Herbie Hancock – Takin' Off

Surprisingly this French FNAC release has an excellent remastered sound!

I don't have any other pressings of this to compare it to, but this one sounds pretty amazing. I have #1401.

My copy is a bit worn with surface marks and a hazy surface but none of it seems to affect the play. Almost no surface noise, nice pressing, maybe a bit of hiss in the treble (drums) but otherwise great.

How does this sound, flat records , any comments anyone ?

Is this an unofficial release? Seems like it's just the original Blue Note recording, and it seems those still exist.

Picked up this record to round out an online order, glad I did. I acknowledge the original tapes aren't the source for this record, but I don't have a super nice system so this pressing sounds fine. And of course, the music is wonderful.

Herbie Hancock’s debut album “Takin’ Off”, originally released in 1962, remains a milestone in jazz history, captivating critics and fans alike to this day. The 2019 reissue presents this classic in a quality that does justice to both the original recording and the modern audience.

The sound quality of the 2019 reissue is simply excellent. The meticulous remastering process has brought out the nuances and dynamic range of Hancock’s compositions and the play of his band members - including greats like Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums - with a clarity that was previously hard to grasp. The rhythmic subtleties and harmonic transitions, in particular, are impressively showcased in this re-release.

The album includes some of Hancock’s most famous pieces, such as “Watermelon Man”, which became a hit not only for Hancock himself but also in Mongo Santamaria’s version, becoming an essential part of Latin jazz history. The freshness and innovative force with which these compositions were recorded in the early 60s are enhanced by the improved sound quality of the reissue, making the music feel timeless.

The balance between the instruments in the reissue is particularly commendable. Each instrument finds its place in the mix without overshadowing the others, a testament to the excellent production and mastering. This allows the listener to fully appreciate the interaction between the musicians and the individual contributions of each one.

Overall, the reissue of Herbie Hancock’s “Takin’ Off” is a triumphant re-release that will delight both audiophiles and jazz enthusiasts. It is not only a tribute to the genius of Hancock and his fellow musicians but also a testament to how contemporary technology can help bring classic recordings to life for new generations of listeners.

I took at chance on this after finding one at a local shop. It's my first experience with a DMM pressing of any record, but I will certainly be keeping an eye out for other DMM classic jazz albums. One of the best sounding records in my collection. Freddie Hubbard kills it on this recording.

Received mine today. Flat, polylined sleeve, no noise whatsoever. Bought directly from Blue Note, as I always do. I shop their sales.

Bought a copy some days ago.
Perfectly flat, silent and centered.
Sounds really good, no clicks nor pops even if not cleaned.