing "a lot" of distortion, try cleaning your record and giving it some time to break in. This is a truly classic jazz recording, and we're fortunate to have a high-quality reissue. Just a heads up, the same issues will be present in the Miles Davis Volume 1 reissue, which was recorded in early 1950 as well. Shocking, right?
I've never been a huge Kevin Gray enthusiast. I own three original metal pressings, with two grading EX+, though I didn't compare this one to them. But, KG has truly outdone himself with this reissue.
See exactly which retailer has this album in stock and where you'll get the best deal. Compare prices below and order your LP directly.
| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Jul 2025 | £15.49 | €15.49 |
| 26 Aug 2025 | £16.49 | €16.49 |
| 30 Sept 2025 | £18.99 | €21.99 |
| 31 Oct 2025 | £18.99 | €21.99 |
| 30 Nov 2025 | £17.99 | €23.99 |
| 30 Dec 2025 | £17.99 | €23.99 |
| 21 Jan 2026 | £17.99 | €23.14 |