Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage represents one of the most iconic and influential albums in jazz history, capturing the pianist's visionary approach to modal jazz at its creative peak. This superb Japanese reissue preserves the album's oceanic themes and sophisticated compositions in a presentation of absolute pristine quality from the legendary King Record Co Ltd. The Japanese pressing reveals the album's groundbreaking production with stunning clarity. From the gentle waves of the title track "Maiden Voyage" to the stormy intensity of "Eye of the Hurricane," every nuanced performance emerges with breathtaking definition. Hancock's lyrical piano work floats above the legendary quintet of Freddie Hubbard, George Coleman, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams with seamless interplay that benefits from the superior Japanese audio engineering. The album's perfect fusion of modal exploration, blues feeling, and compositional sophistication sounds more immediate and transcendent than ever in this pristine pressing. This copy is extraordinary for its near-mint to mint condition—a true time capsule of 1970s Japanese jazz reissue craftsmanship. While lacking an OBI strip, it includes the original insert with Reid Miles' iconic artwork and liner notes perfectly preserved. The vinyl surface plays with the warm, detailed sound that Japanese Blue Note pressings are legendary for. The stunning cover artwork—featuring the majestic sailing ship—looks particularly impressive in this flawless edition, perfectly capturing the album's themes of adventure, discovery, and natural beauty. A landmark of modal jazz, preserved in absolutely perfect collector's condition. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage Format / Pressing: Vinyl LP - Japanese Reissue (King Record Co Ltd) Label & Catalog Number: Blue Note GXK 8050 Year / Country: 1978 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Mint - Absolutely pristine, no handling evidence, perfect corners Media Condition: Near Mint - Visually excellent, plays with perfect clarity and dynamic range Contents: Complete with original insert (No OBI) TRACKLIST Side One: 1. Maiden Voyage 2. The Eye of the Hurricane 3. Little One Side Two: 1. Survival of the Fittest 2. Dolphin Dance COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: Japanese King Record pressing in exceptional mint condition Special Features: Includes original Blue Note insert with iconic artwork Musical Content: Modal jazz masterpiece featuring jazz legends Authenticity: Confirmed by Blue Note catalog number GXK 8050 SALE TERMS & SHIPPING Shipping: Within 1 or 2 business days after payment Packaging: Professional, secure vinyl mailer | Record shipped outside the cover to prevent seam splits Vinyl Care: All our vinyl records are professionally cleaned with an ultrasonic machine before shipping. We also include a free outer sleeve and new inner sleeve. Shipping Areas: Worldwide Payment: Required within 3 days after auction closes ABOUT THE SELLER A passionate collector for over 30 years, my journey through music has been a lifelong adventure. With the creation of STREAMZER, I've chosen to share this profound love for music and records with enthusiasts around the world. Each record from my collection has been carefully selected, stored in optimal conditions, and handled with the respect that these musical treasures deserve. I'm delighted to offer these pieces to fellow music lovers who understand their true value. Happy bidding! Musically, Olivier