Blue Note SACDs courtesy Acoustic Sounds

[Gremal]

The most rewarding digital audio format and most rewarding record label are intersecting for me with new SACD releases of several classic Blue Note jazz titles. These follow behind the rollout of the 45 rpm vinyl being released by Analogue Productions (Acoustic Sounds) and remastered by the immensely gifted engineers Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering, Camarillo, CA.

So far I've heard the new John Coltrane--Blue Train and Jackie McLean--Capuchin Swing and am currently in the middle of one of Art Blakey's drum solos on Leeway. My next purchase will either be Kenny Dorham--Whistle Stop or Dexter Gordon--Dexter Calling.

These SACDs are the real deal. They're all two channel, as originally mastered by Rudy van Gelder. I've been listening to this music a long time but never heard it come alive like these SACDs. The instruments pack lots of resonance and detail. It's a wonderful experience. Unfortunately for my credit card I'll have to buy many more of these. But it could be worse (if I started collecting the 45 vinyl or first pressing NY label versions).