help me pick a MM/AP BN reissue - for comparison


Seems like we've all heard about the Music Matters and Analogue Productions Blue Note reissues. As a big fan of jazz in that era and someone who own some version of almost all BN titles from the mid-50s to mid-60s, I am naturally curious about this series.

I ordered a copy of "Dexter Calling" (from the AP series), as that is one title I don't have. As a result, while it may sound great, I won't get a sense of where these records rate versus originals and various later pressings, US reissues, and Japanese reissues.

So....I'm thinking of picking up at least one more and was wondering if you could help me decide to help facilitate a comparison. (Also, the superior packaging of the Music Matters intrigues me, so I'd kind of like an excuse to get one.)

My options are:
4012 - Lou Donaldson / LD+3. I have a Japanese Toshiba to compare it against.
4029 - Blakey / The Big Beat. I have stereo copies of the 2 originals - W 63rd and NY USA.
4031 - Mobley / Soul Station. I've got a Connossieur reissue.
4037 - Parlan / Us Three. Have a Toshiba.
4043 - Parlan / Speakin' My Piece. Also Toshiba.
4059 - Drew / Undercurrent. Have a Japanese King.

I'd like to figure out where these reissues fit into the chain, but, as you can see, it will be hard to do a ranking with just one record based on what else I have.

Unfortunately, "Somethin' Else" is not out yet. I have a mono W 63rd, mono NY USA, Simply Vinyl, BN Connossieur, and a King - and one of the new 45s could be used to really figure out where this series ranks -- for me -- in terms of enjoyment.

The key questions I'd like to answer are:
1) Will the sound quality -- for me -- be worth the 45rpm hassle?
2) Will I want to buy more?
3) Will I prefer these to mono releases? (Whether or not mono or stereo is the "true" form, I find that playback of mono originals on a mono setup just really energizes me and sounds "right" -- but I'm open to the new releases changing my mind.)

Thanks for your thoughts.
ebalog

Showing 1 response by rwbadley

I'm going to suggest 4043 Speakin' my Piece. Of the set so far I find it to have the best music for my taste as well as the best life and balance in the recording/pressing. I think you can't go wrong with any of them, but if I were to duplicate just one so far - that would be it.

Cheers,

RW