Hi Michael, Love your Videos! I trust you opinion! There was one point that I would like to add. Analogue Productions had Quality Record Pressings press these Prestige Series LPs on a Flat profile with a Flat edge.( much like the UHQR profile) We try make them as close to the original LP as possible. We put a description on what, why and how we do it on the Insert. We believe the flat profile sounds better as it keeps the groove completely flat threw the whole side of the LP.
Hello Chad, thank you for sharing this important informations about the Pressing and the Flat Edge. We Vinyl Lovers need more Prestige Releases from you. Your Prestige Series (Mono AND Stereo) are Legend!
Chad, I love my AP 33 1/3 version. You guys did not go for the hype, and provided us with a top notch, relatively inexpensive, and quality pressing. Thank you!
I like how you always give an honest opinion. With Stereophile and TAS, newer is always better but we know that is not always true. Honesty is hard to come by and your honesty is appreciated!
Very interesting indeed. There are some head scratchers with Craft’s attention to detail (which you mention) at this price. I’m certain they are absorbing the feedback and I very much look forward to future releases.
What I love about your review is the honesty of how you approach such selection. It is truly subjective but I am willing to take your opinion into consideration and opt for the warmer feel. I feel that so long as the companies are willing to repress a good quality vinyl, they should be given a thumbs up. Thanks again.
Michael great comparison man i knew the Analogue Productions would hold it own I’ve been happy with them that Craft Recording looks awesome and very nice packaging. Lovellandrew
Micheal as always great video.....Im sorry I miss the one step Lush Life....and I'm sorry I missed the AP issue.....looking for one....I only have 2 AP reissues from different artists and I like the deep groove on the AP....just like the Classic records Blue Note reissue....great listening !!!!!.....PS....I went into the Electric company web site....😭.....just beautiful records....maybe someday I can buy one....all beautiful made records....wow !!!.....Ed in New York.....😎
Hi Michael! I am glad to hear your opinion about the album. I have the Craft pressing and I find it to be an excellent record. I have not heard any other pressings of it though, audiophile or otherwise. I would like to hear the Analogue Productions pressing (either 33 or 45) sometime. I am very eager to see what Craft & Concord do moving forward. I am hoping that they do something like Blue Note's Classic Series and press the big hitters from Riverside, Prestige, Stax and Rounder in an affordable, audiophile version. They could reserve the one step process for the most interesting or special recordings. Thanks!
i believe the deep groove was made for automatic record changers back in the day when you would stack the records for continuous play, mimicking the 45 rpm singles. Hence for pressing protection.
I don't think that's right. First, you rarely see deep groove after the early 60s, but automatic record changers were still popular after that. I've read the change was simply an upgrade in pressing machine technology.
Aloha Michael, Thank you for your review, I always look forward to hearing which ones Sound better or Comparable for the price. Looking forward to your next video. Mahalo Ed.
Hi Michael great video as always. Read so many reviews of this release and this is the first time I've heard someone say the Craft one step doesn't come out on top. Interesting.
...hate artificial limitations, just to trigger the FOMO in the VC. Thank god I do stand on the sideline regarding this issue 😅. Prices are insane anyway, IMHO
Sadly i missed the boat on this first Craft Recordings first jazz One Step. I have the 2006 RVG CD and it sounds good for every day listening. A few weeks ago i purchased the lastest OJC re-issue on vinyl for thirty US dollars. I also bought the 1997 DCC gold CD and wow that sounds fantastic. When the Analogue Productions version of Lush Life comes back in stock I'll be picking it up. Great detailed video!
Hi Michael, as a contrast to your recent couple of videos (I enjoyed them) how about one showing good value for money records? I myself am currently listening to Billy Holiday Body and Soul, Verve's reissue from 2019. Cost me £22 from Amazon and I have to say it sounds out of this world. It stands up well to some of my Music Matters, Analog Prod, Impex etc.
Completely agree with your assessment of the packaging, it was somewhat disappointing. The slipcase is nice but I think the ribbon will eventually break. Over on the forums they have been somewhat bashing this release as not worthy of the one-step process (and more so the price and number of copies pressed) however to my years it sounds great. Regarding the vinyl, the quietness is something to behold. I am only a casual jazz fan but because of your reviews have given the Tone-poets and UMe reissues a try along with some of your electronic recommendations. Thank you for your video's and opinions.
Michael I am new to your channel. This is the first I have seen. Could you share a bit of your background as an audiophile (years active, whether ever been in the industry or just as a hobbyist) and of course describe your reference system? Thank you. Also, did you know that there is another worthy Lush Life reissue that was done by Steve Hoffman of DCC fame? It was vacuum tube mastered and it is absolutely stunning. Edit: Never mind my request for your system description. I went to your channel and I think I will find what I was looking for there. Cheers.
I don't like Coltrane's later period, what many ppl think is his best, at all. Yet Coltrane's version of Lush Life is the best jazz track I've ever heard from anyone since I first heard it around 1981 and one of the best albums. Mine is a late-1970s vinyl LP double album that combined 2 Coltrane albums in a gatefold. When I later got a reissue of stand-alone Lush Life album, still sounded as good no better no worse, on Linn Sondek LP12. Not an audiofile though. I hear it now and I am also hearing my memories of how great it sounded on first impression 40 years ago. For older people, all music listening has overdubs - - the superimposition of your memories of how it sounded first time around.
Time to flip all your vinyl before this craze fizzles out Michael.....yo-yos,hula hoops and pina coladas...who remembers these now?.....CDs are on the way back...be afraid....be VERY afraid...tee hee
Hi Michael. Which Blue Note Tone Poets releases would you recommend? I have several but would like to buy more. Sound quality is important to me. Thanks.
@@Michael45RPM Thanks, Ill use that in case of any future titles then. You mean the UK store correct? Also, nice comparison, I like the very critical overview, mentioning the deep groove and so on, not just the positive sides. I heard someone say the Craft also has some light tape drop outs which are not present on the AP, if this is true its another plus for the latter, but I dont have any of them currently.
Very interesting video Michael. I already have the AP45 and the 33 and so I decided that I did not need this. Sounds like I was right. Also I have to say I don’t like Concord Craft much anyway as a company for what they did to Analogue Productions. If you don’t know the story AP had agreed with them to reissue 25 Contemporary titles 25 Riversides and 25 Pablos when Craft pulled the plug. The 25 Contemporary titles were already mastered by Bernie Grundman. A pretty low move if you ask me so I am loath to give them any of my money.
@@Michael45RPM Not a huge problem for me. I am just happy I got one for less than the AP was on discogs. The bigger bummer for me is a small corner bump. They can really improve their packing. A simple cardboard wrapper just isn’t enough.
@@jazzmetalaudiophile I did a few days ago! I won’t hold my breath though; it’ll probably be a while before they respond. I’ll let you know what they say.
....so you buying the same album again? I don't get it, it is a basic Coltrane album, why not invest the money in different albums? I would buy a second copy if I have a bad version, an upgrade. But I see this so often with Audiophiles, they have 5 versions of one album but know nothing about the catalog of the artist. Not that I want to say, you don't have all the Coltarne albums, but then, ....why not buy the next artist?
Correct, one primarily sees this with „vinyl-audiophiles“, ....probably cause the sound quality of pressings AND recordings seems to be random. If I‘d buy several versions of one album I would keep the best and sell the rest! One never decides anyway to sit down again and listen to the second or third best version. But in Michael’s case here I see it more as a favor he does for his viewers to give them his best advice possible. And as money seems to be secondary for this lucky man, the VC should honor his efforts 🖖🏼
@@bikemike1118 right, but I don't get it. The point is, do you spend another 100,-- if you already have a good pressing. Makes no sense to me, because I would invest the money in an album I don't have.
Michael, as always, an interesting video. But why make an audiophile version of this marginal release in the John Coltrane catalog? There are so many better releases than this one in the Prestige and OJC catalogue. Many that are more deserving to release as an audiophile version. I passed on this one when AP put it out, and I also passed when Craft released it. I am also an audiophile, but I don’t buy a record JUST because it sounds good. The music also needs to be impressive. I think both of these criteria together make the record worth buying. On the other hand, a record that has great music, but horrible sound, like Soft Machine‘s Third for example, is still worth owning. But in a case like this, the music HAS to be great, not just ok. Lush Life is just a bore to listen to, and even if it sounds great, it is still a boring listen. I think most audiophiles need to learn to make the distinction between listening to a good sound reproduction and good music reproduction. Two very different worlds! Craft’s edition of Lush Life may have good sound reproduction, but sorry to say, Coltrane not at his best...But don’t take my word for it, here is what the Penguin Guide To Jazz has to say about it: «An album of oddments, really, garnered from three different sessions over a six month period. This was the time when Sonny Rollins was experimenting at the Village Vanguard with a pianoless trio. Coltrane‘s more tentative step in the same direction - which was to be repeated only sporadically in the years to come - was actually enforced when Garland failed to show up for the date. May is too anonymous a player to go the extra yard required for this exacting discipline. There are unexpected inconsistencies of register and articulation in Coltrane‘s own performances, perhaps suggesting reed, mouthpiece or (even at this stage) dental problems. The title-piece has the rugged grandeur of many of Trane‘s ballad meditations, but the often remarked resemblance to Stan Getz is already fading fast.» I do hope Craft can get a more important recording that deserves the super vinyl treatment for the second installment of this series...
Just been on Discogs and one flipper has the Craft at $1400, do Audiophile record collectors have "Dick Head" printed on their foreheads, or do these flippers think Audiophile collectors are "Dick Heads" full stop. None of these insane prices are being paid as far as I can tell, Santana-Abraxas (One Step)$1500, its been for sale for nearly a year, Ebay has bridge Over troubled Water (one step) it isn't selling at £225.00 and yet someone is asking £700.00. ERC are not selling at stupid inflated prices, some 80s OJC pressings will give a lot of these Audiophile super pressings a run-for-their-money at $20.00 each. Perhaps the lunatics haven't yet taken over the asylum !
Hi Michael, Love your Videos! I trust you opinion! There was one point that I would like to add. Analogue Productions had Quality Record Pressings press these Prestige Series LPs on a Flat profile with a Flat edge.( much like the UHQR profile) We try make them as close to the original LP as possible. We put a description on what, why and how we do it on the Insert. We believe the flat profile sounds better as it keeps the groove completely flat threw the whole side of the LP.
Hello Chad, thank you for sharing this important informations about the Pressing and the Flat Edge. We Vinyl Lovers need more Prestige Releases from you. Your Prestige Series (Mono AND Stereo) are Legend!
@@Michael45RPM YES WE DO!!
Please Chad reissue the Prestige titles!! Lush Life included!
Chad, I love my AP 33 1/3 version. You guys did not go for the hype, and provided us with a top notch, relatively inexpensive, and quality pressing. Thank you!
@@JazzMessengerToGo Wish it was inexpensive today as well!! That's why we need reissues!
So glad you finally, got your copy. Such a great release. Highly anticipated video.
Crazy how every person I follow on youtube was able to get this 5 minutes before it sold out
I like how you always give an honest opinion. With Stereophile and TAS, newer is always better but we know that is not always true. Honesty is hard to come by and your honesty is appreciated!
Very interesting indeed. There are some head scratchers with Craft’s attention to detail (which you mention) at this price. I’m certain they are absorbing the feedback and I very much look forward to future releases.
Thank you Michael for this very important shootout. I love the AP Releases because they are so "organic". And: the AP cover is much more to original
Loved the breakdown on this one. I have both the issues you featured and I can't wait to do my own assessment of this one.
Analog productions cover looks exact to the original, nice video Michael!
What I love about your review is the honesty of how you approach such selection. It is truly subjective but I am willing to take your opinion into consideration and opt for the warmer feel. I feel that so long as the companies are willing to repress a good quality vinyl, they should be given a thumbs up. Thanks again.
Michael great comparison man i knew the Analogue Productions would hold it own I’ve been happy with them that Craft Recording looks awesome and very nice packaging. Lovellandrew
Omg. - did I miss out!
Thankfully I have an original and the AP mono which I decided to listen to right now
Thank you!
Probably a Great listen :-)
I’m so blessed to have the analogue productions version before the hype came, it sounds fantastic, no need for to buy a one step for $400
Micheal as always great video.....Im sorry I miss the one step Lush Life....and I'm sorry I missed the AP issue.....looking for one....I only have 2 AP reissues from different artists and I like the deep groove on the AP....just like the Classic records Blue Note reissue....great listening !!!!!.....PS....I went into the Electric company web site....😭.....just beautiful records....maybe someday I can buy one....all beautiful made records....wow !!!.....Ed in New York.....😎
Revisiting this vid. Just bought the AP repress. I wonder if your opinion in this shootout has changed a bit towards one or the other.
Hi Michael! I am glad to hear your opinion about the album. I have the Craft pressing and I find it to be an excellent record. I have not heard any other pressings of it though, audiophile or otherwise. I would like to hear the Analogue Productions pressing (either 33 or 45) sometime. I am very eager to see what Craft & Concord do moving forward. I am hoping that they do something like Blue Note's Classic Series and press the big hitters from Riverside, Prestige, Stax and Rounder in an affordable, audiophile version. They could reserve the one step process for the most interesting or special recordings. Thanks!
i completely agree that would be great
i believe the deep groove was made for automatic record changers back in the day when you would stack the records for continuous play, mimicking the 45 rpm singles. Hence for pressing protection.
I don't think that's right. First, you rarely see deep groove after the early 60s, but automatic record changers were still popular after that. I've read the change was simply an upgrade in pressing machine technology.
Aloha Michael,
Thank you for your review, I always look forward to hearing which ones Sound better or Comparable for the price. Looking forward to your next video. Mahalo Ed.
Hi Michael great video as always. Read so many reviews of this release and this is the first time I've heard someone say the Craft one step doesn't come out on top. Interesting.
...hate artificial limitations, just to trigger the FOMO in the VC. Thank god I do stand on the sideline regarding this issue 😅.
Prices are insane anyway, IMHO
Sadly i missed the boat on this first Craft Recordings first jazz One Step. I have the 2006 RVG CD and it sounds good for every day listening. A few weeks ago i purchased the lastest OJC re-issue on vinyl for thirty US dollars. I also bought the 1997 DCC gold CD and wow that sounds fantastic. When the Analogue Productions version of Lush Life comes back in stock I'll be picking it up. Great detailed video!
Hey I really enjoy your videos! Best content. I also just started a TH-cam about vinyl but in German! Keep on going 👋🏼 Grüße Patrik
Ich wünsche dir viel Erfolg ich schaue mal vorbei :-)
@@Michael45RPM vielen Dank! Das würde mich als Fan deines Kanals natürlich sehr freuen ✌🏼 Grüße
Great opinions and video. Thanks.
Got three Chet Bakers from craft coming Friday for less than the cost of this 🤷
Hi Michael, as a contrast to your recent couple of videos (I enjoyed them) how about one showing good value for money records? I myself am currently listening to Billy Holiday Body and Soul, Verve's reissue from 2019. Cost me £22 from Amazon and I have to say it sounds out of this world. It stands up well to some of my Music Matters, Analog Prod, Impex etc.
Great Idea Simon
Great video
Thank you
Completely agree with your assessment of the packaging, it was somewhat disappointing. The slipcase is nice but I think the ribbon will eventually break. Over on the forums they have been somewhat bashing this release as not worthy of the one-step process (and more so the price and number of copies pressed) however to my years it sounds great. Regarding the vinyl, the quietness is something to behold. I am only a casual jazz fan but because of your reviews have given the Tone-poets and UMe reissues a try along with some of your electronic recommendations. Thank you for your video's and opinions.
Michael I am new to your channel. This is the first I have seen. Could you share a bit of your background as an audiophile (years active, whether ever been in the industry or just as a hobbyist) and of course describe your reference system? Thank you.
Also, did you know that there is another worthy Lush Life reissue that was done by Steve Hoffman of DCC fame? It was vacuum tube mastered and it is absolutely stunning.
Edit: Never mind my request for your system description. I went to your channel and I think I will find what I was looking for there. Cheers.
I don't like Coltrane's later period, what many ppl think is his best, at all. Yet Coltrane's version of Lush Life is the best jazz track I've ever heard from anyone since I first heard it around 1981 and one of the best albums. Mine is a late-1970s vinyl LP double album that combined 2 Coltrane albums in a gatefold. When I later got a reissue of stand-alone Lush Life album, still sounded as good no better no worse, on Linn Sondek LP12. Not an audiofile though. I hear it now and I am also hearing my memories of how great it sounded on first impression 40 years ago. For older people, all music listening has overdubs - - the superimposition of your memories of how it sounded first time around.
Time to flip all your vinyl before this craze fizzles out Michael.....yo-yos,hula hoops and pina coladas...who remembers these now?.....CDs are on the way back...be afraid....be VERY afraid...tee hee
Awesome thank you
I'm very surprised you don't have a reel to reel player.
Ebay has a bunch of Craft ones and they are wayyyyy pricey. I call it the "Abraxasificatious stupiditous"
If I'm buying a limited number production anything I want it to come with the designated number it should have.
how good is this Craft compare to the 2009 prestige re issue? I just bought the 2009 re issue sealed.
Michael, Do you have the music matters 45rpm sonny rollins vol. 1 as well as the SRX & if so, is there a big difference between the two?
Hi Michael. Which Blue Note Tone Poets releases would you recommend? I have several but would like to buy more. Sound quality is important to me. Thanks.
watch My Video about My 15vfavourites
For the the..GZ..and other similar reissues a step back on stylus can take some sharpness off
I would be interested in ...209 reissue..direct metal master ..jwr 4504..that you can still get in Europe and play on conical stylus sounds like?
also has added track..Slowtrane..so are the others incomplete?
Hi Michael groove note has also does one step vinyl Autumn Leaves is particularly good.
👌
I got the purple translucent splatter analog 33.I think its rare! Sounds tits! Its my favorite record!!Im takin it to the Island😁
Im curious, where did you buy yours? Through the US Craft site? Did you pay heavy shipping and import tax on it?
Threw the EU store of Craft
@@Michael45RPM Thanks, Ill use that in case of any future titles then. You mean the UK store correct?
Also, nice comparison, I like the very critical overview, mentioning the deep groove and so on, not just the positive sides.
I heard someone say the Craft also has some light tape drop outs which are not present on the AP, if this is true its another plus for the latter, but I dont have any of them currently.
Very interesting video Michael. I already have the AP45 and the 33 and so I decided that I did not need this. Sounds like I was right. Also I have to say I don’t like Concord Craft much anyway as a company for what they did to Analogue Productions. If you don’t know the story AP had agreed with them to reissue 25 Contemporary titles 25 Riversides and 25 Pablos when Craft pulled the plug. The 25 Contemporary titles were already mastered by Bernie Grundman. A pretty low move if you ask me so I am loath to give them any of my money.
yes i know of That Bad move i of course agree
Huh,
Yes, I am one of them, with the missing numbers
sorry to hear that
@@Michael45RPM Not a huge problem for me. I am just happy I got one for less than the AP was on discogs.
The bigger bummer for me is a small corner bump. They can really improve their packing. A simple cardboard wrapper just isn’t enough.
My copy also came without a number. We’ll see what Craft does about it.
@@therealdonelaitis did you write them?
@@jazzmetalaudiophile I did a few days ago! I won’t hold my breath though; it’ll probably be a while before they respond. I’ll let you know what they say.
AP still rules
have you heard the esquire?
....so you buying the same album again? I don't get it, it is a basic Coltrane album, why not invest the money in different albums? I would buy a second copy if I have a bad version, an upgrade. But I see this so often with Audiophiles, they have 5 versions of one album but know nothing about the catalog of the artist. Not that I want to say, you don't have all the Coltarne albums, but then, ....why not buy the next artist?
Correct, one primarily sees this with „vinyl-audiophiles“, ....probably cause the sound quality of pressings AND recordings seems to be random. If I‘d buy several versions of one album I would keep the best and sell the rest! One never decides anyway to sit down again and listen to the second or third best version. But in Michael’s case here I see it more as a favor he does for his viewers to give them his best advice possible. And as money seems to be secondary for this lucky man, the VC should honor his efforts 🖖🏼
@@bikemike1118 right, but I don't get it. The point is, do you spend another 100,-- if you already have a good pressing. Makes no sense to me, because I would invest the money in an album I don't have.
@@mymixture965 I see it exactly the same... These prices are mad in my eyes anyway.
Can someone sell or lend Michael the 45rpm AP release?
Michael, as always, an interesting video. But why make an audiophile version of this marginal release in the John Coltrane catalog? There are so many better releases than this one in the Prestige and OJC catalogue. Many that are more deserving to release as an audiophile version. I passed on this one when AP put it out, and I also passed when Craft released it.
I am also an audiophile, but I don’t buy a record JUST because it sounds good. The music also needs to be impressive. I think both of these criteria together make the record worth buying. On the other hand, a record that has great music, but horrible sound, like Soft Machine‘s Third for example, is still worth owning. But in a case like this, the music HAS to be great, not just ok. Lush Life is just a bore to listen to, and even if it sounds great, it is still a boring listen. I think most audiophiles need to learn to make the distinction between listening to a good sound reproduction and good music reproduction. Two very different worlds! Craft’s edition of Lush Life may have good sound reproduction, but sorry to say, Coltrane not at his best...But don’t take my word for it, here is what the Penguin Guide To Jazz has to say about it:
«An album of oddments, really, garnered from three different sessions over a six month period. This was the time when Sonny Rollins was experimenting at the Village Vanguard with a pianoless trio. Coltrane‘s more tentative step in the same direction - which was to be repeated only sporadically in the years to come - was actually enforced when Garland failed to show up for the date. May is too anonymous a player to go the extra yard required for this exacting discipline. There are unexpected inconsistencies of register and articulation in Coltrane‘s own performances, perhaps suggesting reed, mouthpiece or (even at this stage) dental problems. The title-piece has the rugged grandeur of many of Trane‘s ballad meditations, but the often remarked resemblance to Stan Getz is already fading fast.»
I do hope Craft can get a more important recording that deserves the super vinyl treatment for the second installment of this series...
I really like Lush Life, the title song is outstanding in my opinion
@@Michael45RPM Agreed, Michael. I like the entire record.
Just been on Discogs and one flipper has the Craft at $1400, do Audiophile record collectors have "Dick Head" printed on their foreheads, or do these flippers think Audiophile collectors are "Dick Heads" full stop.
None of these insane prices are being paid as far as I can tell, Santana-Abraxas (One Step)$1500, its been for sale for nearly a year, Ebay has bridge Over troubled Water (one step) it isn't selling at £225.00 and yet someone is asking £700.00.
ERC are not selling at stupid inflated prices, some 80s OJC pressings will give a lot of these Audiophile super pressings a run-for-their-money at $20.00 each.
Perhaps the lunatics haven't yet taken over the asylum !
A bit too much attention for a record that received 3 out of 5 stars in the Penguin Jazz Guide.
It’s 3 out of 4 stars