Miles Davis: Kind of Blue (Corrected Speed Reissue from Analogue Productions)

Miles Davis' Kind of Blue is, and will forever be in my favorite albums of all time. It was the album that introduced me to jazz, modal music, the concept of space in music, great recordings, and more than anything, the idea that such a distinct feeling and vibe could be transmitted from musicians in a room, to a fixed medium, and then to listeners everywhere. It is a masterpiece, and it captured two sessions in 1959 at Columbia's 30th Street Studio in New York that will live forever. 

Kind of Blue also introduced me to the music of John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderly, Jimmy Cobb, Wynton Kelly, and Paul Chambers. It is the best-selling jazz album ever, and has something to offer both to new ears unready for the more challenging music that was to come from Miles' second great quintet that featured Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, and Ron Carter, as well as something for seasoned jazz aficionados who can appreciate the nuanced playing and mastery of the band. 

I just got the newly released vinyl reissue of Kind of Blue issued by Analog Productions. It is a 180-gram double LP 33 1/3 RPM release with an unreleased version of "Flamenco Sketches" on side 4 cut at 45 RPM. The album was mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original master. As fans of this album may already know, the original release had an issue with the speed of the first three tracks ("So What", "Freddie Freeloader", and "Blue in Green") due to a motor issue on Columbia's 3-track tape machine that ran about 1.25% slower than intended. 

This latest release corrects this speed issue on Side 1, Side 2 remains the same, Side 3 is the first three tracks as originally released, and Side 4 is the aforementioned alt version of "Flamenco Sketches".  

The packaging is fantastic, and the pressing sounds incredible. I am not a purist when it comes to listening to music. I have a nice setup to play vinyl, but I also stream in my kitchen on a Bluetooth speaker, listen in the car, and on earbuds. I just like music! But, vinyl is my preferred way to listen to jazz, and this version of Kind of Blue fills the room with impressive depth and detail. The original recording was also fantastic, but this version feels like I can hear a little more of the studio and space around the instruments.

I am not sure if the 1.25% change in speed makes all the difference in the world to me, but for purists it will likely be a must-have. I just loved putting it on, and disappearing into a recording of which I know every note like the back of my hand. 

You can pick up a copy HERE.

Note: You can read more about Bernie Grundman via our interviews with folks like Bob Attiyeh of Yarlung Records, Bruce Botnick, Betty Bennett of Apogee, and Allen Sides.