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LP Label help.

I am in the process of building a Jazz collection. I have been looking around various shops in the Bay Area to see what is available. My question is, is there a particular label or re-issue that I should look for or stay away from? For example, Miles Davis (Kind of Blue) is at the local shop for $11 on a Columbia 180 gram re-rissue. It is also on ebay on Classic Records for $89. Can anyone point me to a source for information of provide me with general guidelines. I am willing to pay a premium for better LP's, but without paying $100 per, what should I look for. Thanks for any help.
bobkirs

Showing 3 responses by frap

frap
213 posts
 
Bobkirs, Original pressings of Blue Note Jazz LPs are scarce and hideously expensive when available. The digitally remastered Blue Note LPs were a shadow of the analog originals, sonically. Fortunately though, an equally heavyweight label(musically & sonically)surfaced with a reissue series that was spectacular. The company is FANTASY records. The labels include the the most "serious" jazz had to offer. i.e. PRESTIGE, RIVERSIDE, CONTEMPORARY, PABLO,MILESTONE, GALAXY, and more. The LPs were titled OJC (original jazz classics) and are widely available used. The CD counterparts are very good as well. Hope this helps a little........Frank
frap
213 posts
 
Albert; Just wanted to agree with the ECM records comment. This label , while not "hardcore jazz", has produced stellar sonics and pristine surfaces since their inception in the early 70s (I think). Artists like Ralph Towner (Solstice!!WOW!!) and Steve Tibbetts (Northern Song!!)as well as Chick Corea (ARC, Trio Music, Trio Music Live)&, Kieth Jarrett have been wonderful and innovative to hear.
The German ECM pressings were a couple of notches better than the already excellent US copies.
I can imagine your going nuts over the sound through your Sound Labs. I had a chance to hear Tibbetts' "Northern Song" LP when first issued on Roger West's original Sound Lab Model R-1 and came away with the conclusion that this designer had the ability to advance the state of the art in speakers. Then , found out he worked with the ledgendary Arthur Janszen back in the KLH 9 days and I knew he had the pedegree to create a Quad beater. Never heard anything of his since.. Thanks for listening.......Frank
frap
213 posts
 
Thanks for the tip Albert, I will talk to my friends at Princeton to see if they have seen this first LP. If I am lucky enough to hear it, I'll report back.
Also, not to be missed, if you don't already have it is DAVID DARLING, CYCLES on ECM around the same time period. This label had a sound all its own, washed in wonderful reverb that in its own way enhanced the music.....maybe even more so than a natural studio A type environment. It was their house sound. Maybe the precurser to New Age music, but this was no sonic wallpaper like the stuff today on Narada etc....Nice to reminice about these little known items.....Frank
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