Yussef Dayes – Black Classical Music

Wow, what a fantastic album. Looking forward to more from Yussef and these extremely talented musicians.

For the double-black vinyl: sound quality is IMO pretty good. No, it’s not audiophile jazz, but I’ve certainly heard a lot worse from new releases. There is an acceptable amount of detail, texture and instrument and channel separation, though ittedly it doesn’t exactly excel in any of these areas. Would like to overall have more punch (especially in the drums, which is the most deficient area) and better overall presence, but it is what it is. Oddly, some tracks sound a bit better than others (regarding the drums).

My Disc 1 is flat, silent, and scratch/scuff free, although there was some inner sleeve debris (quickly fixed by cleaning and then using new rice paper sleeves. Disc.2, however, has edge warp and is slightly off-center.

The jacket quality is not very good - a shame, considering the artwork. This is that bare-bones flimsy card stock; very unbefitting of any double album, much less a really good one.

With the mixed reviews re: sound, I was a bit apprehensive, but I pulled the trigger today. The double black vinyl edition. After the first listen, I say it's great. Everything is right up front, clear and crisp. Really impressed. And thankful this fabulous music got a proper pressing it deserves.

Such a great album; probably my favourite of 2023 but this black vinyl pressing just doesn't quite cut it. It's certainly not bad, just not great. Ironically it's the drums that are the issue, they just don't quite punch through, sounding just a little lost in the overall mix. If you put the drum sound up against say for example, Tony Allen's 'The Source' LP the difference is night and day.

Amazing album - but don't buy the white vinyl - I've been through 3 copies - all have been so badly warped/dished that the needle ski jumps on early tracks on sides A/C/D.
Sadly - I think I'll have to get the CD which is a shame on such a stunning warm recording...
:-(
Is the black vinyl copy any better?

Great release as for me. Beautiful music, pleasant sound, textured gatefold.
Dead silent surface and no problems with sound itself, although plate 2 has a couple of scratches and some warp.

Music is great. Production not so much. I think there is too much reverb and the instruments are blended together and get lost, bass is bloated and not tight. Drums, ironically, are distant at times and sound off. It’s a shame because this artist is something going. Great music. If Kevin Gray had gotten ahold of this guy boy I’d be in heaven.

My disc one has a edge warp on both sides and my disc 2 side c is shredded. It’s all scratched up, noisy, maybe from a lack of a poly liner. Disc 2 is so warped I can’t play it, too much wave and my cart isn’t cheap. Honestly, at this price who cheaps out and doesn’t go poly. I bought this direct from the musicians website so I hope they take care of me.

Disappointing - love the music but the production is bad. The drums are pushed way back and a very muddy. I love Yussef's drumming so this is just a crime.

Flat record, no surface noise. Sound is pretty great overall. Worth scooping up if you’re on the fence.

Beautiful chilled vibes. This is music for enjoyment and it never fails to put me in a good mood. The black vinyl press is good. I’m not sure what problems others are having. There’s liberal use of reverb here and there and it’s bass heavy. But, that’s what we came here for isn’t it?