Blue Note 75th Anniversary On Vinyl
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Vinyl Resurrection: The Sonic Artistry of Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter
In the ever-evolving tapestry of jazz vinyl, collectors have often yearned for the resurrection of pivotal records. Today, we embark on a sonic journey, delving into not one but two of these extraordinary records. In this review, we dissect these reissues, exploring their sonorous qualities, and we're poised to unveil our thoughts.
Lee Morgan’s Cornbread
Our first jewel is part of the Blue Note 75th Anniversary Series - Lee Morgan's "Cornbread." This record is a rare gem, with original pressings commanding a hefty price tag, fluctuating between $40 and a staggering $800 for a pristine copy. The UK 75th Anniversary reissues have been a challenging find on US shores. Importing can set you back anywhere from $75 to $100. The Tone Poet reissue, if available, doesn't come cheap either, often priced over $75. Let's explore how this reissue measures up.
Aesthetics:
The outer sleeve, which boasts pristine artwork, hints at what lies within. The quality of the inner sleeve, in my case, remains a mystery due to its pre-owned status.
Aural Purity:
Now, let's dissect the auditory realm. The audio aficionados among us understand that several aspects define a high-quality pressing.
Surface Noise: My copy deserves accolades for its serenity. It's astonishingly silent, free from the usual snaps, crackles, and pops that are often tolerated as endearing quirks of analog audio. It's unblemished silence, a rare delight in the world of vinyl.
Distortion: In the world of distortion, this pressing delivers an exceptional performance - none to speak of, an impeccable soundscape where even the most critical instrument, Lee Morgan's horn, shines in pristine clarity. The entire ensemble, from sax to drums, bass to piano, retains its pristine nature without a hint of distortion.
Warping: It's noteworthy for its complete flatness, ensuring an uninterrupted sonic journey.
Dynamics: Lee Morgan's "Cornbread" is a masterclass in dynamics. The record maintains a finely tuned balance throughout its entirety. Every instrument enjoys its rightful place within the mix, making for an exquisite soundscape. The music gracefully fades to silence at the end of the first track, a testament to the record's remarkable dynamic range.
Wayne Shorter’s JuJu
A Coveted Treasure:
Our next delight is Wayne Shorter's "JuJu," yet another cherished gem in the Blue Note 75th Anniversary Series. This record, dear jazz enthusiasts, demands your attention. It could even be said that it rivals "Cornbread." In the US, it's an elusive acquisition, demanding between $60 and over $1,000 for a pristine original pressing. The 75th Anniversary reissue ranges between $70 and $100, with no Tone Poet reissue to ease the hunt.
Consistency in Excellence:
Similar to "Cornbread," "JuJu" offers an unblemished visual presentation and appears on 180g vinyl.
The Sounds of Perfection:
Now, let's venture into the realm of sound, where "JuJu" showcases its prowess.
Surface Noise: Mirroring "Cornbread," "JuJu" offers serenity - a pristine, pop-free listening experience that seems like a rarity in the vinyl world.
Distortion: Once again, distortion remains an elusive specter. The recording's precision shines through, free from the irksome distortion that often plagues otherwise exceptional pressings.
Warping: It's as flat as any audiophile could wish for, ensuring a stable rotation on your turntable.
Dynamics: Like "Cornbread," "JuJu" commences with a composition that gracefully fades to silence, ensuring an undisturbed auditory journey. The soundstage is balanced, with each instrument occupying its rightful sonic domain. From Wayne Shorter's impeccable sax to the well-balanced ensemble, every note resonates with clarity and depth.
The Elephant in the Room:
It’s no secret that Blue Note’s 75th anniversary series has received heavy criticism. There are two facts to consider when considering these UK pressings:
1. The UK pressings are different in some ways from the US pressings. For example, the US pressings are not pressed on 180g vinyl.
2. The hype sticker on both of these records claims these are "remastered from original master tape", while the US pressings were likely sourced from hi-def resolutions of 96k and 192k. Apparently that is not the case for these 2 records specifically.
There is a lot of dispute about whether these albums are indeed all analog and deserve the high praise I and others have given them. You’ll just have to take the risk and decide for yourself.
The Verdict:
To say that these records are a treat would be an understatement. Notably, both these records were lovingly mastered from the original master tapes, ensuring that every note retains its original luster.
In closing, "Cornbread" and "JuJu" have earned permanent residency in my record collection. Their outstanding quality makes them a sound investment in the world of jazz vinyl. It's worth noting that these records are not merely audiophile showcases but also affordable sonic gems, a rarity in today's vinyl market.
So, if you're contemplating whether to welcome these classics into your collection, my unequivocal answer is yes, yes, and another resounding yes. This review reflects my personal perspective, but the vast majority will undoubtedly savor the sonic delights these reissues offer.
