Woody Shaw – Blackstone Legacy

The best pressing of this great, great Woody Shaw record. If you're wondering why it goes for more than the green label version, it's because it sounds way, way better. I've had both.

Interesting recording here. Not an "audiophile" record in the traditional sense, but it's not bad. When you see an album from this era, with this lineup, you associate it with the RVG CTI sound. Something with lots of headroom, instrument spacing, some echo, etc. At least that's how I remembered this album for a long time, but it's not that sound. The instruments are closely mic'd in maybe a smaller booth, and so the sound of the band is much drier than you'd hear with CTI records. It's a nice and symmetrical recording, but there are some difficulties with the trumpet in the center. There are lots of high pitched distortions (I guess it would be considered clipping) around the trumpet and it can be quite loud at times. When I listen to this album I often change from my usual headphones to something that's less detailed, but more forgiving. And once I dial into a good volume level I get quite used to the sound and actually quite enjoy the different approach to engineering than many other jazz albums from the time.

The Original, 1st press is the GREEN Label, not the Yellow.
I don't understand why people is paying much more for a repress... it's so stupid.

My order came only with the second record!!! Sounds great though.

There are 2 versions. One normal and other with promo label. Not white label. Based on the obi it is from 1979 or 1982 ish.

My preorder (from october 2023) is now ready to ship!

For the Europeans: imusic in Denmark now have this available on their website for EUR50

Wondering what happened here with the distribution for this release. They can’t be ordered from Jazz Dispensary, It’s backordered everywhere, I haven’t seen a single copy in a brick and mortar yet Amazon has had them from the beginning (and still does). It’s odd

One of the top jazz reissues of 2023, hands down. This is Tone Poet quality of mastering, pressing, tip-on gatefold jacket. Amazing music, that sweet spot (for me) of melody, rhythm, and free. Lineup is legendary. A+

More awesomeness from Jazz D and Craft. These albums are meaty both in weight of vinyl and the music. Craft is starting to set the standard for great AAA reissues of unobtainable gems at reasonable price and super high quality