Herbie Hancock – Mwandishi

I had the MOV press, which is good, but this beats it handily. These are the only two I’ve heard on vinyl so nothing else to compare to. This Japan press has more presence, air, vibrancy, and seems less compressed (or something like that) than the MOV, which I assume is from digital.

Looking for a jacket in reasonably decent shape, if anyone has a junked copy of the LP...

This is a great reissue. I have a 1971 copy that was a $1 thrift store find in 2021. Not quite as dynamic as my 1971 copy but is very satisfying to listen to. I would not pass on a copy of this. Clear sound, no pops, flat vinyl, and I have no issues with recommending this release for purchase.

Direct comparison to 2019 MOV https://www.discogs.com/release/13110819-Herbie-Hancock-Mwandishi :
This original press is warmer, smoother, more “analog tape” sounding. At the expense of some clarity (snare drum, for example), but avoiding harshness in more aggressive passages.

The compositions and performance are stunning - a highlight in Herbie’s long career.

Direct comparison to original US pressing https://www.discogs.com/release/1307670-Herbie-Hancock-Mwandishi :
This 2019 pressing has a more extended top end, which provides greater clarity in some ways (snare, for example), but more edge / harshness in others (some keyboard passages). Dynamics are well-preserved; bandwidth is 48kHz+. No indication of the source, but if it was cut from digital, it was 96kHz or better. A solid pressing if you like more clarity and edge. If you want smoother, more “analog tape” sound, an original press should be sought.

It’s my first MOV and it sounds great. Not quite audiophile but amazing. No surface noise, flat, silent. Highly recommended.

I agree to what has been said positively before. My copy is flat, silent, the sound crystal clear and dynamic. Pure listening pleasure.

How does it compare to the MOV pressing? Is it the same master?

Amazing record, not so amazing pressing, constant clicks in the quiet bits from which there are plenty throughout the music (kinda ruinning the precious first seconds of 'Ostinato'), couple of skips on the B side and... too bassy, the highs get somewhat lost underneath, most noticeable on A2. Sounds somewhat compressed... Vinyl jacket isn't hi-res either. Booklet included contains some good HQ Hancock pictures however (though only one of the actual Mwandishi band) but doesn't say much worth noting, which figures.
I got this on a discount though, so it's all good. So far the best record i've got from this 'Jazz Collection (16)' series is Slaves Mass, that one is flawless.

I have a variant of this according to the decription, but with a Terre Haute T! There is no plant info here! can anyone check!