Couldn’t agree more with you Scott. Getting into Jazz has been a journey for me and picking up titles that I have never listened to before and finding that I absolutely love them. That makes me dive deeper and deeper. Loving the adventure and keep asking myself -how did I not listen to Jazz earlier in my life. It’s channels like yours that help people like me who are just getting into Jazz. Thanks again. Another great video.
Your welcome, and your comment means so much to me. I'm kind of going out on a limb with the jazz videos because I'm admittedly no expert, but I decided to just be candid and present it as what it is. A relative newcomer to jazz sharing the journey with others on a similar path. I'm glad you're getting something out of them and appreciate your support! Your perspective is always welcome here!
New viewer and subscriber, great video. I couldn't agree more about the Tone Poet series. I've been buying them as often as my budget allows. Lol. My particular favorites are Grant Green and Kenny Burrell, especially "Introducing Kenny Burrell". Now off to binge watch your other videos.
I also love finding out what makes a classic anything tick.. Just traded in some titles for a sealed copy..waiting on a new cartridge to give this masterpiece a healthy listen!!thanks for the review..
Great video. I too bought just the mono. I can't believe how often you say things that align with my own thoughts or attitudes. I try to listen, watch, read, the classics even if they're not in my wheel house or particularly accessible material, in my attempts to understand why they're classics. Citizen Kane, A Love Supreme, 100 Years of Solitude....all fit the bill, and now I love them all. Keep up the great work!
Dan, that is exactly what I'm talking about! Friends say to me 'you only like old stuff! Trying to find someone who wants to go to a see a classic ballet or orchestral work, it's rare. "How about that Fellini film? Yes is black and white" Lol. I could go on. I know you have the same curiosity as I do. ALove Supreme is a perfect example. Citizen Kane too. One is always rewarded when exploring the classics. I bet you have a collection of classic books too!
@@ThePressingMatters Funny you mention it. I am not a book collector, but actually right AFTER college I was working on a sort of isolated job and decided to read "all the books I should have read by now" (some were assignments in school that I'd blown off/cliff notes) On The Road, Slaughterhouse 5, Gatsby, 100 Years Of Solitude, Hemingway, Steinbeck, The Fountainhead, Confederacy of Dunces, etc... So I got caught up and can now vouch that they are classics for a reason! lol 😆 Right?!
@@dank.6942 Exactly! I did try to put together a library of classic books, but I got bogged down on which editions to get. Naturally I wanted first editions lol. Turned out it was too expensive and I abandoned it. Still I've caught up reading quite a few - very rewarding.
Thanks for the interesting review Scott. I am waiting on my Stereo copy to arrive to me from Amazon. I really cannot wait to give this a spin! I hope all is well.
Hi Kevin, thank you for watching. I'd love to hear your impressions of the Stereo once you've settled in with it. Please let us know! All is well here - hope it is for you too.
Guest-starring: Thunder and Lightning! 🤣 Great review Scott! Hearing your feedback on the mono has me excited to listen to mine this week. I’m going to start with the stereo then close with mono. Excited to hear quality across the board is top notch! 🎺
I also have the ‘97 stereo pressing and because of that only got mono - just like you! I never see people talk about those ‘97 reissues, I have Blue Train and Speak No Evil and like them both - I did think they were all analogue though. So the big difference between the ‘97 and TP mono that I noticed was the piano, I think it is more forward and defined in the Tone Poet, so this will be my go to copy
Hi Mike! I pretty much was able to confirm they were all analogue. I guess the Mastered At Capitol threw me, as I didn't think they were doing analogue mastering at that time. I'll take a listen for that piano. I was so overwhelmed with the TP that I didn't catch everything. Thanks so much for watching. I've been enjoying your videos very much too.
I agree TOTALLY. Release most of the Music Matters titles on Tone Poet. The MM titles were way to expensive for most of us pion, working people, so we could not get them even when they were available. Don’t let it be a rich man’s game Mr Harley
I am glad to see these titles become available again, through theClassic Series - the price is right for someone just trying these titles, but there's something special about the Tone Poet treatment. I love when they drop to $28 on Amazon. If you can wait a few months after release, you can often pick them up at a better price.
I've been "umming and aahing" about whether to go for the mono or stereo on this record. You (and a few other commentators) are making me seriously consider the mono over the stereo - though it would be nice to have the booklet and extra tracks.....
Good call getting the mono vs the stereo. Kinda surprised people seem to have forgotten about the ‘Kind of Blue’ mono from 2013. That, ‘Giant Steps’ and especially The Beatles catalog… really tough going back to those early versions of “stereo”. This video made me very curious about hearing mono ‘Blue Train’ now. Especially with your comments on the quality quietness of the pressing. You’re absolutely right. If this quality is available for $40, there really isn’t a compelling reason for other inflated market pricing… other than profits and willing buyers.
I think you'll be VERY impressed with the vinyl and pressing quality. I have a lot of new records arrive here and many are touting their vinyl formulations. Here, a typical Tone Poet/RTI pressing has surpassed basically everything I've heard in terms of silent vinyl. Talk about black backgrounds!
Don't forget that Joe Harley stated that he prefers stereo 😊 But, I know it does come down to preference. BTW, I just happened to snag the MOV mono version of Kind of Blue, and with my system, I am NOT a mono person (I don't think I can post links here to pictures of my system, but it is primarily comprised of two tall multi-driver open baffle dipole line-arrays, 13 drives a side + 2-15" dipole woofers, bi-amped) But, I must admit that I really like the MOV mono KOB pressing (I also just received the UHQR 45, so I'll hafta see about that! 😁) But the MOV mono pressing of Kind of Blue, although likely digitally sourced, actually sounds quite good on my system. There is nice space in the soundstage, particularly front to back, and the drums come across more strongly. I was quite surprised. Out of about 2500 vinyl albums and over 40 years of pretending to be an Audiophile, this one and the excellent and very much superiour mono Abbey Road Disraeli Gears, are my only two deliberately purchased mono pressings.
@@latheofheaven 1. Dang, bruv that line array, open baffle, dipole system sounds and looks epic! 2. Glad other people appreciate that KOB mono pressing too. Was reading Fremer’s column about it from 2013 and apparently there was all kinds of extrapolation done to achieve the mono since apparently the original mono master no longer exists(??). But really who cares? If 2022 has taught us anything about pure analogue vs digital is: just go with whatever sounds great to yer ears, heart, turntable & stylus 😆 cheers
@@crispincrunch2453 Thanks man! You must've gotten a chance to look at the link before it was removed 😊 I don't know if I've heard the 2013 mono, I don't think so just the MOV mono, but yes it really surprised me and sounds amazing. I had ordered the MOV stereo too, but that didn't really do much for me and I already had better sounding stereo pressings.
I’m still waiting for my delivery. I too first got mine in 97 but it was a very different experience for me. I hope you can watch my video about it later this week, I understand if you don’t. I agree with everything else you said in the video about the classics and tone poets. As much as I love QRP everything I have from RTI is just the best there is.
Hey Scott! The 1997 is a DMM pressing, right? Before I just now got the Tone Poet, I was curious about that. I found it interesting that Joe Harley stated his preference for stereo. I know another known vinyl person mentioned that Joe Harley 'Doesn't like mono', which is indeed interesting. If both masters are done well, I guess it would just come down to preference. And YES! I fully agree with your statement that if they can make lovely, quiet pressings like this affordably, then yeah, WHY the super-duper expensive Clarity Vinyl thing...?
I'll check my 97. Don't all DMM have that in the deadwax. I don't recall seeing it, but I'll do some research and get back. You know I'm going to have to get the stereo too now! This is one title where both are essential. I'm getting much more selective with the UHQR type releases. I cancelled all except one One Step and only preordered Aja from the new batch of UHQR. Feels good to say no!
@@ThePressingMatters HEY! There's hope for you yet! 😀 Good for you Scott! All those boxes of showtunes and Bar Mitzvah Christmas albums will be gone in no time. Yep... if it is DMM it should be in the deadwax. I THINK I read that in looking through Discogs for that pressing. Oh BTW... I just got my stereo version today and *WOW!!!* Seriously, talk about takin' your frigg'n BREATH away, WOW again! Absolutely Stunning! Actually, FWIW, I am far, *FAR* more impressed with the sound of this stereo pressing than I am of the new UHQR KOB 2-45 pressing. What do you think of that! 😕
I'd love to hear it with a mono cart, but I'm not into installing cartridges! I find it nerve wracking! Maybe one day I'll have a two arm turntable and can do that. Question if a modem mono record was cut with a stereo cutter, should you still use a mono cartridge? Or only in true mono records, ie: vintage mono records cut with a mono cutterhead.
This is not an accurate statement. All modern mono albums are cut with a stereo cutting head. You would be correct if we were talking about a mono record from the early 60s and 50s.
@@Jake-fw5te I do like to use a mono switch while playing a modern mono record. A mono switch creates a more cohesive experience because most nose is cancelled out and any remaining noise also becomes mono. A mono cart could/should be used if a mono switch is not included on your amp/preamp. Modern mono carts are stereo carts wired in mono and used by people without mono switches on their equipment.
Totally agree with your reasons, I disliked some avante garde jazz then one day listening To Grachan Moncur III's Evolution, a light went on and I loved it. Moral our tastes change and evolve. Totally agree re the MONO sound stage, has huge projection and depth on my system, overall there is a sense delicacy and balance.
That has been one of the biggest surprises in my Audio journey is the fact that mono can sound so right, and so dimensional. Back when I was a kid I'd always avoid a mono record! Funny how understanding evolves and opens up. Mono and avant-garde music are too such areas. Thanks for your comment, great to hear from you!
Wow I didn't realize he mastered it as well. Have you listened to it in the last few weeks? I know you said elsewhere that you really aren't too interested in jazz.
@@ThePressingMatters No I have not. The only Steely Dan I'm buying is Aja. Unfortunately it's from a safety copy but according to Chad so was the Kevin Gray Cisco version.
@@taralewis9916 Yeah I'm only in for Aja and Gaucho thus far. Not that familiar with several of the others. Not looking to spend over a grand on the Dan. Still it is exciting for others who want them. You do know that Chad stated the normal 45 editions will follow the sellout of the UHQRs. Kind of like the Doors series.
I went back and looked at it more carefully and the RL is for Robert Levin who did the write up on the back of the the LP. It's also a Blue Note French pressing
@@taralewis9916 That's odd that the writer of the liner notes would have his initials in the deadwax! Would you recognize Robert Ludwig's signature initials. They are pretty recognizable after a while. Could it be a Ludwig?
Could you tell if its Coltrane playing if someone was playing a record of his you were not familiar with, and lets say you walked into a record store and heard it playing? We recognize faces instantly, we recognize sounds almost instantly, but can we recognize and identify someone's style of playing an instrument well enough to do that? I guess it would depend on how distinctly they play. Or it may take a while before you are 100% sure; or not 100% sure. Blue Trane to me is a nice jazz album. I don't think its covers any new ground or is particularly distinctive. I think that's what makes Kind Of Blue, a recording Coltrane played on, special. Its distinctive somehow. I did watch a video of some guy who compared all kind of UHQR and modern audiophile pressings with the original mono. He said the mono has a more intimate sound than any any of the modern re-presses. Some people in his comments section agree. Now if I could only know what they mean by intimate sounding. Low level detail? What?
I think I could recognize Coltrane at this point. It is a very unique sound. A sound that annoyed me for the longest, lol. So I recognize it. Thankful that I've come around to it these days.
@@ThePressingMatters I like him. I think I wouldn't bet on being able to identify his playing blindfolded. I do like Blue Trane. When I first bought it, I reached for it several times in the weeks thereafter. I think it grew on me. If someone asked me to recommend a good accessible Coltrane album that doesn't take a dozen listens before you start to "get" it. Blue Trane would be one I'd think of recommending. On that one track on side 2 of Kind Of Blue where there's a long sax solo in the one channel and then another solo in the opposite channel. Which one is Coltrane and which one is Cannonball?
@@sidesup8286 i would have to check and see who's playing what on that track. I don't know offhand. Regarding accessibility, as you probably know I have had trouble getting into Coltrane. I think you're right, probably Blue Train but when I first had only this and Lush Life, I preferred that. Also Ballads is fairly easy to get into.
@@ThePressingMatters I looked it up in several places and somewhere it said the first sax solo was played by Coltrane and then Cannonball"s solo follows it. So the next time I play it I'll know who's who. I love that track. I have had a hard time getting into several albums that are supposed to be real classics including A Love Supreme and Bitches Brew. The Shape Of Jazz To Come by Ornette Coleman must be too advanced for me also. There are so so many classic Jazz Fusion lps. Jazz Fusion is generally more distinctive and I slightly prefer it. There was a very knowledgeable guy doing a video on here recently about what he thought were the 10 essential jazz fusion albums. He put Mahavishnu Orchestras album The Inner Mounting Flame at #1. Believe it or not that's another one that didn't strike me on first or second listen. But he's not the only one to nominate that one, so I will definitely give it more listens I heard an interesting jazz quote the other day. A famous Jazz guy said that playing Jazz is like accidentally dropping your drumstick and making sure you drop it in the exact same place in the next measure.
@@sidesup8286 Interesting. I have trouble with Love Supreme as well. I have Bitches Brew on my list, but I've never heard it properly. I did see that video you mentioned. It was quite interesting and I may check out a few in that genre.
It very well could be, John, it certainly sounded it! I couldn't confirm it at the time of the video. Good to know. When I was playing it, I was thinking if I didn't know any better, I could have mistaken it for a Classic or Tone Poet style release. I was so content with it, I didn't order the Stereo Tone Poet. I think that's going to be changing! I really enjoyed this récord more than I ever have via the Tone Poet.
Another thing that has increased the sound quality of my system overall was a minor tweak in the crossover of the subwoofer that a very knowledgeable friend suggested. Everything snapped into focus and now it blends seamlessly with the main speakers.!
@@BigE-Ian Well it was common sense really, but something I never bothered to nail down. It was figuring out where my main speaker drops off and setting the variable crossover to pick up a little before or after that point. Then adjusting the sub volume to blend with the speakers seamlessly. before that I was just using both as tone controls lol. Now it is set and i can forget about fiddling with it. its filled out the missing octave and warmed up the overall response, but its essentially invisible sonically. Before this adjustment it was drawing attention to itself. Much better now.
Blue Train has always seemed like a good, but not great Coltrane album. Giant Steps, Love Supreme and Ellington albums are the gold standards and Blue Train, My Favourite Things etc are second tier it seems to me
Hi Bill, I think Blue Train gets a lot of love because it's his sole Blue Note album. I do like the Ellington album, andan still soaking up A Love Supreme I wasn't to keen on My Favorite Things, and have yet to explore any more of the Atlantic titles. How do you feel about the Prestige period? Thinking of trying another of those. I do like Lush Life.
I find this album so overrated. The first track is really good but then it's just kind of 'random' jazz tunes for the rest of the album. I find this with a lot of jazz records, they put the best track first and then things get a bit boring after the first track. Just my 2 cents worth! 🙂
@@ThePressingMatters yes! First track is always a killer track! When streaming I go from "I'm definately buying this on vinyl!" to "Meh, maybe I'll buy something else" at the end of the albums 😂
Couldn’t agree more with you Scott. Getting into Jazz has been a journey for me and picking up titles that I have never listened to before and finding that I absolutely love them. That makes me dive deeper and deeper. Loving the adventure and keep asking myself -how did I not listen to Jazz earlier in my life. It’s channels like yours that help people like me who are just getting into Jazz. Thanks again. Another great video.
Your welcome, and your comment means so much to me. I'm kind of going out on a limb with the jazz videos because I'm admittedly no expert, but I decided to just be candid and present it as what it is. A relative newcomer to jazz sharing the journey with others on a similar path. I'm glad you're getting something out of them and appreciate your support! Your perspective is always welcome here!
New viewer and subscriber, great video. I couldn't agree more about the Tone Poet series. I've been buying them as often as my budget allows. Lol. My particular favorites are Grant Green and Kenny Burrell, especially "Introducing Kenny Burrell". Now off to binge watch your other videos.
Welcome Mat! Introducing Kenny Burrell was my first Tone Poet! Grant Green a fave too! Glad you found the channel. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I also love finding out what makes a classic anything tick.. Just traded in some titles for a sealed copy..waiting on a new cartridge to give this masterpiece a healthy listen!!thanks for the review..
Yes I'm always drawn to Classics as I think I said in this video. This is certainly one of them and I can't wait to hear what you think of it.
Great video. I too bought just the mono. I can't believe how often you say things that align with my own thoughts or attitudes. I try to listen, watch, read, the classics even if they're not in my wheel house or particularly accessible material, in my attempts to understand why they're classics.
Citizen Kane, A Love Supreme, 100 Years of Solitude....all fit the bill, and now I love them all. Keep up the great work!
Dan, that is exactly what I'm talking about! Friends say to me 'you only like old stuff! Trying to find someone who wants to go to a see a classic ballet or orchestral work, it's rare. "How about that Fellini film? Yes is black and white" Lol. I could go on. I know you have the same curiosity as I do. ALove Supreme is a perfect example. Citizen Kane too. One is always rewarded when exploring the classics. I bet you have a collection of classic books too!
@@ThePressingMatters Funny you mention it. I am not a book collector, but actually right AFTER college I was working on a sort of isolated job and decided to read "all the books I should have read by now" (some were assignments in school that I'd blown off/cliff notes) On The Road, Slaughterhouse 5, Gatsby, 100 Years Of Solitude, Hemingway, Steinbeck, The Fountainhead, Confederacy of Dunces, etc... So I got caught up and can now vouch that they are classics for a reason! lol 😆 Right?!
@@dank.6942 Exactly! I did try to put together a library of classic books, but I got bogged down on which editions to get. Naturally I wanted first editions lol. Turned out it was too expensive and I abandoned it. Still I've caught up reading quite a few - very rewarding.
Thanks for this, can’t wait for my copies!
Thank you for watching! Please let us know what you think here in the comments. I'd love to hear back from you once you've heard them!
Thanks for the interesting review Scott. I am waiting on my Stereo copy to arrive to me from Amazon. I really cannot wait to give this a spin! I hope all is well.
Hi Kevin, thank you for watching. I'd love to hear your impressions of the Stereo once you've settled in with it. Please let us know! All is well here - hope it is for you too.
Guest-starring: Thunder and Lightning! 🤣 Great review Scott! Hearing your feedback on the mono has me excited to listen to mine this week. I’m going to start with the stereo then close with mono. Excited to hear quality across the board is top notch! 🎺
Yeah that was pretty cool eh? Cant wait to hear your opinion on Blue Train. Please drop by here if you don't do video in it.
@@ThePressingMatters absolutely sir! talk soon
I also have the ‘97 stereo pressing and because of that only got mono - just like you! I never see people talk about those ‘97 reissues, I have Blue Train and Speak No Evil and like them both - I did think they were all analogue though. So the big difference between the ‘97 and TP mono that I noticed was the piano, I think it is more forward and defined in the Tone Poet, so this will be my go to copy
Hi Mike! I pretty much was able to confirm they were all analogue. I guess the Mastered At Capitol threw me, as I didn't think they were doing analogue mastering at that time. I'll take a listen for that piano. I was so overwhelmed with the TP that I didn't catch everything. Thanks so much for watching. I've been enjoying your videos very much too.
Totally agree on the CLASSIC SERIES. Release the best in the best way as well!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's hope we see more! Tone Poet style!
I agree TOTALLY. Release most of the Music Matters titles on Tone Poet. The MM titles were way to expensive for most of us pion, working people, so we could not get them even when they were available. Don’t let it be a rich man’s game Mr Harley
I am glad to see these titles become available again, through theClassic Series - the price is right for someone just trying these titles, but there's something special about the Tone Poet treatment. I love when they drop to $28 on Amazon. If you can wait a few months after release, you can often pick them up at a better price.
I've been "umming and aahing" about whether to go for the mono or stereo on this record. You (and a few other commentators) are making me seriously consider the mono over the stereo - though it would be nice to have the booklet and extra tracks.....
Good call getting the mono vs the stereo. Kinda surprised people seem to have forgotten about the ‘Kind of Blue’ mono from 2013. That, ‘Giant Steps’ and especially The Beatles catalog… really tough going back to those early versions of “stereo”.
This video made me very curious about hearing mono ‘Blue Train’ now. Especially with your comments on the quality quietness of the pressing. You’re absolutely right. If this quality is available for $40, there really isn’t a compelling reason for other inflated market pricing… other than profits and willing buyers.
I think you'll be VERY impressed with the vinyl and pressing quality. I have a lot of new records arrive here and many are touting their vinyl formulations. Here, a typical Tone Poet/RTI pressing has surpassed basically everything I've heard in terms of silent vinyl. Talk about black backgrounds!
Don't forget that Joe Harley stated that he prefers stereo 😊 But, I know it does come down to preference. BTW, I just happened to snag the MOV mono version of Kind of Blue, and with my system, I am NOT a mono person (I don't think I can post links here to pictures of my system, but it is primarily comprised of two tall multi-driver open baffle dipole line-arrays, 13 drives a side + 2-15" dipole woofers, bi-amped) But, I must admit that I really like the MOV mono KOB pressing (I also just received the UHQR 45, so I'll hafta see about that! 😁) But the MOV mono pressing of Kind of Blue, although likely digitally sourced, actually sounds quite good on my system. There is nice space in the soundstage, particularly front to back, and the drums come across more strongly. I was quite surprised. Out of about 2500 vinyl albums and over 40 years of pretending to be an Audiophile, this one and the excellent and very much superiour mono Abbey Road Disraeli Gears, are my only two deliberately purchased mono pressings.
@@latheofheaven 1. Dang, bruv that line array, open baffle, dipole system sounds and looks epic!
2. Glad other people appreciate that KOB mono pressing too. Was reading Fremer’s column about it from 2013 and apparently there was all kinds of extrapolation done to achieve the mono since apparently the original mono master no longer exists(??). But really who cares? If 2022 has taught us anything about pure analogue vs digital is: just go with whatever sounds great to yer ears, heart, turntable & stylus 😆 cheers
@@crispincrunch2453 Thanks man! You must've gotten a chance to look at the link before it was removed 😊 I don't know if I've heard the 2013 mono, I don't think so just the MOV mono, but yes it really surprised me and sounds amazing. I had ordered the MOV stereo too, but that didn't really do much for me and I already had better sounding stereo pressings.
I’m still waiting for my delivery. I too first got mine in 97 but it was a very different experience for me. I hope you can watch my video about it later this week, I understand if you don’t. I agree with everything else you said in the video about the classics and tone poets. As much as I love QRP everything I have from RTI is just the best there is.
I will be sure to watch your video as you have me curious as to what you experienced. RTI has always been my favorite too. Thanks for watching.
Please respond here with your impression once you've got it.
Hey Scott! The 1997 is a DMM pressing, right? Before I just now got the Tone Poet, I was curious about that. I found it interesting that Joe Harley stated his preference for stereo. I know another known vinyl person mentioned that Joe Harley 'Doesn't like mono', which is indeed interesting. If both masters are done well, I guess it would just come down to preference. And YES! I fully agree with your statement that if they can make lovely, quiet pressings like this affordably, then yeah, WHY the super-duper expensive Clarity Vinyl thing...?
I'll check my 97. Don't all DMM have that in the deadwax. I don't recall seeing it, but I'll do some research and get back. You know I'm going to have to get the stereo too now! This is one title where both are essential. I'm getting much more selective with the UHQR type releases. I cancelled all except one One Step and only preordered Aja from the new batch of UHQR. Feels good to say no!
@@ThePressingMatters HEY! There's hope for you yet! 😀 Good for you Scott! All those boxes of showtunes and Bar Mitzvah Christmas albums will be gone in no time. Yep... if it is DMM it should be in the deadwax. I THINK I read that in looking through Discogs for that pressing.
Oh BTW... I just got my stereo version today and *WOW!!!* Seriously, talk about takin' your frigg'n BREATH away, WOW again! Absolutely Stunning! Actually, FWIW, I am far, *FAR* more impressed with the sound of this stereo pressing than I am of the new UHQR KOB 2-45 pressing. What do you think of that! 😕
If you can find a pure mono cartridge you get even more Dynamics
I'd love to hear it with a mono cart, but I'm not into installing cartridges! I find it nerve wracking!
Maybe one day I'll have a two arm turntable and can do that. Question if a modem mono record was cut with a stereo cutter, should you still use a mono cartridge? Or only in true mono records, ie: vintage mono records cut with a mono cutterhead.
A modern mono release will not benefit from a mono cartridge just the old monos up until like 65. The don’t use a mono cutting head anyone.
This is not an accurate statement. All modern mono albums are cut with a stereo cutting head. You would be correct if we were talking about a mono record from the early 60s and 50s.
@@mikaelweiss9243 That's always been my understanding, but it's a detail I think a lot of people aren't clear in. Thanks for clearing it up!
@@Jake-fw5te I do like to use a mono switch while playing a modern mono record. A mono switch creates a more cohesive experience because most nose is cancelled out and any remaining noise also becomes mono. A mono cart could/should be used if a mono switch is not included on your amp/preamp. Modern mono carts are stereo carts wired in mono and used by people without mono switches on their equipment.
Totally agree with your reasons, I disliked some avante garde jazz then one day listening To Grachan Moncur III's Evolution, a light went on and I loved it. Moral our tastes change and evolve. Totally agree re the MONO sound stage, has huge projection and depth on my system, overall there is a sense delicacy and balance.
That Grachan Moncur III is a masterpiece
That has been one of the biggest surprises in my Audio journey is the fact that mono can sound so right, and so dimensional. Back when I was a kid I'd always avoid a mono record! Funny how understanding evolves and opens up. Mono and avant-garde music are too such areas. Thanks for your comment, great to hear from you!
I have an reissue from the 80's in stereo that has RL in the deadwax
Wow I didn't realize he mastered it as well. Have you listened to it in the last few weeks? I know you said elsewhere that you really aren't too interested in jazz.
@@ThePressingMatters No I have not. The only Steely Dan I'm buying is Aja. Unfortunately it's from a safety copy but according to Chad so was the Kevin Gray Cisco version.
@@taralewis9916 Yeah I'm only in for Aja and Gaucho thus far. Not that familiar with several of the others. Not looking to spend over a grand on the Dan. Still it is exciting for others who want them. You do know that Chad stated the normal 45 editions will follow the sellout of the UHQRs. Kind of like the Doors series.
I went back and looked at it more carefully and the RL is for Robert Levin who did the write up on the back of the the LP. It's also a Blue Note French pressing
@@taralewis9916 That's odd that the writer of the liner notes would have his initials in the deadwax! Would you recognize Robert Ludwig's signature initials. They are pretty recognizable after a while. Could it be a Ludwig?
Get the stereo Scott, it’s superb IMO. The mono is great and very enjoyable but the stereo surprised me.
You know I will. This is a release where I realize both are going to be essential. Thanks for the heads up.!
Could you tell if its Coltrane playing if someone was playing a record of his you were not familiar with, and lets say you walked into a record store and heard it playing? We recognize faces instantly, we recognize sounds almost instantly, but can we recognize and identify someone's style of playing an instrument well enough to do that? I guess it would depend on how distinctly they play. Or it may take a while before you are 100% sure; or not 100% sure. Blue Trane to me is a nice jazz album. I don't think its covers any new ground or is particularly distinctive.
I think that's what makes Kind Of Blue, a recording Coltrane played on, special. Its distinctive somehow. I did watch a video of some guy who compared all kind of UHQR and modern audiophile pressings with the original mono. He said the mono has a more intimate sound than any any of the modern re-presses. Some people in his comments section agree. Now if I could only know what they mean by intimate sounding. Low level detail? What?
I think I could recognize Coltrane at this point. It is a very unique sound. A sound that annoyed me for the longest, lol. So I recognize it. Thankful that I've come around to it these days.
@@ThePressingMatters I like him. I think I wouldn't bet on being able to identify his playing blindfolded. I do like Blue Trane. When I first bought it, I reached for it several times in the weeks thereafter. I think it grew on me. If someone asked me to recommend a good accessible Coltrane album that doesn't take a dozen listens before you start to "get" it. Blue Trane would be one I'd think of recommending. On that one track on side 2 of Kind Of Blue where there's a long sax solo in the one channel and then another solo in the opposite channel. Which one is Coltrane and which one is Cannonball?
@@sidesup8286 i would have to check and see who's playing what on that track. I don't know offhand. Regarding accessibility, as you probably know I have had trouble getting into Coltrane. I think you're right, probably Blue Train but when I first had only this and Lush Life, I preferred that. Also Ballads is fairly easy to get into.
@@ThePressingMatters I looked it up in several places and somewhere it said the first sax solo was played by Coltrane and then Cannonball"s solo follows it. So the next time I play it I'll know who's who. I love that track. I have had a hard time getting into several albums that are supposed to be real classics including A Love Supreme and Bitches Brew. The Shape Of Jazz To Come by Ornette Coleman must be too advanced for me also. There are so so many classic Jazz Fusion lps. Jazz Fusion is generally more distinctive and I slightly prefer it. There was a very knowledgeable guy doing a video on here recently about what he thought were the 10 essential jazz fusion albums. He put Mahavishnu Orchestras album The Inner Mounting Flame at #1. Believe it or not that's another one that didn't strike me on first or second listen. But he's not the only one to nominate that one, so I will definitely give it more listens
I heard an interesting jazz quote the other day. A famous Jazz guy said that playing Jazz is like accidentally dropping your drumstick and making sure you drop it in the exact same place in the next measure.
@@sidesup8286 Interesting. I have trouble with Love Supreme as well. I have Bitches Brew on my list, but I've never heard it properly. I did see that video you mentioned. It was quite interesting and I may check out a few in that genre.
My favorite track is Locomotion
That is one of the best. I've been playing a lot of side one, I guess it's time to flip and enjoy Locomotion!
I think the 1997 - 180 gram series was an all analog chain.
It very well could be, John, it certainly sounded it! I couldn't confirm it at the time of the video. Good to know. When I was playing it, I was thinking if I didn't know any better, I could have mistaken it for a Classic or Tone Poet style release. I was so content with it, I didn't order the Stereo Tone Poet. I think that's going to be changing! I really enjoyed this récord more than I ever have via the Tone Poet.
Another thing that has increased the sound quality of my system overall was a minor tweak in the crossover of the subwoofer that a very knowledgeable friend suggested. Everything snapped into focus and now it blends seamlessly with the main speakers.!
@@ThePressingMatters Can you share the Subwoofer tweak?
@@BigE-Ian Well it was common sense really, but something I never bothered to nail down. It was figuring out where my main speaker drops off and setting the variable crossover to pick up a little before or after that point. Then adjusting the sub volume to blend with the speakers seamlessly. before that I was just using both as tone controls lol. Now it is set and i can forget about fiddling with it. its filled out the missing octave and warmed up the overall response, but its essentially invisible sonically. Before this adjustment it was drawing attention to itself. Much better now.
Blue Train has always seemed like a good, but not great Coltrane album. Giant Steps, Love Supreme and Ellington albums are the gold standards and Blue Train, My Favourite Things etc are second tier it seems to me
Hi Bill, I think Blue Train gets a lot of love because it's his sole Blue Note album. I do like the Ellington album, andan still soaking up A Love Supreme I wasn't to keen on My Favorite Things, and have yet to explore any more of the Atlantic titles. How do you feel about the Prestige period? Thinking of trying another of those. I do like Lush Life.
I find this album so overrated. The first track is really good but then it's just kind of 'random' jazz tunes for the rest of the album. I find this with a lot of jazz records, they put the best track first and then things get a bit boring after the first track. Just my 2 cents worth! 🙂
I find that with most of the Blue Notes! Stellar first track always, then variable. Perhaps it's overrated just a bit :-)
One thing not in doubt is the iconic cover! It looks amazing in Tone Poet glossiness!
@@ThePressingMatters yes! First track is always a killer track! When streaming I go from "I'm definately buying this on vinyl!" to "Meh, maybe I'll buy something else" at the end of the albums 😂
Yes, over rated indeed, streamed thru the whole album and just can't strike a chord with me.