Mark Smotroff

6 days ago | ecoustics.com | Mark Smotroff

Before diving into the many reasons why you should consider picking up a copy of Thelonious Himself, the classic 1957 (mostly) solo piano LP by Thelonious Monk—now beautifully restored as part of Craft Recordings’ Original Jazz Classics (OJC) series—let’s take a moment to consider what it might cost to track down a pristine (or even near-mint) original pressing. Assuming you can even find one.

1 week ago | ecoustics.com | Mark Smotroff

Rhino’s thus far stellar “Quadio” series of reissues has several new titles out including two fascinating releases from the universes of jazz and experimental post-psychedelic synthesizer-driven pop:  The Modern Jazz Quartet and Moog (synthesizer) pioneers, Beaver & Krause. For those unfamiliar with Rhino’s “Quadio” series, it’s part of the label’s deep dive into the Warner Music archives—specifically the quadraphonic mixes from the 1970s.

1 week ago | analogplanet.com | Mark Smotroff

Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ 1974 Live Album Saturnight (Cat Stevens Live in Tokyo) Finally Sees Worldwide, and Quite Welcome, 1LP 50th Anniversary Release The 50th anniversary edition of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ November 1974 live album Saturnight (Cat Stevens Live in Tokyo) is a surprisingly satisfying single-LP snapshot of the artist at an arguable career peak.

1 week ago | analogplanet.com | Mike Mettler |Mark Smotroff

Late, Great Music Visionary Herb Belkin’s Amazing Collection, Including Many of His Own Original Rare & Low-Number MFSL Limited-Edition LPs and Box Sets, Is Set for Auction by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries on June 29 Mike Mettler: Herb Belkin was one of a kind.

2 weeks ago | ecoustics.com | Mark Smotroff

Rhino’s acclaimed “Quadio” series continues to impress with its latest quadraphonic Blu-ray reissues, featuring classic rock legends Rod Stewart and Z.Z. Top. This ongoing archival project from Rhino dives deep into the vaults of its associated labels, resurrecting rare and historically significant four-channel quadraphonic audio recordings from the 1970s.