Donald Byrd – Ethiopian Knights

This pressing sounds fantastic. No other presses to compare it to honestly, but it is clear and dynamic. Grab it

I'm a bit dubious about Kevin Gray's supposed super mastering and the incredible dynamics of this record. Let me explain why: just after listening to this record I listened to Viktor Lazlo's Belgian pressing - She from 1985 - and at the same volume I was astonished by the difference in dynamics, clarity and depth of sound... I sometimes have the feeling that we consider as excellent a sound quality that the records of yesteryear far sured. But then, I'm probably a grumpy bastard of the past... ;-)

One of the best jazz and funk records to my ears...endlessly grooves and soloing...Smokin'!

Isn’t there a Classics version of this? Blue Note store front clearly has this on sale as a Classics release as of 2023. Can’t locate on Discogs

This has been on my list for way too long. Do not hesitate. One of Byrd's best. The grooves are amazing. The solos are amazing. Harold Land smokes. I have the original BN80 pressing and it's flawless.

I ordered mine directly from Blue Note website, got it few days ago and my copy is nearly perfect. Just very slightly off center, but perfectly flat and noise free. Sound is great.

Bought a copy today and it’s great quality. A couple quiet clicks on the intro to B2 but when I did 2 repeat plays on that section they went away so I think this one just needs a couple play throughs to sound good (unless you’re unfortunate and get non-fill).

Similar to the recent Blue Note 80 issues of Graham Moncur’s “Evolution” and Andrew Hill’s “Point of Departure”, the quality control on this 2023 repress is abysmal. A record buyer shouldn’t need to exchange multiple copies of a title just to find a pressing that’s not dish warped or plagued by non-fill, but that’s where we are with the BN 80 series. This is a phenomenal Kevin Gray cut if you’re fortunate to find a flawless copy or happen upon the 2019 BN pressing.

First copy had plenty of non-fill all around side B. Worst so far I've had with plenty of Optimal Blue Note presses over the years. Pity as A side looked perfect. Returned it and got another copy. Second copy looks like A side has few non-fills but didn't hear them like with the previous copy. B side has one click towards the end but otherwise enjoyable. I'm not trying this lottery again and I'll stick with this one.

Only recently bought this (along with the later Spaces and Places). Good stuff and, as usual, really good sound. My first copy has a scratch or scuff for a few turns during the fade at the end of side B. Really takes one out of the music. Tried cleaning it, without change. Guess what, a second copy is exactly the same. Either a lacquer fault, which would affect every copy (??), or a metal issue of some kind, then. Again, disheartening QC in the 80 and Classic series. The cover is certainly dull-looking; possibly that's how someone wanted it…