Duke Ellington: Masterpieces

Duke Ellington's "Masterpieces": Analogue Productions' Spectacular Revival

Duke Ellington's aptly named "Masterpieces," originally released in 1951, holds historical significance as one of the first recordings specifically created for the then-new 12" LP format. Beyond its technical innovations, this collection truly lives up to its ambitious title—the music stands as an unparalleled demonstration of artistic excellence. The musicianship throughout is nothing short of masterful, the orchestration perfectly balanced, and the vocal performances genuinely heartfelt.

While some modern listeners might initially find the style somewhat dated by contemporary standards, allowing yourself to fully immerse in this music proves transformational. These recordings capture Ellington at the height of his powers, presenting compositions that blend sophisticated harmonies, rhythmic innovation, and emotional depth in ways that transcend their era.

The Analogue Productions Reissue
In 2021, Analogue Productions released "Masterpieces" in both 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM formats. This reissue was meticulously remastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound, working directly from the original analog tapes. The critical reception has been universally enthusiastic, with Stereophile magazine naming it a "2015 Record To Die For."

Sonic Excellence
Having experienced this remarkable pressing, we find ourselves in complete agreement with the widespread acclaim. The 45 RPM version in particular delivers an expansive soundstage that brings every subtle detail to vibrant life. As Jeff Wilson eloquently noted in The Absolute Sound—and we wholeheartedly concur—"The depth and space when those rich chromatic harmonies create a wide and well-defined soundscape, the timbre of the orchestra as a whole as well as individual instruments, and the thick, wooden sound of Wendell Marshall's bass are among the aural pleasures provided when you drop a needle on this platter; expect goose bumps."

The sound quality achieved in this Analogue Productions release, pressed by Quality Record Pressings, is truly exceptional. The dimensional depth and spaciousness create an uncanny sense of being present at the original recording session. Instrumental clarity remains pristine throughout, with each section of Ellington's orchestra occupying its perfect place in the soundstage. The dynamic range is equally impressive, capturing both delicate passages and full orchestral swells with equal fidelity.

The Vinyl Verdict
Ryan Smith's remastering work deserves particular praise for breathing new life into what was already a remarkably high-fidelity recording for its time. The level of detail extraction achieves the seemingly impossible feat of making a nearly 75-year-old recording sound fresh and immediate to modern ears.
For both dedicated jazz collectors and audiophiles seeking demonstration-worthy vinyl, this reissue represents a pinnacle achievement in historical remastering. It preserves the musical genius of Duke Ellington while revealing sonic nuances that previous generations of listeners could only imagine. This pressing doesn't merely reproduce "Masterpieces"—it uncovers the full glory of one of jazz's greatest achievements. 💰

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