add to wish list | library


32 of 33 recommend this,
would you recommend it?

yes | no

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below. As an Amazon Associate SA-CD.net earns from qualifying purchases.
 
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.de
 
amazon.fr
amazon.it
CDJapan
jpc

Discussion: Miles Davis: Kind of Blue

Posts: 17
Page: 1 2 next

Post by canonical April 23, 2013 (1 of 17)
I have this on CD, but am thinking about getting an SACD version. My cat *really* liked it ...

=================================
I'm not sure whether to buy this newer version (2007?):

Sony Music SICP-10083
Japan
single-layer stereo/mc,


================================
or the earlier Japan (2002?) release:

Columbia CS 64935
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
also Japan
also single-layer stereo/mc, .... but with 6. Flamenco Sketches [alternate take]

Have I got that right? I listen in stereo. So does kitty.

Both seem to be available from Amazon Japan for about $25 + shipping.

Can anyone comment on what type of box they each come in? Do they both have the same box type? Or different casings? e.g. standard CD case, or Superjewel box? Or something else?

Post by Claude April 23, 2013 (2 of 17)
SICP-10083 is the best sounding SACD version I've heard so far (better than the first european SACD).

But a new SACD from MFSL will be released soon. Unlike the other SACDs, it will be stereo only. No multichannel layer with the 3-track tape transfer (+ artificial reverb on the rear channels).

Here's the press release:

"Miles Davis Kind of Blue on numbered limited edition Hybrid SACD from Mobile Fidelity

Best-selling album in jazz history; mastered from the original master tapes

Mobile Fidelity 180-gram 45 RPM double LP box set is definitive analog version, intended to be passed on to generations

Dream team of Davis, Adderley, Coltrane, Evans, Kelly, Chambers, Cobb make history

How does one properly introduce an epochal record? Perhaps by unequivocally stating that it is the best-selling jazz album in history. Or by affirming that, every year, it sells tens of thousands of copies more than five decades after its original release. There's also the matter of its status as the most-referenced, and arguably, most important, jazz recording of all-time. And the Dream Team lineup of Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. Yes, Kind of Blue is utterly inimitable.

Part of Mobile Fidelity's Miles Davis catalog restoration series, the landmark has been given the ultimate white-gloves treatment. Mastered from the original master tapes, and pressed on 45 RPM LPs at RTI, this sumptuous box set of the often-reissued album is a must for even fans that already possess multiple versions. Such is the illuminating transparency, reference dynamics, organic warmth, and instrumental detail exposed by the thoroughly scrupulous mastering process. If there's a stairway to heaven, this is the soundtrack.

In its three-decade-plus history, Mobile Fidelity has never been prouder to have the honor of handling efforts as important as Davis' key recordings. It's why the label's engineers took every available measure to transport listeners to the March and April 1959 sessions that parlayed modal jazz into mainstream language. The blueprint for melodic improvisation and vamping, Kind of Blue simplifies tonal organization and chordal progression into an eminently beautiful, introspective tapestry stitched with swinging poetry, mellifluous soloing, compositional lyricism, transcendental harmonies, and group interplay of the highest caliber.

While no one has ever completely identified the magic behind the record's allure — the otherworldly nature is part of its inherent charm — much of the success lies with the band members. Davis intentionally handpicked these musicians to comprise this particular cast, with everyone from former foil Evans to blues maestro Kelly to percussive genius Cobb interacting and reacting with peerless skill.

An audiophile favorite from the day it was issued, Kind of Blue takes on nirvanic sonic proportions via Mobile Fidelity's reissue. The expressive warmth, imaging clarity, frequency extension, and window-on-the-world breadth afforded by this new edition places music lovers right in the studio with the sextet. Close your eyes and, no matter how many times you may have heard it before, your experience will parallel that of the players that recorded these gems. Everyone shares in the excitement of not knowing what will happen and, as the music begins to lie out in front of you, you'll feel as if you've been whisked away to a jazz holy land. Quintessential."

Post by onenairb April 23, 2013 (3 of 17)
The JSACD from Sony is the best MC version presently available on SACD. Much better than the Columbia release IMHO.

Post by stvnharr April 23, 2013 (4 of 17)
canonical said:

I have this on CD, but am thinking about getting an SACD version. My cat *really* liked it ...

=================================
I'm not sure whether to buy this newer version (2007?):

Sony Music SICP-10083
Japan
single-layer stereo/mc,


================================
or the earlier Japan (2002?) release:

Columbia CS 64935
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
also Japan
also single-layer stereo/mc, .... but with 6. Flamenco Sketches [alternate take]

Have I got that right? I listen in stereo. So does kitty.

Both seem to be available from Amazon Japan for about $25 + shipping.

Can anyone comment on what type of box they each come in? Do they both have the same box type? Or different casings? e.g. standard CD case, or Superjewel box? Or something else?

SICP-10083 is in a standard jewel box.
The Mofi release will be in a standard mini-LP cardboard box.
It will be out some time in the next 6 months, depending on the release schedule. Four is the next release, now direct from Mofi and in a month on Amazon. These Mofi discs come out every 2 months. Still to come are My Funny Valentine and KOB.

Post by Claude April 23, 2013 (5 of 17)
I don't think "My Funny Valentine" is due. On the SH.tv forum, someone posted that MoFi told him KoB is the last Miles release in the SACD/LP series.

Post by stvnharr April 23, 2013 (6 of 17)
Claude said:

I don't think "My Funny Valentine" is due. On the SH.tv forum, someone posted that MoFi told him KoB is the last Miles release in the SACD/LP series.

Thanks Claude. My Funny Valentine doesn't seem to be on the Mofi list. I just assumed it would be as it usually is released as the twin of Four, but not this time.
So KOB is up after Four, and is the last one. They have been coming out every 2 months though.

Post by Kveld-Úlfr April 24, 2013 (7 of 17)
canonical said:

I have this on CD, but am thinking about getting an SACD version. My cat *really* liked it ...

=================================
I'm not sure whether to buy this newer version (2007?):

Sony Music SICP-10083
Japan
single-layer stereo/mc,


================================
or the earlier Japan (2002?) release:

Columbia CS 64935
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
also Japan
also single-layer stereo/mc, .... but with 6. Flamenco Sketches [alternate take]

Have I got that right? I listen in stereo. So does kitty.

Both seem to be available from Amazon Japan for about $25 + shipping.

Can anyone comment on what type of box they each come in? Do they both have the same box type? Or different casings? e.g. standard CD case, or Superjewel box? Or something else?

Regarding the japanease Amazon, please take a look at this thread's last page : /showthread.php?page=8

I happen to have the Columbia CS 64935 release, which sounds extremely good, albeit very low IMO. You have to turn the volume loud to appreciate its moods (Kind Of Blue ?) and dynamics. It was all remastered with the all-tube gear from the 50's era, the whole cleaned stuff it was recorded with (including the three-track tape machine). So the double bass sounds like a whisper, like someone humming, the sax and trumpets do have an incredible breath of life, the piano is rightly measured, and the drums have incredible details - especially the cymbals.
Not everyone will appreciate the 5.1 stuff on the multichannel layer : the album was recorded on three tracks, so it obviously was an artificial trick that led to six channels. It doesn't sound bad, it's extremely good on the contrary. But knowing it's a technical trick can ruin the experience - it all depends on your ability to ignore it and appreciate the moment.
You also have to know that the speed error in the initial recording process (I don't remember which song that was in) was corrected here, so there's a key that's been out of tune for fifty years, which now sounds as it should. As for the previously unreleased cut of Flamenco Sketches... well, a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

I won't comment the MOFI edition to come as this was done above, and I can't comment the SICP-10083 which I don't have.

P.S. : my cat loves that disc too.

Post by Claude April 24, 2013 (8 of 17)
Kveld-Úlfr said:

P.S. : my cat loves that disc too.

If your cat doesn't flee the room during Miles' muted trumpet solo, you should have it's ears checked ;-)

Post by rammiepie April 24, 2013 (9 of 17)
Claude said:

If your cat doesn't flee the room during Miles' muted trumpet solo, you should have it's ears checked ;-)

Claude, never heard of a "Cool Cat?" :)> {> = goatee)

Post by Kveld-Úlfr April 25, 2013 (10 of 17)
Claude said:

If your cat doesn't flee the room during Miles' muted trumpet solo, you should have it's ears checked ;-)

That cat is a jazz lover, but also half-deaf due to a lot of heavy metal rotation in my appartment :-)

Page: 1 2 next

Closed