Sam Rivers

[AmirBagachelles]

I have now experienced this on two of the Blue Note CDs: almost inaudible bass, from Ron Carter on Contours and from Cecil McBee on Dimensions and Extensions. How does the Mosaic sound, particularly the vinyl set? Was there a problem at the session or have the tapes eroded? Thanks

[wolff]

I can tell you how the bass on the original Contours LP is, if you like. Seems like this has been discussed before. IIRC the bass is softly played on Contours. Probably, nothing they could do about it in the re-mastering.

Edited May 18, 2005 by wolff

[clifford_thornton]

Yeah, I think my original of Fuschia is like that too, which also sports Ron Carter in the bass chair (I'd hesitate to say 'features' as he's pretty understated). Dimensions and Extensions, OTOH, is a bit off-balance due to tape issues. My 2-fer pressing sounds a fair bit off.

[Soul Stream]

Don't know if these are JRVGs, but Rudy always cranks the bass imho.

[wolff]

Sidewinder may have the Mosaic LP set. Maybe, he'll chime in.

[sidewinder]

Yes - I've got the set on LP and CD plus most of the original BN LPs so that makes me a bit of a BN Sam Rivers fetishist ( ). I really like the sound of the original LPs - particularly the 'Contours' mono. Havinbg said that the Mosaic LP set is no slouch either. I'll do a bit of listening and post some additional thoughts on this over the next few days.

[jazzbo]

The Mosaic cd set is light on the bass on almost all sessions, and has an edginess I wish weren't there. . . .

The Connoisseurs of the individual titles released so far are an improvement on the Mosaic cd soung.

[sidewinder]

The Conn CD of 'Contours' is indeed one heck of an improvement. I've recently picked up a copy of this and am very impressed with the overall sound and excellent dynamics. Ron Carter's bass is on the quiet side on all 3 versions. Checked 'Euterpe' on this CD and also the Mosaic LP and the NY USA mono LP a bit earlier. As expected the NY USA mono had the best dynamics, presence and soundstage. The Conn CD also had great dynamics, especially the clarity of Tony Williams' drums . The Mosaic LP sounds to me much more 'mannered' but is a very satisfying listen. Almost like a King LP in terms of soundstage and musicality, very nice, very precise. All have their particular strenghts then but my personal preference is for the original LP. The biggest suprise is the Conn. By the way the wow at the beginning of 'Euterpe' isn't noticable on the original LP, sounds slightly noticable on the Mosaic and more so on the Conn, so looks like there has been a bit of tape degradation.

Edited May 25, 2005 by sidewinder