Search - Dave Brubeck :: Jazz at Oberlin (20 Bit Mastering)

Not worth the extra bits.

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 08/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is, IMO, the Brubeck Quartet's best recording ever (Paul is simply incredible), not to mention one of the most inspired examples of the art of jazz improvisation on record. For this reason, I thought it wise to retire my old copy and order this new, limited (10,000 copies), 50th anniversary edition with "20 Bit Mastering." My decision was influenced by the frequently miraculous engineering evident on recent Sony-Columbia reissues. But Fantasy records, not Sony, was responsible for this restoration. The only noticeable improvement on this "Jazz at Oberlin" edition over my old copy is slightly better definition of the walking bass lines. On the other hand, the drums are more muffled, the alto is overly "present" in relation to the other instruments, and the piano sounds thin and "dead," especially in the bass register.If you don't have this album, by all means pick it up, but look for any edition at the best price. The musical content is what makes this one a winner."