Miles Davis – Sketches of Spain | Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Numbered Limited Edition
Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain stands as one of the most distinctive collaborations in modern jazz: an ambitious meeting between Davis' unmistakable trumpet voice and the orchestral imagination of arranger and conductor Gil Evans.
Originally released in 1960, the album moved far beyond the conventions of a traditional small-group jazz recording, drawing deeply on Spanish classical and folk traditions while retaining the atmosphere, restraint and emotional intensity associated with Davis' music of the period.
At the centre of the album is the remarkable interpretation of Joaquín Rodrigo's “Concierto de Aranjuez”, occupying much of the first side.
Rather than simply translating the composition into jazz, Davis and Evans reshape its colours and dynamics around Miles' sparse, expressive trumpet playing.
The remaining pieces — including “The Pan Piper,” “Saeta” and the extended “Solea” — continue the exploration, creating an album that feels almost cinematic in scale.
This particular edition is the highly regarded Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Original Master Recording, catalogue number MFSL 1-375, released in the US in 2013 as part of Mobile Fidelity's GAIN 2 Ultra Analog 180g series.
Mastering was handled by Krieg Wunderlich, assisted by Shawn R. Britton, at Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab. According to the release documentation, the mastering chain used the original analogue master with a 1/4" / 15 IPS analogue master to DSD 64 transfer. The lacquer was cut using Mobile Fidelity's half-speed mastering process, with plating and pressing handled by Record Technology Incorporated (RTI).
The result is a premium audiophile presentation created with the kind of attention to mastering, pressing quality and physical presentation for which Mobile Fidelity releases have become sought after among collectors.
The record is pressed on 180-gram high-definition vinyl and supplied in Mobile Fidelity's static-free inner sleeve and heavy-duty protective packaging. The edition also includes a printed gatefold insert with information about Mobile Fidelity and the series.
Most importantly for collectors, this is a Special Limited Edition, individually numbered copy:
No. 008304
The numbered outer jacket, distinctive Mobile Fidelity presentation and audiophile production make this a particularly desirable edition of one of the essential recordings in the Miles Davis catalogue.
Edition details
Artist / title: Miles Davis – Sketches of Spain
Label: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab / Columbia
Catalogue number: MFSL 1-375 / 88697943791
Series: Original Master Recording / GAIN 2 Ultra Analog LP 180g Series
Format: LP / 180g / Stereo / Limited Edition / Numbered / Reissue / Remastered / Special Edition
Country: US
Released: 2013
Mastering: Krieg Wunderlich at Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
Lacquer cut: Krieg Wunderlich
Pressed by: Record Technology Incorporated (RTI)
Original producer: Teo Macero
Arranged and conducted by: Gil Evans
Individual number: 008304NM/NM ( very nice copy )
Every item at Mr. Hansen Records is conservatively graded according to the Goldmine Standard. Vinyl records are professionally cleaned before dispatch and all orders are securely packed with collector-grade care.
