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Alexis Cole with One For All – You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To (2010) [Japan 2015]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 56:07 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 2,28 GB
or DSD64 2.0 (from SACD-ISO to Tracks.dsf) > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | Front/Rear Covers | 2,25 GB
or FLAC (carefully converted & encoded to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 1,34 GB
Vocalist Alexis Cole hasn’t found a setting or theme that doesn’t suit her. Since arriving on the scene near the turn of the century she’s covered a tremendous amount of ground and delivered a good number of well-conceived and beautifully executed albums. You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To finds Cole joining forces with hard bop-leaning sextet One For All. Together, they charm with a program of tried-and-true classics laced with individualistic sentiments. In “Golden Earrings” we’re given bright swing and real heat as Cole tells and sells the tale. Trumpeter Jim Rotondi circles around her with muted obbligato work, and a number of soloists—trombonist Steve Davis, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, and pianist David Hazeltine—take the baton and run with it. Then there’s an unusually sly “I Will Wait For You” that leaves just a hint of doubt in its tone, a “Moon River” stripped of cloying sentiments and recast as a 4/4 swinger, and a “Cry Me A River” elevated through Cole’s world-wise delivery. All of those numbers indicate that nobody involved with this album is content with delivering cookie-cutter performances. Every one of these songs is shaped in a way that makes them hard to let go of, but each is also followed by something taken happily as a replacement. For example, an “Alone Together” propelled by Joe Farnsworth’s drumming and enlivened by horn interjections behind and around the vocals leads to a take of “A Beautiful Friendship” with a million dollar rhythmic feel and an endearing atmosphere. Then that leads to an “All The Things You Are” with a few Latin mini-detours and notable contributions from bassist John Webber and that brings the listener to a “So In Love” toying with the oh-so-complicated nature surrounding the titular four-letter word. It’s only in the album’s conclusion that the ears are finally left without a suitable follow-up. Alexis Cole and One For All somehow manage to leave us completely satisfied while also wanting more. That’s the mark of a fine album, and that’s proof that this one is most certainly nice to come home to.
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Alexis Cole – Someday My Prince Will Come (2009) [Japan 2016]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 52:38 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 2,14 GB
or DSD64 2.0 (from SACD-ISO to Tracks.dsf) > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | Front/Rear Covers | 2,11 GB
or FLAC (carefully converted & encoded to tracks) 24bit/48 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 646 MB
With a voice praised as “a deep contralto as smooth and dark as the richest espresso”, award-winning jazz vocalist Alexis Cole has made an impressive impact on audiences ever since she first took the stage as a teenager. Called “one of the great voices of today”, Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. Her luxurious voice and innovative interpretations make her an instant favorite with audiences of all ages. Cole is the recipient of a Swing Journal Gold Disk award, and has won the NY Jazzmobile and Montreux Jazz Festival vocal competitions. “Someday My Prince Will Come” is her first album for Japanese Venus Records.
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Alexis Cole – Close Your Eyes (2014) [Japan]
Alexis Cole – Close Your Eyes (2014) [Venus Japan # VHGD-24]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 60:20 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 2,43 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 1,25 GB
A beautifully arranged collection of classics from the American Songbook. Alexis Cole’s voice is one of a kind, mysterious and seductive. The solos are great… melodic, breezy and moving. All the solos on the album provide a wonderful compliment to the experience. Perfect for a romantic evening for two. Just beautiful.
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Alexis Cole & Bucky Pizzarelli – A Beautiful Friendship (2015) [Japan]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 54:27 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 2,21 GB
or FLAC (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 1,08 GB
Called “one of the great voices of today,” by Jonathan Schwartz, Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. She’s performed with the Boston Pops and New York Philharmonic on stage at venues from Avery Fisher Hall to the Kennedy Center.Her nine recordings, which feature musical luminaries such as Fred Hersch, Eric Alexander, Matt Wilson, Harry Pickens, Don Braden and Pat LaBarbara, have received high praise in the jazz press and are spun on radio world-wide. In addition to her many performances on great stages, Alexis can be seen at top jazz venues like Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, The Jazz Standard, Blues Alley, and Billboard Live, Tokyo. Cole is the recipient of a Swing Journal Gold Disk award, and was a winner of the NY Jazzmobile and Montreux Jazz Festival vocal competitions, and a finalist of the Sarah Vaughan Competition.
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Anonymous 4 – The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bing (2005)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 65:07 minutes | Scans NOT included | 3,1 GB
or FLAC 2.0 Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Scans NOT included | 1,04 GB
Returning to the music of Hildegard of Bingen, the 12th-century German abbess and mystic, Anonymous 4 explores the theme of the Pentecostal power of the “Fiery Spirit”. Hildegard’s intensely emotional chants and visions (including the monumental hymn O ignee spiritus and some of her finest antiphons) are presented here framed by hymns and sequences that she and her convent sisters would have heard and sung every day.
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Ana Caram – Rio After Dark (1989) [Reissue 2002]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 58:01 minutes | Front/Rear+PDF | 3,12 GB
or FLAC 2.0 Stereo (Official Digital Download) 24bit/96 kHz | 58:47 | Front/Rear cover+PDF | 1,22 GB
Features Stereo and Multichannel surround sound | Label: Chesky Records # SACD241
Known for her delightful delivery and delicate vibrato-less soprano, the Sao Paulo-born composer & vocalist/guitarist is equally at ease on melodic ballads as she is on tongue-twisting sambas. A Cash Box reviewer once wrote that “hearing Ana Caram was like a sweet, sunny, wake up call”.
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Ana Caram – Hollywood Rio (2004)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD/DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 42:25 minutes | Scans included | 3,01 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Full Scans included | 832 MB
Features 2.0 Stereo & 5.1 multichannel Surround sound
A superior Brazilian jazz singer, Ana Caram takes a slight detour on this SACD, stretching her repertoire while mostly still performing in a style influenced by bossa nova. One does not get to hear such songs as “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You,” “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,” “Smile,” and “As Time Goes By” in a bossa nova setting that often. Also unusual is that Michel Freidenson plays all of the instruments other than the reeds (which are performed by Lawrence Feldman), and most of his electronic instruments sound real enough not to be an issue. The focus throughout is on Caram’s lovely voice and she excels on this material, showing that it really is not what you sing but how you sing it. Recommended.
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Ana Caram – Blue Bossa (2001)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 47:19 minutes | Artwork (PDF) | 2,72 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Full Scans included | 870 MB
Features 2.0 Stereo & 5.1 multichannel Surround sound
Ana Caram is an excellent singer and guitarist of Brazilian music, but this set lacks any real surprises. She only plays guitar on one song, sticking to singing while being backed by a rhythm section and the saxophones of Paulo Levi. The selections all date from the 1960s (other than her original “Pura Luz”) and Caram is mostly cast in the role of Astrud Gilberto, performing Jobim tunes (including “Desafinado,” “Corcovado,” and “Triste”) and other tunes from the era, including “Blue Bossa,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and Baden Powell’s “So Por Amor.” The results are pleasant but very predictable, with no real chances being taken nor any fresh light shone on the veteran warhorses.
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Alexandra Shakina – Mood Indigo (2019) [Venus Japan]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 61:37 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 2,48 GB
or DSD64 2.0 (from SACD-ISO to Tracks.dsf) > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | Front/Rear Covers | 2,44 GB
or FLAC Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 1,33 GB
Alexandra Shakina’s second release for Japanese Venus label. Backed by Massimo Farao’ on piano, Nicola Barbon on bass and Gianni Cazzola on drums, sings “Isn’t It Romantic?”, “Let’s Face The Music And Dance”, “Mood Indigo”, “I’m A Fool To Want You”, and more.
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Alexandra Shakina – All The Way (2018) [Venus Japan]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 53:27 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 2,15 GB
or DSD64 2.0 (from SACD-ISO to Tracks.dsf) > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | Front/Rear Covers | 2,11 GB
or FLAC Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 1,18 GB
The debut album from Russian vocalist Alexandra Shakina, who has an attractive and fascinating voice. “All the Way” performing standards with backing from the Massimo Farao’ Trio.
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Alexander Warenberg & his Orchestra – A Time For Us (2002)
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 43:35 minutes | Front, Scans NOT included | 2,93 GB
or DSD64 2.0 Stereo (from SACD-ISO to Tracks.dsf) > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 43:21 m | Scans NOT included | 1,71 GB
or FLAC Stereo (carefully converted & encoded to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Front, Scans NOT included | 944 MB
Features Stereo and Multichannel Surround sound | First Impression Music # FIM SACD M051
Great movie themes in orchestral and symphonic profusion, based on famous works by classical masters including Mozart, Bernstein, Khatchaturian, Barber, Puccini, and John Williams, featuring famous violin soloist in dramatic arrangement. A true audiophile recording, which is only enhanced by FIM’s SACD transfer.
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Kinsky Trio Prague, Prazak Quartet – Alexander Borodin – Chamber Music Vol. III (2011)
SACD ISO (2.0/MCH): 3,19 GB | 24B/88,2kHz Stereo FLAC: 933 MB | Full Artwork
Label/Cat#: Praga Digitals # PRD/DSD 250 288 | Country/Year: Czech Rep. 2011 | 3% Recovery Info
Genre: Classical | Style: Romantic
This release is the third and presumably final installment in Praga’s survey of Borodin’s chamber music. I gave a warm welcome to Volume 2 of the series in Fanfare 35:3. That earlier release included a work from the composer’s maturity, the Read more Serenata , dating from 1886, the present disc is devoted exclusively to early works, from the period 1850–62, which are very short, unfinished, or both. I hear little in them that is specifically Russian in character or suggestive of the mature Borodin’s distinctive voice. They are instead written in a more international idiom, which is not unexpected, given that they were produced prior to Borodin’s association with the Mighty Handful and at a time when he was experiencing most of all the influence of such composers as Mendelssohn and Schumann. The fragmentary nature of these pieces is explained by the fact that they were written for private performance rather than public dissemination and were not published until long after the composer’s death. Nonetheless, these early pieces are surprisingly accomplished and enjoyable, if lacking the melodic inspiration we would expect from the composer of Prince Igor , the symphonies, and the Second String Quartet.
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Ales Barta – Organ Surround Illusion: Toccata And Fugue (2001)
SACD ISO: DST64 2.0, 5.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | Artwork | 3.25 GB
Genre: Classical | Label: Octavia Records | Release Year: 2001
High Quality Non-Compressed Japanese Import SACD! Superior Sound!
Organist Ales Barta performs compositional works by J.S. Bach, Brahms, Liszt, Franck, Boellmann, and Messiaen.
This Exton Laboratory Gold Line Hybrid Stereo disc is a high quality non-compressed Japanese Import SACD. Recorded on a custom Sony DSD recorder, this audiophile SACD is packaged in an XRCD-like luxury digipak. This disc includes a booklet with detailed microphone and equipment diagram and placement used for each individual recording! Superior quality Japanese Import SACD, manufactured in Yokohama, Japan. Only the best recordings – technically and artistically!
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America – Struttin’ Our Stuff (2004)
SACD ISO (2.0/MCH): 4,12 GB | 24B/88,2kHz Stereo FLAC: 1,24 GB | Full Artwork
Label/Cat#: in-akustik # INAK 5507SACD | Country/Year: Germany 2004 | 3% Recovery Info
Genre: Rock, Folk | Style: Folk Rock, Soft Rock, Acoustic
A few years ago, we looked at one of the many concerts in the German Ohne Filter TV series, one that features a different act each episode. In our case here, it was the Pop/Rock band America in their duo form that they have been in since 1979, when one of the three founding members departed. That was on DVD-Video. Now, after a year or so of promising to do no less than Super Audio CD versions of some of the programs in the series, Inakustik has issued the material in SACD under the title Struttin’ Our Stuff in a hybrid multi-channel disc. I have integrated that into the original review as follows.
At their peak in the 1970s, America was a fun Pop band that (thanks in part to some songs cut with Beatles’ producer George Martin), made some memorable songs that marked the era well. The original trio was Brit Dewey Bunnell and Americans Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek. This most popular configuration lasted until 1976, when Peek left for Christian music. Continuing as a duo, they made one comeback with the hit single You Can Do Magic in 1982, which was unlike the more acoustic sound they were known for. The comeback faded. Fast forward to 1999 (June 16th in particular) and they are still together, here in a concert for German TV’s Ohne Filter.
The set runs as follows, with the SACD version offering 2 more tracks than the DVD-Video.
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America – Hearts (1975) [Audio Fidelity 2016]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 4.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 36:24 minutes | Full Scans included | 1,54 GB
or FLAC 2.0 Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | 37:04 mins | Scans included | 670 MB
Features Stereo and Quadrophonic surround sound | SACD Mastering by Steve Hoffman | Audio Fidelity # AFZ5 231
Hearts is the fifth original studio album by American folk rock trio America, released by Warner Bros. Records in 1975. The album was produced by legendary Beatles producer George Martin.
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