I'd like to know this as well. I was just introduced to Bill Evans last year via the Record Store Day release of Evans in England, and the Black Friday release.
I wonder whether both of these releases use the original mix. On CD, the original mix is only available on one rare release, the 1986 Japanese CP32-5187. All US and UK CDs feature a late 1980s re-mix by Malcolm Addey which has narrower stereo and less reverb. The original 1962 mix sounds better in my opinion, in that it's more three-dimensional and very warm. EDIT — more discussion here: MFSL Undercurrent LP - Bill Evans / Jim Hall
This article influenced my decision and I purchased the Japan pressing referred to in this article: Bill Evans Jim Hall: Undercurrent (1962) Toshiba-EMI Sounds very good to me, but only have the CD to compare it to.
eBay in my case. They pop up pretty frequently, but almost always from Japan sellers, so you pay a fair amount in shipping. If considering that route, just read the grading carefully - some don't use Goldmine and their Excellent is quite lenient. I can't say whether paying for this particular copy is worth it - depends how much you like the album. I have read, in particular, that the Mofi version wasn't well loved though.
The Toshiba vinyl mentioned above and the original stereo are my favorites. For original UA's, I buy super early pressings or white label promos, that's the only way I get around the pressing quality problems. In this case, I have a stereo pressing with the tenor player illustration label. I no longer have the Toshiba, but I might pick up another copy.
MFSL had a mail out yesterday stating their 'Undercurrent' was back in stock. This morning it is listed as 'Awaiting repress'. Was that a quick sell out?!
I'm glad to learn I have the original mix... Bill Evans - Jim Hall – Undercurrent Label: Liberty – CP32-5187 Series: The Finest Jazz On CD Part 1 – 7 Format: CD, Album, Reissue Country: Japan Released: 25 Dec 1986
I have the blue note remaster from 2002... just got a DAC giving new life to this CD... pleasantly surprised... I’m sure the above mentioned CD is nice... if I could fine it for a reasonable price I’d probably go for it... For now what I have works
I have the normal Blue Note CD where the cover has a blue tint and I'm happy with the sound of that. Never having had the album on vinyl, I'm leaning towards the Pure Pleasure as it'll be easier (and cheaper) to find. Even cheaper again is the DOL issued LP. If a person wanted to display the LP cover, they could buy the cheapest version - just think of it as buying an art print with a free record.
I'm very curious about your thoughts! I picked up a MFSL and sold it the same day - it sounded terrible.
I understand the tape is just in not so great shape. But it's such a legendary record. I will definitely check back in. I just have to say, again, the classics are the new Beatles in mono value. When they stop using the tape, which I can see happening soon, people will be sorry they didn't grab these.
I saw a vinyl copy this week on Blue Note. I meant to take a pic so I could look it up later but I had an urgent matter come up and had to leave the shop pronto. It was $25 and looked clean. The only thing I recall is it had a B1- prefix. IIRC that denotes the Connoisseur Series but not sure. I need to research. Probably not a bad price if it's a good pressing.
According to Fremer, 'The master tape is long gone or not usable’, though I’m not sure if he refers to the stereo master or the three track at all. Capital Audio Fest 2021 Day One Coverage—With an Analog Slant
Ah! I just realized I didn't check back in. OK - for those who care. I felt the PurePleasure edition didn't sound 'audiophile' but I actually felt it sounded more natural than the MFSL to my ears. YMMV. I would recommend it!
Hey folks, three questions: - Is the stereo hard-panned on this one? How's the instrument placement on the Stereo mix on LPs? I either can find mono mixes on streaming sites, or stereo mixes w/ BE on Left and JH hovering over the middle w/ nothing really on right. Just to see if I should hunt down a mono or stereo mix - According to Discogs, PP or MFSL, or any other new analogue reissues have considerable "hiss" in the background. Anyone w/ an OG Mono and Stereo version can confirm if the hiss is also present in the OGs from 1962 as well, please? - Anyone had a chance to listen to this Japanese pressing from 1984? Would be fantastic to hear how it stacks up to the competition Thanks!
