The definitive "Kind of Blue"

Doc

Classic Records put out a very good version in 1997 - two 45 RPM discs, containing the original LP, plus the "correct speed" version from the CBS Mastersound gold CD. Excellent stuff - although I couldn't tell you if it was better than your ooriginal CBS pressing.

It was a limited edition, but copies might be still available - try Diverse or Vivante.

Kevin

The most recent version by Classic Records is the finest pressing of Kind of Blue. The number is CS 8163. This is pressed on "Quiex SV" Super Vinyl. It was remastered differently from the first version, which came with 45rpm sides.

Count D.

This may sound like a challenge to your assertion but it's not intended to, but I'm interested in how you can make this declaration. What pressings have you compared it to? Both CD and LP?

Markus

Yes, CS 8163, with the 6 eye Columbia label, is one of the best you can get. Beautiful, dynamic, and quiet. I dropped my first one on a wood floor, put one itty bitty mark on it that was audible, and ordered up another one the next day. Im a loser.

I had a chance to buy an old one from 59 or 60 or whatever, MONO of course, the 6 eye Columbia label, perfect shape. I could not believe the shape. So clean. $50. I passed. Heck, my 8163 was $27 new. Still thinking about that mono though.

I personally have heard that old mono, my friend's 70's or 80's columbia 2 eye, and the new one that the Count also mentions, which is stereo. It blows away the 2 eye, but I put it on par with the mono. They are both great, just different.

oh yes, IMHO.

Markus,

I've compared it to a mono 1962 Coloumbia pressing, 1988-89? Columbia and the release on Classic Records from 1997 45rpm.

The current release is mastered at the correct speed for the first time ever. It is also tube mastered.

The dynamic range is slightly better than the 1997 version and the bass response is far superior. Whether this is due to the correct speed mastering or "SV" vinyl, I don't know.

The mono does have something about it, but I just love this recent pressing.

I haven't heard any cd of it, as I've never heard a cd being better than an lp (except The Who - Who's Next - Canadian - MCABD 37217 - mastered by Steve Hoffman and Who Are You - MFSL which sounds closest to the master tape)

yes, I have the book, just don't have a decent copy of the music. Thanks for the advice though.

malcolm

o.k. I've just ordered the current Classic version from Diverse Vinyl, and will report back.

malcolm

Wise choice sir, suits you.

My version is the Nimbus Supercut, a special offer available to readers of Hi-Fi Today some years ago. But the definitive Miles has to be E.S.P. [IMHO].

Dave

E.S.P is a great album. I can't say that I have just one favorite though or that any one for me is definitive. So many great ones....well, up until a point!

I am a big fan of his collaborations with Gil Evans. Miles Ahead + 19 does it for me everytime though my copy is a bit worn. It is a Columbia 6 eye; CL 1041. I believe it is the third pressing. Still looking for that copy with him and a woman on a sailboat.

hlhopffgarten wrote:

quote:

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Lastly, has anyone else listened to the SACD version on modest to awesome kit? Think there is no where near enough criticism heaped here.

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Not sure I follow, can you expand on this a bit?

tia

hlhopffgarten,

By no means are you alone, as I don't think there is universal love for the MCH and/or Stereo SACD!

Its always interesting to hear other reactions to this release. From some, I've heard about the "artifacts" they hear on the SACD and the apparent mild distortion of the horns on All Blues. Others feel there's no comparison with previous versions, including any played on a full out LP12.

I have to say my frame of reference is only against previous CD versions of the album (Columbia, MasterSound, Columbia/Legacy, etc.) not against vinyl.

From the low to mid kit perspective, I've been really pleased with the SACD. In my humble set up I find the presentation & dynamics wonderful.

Thanks for sharing your reactions.

I would also be interested in hearing from others regarding the SACD.

hlhopffgarten, i'll reply off-line to you via the Forum's PT tools...

For those that care I've had two CD versions, an 80s digitally remastered and the current columbia legacy. I also had a fairly recent, say '90s, Sony LP. The LP was not up to the legacy CD, on my system at thetime. although it did sound warmer. The Legacy CD is a fine place to buy one's first copy of the recording.

Peter

This might not be in the spirit of the thread, but I've just received the Columbia/Legacy 20bit KOB from Amazon.de for about 5 of your quaint English pounds. This is pretty cheap, if like me, you want to find out what all the fuss is about.(no Jazz knowledge)

I listened to it once last night, and it sounds great to me, but I have no idea if it's a good version.

At that price you can risk it.

Regards,

Brian OReilly

Great Brian
I thought Jazz was for old blokes with beards until I bought KoB about 20 years ago, to try and find out what all the fuss was about.

I was gradually opened up to a whole new world of music which continues to satisfy.

I think KoB has done this for many others, and that is what all the fuss is about.

malcolm

I agree

I was given a Columbia Jazz Masterpieces LP for my birthday in 1991, and ever since then I've been an avid jazz fan - through that one Miles album I was introduced to Satchmo, Coltrane, Monk, Mingus, the Adderleys, Oscar Peterson, Goodman, Ornette, Jarrett, and, most of all, the mighty Duke Ellington.

Best of all, I still listen to Kob regularly - although I must have heard it 400 or 500 times, it still reveals something new every time, and no jazz album (and very little other music) communicates that feeling of weightlessness, of contemplation so beautifully...

and it arrived today!!!
Not exactly a speedy service for the biggest selling jazz LP, and it cost >£28.00 with postage.
However, it sounds fine, but apart from not being worn out, still not as good as my bargain-bin original which I bought for £1.99 when W H Smith dumped all of their vinyl.

malcolm

malcolm

quote:

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However, it sounds fine, but apart from not being worn out, still not as good as my bargain-bin original which I bought for £1.99 when W H Smith dumped all of their vinyl.

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I'm surprised you find the bargin bin better. In what way do you find it better?

see post one.
The new copy just doesn't have the same sense of spooky space, and for some reason the tape hiss is more noticable on the new copy. I can easily accept that it is fact some defect in my original pressing that makes it sound "better" in my system, but I've been through a few systems (and listening rooms) in that time.
Also, there are a few minor squawks on the first track of the new one, which must be a pressing fault.

malcolm

Rockingdoc:

You experience with the Classic reissue is the same as mine. My reaction has also been the same for all other reissues of Kind of Blue (that I have heard). There is no subsitute for an original Columbia 6-eye in Stereo, although an older (1960s) 2-eye might be good (my 2-eye Sketches of Spain is excellent). These can be found, or could be, at least in the U.S., by combing through used record/book store records and hoping someone does not realize what they have (which is how I found mine). The book stores are better that way.

I am very pleased with and wholly support what Classic and the other vinyl reissuers are doing, but the end product is rarely as good as a decent original. Whether it's the age of the master tapes or what, there is just more life in the original, particularly with Kind of Blue.

Good luck.

Jay Coleman