The DSD remastering has been available for some time...
99. As far as I know, the DSD version of the Mysterious Traveller CD by Weather Report has been available everywhere since 2002 and was released under the Columbia/Legacy label and is available right here in Amazon for $10. I bought one here and in the inner notes it says on the second to last page "Mastered by Mark Wilder & Seth Foster using DSD Technology from the original Masters".
So, it is not true that the DSD version is only available in the mini-sleeve format as stated by the previous review.
Having said this, I understand that it is none of my business whatever you do with your money, but I can't justify spending $16. 50 extra just to own the mini-sleve version promoted here.
I must admit mini-sleve versions of classic albums are quite cool and look great, but I suppose that we buy CDs because of the music, not the packaging. Now if there were extra tracks or outakes or mixes it would be a different story, but that is not the case here.
In the previous review it is stated that probably Sony will eventually release this version in a common Jewel Case at a cheaper price. I believe that already happened in 2002.
Of course, the Super Audio Stereo/Multichannel version is a completely different monster. . . but that's another story. . .
I'm not sure that all I have pointed out applies to their other cds, but I have the feeling it does, and I'll let someone else check that out.
Bottom Line: Don't let the words "Limited Edition" fool you into spending extra cash, but then again, it's none of my business what you do with your hard earned money.
As far as Mysterious Traveller goes, it's fantastic in any version! Thus, the 5 stars are for the music. . . not the "scam".
I hope this helps you potential victims. . .
.
NEW 2007 JAPAN REMASTER(S) AVAILABLE
From an audio quality standpoint, the DSD versions now supercede all the earlier standard-CD-audio U.
In 2007, the main 16 Weather Report Columbia titles were re-released in Japan with new DSD remastering in mini-sleeve format. S. releases (some of the WR catalog are available as SACD's).
Additionally, the Japan editions feature a welcome 2CD restoration of "8:30" to the original 13-track double-LP album configuration, with the proper inclusion of "Scarlet Woman", which had been edited off all domestic editions to allow for a cheaper, single-disc release.
So far, the WR DSD catalog is only available in mini-sleeve format, and all `sleeves are limited edition. If it is your desire to own the latest/greatest audio, then don't delay in picking these up, although it is always possible that Sony Japan will release them again as less expensive jewel case editions somewhere down the road. However, for the true WR fan and vinyl nut, it's great to have the wonderful mini-LP replicas of the original LP covers!
I wanted to provide links for each 2007 `sleeve edition, but unfortunately, Amazon only allows 10 per review. But, by linking to the 2007 DSD remaster of the first Weather Report album, you should be able to use the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" tool to locate the rest of the 2007 DSD titles (just make sure you verify the release date and Product Description).
Also, of note: In this same release were updated DSD remasters of the following WR-member solo albums, also as mini-sleeves:
Jaco Pastorius (1st album)
Wayne Shorter "Native Dancer"
Joe Zawinul "Di-a-lects"
And, the two Havana Jam albums, both where WR appeared live, also as `sleeves:
Havana Jam 1
Havana Jam 2
And, FINALLY: 2007 witnessed John McLaughlin finally relenting to release the full Trio Of Doom studio & live recordings, the awesome line-up of McLaughlin, Pastorius and Tony Williams, which could only be found previously on the Havana Jam albums, albeit in edited form.
WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13. 5MM X 13. 5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!.
THE DEFINITIVE (STANDARD CD AUDIO) VERSION
From an audio quality standpoint, the DSD versions now supercede all the earlier standard-CD-audio U.
In 2007, the main 16 Weather Report Columbia titles were re-released in Japan with new DSD remastering in mini-sleeve format. S. releases (some of the WR catalog are available as SACD's).
Additionally, the Japan editions feature a welcome 2CD restoration of "8:30" to the original 13-track double-LP album configuration, with the proper inclusion of "Scarlet Woman", which had been edited off all domestic editions to allow for a cheaper, single-disc release.
So far, the WR DSD catalog is only available in mini-sleeve format, and all `sleeves are limited edition. If it is your desire to own the latest/greatest audio, then don't delay in picking these up, although it is always possible that Sony Japan will release them again as less expensive jewel case editions somewhere down the road. However, for the true WR fan and vinyl nut, it's great to have the wonderful mini-LP replicas of the original LP covers!
I wanted to provide links for each 2007 `sleeve edition, but unfortunately, Amazon only allows 10 per review. But, by linking to the 2007 DSD remaster of the first Weather Report album, you should be able to use the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" tool to locate the rest of the 2007 DSD titles (just make sure you verify the release date and Product Description).
Also, of note: In this same release were updated DSD remasters of the following WR-member solo albums, also as mini-sleeves:
Jaco Pastorius (1st album)
Wayne Shorter "Native Dancer"
Joe Zawinul "Di-a-lects"
And, the two Havana Jam albums, both where WR appeared live, also as `sleeves:
Havana Jam 1
Havana Jam 2
And, FINALLY: 2007 witnessed John McLaughlin finally relenting to release the full Trio Of Doom studio & live recordings, the awesome line-up of McLaughlin, Pastorius and Tony Williams, which could only be found previously on the Havana Jam albums, albeit in edited form.
WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13. 5MM X 13. 5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!.
More funky disco beats, but where's the jazz???
This is NOT jazz, at least tot 200%, there's maybe 15% jazz here, and what there is of it, is very nice, but htere isn't enough here. Wow this one makes thoer other cd's in comparsion actually seem more like jazz, this is thier worst set yet!!! Yucky, this isn't for those who like jazz, if you are heavily into disco or munk, than you will love this, however there are not enough jazz solos here to comphensate for all the discocrap! Sorry, I can appreciate Miles Davis B*tches Brew and even Herbie Hancock's Headhunters(to a degree), but this is more disco then jazz! Don't believe every 5 star review you read, or you'll get taken like me.
Sets the compositional standard for Jazz CD's (of any kind)
Jazz musicians (as a general category) tend to play predominantly hot licks when improvising (which can be a good thing). What made Weather Report really special was that the quality of their composing was in a class of its own. However, jazz mucians have the tendency to incorporate that very same technique into their compositions which, in my opinion, is not the best way to go about it. It's the blending of sophisticated harmonies with outstanding (but not neccesarily highly technical) playing that makes really makes a musical "piece" worthwhile. There isn't a weak composition on this album and the playing is right up there with it.
Beyond those strengths there is so much else to recommend. I can't recall such a variety of cultures/styles being utilized as this one does. There are two pieces on the CD (Nubian Sundance and Mysterious Traveler) that have two drummers with an auxillary percussionist playing at the same time-its incredible how well they integrate together. Blackthorn Rose is simply the finest instrumental solo with piano accompanyment ever done. There are even interesting sound effects at the beginning and end of most pieces that set the theme really well. I could go on with the excellence in the playing but you know that's there already. True, some of the sounds on this album sound a little dated now (completely transcended in Tale Spinnin', their next album-the first they did out in LA) and the last two pieces have very little jazz improvisation (Wayne's playing was always a little under utilized in the band). But the CD's strengths are so stupendous it tips the scales to a five-star rating. There are other Weather Report CD's that have better features in other areas but get this one first if you want compositional excellence above all else.
You can see a complete list of all Weather Report discography, or go back to the Weather Report tabs
|
