New Blue Note XRCDs

Teajay is correct. That is what I hear too. I purposely did not buy the Hank Mobley CD since I already have it as a RVG remaster. I'm ordering the XRCD today. One thing I will add about the RVG remasters: the later set are MUCH better than the earlier ones. I've noticed that the RVG CDs that have "EMI" on the CD spine are later releases and sound much better than earlier ones. However, no contest compared to these XRCDs.

Hank Mobley, Soul Station is outstanding. I'm listening to Cool Struttin right now and its good, but its not any better than the vinyl.

And of course, it has that damned RVG underwater piano.

Grimace - PERFECT description! "Damned RVG underwater piano". Listen to RVG remasters like Art Blakey "Moanin". Underwater piano. Lee Morgan "Candy" is a later RVG remaster with the red "EMI" label on the spine. Better but still not up to the level of these latest XRCDs.

Thanks!

Horace Parlan, Speaking My Piece is excellent too.

The only late 50s/early 60s Blue Note I know of, in any format, where the piano sounds more or less natural is Blue Trane, and even there its not great. Try the 45RPM vinyl. That is one GOOD recording. I can't wait until they get to that one on XRCD.