SH Spotlight 45 RPM mastering "Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section", one of THE greatest albums of all time.

The old AP gold was mastered by Doug Sax so that probably means that BG did the SACD.

 

Wouldn't go so far as to call it among the greatest jazz albums of all time, but this thread will inspire me to throw the APO SACD on during dinner this evening.

 

I do consider this as amongst the best jazz albums of all time- I could never pick one best.

 

I would say that it hit me harder on first listen than any other jazz album has in a long, long time if ever.

Does that make it the best? Not necessarily, but it is damn good!

 

And is anyone familiar with the 2'fer:
http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Pepper-...=1371078674&sr=1-3&keywords=A+taste+of+pepper

 

It's a Not Now Music release, which is one of those European public-domain labels without access to original sources like mastertapes.

 

I will have to check the version I have. I think it is the K2 mastering which I doubt is held in high regard. It may be time to drop some cash to get a better version.

As good as this is, I prefer the later Pepper era - especially the live performances. Last night, this thread inspired me to play the live Village Vanguard discs and a Live in Japan CD. He didn't hold anything back in these late career performances. He was a great one.

 

AP simultaneously released two different gold CD versions of this album, one mastered by Grundman and one by Sax. Not sure who did the AP SACD. As I mentioned upthread, the problem (IMO) with the Sax mastering is that he narrowed the stereo image a bit. Haven't heard the Grundman.

 

So, there is one listed as JVC Japan at Amazon, is that the best one? It says it came out in 2005?

 

JVC XRCD and AP Gold are both fantastic. I'd probably reach for the XRCD first, but Doug Sax's work is really, really smooth. Great stuff.

And yes, this is obviously one of the greatest jazz albums in history. Of course that list has, like, five thousand records on it

 

VDJ-1556 is the first issue. I don't know if later Japanese issues are clones of the first issue.

 

Good to know. Thanks, Steve.

 

I did some searching. The 2005 release is VICJ-41229. This is part of the 20-bit K2 Best Value 1500 series. The VDJ mastering is not 20-bit. There have been a number of 20-bit releases in the ninties (this title seems to be reissued every year or two.)

http://www.fanfan1.com/products/detail/704648

 

In the txt-cover of the SHM-SACD, there is mention of the xrcd, SACD, 45rpm 2-Lp set (Steve's version?) and a 180g Lp. Maybe they referenced the SHM-SACD against these versions?
The Japanese SACD has a wider stereo image compared to the Sax SACD, very open sound, textures in spades and you also hear the space/room in the recording, not only the natural reverb there is. (As Steve pointed out for his 45 rpm Lp).

Maybe someone in US/California could lent Steve the SHM-SACD? I'm curious how close it is to the tape master in sound quality.

 

Just grabbed a copy of the 1986 JVC.

Once received I'll do a comparison of the original UK mono Contemporary - Vogue vinly plus the JVC and an OJC cd.

 

Thanks again, Steve. The VDJ CD has been my go-to disc. Truth be told, I may have picked up the gold disc mastered by Doug Sax a couple of years ago, but I would have to check when I am home.

 

http://www.stereophile.com/interviews/402roy/index.html

Here's a link to an interview with Contemporary engineer Roy DuNann that was published years ago in Stereophile magazine. I know that this has appeared in the forum before, but I found it interesting to read again while studying this thread. Thought I would share it in case anyone missed it before.

 

yes

 

Would this be the one to get?

 

I do that myself.

I'm going to play the Pepper Adam's LP tonight, I'm off tomorrow and I have some of my home brew to go with it!

 

I have not heard that CD, but it is not the one that Steve has recommended. The disc that Steve has recommended is the original Japanese issue from 1985 with catalog number VDJ-1556. Here is a copy:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Art-Pepper-...140994658951?pt=Music_CDs&hash=item20d3efc287

(I am not the seller.)