Various – Blue Break Beats

This press is identical to the 1992 version, it's not a remaster. It's probably from the same press with all the same setting saved or left over versions of the original volume? Whatever the case this is identical to the original volume 1 press (had both), bass response, noise floor even the vinyl used and the groove cuts are the same. Which is good news because that's not always the case, it'll say B1-99106 on the back of the sleeve on the barcode, and on the record inlay stickers. This is definitely better than the remasters imho.

If you want to sample from "Jazzy" tracks (not that certain tracks aren't funky or have a soul element across the entire series many do, more later but not in a good way), this compilation is a bit of a masterclass introduction to that and still worth it if your a vet as there's bound to be songs here you don't have or wouldn't of reached for without spinning this beauty.

As with all compilations, Blue Break Beats, fades off further into the series as there becomes less of a pool to select from for the creators, this unfortunately is more exacerbated here since everything is pooled from one lable.

2 is still solid, 3 I'm unsure on, I mite pick it up if I see it at a good price (prices are rising though), and 4 no thanks. The "best of" also isn't great as it goes for the hits, whereas for me this series is all about those lesser known breaks and samples (this was released when sampling jazz breaks particularly was a bit edgy, not so much horns or instrument samples, people did that and ofcourse you have these here too at times)

I'd say 1 or 2 are safe bets but we could say that (the 1st instalments are better) about most sample orientated compilation record series, apart from UBAB which was dragged out ridiculously thin only offering 0 to 2 nice samples per record, which by todats standards would be a joke (legendary series though, i have about 6 volumes), rest assured you'll get a lot lot more than that here!

Overall volume 1 is an absolute classic in my eyes (and ears) and you can't go wrong with it. There's really no better as these are double LPs and this volume is packed with goodness, with no real filler. Nothing really compares, Planet of the Breaks and Soul Beats are single LPs and are more funk/soul driven. Blue Breaks 1 and do a degree 2 really are a gold standard and nothing can touch them apart from collecting an absolute ton of original records or quality represses ofcourse, but sometimes a condensed compilation with sample after sample is nice on chill Sunday with a beverage of your choice.

My only criticism would be if you just want to listen to this as a record without pillaging this treasure trove for samples, because everything is off different records there are volume differences track to track. But I'd rather have them as they were on the original records than remastered.

(Also !!!warming!!! this will get you into jazz if you weren't already, I was, and class Max Roach going off as just as much of a valid break as a James Brown session drummer going off on a solo segment (break). I was already a fan of Donaldson, Byrd, Hancock and a huge fan of McGriff, but if you hadn't been got already this comp will get you and afflict you with a new audio addiction, I had the sickness so i was all in, but dont say you haven't been warned)

9.5/10

Blue Break Beats - Volume 1 = Legendary

Back in 92 this was my entrance into the world of Blue Note. I knew nothing about any of the artists. But one thing i do know is that the music i heard was impeccable. If you're still in your teens, or beginning to get into collecting music no matter the format, i highly recommend getting this, and the other 3 compilations. Essential education, and it'll start you on your journey of discovery.
Nowadays with the vast re-issue programs you can be spoilt for choice. But these comps will save you a lot of time and money to get you started.

this comp sounds awesome. Great quality, strong selections