Blanton-Webster band

[Newk]

I'm ready to dump my old bluebird version of this. I have the Definative, and the Columbia available in my area. I have heard the Columbia has a few issues.

Any final opinions on this?

Thanks.

[DrJ]

If these are the same transfers used for the big enchilada, the CENTENNIAL box, then I'd say "go for it" for sure. Be aware that I am in the "use little or no noise reduction and let the music breathe" camp when it comes to CD reissues of pre-tape era material like this. Some people groused about a lot of surface noise on some of the transfers from the Centennial box but I've never heard this stuff sound as full of life and present as it does now.

I personally don't think the surface noise is bad at all anyway, although it's true there's more than on stuff that's been heavily processed (and as a result sounds completely morose). If even a little bit of surface noise drives you crazy, though, you may in fact want to look elsewhere.

[Guy Berger]

If these are the same transfers used for the big enchilada, the CENTENNIAL box, then I'd say "go for it" for sure. Be aware that I am in the "use little or no noise reduction and let the music breathe" camp when it comes to CD reissues of pre-tape era material like this. Some people groused about a lot of surface noise on some of the transfers from the Centennial box but I've never heard this stuff sound as full of life and present as it does now.

I personally don't think the surface noise is bad at all anyway, although it's true there's more than on stuff that's been heavily processed (and as a result sounds completely morose). If even a little bit of surface noise drives you crazy, though, you may in fact want to look elsewhere.

This music sounds SO ALIVE on the Never No Lament reissue (Bluebird). The surface noise is the worst on the first few tracks ("Jack the Bear" in particular), gets much better quickly. Anybody who can't handle the noise is a pansy.

Guy