Rudy Van Gelder on Vinyl

As a guy who still has the first vinyl record he ever bought in 1963, along with about 12,000 more, I should be insulted.  I also have significantly more dollars invested in analog playback equipment than in excellent digital equipment.  It is nevertheless true that digital at it's best is remarkably good.  In the recent past I have been particularly impressed with the improvement in the sound quality of the best PCM recordings.  In other words ordinary CDs.  Although vinyl usually still sounds better, the difference is narrowing and there are times when CDs win.  It seems clear that Rudy knew what he was talking about.

May I add to this discussion in the spirit of expanding it, not wanting to in any way detract from the excellent points raised so far.  I share the enthusiasm for RVG, but want point out that he was not so good at recording piano and particularly in the early years, he was a mono guy, not a stereo guy.  The guy who figured out that stuff and who was better than he was Roy DuNann of Contemporary Records.  It is a historical fact that it was Roy DuNann who figured out how to properly use the new stereo format to place the musicians across the stage in believable alignment instead of in the then very popular ping pong effect.  He also figured out how to properly mic a piano using stereo techniques.  If you have access, listen to any of his recordings of Hampton Hawes or Andre Previn for example.  Adding to the discussion concerning analog vs. digital, I buy more cds than vinyl records these days.  My priority is to get the music I want, and for a collector of jazz, old jazz, re-issues make more sense.  And usually the cost factor makes the cd option the one for me.  Also, I do not stream.  For me, streaming is like a kiss on the telephone, you can’t feel it.  Plus, old jazz is not in great supply anyway.

This is a very enlightening discussion.  Thank you all.  With respect to the Capitol recordings, they were also quite good.  Sinatra was famous for always being prepared when he entered the studio.  He did not like to have to record a song more than once.  Mr. one and done.  If you were not ready don't show up.  He did some of his best work with Nelson Riddle who was known to run a tight organization.  Also listen to any of the many George Shearing recordings on Capitol as well as Peggy Lee and June Christy.  Finally, their #1 star from that era was Nat Cole.