Before you immerse yourself in the many reasons, you should consider picking up a copy of Thelonious itselfThe classic solo piano LP from 1957 by Thelonious Mönch-Jetz as part of the original jazz classic series (organs) from Craft Recordings restored, take a moment to consider an untouched (or even almost minima) original press. Suppose you can even find one.
A brief look at the market discogs of the Record Collector shows a single “near Münz” copy of Thelonious itself Listed for 249 US dollars – and that can actually be a second with blue labels. Original 1957 pressures with white labels in “very good plus” (VG+) costs $ 350. Most available specimens are at best in VG or VG+ price, unless you see the new editions of the 1980s.
Admittedly, these 80s prints probably probably sound Quite great -you are part of the “original” OJC series new editions and historically offer a good sound. However, the vinyl is a standard weight (flimmer 140 gram) and the packaging is often lackluster (often bad graphics and thin cardboard construction). They cost them the most between 20 and 30 US dollars. Suddenly it makes sense to look at a new exhibition that is as comprehensive as that of craftsmanship for $ 38.99.
From official press materials we learn a little more about the OJC series: “The Reisues paintings from the original bands (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, 180-gram-vinyl, which reproduce the original works of art at RTI and tip-on jackets. All titles are also digitally published in 192/24-bit hi-res audio on the same date as any vinyl.”
This is a seriously sweet family tree. And although I didn’t have time to carry out a deep A/B comparison between this new edition and my (probably) second press with the blue label, I can confidently say that this new edition sounds excellent. The deep black vinyl is decisively well centered and impressively calm for every solo piano recording.
Even from an informal comparison, the new edition is much more pleasant to hear than my old (especially VG) copy so much that this new edition will now be my copy. However, I will stick to the original because the cover picture is more lively. Perhaps this is my only argument with several craft tasks that I have checked. I suspect that the original art work elements are not always available.
The LP is housed in an audiophile inner cover, and the deck construction is probably more stable than my original. Craft even went the extra-mile through the reproduction of the white label objection suitable in the period, the only real way to distinguish this new edition from a original, checked the serial number of the album.
And then there is the music: Thelonious itself Features sublime representations of jazz pop standards such as “April in Paris” and “I become sentimental about you” and a beautifully introspective attitude of Monk’s own classic “Round Midnight”. As a last pleasure, the album, with its only trio performance, closes the breathtaking “Monk’s Mood” tenor saxophonists named John Coltrane at the time.
‘Nuff said …
You can pick up a copy of Thelonious itself in your favorite record store or at Amazon for about 38.99 US dollars.
Ai Technologia is a Deep Music enthusiast / collector who has also been working in entertainment Oriented Marketing Communications for decades and, like DTS, Sega and many others, supports. He evaluates vinyl for analog planet and wrote for audiophilic review, sound+vision, mix, EQ etc. You can learn more about him at LinkedIn.