Hot Stamper Pressings of Recordings by Rudy Van Gelder Available Now
The best pressings of Prelude are especially full-bodied and rich.
The congas are well up in the mix, which allows them to drive the powerful rhythmic energy of the music.
We know this because the copies with congas that were veiled or thin never seemed to have any get up go.
There is wonderful transparency and openness to the soundstage, as well as less congestion in the loudest parts. Also Sprach (2001) is on side one of the album and it is KILLER on the best pressings.
Both sides can also be surprisingly sweet and Tubey Magical, nice qualities for a CTI record to have since so many of them are aggressive and edgy to the point of distraction.
Full, lively horns; rich, punchy, smear-free congas; fuzzy fuzzed-out guitars; as well as correct tonality and Tubey Magic in every area of the spectrum, what’s not to love?
The best pressings are so much bigger than most copies too. There is no doubt that you will hear the difference immediately. If you do a shootout with your best copy and ours plan on it being over almost before it starts.
Side One
Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)
Spirit of Summer
Carly & Carole
Side Two
Baubles, Bangles and Beads
Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun
September 13
Further Reading