Brad

Have you read the Radetzky March? There was also the sequel, the Emperor’s Tomb. Not as good as the Radetzky March but still worthwhile.

The narrator of this book is Joseph Roth’s Rebellion. Half the book deals with Roth and the other with the current owner, whose grandfather saved it from a Nazi book burning in 1933. Unusual and strange book.

How long did you wait in line? Recent listen:

I, to my later regret, did not pursue playing a musical instrument when I was young. Later in life I tried, to little avail. When I’m listening, it’s for the rhythm, the beat, and I try to focus on what the soloist is doing, where’s he’s going. Since I, unlike Gheorghe, don’t know “how to drive,” it’s a bit more rudimentary to me. I probably know more than I can express in written words, if that makes any sense.

One of the minor complaints in the AMG review is that the piano was untuned.

In The NY Times, an appraisal Only Gilbert Gottfried Could Be So Dirty and So Heartbreakin

I wonder what Bob Weinstock would think.

Not much different than the MoFi One Steps although the MoFi run is higher. What’s the point? Better sound. I purchased the Eastern Sounds one and the sound was phenomenal. With a 5,000 run I’m not sure how well these will appreciate. Eastern Sounds had a 1,000 run and there were a lot of flippers (including pre-sales). So far no pre-sales on this one.

This release has received a mixed response from the Hoffman people. Of all the titles Craft has in its catalogue and they chose this? On top of this AP is reissuing its Prestige records and Relaxing is one of those slated for reissue. At $40 it’s a whole lot more attractive.

Craft Records has announced its next Small Batch record. The first two were Lush Life and Eastern Sounds, which sold out in an instant because they were limited to 1,000 each. The next one will be Relaxin’. Here’s the announcement. “We’re proud to announce Relaxin’ with the Miles Davis Quintet as the latest release in our acclaimed one-step series Small Batch. A pivotal title in Miles Davis’ incomparable catalog, this 1956 recording features a who’s who of jazz greats, including John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Taking all the feedback we’ve received during the first two releases into consideration, we’ve increased our pressing quantity to 5,000 units, yet againinstated a one-copy-per-household rule, andimplemented increased bot protection on our website to give everyone fair access. Additionally, to minimize in-transit damages and allow for a more streamlined shopping experience, we've centralized all of our inventory to our U.S. store (which ships worldwide) and designated Priority Mail as the only domestic shipping option to ensure better tracking and handling. We would like to encourage you all to create an account on CraftRecordings.com in advance in order to ensure that your details are all in the system by the time the release goes live. Subscribers to this Small Batch Alert list will have exclusive access to an early pre-sale window which begins this Friday (April 15th) at 12:00pm PST / 3:00pm EST, accessible via your unique code below. Please note, this product page will not be live until the time specified. The general pre-sale will begin at 2:00pm PST / 5:00pm EST on the same day (April 15th). Please note, the general pre-sale link is different to the early pre-sale link above, so please be sure to use the button below. Again, this product page will not be live until the specified time. No code necessary. As with previous Small Batch albums, Relaxin’ with the Miles Davis Quintet was mastered from its original analog tapes by legendary mastering engineer Bernie Grundman and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI using Neotech’s VR900 compound and a one-step lacquer process—allowing for the utmost level of musical detail, clarity, and dynamics while reducing the amount of surface noise on the record. Each pressing is individually numbered and encased in a foil-stamped, linen-wrapped slipcase featuring an acrylic inset of the original artwork. The vinyl disc is housed in a reproduction of the album’s original tip-on jacket from Prestige Records and protected by an archival-quality, anti-static, non-scratching inner sleeve. New liner notes from the GRAMMY® Award-winning music historian, journalist, and producer, Ashley Kahn complete the package.” The price was $100 on the first two so I’m assuming that is the case this time too.

I discussed this with Scott last year but didn’t mention because I assumed it needed to be kept confidential. At any rate, I will be in for this.

The Richie Cole at the Village Vanguard (which I purchased from Felser) is a real barn burner. I’d get that one at least.

A big pass for me.

I’m undecided. Too many vocals for my taste. I will wait to hear the audio clios.

Bummer.

Joe Harley talked to 45 RPM Audiophile, a popular vinyl YouTube channel, on Saturday. The video is about an hour long The first thing he announced was that there would be a TP of Blue Train, which people have been clamoring for, and that it would be “something special.” He wouldn’t further elaborate. I don’t if that means it’s some sort of box set which, considering that there are only two alternative takes would have to be more than that, or something else entirely.

Great story. Shows the extent to which companies protect their IP.

I find it slightly annoying if you buy a new pressing and it has problems. I’m much more forgiving with used vinyl because, hey, it’s used and you don’t expect perfection, not to mention less expensive; new TPs are $40.

Discs 1 and 2 so far.

I’m retired now but the day our company went casual was the last day I wore one (except for certain occasions). Still, there’s something about it when you wear one with a nice suit.