The Best 15 Tone Poets (So Far)

[@ccarney1126]

Would love to see an updated version of this. So many releases since.

[@paulzobonos9537]

I love your laid back style and passion for the music!

[@Jazzeum]

The Kicker sounds fantastic. It’s at the top of my list.

[@davidweber2143]

I'd love to see a video tour of your record collection.. very intrigued by those shelves and would like to see how you organize your records etc.

[@ΑπόλλωνΘηρευτής]

After listening carefully to all this amazing series (but Sam Rivers) , my No. 1 is: Dexter Gordon's - One Flight Up. This album is out of this world and the Big Star is Art Taylor! Try it.

[@grossi6330]

3 year old video, but I've watched it twice in last week. Thanks again.

[@seanisham8593]

Thanks for posting this, Michael! Hard to quibble with your Top 15. I would definitely find room for "Further Explorations" by Horace Silver, Jackie McLean's "It's Time!", Joe Henderson's "State of The Tenor" (both volumes), and swap out Donald Byrd's "Chant" for "Byrd In Flight." Discovering Wayne Shorter's "Etc." and Joe Henderson's "State of The Tenor, Volume 2" around when the Tone Poet series started in 2019 really sent me down a vintage jazz rabbit hole. A blessing and possibly a curse as well!

[@Michael45RPM]

thx for sharing Sean

[@stayoutofmyhouse]

State of the Tenor is out of this world good! Some of my favorite playing by Ron Carter, recorded unbelievably well.

[@spark7516]

Thanks for doing this one! RIP Chick Corea. I really love that first Tone Poet!

[@anandsingh4043]

Keep up the great work Michael! You have built great credibility and trust in this short time. I trust very few reviewers as most reviews tend to be biased as they receive free “review” copies from manufacturers! I am a collector of audiophile vinyl ever since chad initiated me into it in the late 90’s. I eagerly look forward to each of your videos! Stay blessed!

[@Michael45RPM]

Thanks Anand, this really means a lot to me!!!

[@frogville]

you have an impressive shelf of Impulse , your collection looks immaculate!

[@fts81]

Great picks. I personally place the Kenny Burrell album on top just on the way that percussion sounds.... crazy good

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Chet baker sings , the cooker , the phantom , it’s time ,roots and herbs would all be on my list

[@Michael45RPM]

It is time.......

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

The Cassandra Wilson is one I've been eyeing but it's a little pricey but I'm sure it's worth every penny! this is a great list thank you for sharing it with us all I'm sitting here making mental notes on which ones to buy. again thank you so much for these videos they're very much appreciated by many many people I hope you know that much peace to you my friend

[@ccarney1126]

Would love to see an updated version on this list.

[@robertmitchell6015]

The Cassandra Wilson is available on Amazon in Australia I just bought it have had on CD for years I have had some of her records on vinyl for a few years such a beautiful unique voice

[@ivanmaltoni8760]

Magic list. Simply outstanding

[@carlos2bass]

Great list Michael! Hope you do a 15 best 80 anniversary list

[@Michael45RPM]

15 would be too much in this case i think

[@paulaidenmusic]

Great video as usual! Love the passion you have for these records... The only 2 I own (so far) is Money Jungle and Further explorations which didn’t make your list lol. I have had Chet Baker sings ordered from Blue Note since May and In July told I would have to now wait for a repress so crossing my fingers it will come this year...

[@garyrobinson8665]

Just been listening to wayne shorter etcetera on your recommendation. It's just what I've been searching for. It blew me away on first listen. The interplay between the quartet it's amazing. Lots going on. It's strange and trippy. I love Hancocks piano playing especially and the drumming is superb.

[@dagonstudios2452]

Etcetera is my fav album.

[@garyrobinson8665]

@@dagonstudios2452 it's my favourite wayne shorter album so far.

[@dagonstudios2452]

@@garyrobinson8665 I love Hancock’s solo on Barracudas. Wow it’s like a story.

[@Cripplecreekcarl]

Face to Face blew me away. Willette’s organ is straight 🔥

[@jazzmetalaudiophile]

Again Michael, a great selection, some obvious ones but also some pleasant surprises. For me personally missing in that list was Byrd in Flight, but with Chant you had another strong contender from Donald Byrd. (One I didn’t know of yet, but I am listening to it right know and I am blown away. Definitely my next tone poet. )

[@marklatkowski9327]

Love the Tone Poets. As a reminder, don’t overlook the newer Blue Note releases. I have really enjoyed the Ron Miles “Rainbow Sign” album. Current artists deserve our support.

[@Michael45RPM]

You are right Mark

[@rodrigollanes7619]

Great video. Several times I have tried to make my Tone Poet top 10 and it has been impossible. It is very hard! My favorites change, but maybe my top 5 of the moment is: Lee Morgan - Cornbread (the title track always makes me dance. "Ceora" it's so beautiful, it'salways on my mind). Grant Green - Born to be Blue (one of the ones that impressed me the most in terms of ambience and sound quality. For me it is on par with Idle Moments) Chet Baker - Chet Baker Sings (Chet Baker sings, so I have nothing to say). Donald Byrd - Byrd in Flight (the latin vibe of the beginning the album, the drums... Byrd's trumpet in "Little boy blue" is gorgeous). and now I'm in love with Lee Morgan-The Rajah, but it always happens to me that every new Tone Poet I say that it is the best, my favorite and the one that sounds the best ... As you can see, I'm a mellow guy. My wife loves Now He Sings... and Black Fire. Could easily be in my top 5, along with Etc, Clubhouse, Money Jungle, The Kicker, The Cooker and many more ...

[@Michael45RPM]

I know how you feel :-)

[@CoreysChannel]

Nice list. My TP collection has been growing and every single one I've picked up is fantastic.

[@Michael45RPM]

TP did so much for the audiophile world...

[@davidberkemeyer4667]

Thank you Michael. Great list again 👍

[@ikkiwikki]

Nice list, but no Roots and Herbs? That release blew my mind! But glad to see Oblique in there, quite possibly my overall favorite from the series.

[@john-lamarca]

Great video Michael. I have 8 on your list. I would say The Cooker by Lee Morgan too, but Cornbread is probably the better choice. I can’t wait for Dexter Gordon’s One Flight Up.

[@markscott7583]

Thanks for your great videos - appreciate your passion. I have 6 on your 15 list, and I love them.

[@fts81]

Cassandra Wilson is available on Amazon now

[@georgealanlpsandcds9311]

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on these records - I have on or two that you did not list that I am not happy with the sound stage - I think they could have been better - again, great video :)

[@heribertovalentin1563]

The tone poet series is great I have most that you showed....love the Wayne Shorter, Andrew Hill, Paul Chambers, Tina Brooks, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd.....just beautiful...ah and the Chick Corea...RIP 🙏🏻....Ed in New York 😎

[@pleshy8710]

It's hard to choose just 10 or 15 tone poets. They are all great in their own way. You made some great selections. I would like to add a few honorable mentions that are among my favourite of the tone poet releases; Herbie Hancock the Prisoner, Grant Green Nigeria, Bobby Hutcherson the Kicker, Stanley Turrentine Hustlin, and Duke Ellington Money Jungle.

[@Michael45RPM]

You are so right they all could have make it in the list

[@vinylrichie007]

I think Blue Note are more popular now than ever before.

[@Michael45RPM]

Right, they did a tremendous marketing

[@roscoejones4515]

Fantastic, wish I could afford all of them!😉 BTW, believe it's pronounced 'Teena' Brooks (his nickname was 'Teeny' when he was a kid). I really appreciate the time and effort you put in to share your fabulous collection!

[@seven8off]

Georgous list! Thank you, sir.

[@diamonddogz389]

Thank you for this! I'm new with Tone Poets, Mobile Fidelity, Vinyl Me Please etc etc. Really interesting! For example, I didn't know I bought a Tone Poet record a while ago (herbie hancock - the prisoner). Awesome! I really dig your videos about these releases and learning new stuff every time you post something.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx Diamond :-)

[@diamonddogz389]

@@Michael45RPM Please continue educating. I would like to know more about Tone Poets, Speakers Corner and other publishers. I'm a music fanatic and I really love these kinds of audio mastering releases. :-)

[@RobertP_1960]

the majority of my collection is on CD, but I have gotten many of the Classic and Tone Poet vinyl releases. These are very nice and so far the only noise I hear is the needle dropping once..then pure bliss. I just subscribed, and hope to enjoy your future videos. Take care

[@Michael45RPM]

Welcome to the Channel Robert :-)

[@iconix21]

I'm very much interested in knowing about your record storage shelves pls.....??

[@jazzkatt7083]

Amazing! So far I only have 18 tone poets and 10 of them are on your list of 15 best.👍

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Enjoyed that Michael. Thank you. For me Chet Baker is the standout wonder...wonderful

[@Michael45RPM]

I understand you

[@mh-oh8kf]

I haven’t seen those sleeves for the gate folds before. Very cool

[@coletrain4121]

Vinyl Storage Solutions. You use two sleeves to accomplish it.

[@mh-oh8kf]

@@coletrain4121 awesome thanks

[@VagueRANT100]

Awesome album covers,if only I could afford to buy them...great video Michael,thank you!

[@RandyforRoyals]

I enjoyed your list. I only have the Chet Baker, Cassandra Wilson and Kenny Burrell so it looks like I have some work to do. Take care. --Randy

[@dank.6942]

Paul Chambers "Bass on Top" is a masterpiece. Beautiful, interesting, classical, modern, all at once...a real gem.

[@chandlerdickson3993]

You should do an updated video on this topic!

[@georgedoughly8682]

My favorite Tone Poet Series albums so far are: Lee Morgan-The Cooker, Duke Ellington-Money Jungle, Bobby Hutcherson-Oblique, Paul Chambers-Bass On Top, Herbie Hancock-My Point of View, and Chet Baker Sings!

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

Lovely list.

[@NextPlayRecords]

Great list Michael! I may post my Top 10. I think I’ll have a few different from you. I’ve GOT to get Etc. and Chant though!

[@steftarget]

Amazing série. A must have in all jazz collections

[@marioalbertoceronromero7021]

My favourites in order .... 1. Etcetera 2. Black fire 3. Contours 4. It's time 5. The prisoner 6. Born to be blue 7. Oblique 8. The phantom 9. Byrd in flight 10. I can see your house from here 11. Cornbread 12. Bass on top 13. The rejah 14. Introducing Kenny Burrell 15. Clubhouse Tender moments, money jungle and Now he sings could have been very high in my list since I love those but their tone poet version don't sound as good as the ones in the list. I'm very looking forward to what's coming... Passing ships, one flight up, witch doctor, expansions and the all seeing eye. Amazing albums

[@grossi6330]

At 13:24, while reviewing one of my favorites, Paul Chambers, Michael says not to get this album mixed up with another musician that he names. I'm embarrassed to say I'm not familiar with the name and could not figure out how to spell it. Could someone kindly school me on this person? I would be very appreciative. Thx all.

[@woodstock480]

I was hoping your list would be mostly ones I already own so that I wouldn't feel the need to go out and buy more. Many were new ones for me. Now I need to go check them out.

[@Michael45RPM]

:-) have fun checking them out Brian

[@w1nchester32]

Thanks for the groovy recommendations! Can I please recommend Bobby Hutcherson's 'The Kicker' and Herbie Hancock's 'The Prisoner'? Awesome.

[@antonioabbruzzese4337]

Great ..glad to know other tone poet are coning

[@max05210238]

Love this video, but it’s one year old, can you make a update on the pass year’s top 15? Or did I missed anything? Thanks

[@cyhermann7147]

Dude thanks so much for your output

[@vinylrulesok8470]

It’s worth mentioning that the Introducing Kenny Burrell lp is mono and it still sounds great. I think Herbie Hancocks My Point of View and Lee Morgan’s The Cooker are absolutely fantastic so your 15 must be amazing.recordings

[@Michael45RPM]

Yes those 2 has to be included but best 17 is strange somehow

[@chuckgillespie1]

Didn't even realize the Kenny Burrell was mono...doh!

[@V1ZNS.]

Money Jungle! Love that album.

[@tcr02]

I’m quite surprised and really wished you were able to squeeze in one Stanley Turrentine record in there, Michael. For me, I always consider Comin’ Your Way one of the best Tone Poet releases. :)

[@georgedoughly8682]

Comin’ Your Way is an Excellent album!

[@ryanclarin4130]

Thanks for sharing! My only disagreements are probably your grant green and Tina brooks choice. Love the artists, but I feel Nigeria and Waiting Game are probably more compelling sessions. Also, I think the recent Lee Morgan Rajah is much stronger then cornbread, and the Scofield Metheny is pretty remarkable

[@nvp323]

Hi Michael. Just wondering if you have noticed any distortion on your copy of Bass on Top, specifically within the first few seconds of Dear Old Stockholm. The mastering notes mention mic overload on Art Taylor's crash cymbols. I hear it on the vinyl but not on Tidal. Thanks! Good list, I would swap Bobby Hutcherson's the Kicker in

[@Michael45RPM]

Hello Nathan, yes its there but not so annoying in my opinion

[@pizzomedia7261]

Great video and channel! Have you heard anything on if blue note is going to repress out of stock titles? They seem to give very little information on this. Thanks!

[@louiscyphre2555]

I had the first press of Cassandra Wilson and sold it. The Tone Poet is amazing.

[@Michael45RPM]

Why?

[@35mmview18]

I have 12 of those 15. It's a great series of fantastic recordings. To be honest if jazz is your thing it's worth buying as many as you can afford.

[@poweredbyplants82]

Tolle Sammlung! Ähnelt in etwa meinen Favoriten dieser wirklich hochwertigen Serie. Darf ich mal fragen was das für sleeves sind? Bei mir will irgendwie keine wirklich passen.

[@mikecoffee100]

I Hope I can still buy soon Lee Morgan's The Cooker

[@georgedoughly8682]

I Love The Cooker! A Must Have Classic!! I hope they Repress it & Chet Baker Sings again soon 🙏🏼

[@mikecoffee100]

@@georgedoughly8682 apparently more are being pressed been waiting since Feb of this year

[@dagonstudios2452]

Love your channel. Do you do live streams or anything interactive? ❤❤

[@pierreg8562]

how good are Expansions (Mccoy Tyner) and Kenny Burrell's self title?

[@marcelfromhage8619]

Which outer sleeves are you using for the tone poets? I am struggling with finding good sleeves for the gate folds.

[@roscoejones4515]

Speaking of Blue Note, you should do a piece on Don Was and he and his brother's band 'Was ( Not Was)'. There are no 'audiophile' releases of their albums, but they were very well produced, sound very good, and are relatively inexpensive on Discogs. I believe their recordings, along with the rest of his career, show the journey to becoming the head of Blue Note. For instance, their cover of 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone' is just killer, a funk and rap mix that claws at your soul. But all of their albums are so recommended.

[@Michael45RPM]

Great Idea thx for your inout Roscoe

[@admusicmas9694]

Can’t disagree on that list Michael,great video as always. By the way , You think Chet baker will be on later, is been too long.

[@Michael45RPM]

I really hope, if not they lied to us

[@mymixture965]

good list, I would include Stanley Turrentine Hustlin´. Wich one I would leave out? No idea :-)

[@Michael45RPM]

:-) that is the problem :P

[@lucullus6127]

+ Turrentine with Les McCann "That's Where It's At" :-)

[@michelleloup4600]

Hi , great video , thanks for sharing 👍 I wonder which outer protective sleeves you use for Tone Poet series , I'm looking to purchase some

[@max05210238]

Those are available on his website 👍

[@NateEll]

Chant is killer!

[@VagueRANT100]

Good Morning Michael!!

[@Michael45RPM]

Good morning David

[@EMP698]

Hello Michael. Love your channel. Do you use a dedicated mono cartridge for the mono records? I don't, but I've heard it's worth it and noticiable. Thank you!

[@Michael45RPM]

It probably is... but one step at a time :-)

[@thevinyltruffle]

I can’t wait till Cornbread gets re-pressed.

[@mikecoffee100]

and I am waiting for The Cooker since I already have Cornbread which I baught at a shop a few weeks ago.

[@anthonybryan9620]

R.I.P Chick Absolute genius

[@emersonsellsout]

Are there any "bad" Tone Poets in your opinion?

[@Michael45RPM]

Simple Answer: No There nare 2 Tone Poets which are not my favorite kind of style at the moment

[@trainsplanes6517]

I was disappointed with my new Lee Morgan The Cooker Tone Poet. The stereo mix puts all trumpet/sax in the left channel and percussion in the hard right. No center fill and no sound stage. They had a chance to fix this with the remaster, but for whatever reason didn't.

[@Michael45RPM]

Ping Pong Stereo

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

Great video!

[@kaiserthegreat]

I was beginning to think I’m the only one taking the stickers off the covers of these things.

[@ks4545]

I hope this is not too off-topic, but does anyone else have big problems with excessive static on the Tone Poet releases? I love most of them, but it seems every single one I've gotten has major static issues. Even after cleaning. Literally unlistenable. I have some static issues on other vinyl, but these are the worst. I'm going to start using different inner sleeves. Any other real world suggestions about dealing w/static in general would be appreciated. And yes, I've Googled it to death.

[@johnfordahl4723]

Nice collection!!!

[@franciscoalatorre2425]

Great list! My top 10 are (also in no particular order) 1 Wayne Shorter "Etc" 2 Chick Corea "Now He Sings Now He Sobs' 3 Chet Baker "Chet Baker Sings" 4 Bobby Hutcherson "Oblique" 5 Sam Rivers "Countours" 6 Duke Ellington "Money Jungle" 7 Andrew Hill "Black Fire" 8 Paul a Chambers "Bass on Top" 9 Joe Henderson "State of the Tenor vol 2" 10 Lee Morgan "Cornbread'

[@Michael45RPM]

Love it Francisco

[@NosTubes58]

Hello Michael, off topic somewhat........., yet I’ve to ask you about the stand you’ve your equipment set upon, what’s the brand?, and model ( sku ) number?, as I simply adore the overall styling. TIA. O_o scar

[@Michael45RPM]

Its a regular sideboard from flexform

[@NosTubes58]

@@Michael45RPM Thanks Michael........, it’s stunning.

[@coletrain4121]

Thx Michael Rest in peace, Mr Chick Corea

[@V1ZNS.]

I would add The Cooker & The Kicker to the list!

[@Michael45RPM]

Right!!!!

[@NateEll]

I have The Kicker- excellent!

[@bassbymichele]

One question Michael. Where do you usually order the Tone Poets from? Being located in EU as well (Italy), I wanted to choose the cheapest shipping option for us. thanks Mike

[@selpingos]

I'm new to this. What is Tone Poet?

[@mattsmith2992]

What Gatefold sleeve are you using ?

[@Michael45RPM]

Go threw my Videos i did 3 about that topic

[@robertmitchell6015]

Hi Michael are you sponsored by any record companies or do you buy all your vinyl

[@Michael45RPM]

I have buy all that stuff on my own......

[@robertmitchell6015]

@@Michael45RPM I hope they give you a discount for buying so much and promoting their labels love your videos

[@Michael45RPM]

No they even dont do that

[@TheBirdBrothers]

You don't say why you have chosen these as such? The criteria?

[@Michael45RPM]

Opinion just my Opinion

[@stefansipl6736]

Nice! Thanks!

[@tplank216]

"the Rajah" and " the Cooker"

[@tplank216]

I have to agree on "Black Fire", "Contours", "Oblique", & "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs" . Those are probably my favorites along with the Lee Morgan stuff thus far. I also really enjoy the McCoy Tyner "Tender Moments" and Art Blakey's "Roots and Herbs". I'm extremely excited about "Passing Ships", "Witchdoctor" , "Katanga" & "The Sll Seeing Eye" coming this year

[@cezarvasile1635]

👌

[@pablocastillo7535]

It looks that there is no other pianist in the world than herbie hancock! He’s everywhere! Nevertheless is not a problem: I really like him very much!

[@mikecoffee100]

Bud powell ??

[@pablocastillo7535]

Of course.. And many others. I was just talking about the Michael’s selection!

[@TheJazzHog]

I think the best 15 are the next 15! Ha!

[@jazzmetalaudiophile]

Without watching, Chet Baker sings is your no. 1, am I right? 😅

[@Michael45RPM]

:-) lets wait and see JazzMetal

[@jazzmetalaudiophile]

Btw Michael, it’s me Florian 👋

[@Michael45RPM]

@@jazzmetalaudiophile Hi Florian :-)