Jazz At Massey Hall - The Quintet (1LP Vinyl)

Jazz At Massey Hall by The Quintet is the kind of album that reminds you why vinyl collecting became a lifelong passion.

I remember finding this gem in a dusty basement shop in New York – the owner didn't even know what he had.

This recording captures The Quintet during a transformative period in both their personal artistry and the broader musical landscape.

Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. The Quintet leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Recorded live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Canada; May 15, 1953.

[A1] Tempo Music
[A2]: MCA Music
[A3]: T. B. Harms
[B1]: MCA Music
[B2]: Bregman, Vocco & Conn
[B3]: MCA

Made in U.S.A.

Track Listing:
A1. Perdido
A2. Salt Peanuts
A3. All The Things You Are
B1. Wee
B2. Hot House
B3. A Night In Tunisia

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.

Trust me on this one – I've been collecting for decades, and records like this are why vinyl will never die.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: The Quintet

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Original Jazz Classics

Catalog Number: OJC-044

Release Year: 2023

Country: Germany

Condition: Sealed (New)