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"Original Jazz Classics"

I picked up a handful of "OJC" 33 RPM pressings from a major online retailer last week. The short version is three are very good recordings and the other two just stink - tinny and compressed. I'm sure it's the recording/mastering and not the particular pressing. The two I'm not happy with are Getz's "The Brothers" and "In the Bag" by Adderly. Labels are Prestige and Jazzland, respectively.

What is the best way to learn to avoid "bad" recordings? I don't think either of these cases are exactly indicative of the labels themselves - I don't think avoiding the labels is the answer.

I suppose I just really need to research the specific recording I'm interested in before buying if I want to avoid this in the future? Or are there some guidelines I might be aware of?
paulfolbrecht

Showing 3 responses by paulfolbrecht

paulfolbrecht OP
603 posts
 
Viridian - I see your point, but at this point, for me, there's so much great art still being discovered (by me) that's also well-recorded that I prefer to play in that camp. :)

I guess I do have to call myself 'audiophile', then, as opposed to 'music-lover', which does depress me! :(
paulfolbrecht OP
603 posts
 
I sure agree about cutting from digital - ugh!

Yes, it's true, at $10/each you can afford to risk and 3 out of 5 good recordings is not bad at all. I don't know if I should send back the other two or not. Hardly worth the shipping.

My copy of Waltz for Deb is Riverside and boy is it just a great recording, just like Village Vanguard. Quiet, dynamic, extended, lovely. Also a $10 record. When I listen to something like that, I always ask myself why the hell we need $50 heavy vinyl/45s.
paulfolbrecht OP
603 posts
 
To witness Evans & LaFaro 'dancing', as they did, seemingly reading each others' minds, mesmerizes me every time.

But I have not heard the latter recording you mention and will make it a note to check that out - thanks for the tip!
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