Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this review, I take a close listen to the new Intervention Records reissue of Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! — the landmark 1957 debut from Johnny Cash, originally released on Sun Records.
This mono edition is a true AAA production, mastered entirely in the analog domain from the original master tapes. The lacquers were cut at 45rpm by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from a one-to-one transfer of those tapes, preserving the immediacy, tonal texture, and dynamic character of these historic recordings.
Pressed at Gotta Groove Records and restoring the original artwork in full detail, this release represents the second Sun Records title from Intervention Records, following their outstanding reissue of Carl Perkins’ Dance Album.
You can see my review of that release here:
The Dance Album Of Carl Perkins - Intervention Reissue
youtu.be/mUDBN2vn6XI
This reissue also includes newly commissioned liner notes by noted Sun Records historian Colin Escott, adding valuable historical insight into the album’s creation and legacy.
In the video, I compare an original Sun pressing directly with the new Intervention edition — evaluating tonal balance, vocal presence, transient attack, surface noise, dimensionality, and overall musical engagement.
Does this new Kevin Gray cut offer a meaningful sonic upgrade?
Is it now the definitive way to experience early Johnny Cash?
If you’ve heard this pressing — or own an original — I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade, 300rpm Motor, HW-40 Feet
-10” 3D Unipivot Fatboy Tonearm, Dual Pivot Accessory, VTA On The Fly Tower
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
-The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Early Sun Pressing
02:59 The Intervention Reissue
07:33 Presentation
08:52 Conclusion
#JohnnyCash #InterventionRecords #AAAVinyl
In this review, I take a close listen to the new Intervention Records reissue of Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! — the landmark 1957 debut from Johnny Cash, originally released on Sun Records.
This mono edition is a true AAA production, mastered entirely in the analog domain from the original master tapes. The lacquers were cut at 45rpm by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from a one-to-one transfer of those tapes, preserving the immediacy, tonal texture, and dynamic character of these historic recordings.
Pressed at Gotta Groove Records and restoring the original artwork in full detail, this release represents the second Sun Records title from Intervention Records, following their outstanding reissue of Carl Perkins’ Dance Album.
You can see my review of that release here:
The Dance Album Of Carl Perkins - Intervention Reissue
youtu.be/mUDBN2vn6XI
This reissue also includes newly commissioned liner notes by noted Sun Records historian Colin Escott, adding valuable historical insight into the album’s creation and legacy.
In the video, I compare an original Sun pressing directly with the new Intervention edition — evaluating tonal balance, vocal presence, transient attack, surface noise, dimensionality, and overall musical engagement.
Does this new Kevin Gray cut offer a meaningful sonic upgrade?
Is it now the definitive way to experience early Johnny Cash?
If you’ve heard this pressing — or own an original — I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade, 300rpm Motor, HW-40 Feet
-10” 3D Unipivot Fatboy Tonearm, Dual Pivot Accessory, VTA On The Fly Tower
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
-The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Early Sun Pressing
02:59 The Intervention Reissue
07:33 Presentation
08:52 Conclusion
#JohnnyCash #InterventionRecords #AAAVinyl
