Dorothy Ashby – Afro-Harping

Indeed a superior pressing of this record. After a side by side comparison with original clean Indianapolis copy, this one wins hands down. Wax is quieter, sound stage is deeper. Get one of these before they start consistently climbing over $150

This is an absolutely wonderful pressing. Only the merest soft vinyl murmur between tracks. Fabulous presence, punch, energy, instrument separation, and all the airy soundstage space you could wish to hear.

I have the 2018 Geffen Reissue, and have always been satisfied with it's fidelity (as other reviewers agree). But when a chance came up to grab a good copy of this 1984 "all analog" reissue done by Steve Hoffman (thanks for researching that out and sharing in your review, Toadspotter!), I had to pick it up, and it was very well worth it.

Upon doing my own shootout, the 1984 pressing wins hands down. The 2018 Reissue, for all its completely satisfying sonic pleasure, feels a bit less alive, and is quieter for sure. I might never have described it as such until hearing this older version in comparison. Long story short, seek out this often hard to find 1984 pressing.

Also, yes, the cover is exactly that grey/pink monotone as the image featured here displays. Clearly Chess must have had challenges in getting the original artwork?

I highly recommend this pressing. These Chess reissues that were all done around '84 are almost all very good alternative to the original to save money and get a really good all analogue press. A few different people cut them but many were cut by the revered Steve Hoffman himself. They tend to be rarer than the originals in many cases. I consider it a much better option to get a nice press of these than forking out for possibly a lower quality original, and for many -the only legit all analogue option though some are digital remasters, but not this one.
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/chess-original-masters-vinyl-series-1980s.277117/