Herbie Hancock – Takin' Off

Herbie Hancock’s debut album “Takin’ Off”, originally released in 1962, remains a milestone in jazz history, captivating critics and fans alike to this day. The 2019 reissue presents this classic in a quality that does justice to both the original recording and the modern audience.

The sound quality of the 2019 reissue is simply excellent. The meticulous remastering process has brought out the nuances and dynamic range of Hancock’s compositions and the play of his band - including greats like Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums - with a clarity that was previously hard to grasp. The rhythmic subtleties and harmonic transitions, in particular, are impressively showcased in this re-release.

The album includes some of Hancock’s most famous pieces, such as “Watermelon Man”, which became a hit not only for Hancock himself but also in Mongo Santamaria’s version, becoming an essential part of Latin jazz history. The freshness and innovative force with which these compositions were recorded in the early 60s are enhanced by the improved sound quality of the reissue, making the music feel timeless.

The balance between the instruments in the reissue is particularly commendable. Each instrument finds its place in the mix without overshadowing the others, a testament to the excellent production and mastering. This allows the listener to fully appreciate the interaction between the musicians and the individual contributions of each one.

Overall, the reissue of Herbie Hancock’s “Takin’ Off” is a triumphant re-release that will delight both audiophiles and jazz enthusiasts. It is not only a tribute to the genius of Hancock and his fellow musicians but also a testament to how contemporary technology can help bring classic recordings to life for new generations of listeners.

Bought a copy some days ago.
Perfectly flat, silent and centered.
Sounds really good, no clicks nor pops even if not cleaned.

Later BN80 Repress, w/poly sleeve ordered from Amz. Hole centered, flat, poly sleeve, clean (after dry cleaning), sounds very good.

Good pressing all around. However, extremely dirty even after a cleaning. For the money, as good as you'll expect otherwise.

Unlike my last Classic series Blue Note this is flat, distortion free and sounds great! Only minor downside is a bump on one corner due to Amazon packaging(chucked in a box). I do have the polylined sleeve so presume it is a later press.

I couldn't be happier with my copy. Dead flat and quiet.
The mastering is excellent. Polylined sleeve too. Nice.

I have the 2019 and bhought one more (the 2022 repress). My 2019 came in regular papersleeve and the 2022 in polylined innersleeve. Have not compared the sound quality yet.

Update: this is (ofcourse) as good as my first press but with less scuffs and more silent!

Mastering, sound quality and vinyl pressing - 5/5. Again a paper sleeve which does not give a good first impression.

Sounds excellent. Almost any lp from this series is a must-have.

I held off until a possible repress and if this is the result then I got lucky. For £26 this is phenomenally good in every way. Beautiful, immaculate, dead silent vinyl that sounds incredible. Very pleased.