Jazz At Oberlin - The Dave Brubeck Quartet (1LP Vinyl)

In all my years of collecting, Jazz At Oberlin by The Dave Brubeck Quartet stands out as a masterpiece that defines the genre.

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 Dave Brubeck Quartet 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 Dave Brubeck Quartet 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:
Original Jazz Classic Reissue by Craft Recordings.
Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI

The OBI strip states (AAA) Lacquers cut from the original master tapes by KEVIN GRAY at COHEARENT AUDIO. However, the deadwax was "MCL@CA" indicating the lacquers were cut by Matthew Lutthans instead.

Runouts are etched.

Track Listing:
A1. The Way You Look Tonight
A2. How High The Moon
B1. These Foolish Things
B2. Perdido
B3. Stardust

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.

If you're building a serious collection, this belongs on your shelf. I guarantee you'll return to this record again and again.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: The Dave Brubeck Quartet

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Craft Recordings

Catalog Number: CR00612

Series: Original Jazz Classics

Release Year: 2023

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)