A great piano trio album. Too bad all the NYC 1st pressings are inferior pressings or/and have recycled vinyl hiss. Never heard of another NYC pressing with this problem. I’ve gathered from multiple sources that it seems to be consistent. But as the 1st pressing fundamentalist that I am the NYC pressing was the one for me, hiss or not. I got it at a very fair price though so that helped. The condition is nice so for this pressing that’s not the problem. It’s still a quite enjoyable listen, or so I tell myself, you just have to come to terms with that this is as good as it gets for a 1st pressing of this particular title. It’s not easy though, as I am a bit picky when it comes to noise. But any way you slice it, it’s vinyl and some records just don’t sound that good. I put on Cecil Taylor’s “Looking Ahead” on Contemporary after, and what a difference. No noise what so ever, much clearer sound and no distortion.
Now, the music is superb. Very relaxing album, with plenty of great passages and Ray Bryant was a lovely pianist. Very lyrical in his playing. Not any big surprises, groundbreaking innovations or breathtaking technical runs, just wonderful and relaxing music. Favorite tune is “Django”, no contest.
This title has several different pressings, the 2nd one for example is on the New Jazz label. The hiss improves I think on later pressings, but from what I’ve gathered it’s not perfect on the earlier ones unless you go for a later Japanese pressing. No matter, I’m content with this OG. It’s very rare, a superb historical artefact, so to have this in the collection is truly wonderful, despite the before mentioned quite prominent flaws.
What’s your thoughts on this album ,and do you have any other favorite Ray Bryant albums? Please share.
Cheers!