"Keeping the hot stamper prices down". Isn't that a bit of an oxymoronic statement?
Seems I missed this thread completely as I was away for a few days around New Years (ironically, listening to Donald Harrison, who used to play with Art Blakey, at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago).
My advice with respect to Blue Notes would be to adopt a "two pronged" strategy that would involve purchasing re-issues such as the Kings and Music Matters with titles that fetch outrageous prices with respect to originals (when I say originals I'm talking Lexington, West 63rd or New York, New York addresses) and then either seeking out originals (if you have the stomach and $$ for it) or Liberty or solid blue label Blue Note re-issues of more obscure titles that might be of interest.
Originals can be very pricey, and that is if you happen on to one that is in good shape. Factor in that you might have to buy 3 or 4 or more copies to get a great one and you are looking at a lot of money. A King for $25-$50 or a Music Matters for $50-$60 can look pretty cheap.
The Kings IMO sound very close to originals as someone else has posted above. The Music Matters series also sound very good, but they definitely sound different than the Kings or originals. I find that the MM series sounds particularly good with respect to high frequencies (more natural and realistic than original Blue Notes which do, by the way, sound a bit more aggressive and less natural-maybe "relaxed" is a better word-than their Contemporary competitors from the same era, at least on my system) and they are smoother, definitely more "relaxed". The Kings, originals and even Liberty/solid blue label re-issues in many cases (at least with my ears and my system) do certain things very well compared to the Music Matters; among them are front to back "depth" in terms of imaging, separation and deliniation of instruments and a subjective "drive" or PRAT thing with the music. When it gets right down to it, I can live happily and enjoy either product; ultimately, for me, it becomes a value for $$ decision.
But I wouldn't sell the Liberty's or solid blue label Blue Note re-issues short. For $10-$20 in mint condition they represent excellent value and probably get you 80-90% there compared to the original, King or MM.
Seems I missed this thread completely as I was away for a few days around New Years (ironically, listening to Donald Harrison, who used to play with Art Blakey, at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago).
My advice with respect to Blue Notes would be to adopt a "two pronged" strategy that would involve purchasing re-issues such as the Kings and Music Matters with titles that fetch outrageous prices with respect to originals (when I say originals I'm talking Lexington, West 63rd or New York, New York addresses) and then either seeking out originals (if you have the stomach and $$ for it) or Liberty or solid blue label Blue Note re-issues of more obscure titles that might be of interest.
Originals can be very pricey, and that is if you happen on to one that is in good shape. Factor in that you might have to buy 3 or 4 or more copies to get a great one and you are looking at a lot of money. A King for $25-$50 or a Music Matters for $50-$60 can look pretty cheap.
The Kings IMO sound very close to originals as someone else has posted above. The Music Matters series also sound very good, but they definitely sound different than the Kings or originals. I find that the MM series sounds particularly good with respect to high frequencies (more natural and realistic than original Blue Notes which do, by the way, sound a bit more aggressive and less natural-maybe "relaxed" is a better word-than their Contemporary competitors from the same era, at least on my system) and they are smoother, definitely more "relaxed". The Kings, originals and even Liberty/solid blue label re-issues in many cases (at least with my ears and my system) do certain things very well compared to the Music Matters; among them are front to back "depth" in terms of imaging, separation and deliniation of instruments and a subjective "drive" or PRAT thing with the music. When it gets right down to it, I can live happily and enjoy either product; ultimately, for me, it becomes a value for $$ decision.
But I wouldn't sell the Liberty's or solid blue label Blue Note re-issues short. For $10-$20 in mint condition they represent excellent value and probably get you 80-90% there compared to the original, King or MM.