I've heard a lot of negatives recently about this label on other channels. I do not personally have any of them. I prefer to spend my money more economically at the moment catching up on quality releases. However, I have no issue with them charging what they want for their products. If there is a market, why not? To each their own. BTW, I absolutely love what Blue Note and Chad over at Acoustic sounds is doing producing such quality products for a very reasonable price. Peace and happy listening (and collecting).

345 people can really rejoice now. 99% of your viewers will never hold this LP in their hands. This is not for collectors, just like Faberge eggs are not for art collectors.

The value in the recordings is listening to the music.

"If you really listen to your records and open them up, you really destroy a huge portion of the value." This perfectly encapsulates what I find, to be blunt, ridiculously stupid about "collecting". If someone is just buying the object as an artifact to collect, with no intention of ever opening and playing it, I have precisely zero respect for them. The "value" SHOULD be the music (and stuff like booklets with actual information and such). Period. The "collecting" thing is, as far as I'm concerned, complete and utter bullshit. I have the 2020 60th anniversary "deluxe" edition of Giant Steps. I paid the extra for the second disc and booklet. And I absolutely opened it and play it. As I write, I'm listening to the Acoustic Sounds "Duke Ellington & John Coltrane" that I just bought at my local independent record store today (along with Marianne Faithfull's "She Walks in Beauty", Ray Charles "Genius + Soul = Jazz", Aphex Twin "Selected Ambient Works 85-92", and Frank Sinatra "Sing and Dance With Frank Sinatra". I've opened all of them and I'm going to listen to all of them. Buy records you like-preferably from indie shops. Listen to them. Otherwise, what's the point?

@dzikirolnik777

2 жыл бұрын

I do collect albums and never open it because i only collect. Now I must go to prison? Its My decision not yours .

@lucullus6127

2 жыл бұрын

@@dzikirolnik777 of course your decision, just stupid .... ( they will not increase in value in future)

Nothing beats bringing a record home (that you've paid a fortune for) taking it out, cleaning it, put it on the turntable and Nothing but pure analogue bliss comes from the speakers! No or very few crackles and pops, just pure natural audio, ahhhhh!

I have my copy of this but haven’t played it yet due to work commitment. Glad you loved it - I thought you would. I now have 4 ERC titles - I blame you by the way for encouraging me! 😊

Wonderful jazz record and I am sure the ERC sounds fantastic. But for the time being I am also happy with the Rhino boxset of the Coltrane Atlantic recordings.

@daviddavies2615

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

Lovely video Micheal ,a true gem of an album.

I was lucky enough to get (buy) a few ERCs over the last 2 years. As you, Michael I appreciate the work the ERC team does. Of course I understand that the price is prohibitive for most vinyl lover. Keeping in mind that we are talking about very limited numbers and the amount of work that is needed to produce this juwels, I don‘t think they are overpriced. And the sound the tube based mastering system transfers to the lacquers is something special.

A pleasure only for a few ... that's life, no need to get angry. If I could I would buy it too. Let those who can do it instruct us with their sensations and impressions. I think we all benefit from it. Thx again Michael.

No thanks Michael, I just don’t like that snobbish approach.

Thanks for your videos and ERC reviews. I love music and recently discovered jazz - only took me 40 years! Going with an all tube system, middle high grade I guess, I started buying ERC on the second hand market. I did get in on the Billy Evans mono though :-D The first ERC I heard just melted me away in my seat. Being new I’m going back and deciding what prior release titles to buy on the second hand market and it really is a big investment. So your reviews of ERC really help me decide what titles is should pursue vs a first pressing or something. This title has been on the top of my list for a while now. Glad to see it made your list here.

Though I might never own an ERC title, I am pleased that they exist. Despite all debate, the pursuit of quality craft is (itself) reason enough that this company exists. For many reasons, production value is in a race to the bottom-- pursuit for market share (dictated by the business model) chiefly among them. It is true that not everyone needs to have one of these records, but for those who are financially able to, and appreciate what ERC does, this pursuit of craft is worth it.

So nice, I wish I could afford to buy at least one so I at least could try it out! Cheers for shearing your thoughts.

My aim will always be owning as many important jazz records with the monies available to me. I can admire the ERC releases from afar but it’s definitely not in the cards for me financially to get into their releases. The other thing is that you will need an elite stereo system to enjoy these, yet another issue for most. Continue doing your reviews, they are great for reference and sometimes I feel like I’m on island with my jazz addiction, since most of my fellow metal people really don’t care about the genre. Mem/Exumer

Congrats for 16k.

ERC very good quality, I’ve heard people complain about the jackets. Personally I’ve haven’t run into any problems with the ERC titles I have. people are going to find something to complain about no matter who is pressing these records. Like you said if you don’t want to deal with it then buy digital.

As we all know, sometimes there's a phenomenal difference between editions of a particular recording, and that's why we're not just streaming Spotify. e.g. I was completely indifferent to "kind of blue" (cd editions) until recently hearing the new Analogue Productions edition. I can well imagine the same being true of this ERC Giant Steps. I was lucky enough to get a copy. It sounds fab, (which for me is 95% of the deal). but the cover is also beautiful. That photo is gorgeous. However, I can't/won't be trying to buy all ERC editions. I'm hoping that one day Michael will invite us 'round for a listen. Thanks for the reviews ! ::-)

Just received Coltrane’s Giant Steps Mono from Rhino and it sounds good . A bit boomy at the low end but still very nice. I finally dig the mono sound stage 😁

Nice one. Do you use A dedicated mono cartridge To get the most out of it?

I got #339… Was slower than usual with my response. Glad they increased the edition (they don’t list a number on their website, at least not until a few days ago)

I know how this goes: I drop hundreds on the record and the first time I go to flip it over to listen to Naima in its full ERC glory, it ends up on the floor. No thank you.

I have to say since i got back into vinyl and picking up Mono pressing to my ears Mono is the way to go for me.

Hi Michael looks like a great edition. I wasn’t lucky this time in the allocation process but I do own 2 ERCs which are both great. Looks like their latest process worked to try to eliminate flippers as there is only 1 copy sold on Discogs so far and no others for sale. I looked back at the 2 titles I have and almost all the copies for sale are from USA, only 1 copy in Europe. Maybe more were sold to US customers? 🤔 Enjoy your new record

I have Giant Steps mono reissue from the Jazz Analogue Premium Collection series which was released in Japan few years ago. It's the equivalent to Tone Poet series in Japan. I haven't listened to the ERC. Maybe never will.. But that's easily one of the best versions of this album..and it's just 40-45$. Somehow I don't expect the ERC to be much better.

I have posted my interest in purchasing this LP on ERC website and got an email saying that there will be a ballot for 'selected few' who can purchase it. It is sad that I wasnt selected in the end.

Hey my friend can you give us the website where we can buy this particular pressing at?? I can't seem to find them searching Google.. thank you sir

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

electricrecordingco.com/

@happyhippythevinylguy

2 жыл бұрын

@@Michael45RPM thanks

Hi Michael, great video as always. Did't got my hand on this record 🙄 I have one question. Can you link or tell me what outer sleevs you use for normal and Mofi One Step boxes? Looking for some good quality once. Cheers

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

Vinyl Storage Solution

@gerygee6366

2 жыл бұрын

@@Michael45RPM Thank you Michael 👍

How much was it?

Hi Michael. I'ld be curious how this compares to the Coltrane Atlantic Years In Mono boxed set.

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

Me 2 :-) i dont have that Boxset

@therevrockinrollin

2 жыл бұрын

I have the mono box and will have this shortly. What’s interesting is that My Favorite Things was a title that I was deeply excited about because the scarcity of the ERC title matched the scarcity of the mono tapes being lost or only quality stereo reissues being done. There are more options to compare with Giant Steps in mono. I will be able to match these Giant Steps mono(s)with a mono OG. But to be frank - my channel isn’t be suited for these shootouts like Michael’s. I’m a novelty lol I can say this - the Coltrane mono set is an incredible value - poor inner sleeves but above average outer. They sound excellent. ERC gives you the tape - they don’t remaster as everyone knows. You are getting their system. Their experience. Their scarcity. It seems to be working really well for them.

I have to do extra transcendental meditation whenever this topic comes up.

I'm not seeing that this has been released yet. How did you get it?

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

Via Fed EX

@mchervino

2 жыл бұрын

@@Michael45RPM that is in no way the answer I was looking for, lol.

the rippoff price is very special LMAO

👌👌

hi michael, i have this issue too… it´s amazing!!! also the erc label do a great job!!! thanks for your review! 🙏🏼🤙🏼

One good illustration of how complex these harmonies were is to listen to Tommy Flanagan on piano on the title track. He is one of the greatest piano players in the history of jazz and he is struggling to keep up!

@terrywho22

2 жыл бұрын

Flanagan gets flack for his playing on Giant Steps, but people forget that he wasn't given proper time to rehearse. What we hear is him working through the piece for the first time. Coltrane OTOH had been working on the the piece for months by the time they took it to the studio.

Great if you like it but for me even the MoFi One Steps are a step too far. It's turning records into collectible objects that even if I could afford them I would be afraid to play. One sneeze when cuing and the investment is compromised. I'm more than happy with regular Acoustic Sounds, Speakers Corner and SAM Records releases.

@Dorgon

2 жыл бұрын

Check out the Decca British Jazz Explosion series, too, those are incredible reissues at 25 quid.

Michael, never throw away the rice paper. Over 5 years you will regret it.

Giant Steps ERC vs Atlantic Mono Box The Atlantic mono box recordings are great and really capture those albums in a more dynamic setting than the split stereo versions. If you have the Heavyweight Champions Compose Atlantic stereo box - this is a worthy supplement. Giant Steps was a big push forward for Coltrane. Coming from a mostly sideman and leader playing mostly standards, his last few Prestige albums had brought out the sheets of sound and his creative force, but was the label holding back his creativity? In Giant Steps John revolutionized his playing. This was a man who spent 7 hours per day fine tuning his craft. In Giant Steps his melodies are based on short run key signature changes. Playing mostly minor keys. Within two bars even one, the “step” in the melody would be filled by a short sequence of rapid fire notes. Combine these sets of phrases and you have the overall melody. Anyway - must have miss filed my 45 RPM mono version but the Atlantic box is a good comparison The Atlantic Mono is dynamic, has a big soundstage and the bass and drums when not at the forefront are actually more prevalent in the mix than the ERC. Coltrane’s sax has bite. All the instruments have a similar volume, it is brought up (or actually the norm). A great recording I have never heard a Giant Steps recording in which Paul Chamber’s bass didn’t sound a little muddy, and it is the same on both of these. Where the Atlantic lacks is an extra degree of smooth warmth in the playing and nuance within changes in dynamics and volume. IN the ERC Coltrane is front and center and envelopes the whole presentation. It’s hypnotic. I don’t know if it’s the full tube recording nature but his horn commands the proceedings. It stands out, suspended in air and larger than life in a silky inviting way. You hear very distinct changes in the tone and particularly the volume of his playing. The squawks are very few and more controlled. You are brought in. They rhythm section actually has less resolution on the ERC, but what you do hear sounds like it is projecting around the central presence of Coltrane’s sax. It is lower in volume until the other band members takes a solo. The mono is definitely the way to go with Giants steps The ERC has incredible nuances and a presence from this jazz great The Atlantic captures the essence of the recording but doesn’t pull you in like the ERC

Dear Mike thank you for this. To my eyes this vinyl is more shiny to the TP ones. Also Sam records are more shiny to the TP ones. Weird.

I think I would understand the ERC releases more if they chose rare titles which had never, or rarely, been reissued. If they only picked titles with a median value of (say) £500-plus on Discogs, suddenly nobody could argue with a top quality reissue for £300 (or whatever they charge) and ERC would be providing an important service to collectors. But choosing titles where you can pick up a perfectly good reissue for £30 without any difficulty, seems almost pointless. Of course I understand there is a difference in quality, but there are also significant diminishing returns and opportunity cost when you factor in what ERC charges. And any quality control issues at that level are unacceptable when you consider quality (not rarity of the title) is the USP.

Awesome video Michael. Is there an AAA Giant Steps available on a regular price ? Is the Atlantic Box analog ?

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

I think the ORG 45 RPM is

@jazzsounds1607

2 жыл бұрын

Michael is wrong. There is no ORG Giant Steps, but there’s a Grundman mastered 45 RPM Rhino Stereo and a no on and stereo 33 RPM mastered by Kevin Gray. All 3 are AAA and sound great.

@jazzsounds1607

2 жыл бұрын

“no on” should have been “mono”

This was a interesting release from ERC - they sold these exclusively to their “preferred” customers first versus selling online to everyone….. Did you do a A/B comparison to any other versions? Do you get early access since you have been buying for so long?

I have nothing against ERC as they are a luxury brand. Luxury exist everywhere, handbags, watches, cars, houses…the only thing that bother me is the labels giving / lending those tapes. I’m not sure if they are using original tapes or copies but like you said: we are dealing with physical things and degradation exist. The ERC records are luxury goods but for me the original tapes are an original masterpiece just like an original DaVinci or Picasso painting. Don’t risk the integrity of those pieces for just 300 peoples.

Lee friedlander shot the cover, that’s the reason 🤔🤔🤔🤔😉

I had a very bad experience with ERC so I will not go on with their editions...

Michael, thank you for your Chanel. The word “audiophile” is in the title of your Chanel so it is natural that you review ERC releases. Out of reach for me but I that does not interfere with my appreciation of your review. One day…. Perhaps … Maybe….

REALLY IN THE CENTRE.....now that"s what mono is all about!....I have to use a dirty word...beatles...forgive bitte!........my first press mono PEPPER is warm AND punchy (an anomaly?) and smack-bang DEAD CENTRE.....AURAL HEAVEN pour moi....

Unobtainium

"Giant Steps" for giant pockets! END EXTREME WEALTH!!! 😆😆😆😆 How about that for a label acronym? EEW records 🤔. Budget label of course. Even if I had the quids for these ERC releases , I would sooooo rather knock out 10- 20 LPs from my wantlist. I mean, seriously? THIS type of record collecting is a liitle perverse. I'm all for quality over quantity, but that's too bourgeoisie for my tastes.

Friedrich seems very disinterested in the background. Seems to like sleeping a lot.

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

This was Karl :-) he was tired after a 3 hour walk :)

Your explanation of how you've gotten all the ERCs upon each of their releases seems fishy to me. It is unclear what you mean by you are early. Based on the way I am notified (along with all other subscribers to their products) of their releases, it is so random there is simply no way someone could be primed to intercept each and every release without some additional intel.

So you know about upcoming releases but can't share that info. Clearly you have an inside track and are sponsored.

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

No i am not they sell them anyhow think about it

@donsounds

2 жыл бұрын

@@Michael45RPM I do think you have an inside track Michael. I have been trying to buy everything they put out, but could only manage to get three of them. Chet Baker’s Chet which is awesome, Love Forever Changes which was not so good (my original Canadian pressing sounded so much better) and finally the Miles Davis All Stars which is also excellent. So statistically speaking, the fact that you manage to get every single one is an anomaly that can only be explained by some preferential treatment. So I am happy for you that you can enjoy their releases and be able to speak about them. But I am jealous!! Keep up the good work with the videos, I will always be watching them.

I would have been happy to buy it but they decided to do a silly lottery weighted to existing customers. Not a way to endear yourself to potential future customers.

@Kolabund

2 жыл бұрын

I had the exact same answer from them. I answered them within seconds, that i would like to buy. And still i got the same answer from them as you did.: "Thank you for your interest in ERC059 John Coltrane - Giant Steps. This edition of 345 copies will be priced at 350.00 UK pounds. Due to the high level of interest we have received relating to this release sales will be undertaken via an allocation process. Our focus will be on the music enthusiast rather than the speculator and priority will be given to ERC’s best customers."

@Jazzeum

2 жыл бұрын

@@Kolabund It was disappointing to say the least. I even wrote back saying that I was very interested in buying it but received no reply.

the vinyl bubbel is about to burst there are way to many repressings to hold the prices

@jasonhicks1980

2 жыл бұрын

The only way to burst the vinyl “bubble” is to stop buying records. You go first.

@vmvlev

2 жыл бұрын

@@jasonhicks1980 the market gets floated with repressings and they drop prices of originals ,,, why would you pay big money when you have constand repressings of better audiophile records .. i see alot of stuff dropd 50% and no one even wants it

I’ve bought dozens of albums from Acoustic Sounds with their high quality tip on jackets and not once did I ever have to return one because of a seam split or any other flaw. A company that charges $600 for an album shouldn’t ever have jackets returned to them due to such flaws. Zero. Even if I had the money to buy one from this label, I wouldn’t do it. Absolutely love your reviews and trust your opinions 100%, but like you said, we can sometimes agree to disagree. 😀

@bestof9299

2 жыл бұрын

price x 10 compare to an Acoustic sounds series...indeed no sence at all (ok they have an inner sleeve, numbered edition, nothing that can justify the price...)

@bradleykay

2 жыл бұрын

You’ve had unusual luck with Acoustic Sounds. That’s great.

@terrywho22

2 жыл бұрын

@@bradleykay Yup, I've had seem splits on my AS albums. Stuff happens. However, my collections of OJCs are almost perfect. Go figure.

I have no interest in ERC…….seem to be the very definition of money grab.

Happy with my Rhino one. Preferred customers and register your interest, no thanks. The value of music is in the enjoyment of it. Acoustic Sounds and MFSL is the most I will spend on a record. I disagree with 'all top notch titles'. The White Stripes is a lo-fi record, never meant to get the ERC treatment.

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

I agree on the White Stripes somehow