Miles Davis's Classic Prestige Series Box Set, Newly Mastered* Gets a Reissue
originally reissued by Acoustic Sounds in 1996 (first box set issue , of course)
Analogue Productions announced this box set reissue earlier in the month and we missed it. This is an essential Miles set. Here is the press release:
One of Analogue Productions' most successful and collectible projects has been the Miles Davis Quintet/The Great Prestige Recordings deluxe box set on 33 1/3 LP. Now, that beautiful five-album set is being reintroduced.
Featuring a 12" x 12" 12-page gorgeous booklet, packaged with the LPs (each housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket) in a deluxe, heavy-duty box, this set is the end-all of Miles' work for the legendary Prestige label from 1951 through 1956. Stereophile awarded the first incarnation of this set Recording of the Month in their March 1997 issue, giving it five stars for both music and sonics.
Miles Davis's final Prestige sessions came from a desire to move to Columbia in 1956 while still owing Prestige several albums. Using producer Bob Weinstock's loose recording approach, Miles and his first great quintet knocked out the obligation in two marathon sessions (May 11 and October 26, 1956) at Rudy Van Gelder's studio, playing their regular live repertoire with little rehearsal.
Prestige later released the music as Cookin', Relaxin', Workin', and Steamin'. Intended as quick contract fillers, the recordings became landmark hard-bop albums and some of the most natural, swinging jazz ever captured.
The Miles Davis Quintet featured what is likely Miles' best-ever group, featuring Davis, John Coltrane, Philly Joe Jones, Paul Chambers and Red Garland. All of those albums are included in this limited edition box set. The albums are pressed on 180-gram vinyl and mastered from the original analog tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio* (two are newly remastered by KG for this set, the three others were remastered a few years ago by KG). They are packaged in a deluxe box with original album covers plus the 12-page booklet by Bob Blumenthal.
These were not rehearsed studio constructions but living, breathing performances — spontaneous, swinging, and electrifying in their interplay. From the simmering cool of "My Funny Valentine" to the hard-driving pulse of "Airegin," these sessions distilled everything that made Miles and his sidemen legends.
This box set is essential listening — meticulously mastered, beautifully presented, and historically vital. Own the sound that started it all — Miles, Coltrane, and company at their most inspired.
Note: when originally released in 1997 the box cost $200.00. Now, almost 30 years later and featuring far better jackets and better mastering, the price is up $50.00
Here are some photos from the original box set cut by Stan Ricker 1/2 speed on the recently purchased Dave Wilson lathe then installed at RTI, plated at RTI and pressing at RTI almost 30 years ago. And here's the proof!
Michael and Chad talking about the (possible) future of vinyl
Oh so young looking Chad and Don MacInnis planning their future, working in the fast food industry
Wow....it was 30 years ago, but probably not today.....
.png)
