The Incredible Jimmy Smith* – The Cat

Got a brand new copy on Amazon. Sounds dynamite, I didn’t notice any distortion on the high end as someone said below (and I had it CRANKED) in fact I was highly impressed with just how clear the searing brass section was - I could see it messing with an improperly set up cart or dull stylus (I’m using a micro ridge stylus tip, previous experience with an ellipse tip revealed the latter will distort certain high frequencies while the former will sing through them - then again it was also mounted on a different tone arm so that could play a factor too, so ymmv as usual).

I didn’t see any code, not that I would probably use it anyway. The paper sleeve was really stuck on the vinyl and wouldn’t let go, so I just tore it off rather than take chances - I always replace them with antistatic rice paper sleeves so no prob.

I always shunned my copy as its looks badly non filled but i learned my.lesson by cleaning and playing this..... ITS EXCELLENT!

Also this is proof that a jazz record doesnt need KPG/BG/CB in the deadwax and that Abbey Road cuts CAN sound excellent. Honestly i think it runs the latest Acoustic Sounds prsss very very close though ive not done the A/B test yet. This one is smooth, detailed and nicely expansive. My audio memory says the newer AS cut has a little more depth but maybe thats it. I will be keeping this flat, super silent press for my dining room selection its far too good to sell off for a quick ten quid!

This is an outstanding reissue. Owned it for a while but re-listened today and felt compelled to review here. Remastered at Abbey Road, probably with digital in the chain, but sounds terrific. Detailed, bombastic brass without overshadowing Smith, great soundstage. No idea who was responsible but they deserve kudos for this. Recommended!

Great dynamics, but on most tracks the horn tutti is very distorted. The cymbals are also consistently distorted. The stereo image is very artificial.

Shame the sleeve isn't a gatefold but this is great pressing. Knocked my socks off. I've got an old copy somewhere but I don't that sounding this good. Ironic as, having a high end DS, I was starting to wonder why I still bother with vinyl. This gave me an answer.