The Sinatra Society of Japan has issued new DSD remasters of Monterose's The Message and In Action. They're in the mini-LP format, and are the best-sounding reissues of these classic albums I've heard. The catalog numbers are:
XQAM 1622 - The Message
XQAM 1616 - In Action
I don't know exactly how or why the Sinatra Society (of Japan) is reissuing these, but I'm glad they did. The obi on In Action notes "JR Monterose Estate" — which means ... I don't know. Original source material? Legal permission?
The Message especially sounds great. And the packaging beautifully replicates, down to the glossy cover, the original vinyl sleeve (though I've never actually seen a copy of the original LP). A note — there was an earlier (2005) Japanese mini-LP version of this album, put out by Jazzbank, that should be avoided at all costs. It sounded worse (to me) than the Fresh Sound issue.
Just a heads-up for those that love these records and have (like myself, unfortunately) sound-upgrade-itis. Both are safe purchases, and very much (in my opinion) worth re-purchasing for the new transfer.
And — yes! — In Action has the original black-and-white cover. Very nice.