SACD / DSD

Lavinia Meijer – Fantasies and Impromptus (2011) [DSF Stereo DSD64/2.82MHz]

SACD / DSD By admin · March 29, 2018 · Comments off

What prompts a composer to write fantasies and impromptus? And what do the fantasy, a free form, and the impromptu, originally an improvised poem, have in common? We know that Spohr was inspired by a young harpist who was later to become his wife. But did Fauré, as director of the Paris Conservatory, simply have no option than to write, because a compulsory solo piece was required for the harp class examinations? Was the marine officer Roussel influenced by his travels to distant shores? And were the fantasias by Saint-Saëns inspired by his great love of the Arab world? We can sometimes only guess. What we do know is that the harp has always appealed to the imagination, and that both fantasies and impromptus have inspired many composers to give free rein to their creative powers. (…) –Lavinia Meijer ( from liner notes)

(more…)

Will & Rainbow – Over Crystal Green (2002) [Japan] {SACD ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · March 22, 2018 · Comments off

In 1976, a fusion band called Rainbow featuring pianist Will Boulware recorded an album entitled “Crystal Green”, which included saxophonist Michael Brecker, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and drummer Steve Gadd. In 2002, Boulware, the Brecker brothers and Gadd-along with the late saxophonist Bob Berg and bassist Will Lee-reconvened in a New York studio to record “Over Crystal Green” under the group name Will & Rainbow. The album proves that the intervening years have clearly not diminished their rapport. (more…)

Weather Report – Heavy Weather (1977) [Audio Fidelity 2017] {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · March 22, 2018 · Comments off

Weather Report were a jazz supergroup formed in 1970, best known outside the jazz world for their hit “Birdland”. Heavy Weather is Weather Report’s 7th album, released in 1977 through Columbia Records. It is the band’s 2nd album with bassist Jaco Pastorius. On Black Market, Pastorius played on 2 of the 7 tracks, but here he is a full member of the band. It is on the short list of LP’s considered to be the greatest of all Jazz-Fusion recordings. (more…)

Wayne Horvitz – Sweeter Than The Day (2001) {SACD ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · March 22, 2018 · Comments off

The debut album from Wayne Horvitz’s sideline acoustic project Sweeter Than The Day expresses the reflective side of pianist Horvitz’s temperament: bittersweet, melodically distinctive chamber jazz, an evocative combination of swing, bop, blues, West Coast cool and the occasional edge of free jazz, with echoes of French impressionism and other classical piano music and popular music of the 1950s and 1960s. (more…)

Blind Faith – Blind Faith (1969) [Japanese Limited SHM-SACD 2010 # UIGY-9031] {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · February 18, 2018 · Comments off

Reissue features the high-fidelity SHM-SACD format (fully compatible with standard SACD player, but it does not play on standard CD players) and the latest DSD mastering in 2010 based on Japanese analogue master tapes. DSD Transferred by Hitoshi Takiguchi. (more…)

Hiram Bullock – Late Night Talk (1997) [Japan 2016] {SACD ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · January 10, 2018 · Comments off

Though he passed from cancer in 2008 at the young age of 52, jazz and rock guitarist Hiram Bullock lives on in the music he left behind. A music lover from the start, he played saxophone and bass guitar before claiming his place as a guitarist at the age of 16. He went on to appear on several albums with saxophonist David Sanborn, as well as other artists’ session for record producer Phil Ramone. Mr. Bullock later started the 24th Street Band and the group made three albums. The 24th Street Band made several appearances on “Late Night With David Letterman” whenever Letterman’s keyboardist Paul Shaffer needed a band. Shaffer dubbed them The World’s Most Dangerous Band while Mr. Bullock, himself, earned the nickname “The Barefoot Guitarist”. Those joining Mr. Bullock for the Late Night Talk album include organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joe Locke on electric and acoustic vibs, acoustic bassist Ed Howard and Idris Muhammad on drums. (more…)

Wes Montgomery – A Day In The Life (1967) [Japanese Limited SHM-SACD ‘2014] {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · December 30, 2017 · Comments off

By the time Wes Montgomery recorded this album (his debut for A&M), he was a major name in the pop world. Montgomery’s melodic renditions of current pop hits caught on and were played regularly on Top 40 radio. In most cases the guitarist did little more than play the melody, using his distinctive octaves, and it was enough to make him saleable. Of his three A&M recordings, A Day in the Life (the first one) was by far the best and, although the jazz content is almost nil, the results are pleasing as background music. “Windy” was a bit of a hit; the other selections (which find Montgomery backed by muzaky strings arranged by Don Sebesky) include “Watch What Happens,” “California Nights,” “Eleanor Rigby” and the title cut. (more…)

Ella Fitzgerald – Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! (1961/2012) [DSF Stereo DSD64/2.82MHz]

SACD / DSD By admin · August 12, 2017 · Comments off

Ella Fitzgerald – Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! (1961/2012)
DSF Stereo DSD64/2.82MHz | Time – 00:50:26 minutes | 2,0 GB | Genre: Jazz
Source: ISO SACD | © Verve Records
Recorded: 22-23 June 1961 in Los Angeles . Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound

Fourteen numbers from the heyday of swing, composed sometime between 1930 and 1945, played and sung time and time again in ballrooms, or on the radio to advertise biscuits or war bonds, were recorded by Ella Fitzgerald in completely new and personal interpretations in 1961.
Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! is absolutely top notch as regards to musicality; perfect recording quality, superb accompaniment by a small ensemble, with room for improvisations; it offers a wonderful opportunity to discover something new in these evergreens. The songs of this recording conjure up bygone days, with listeners in the 21st century being offered a highly personal homage to one of the most successful periods in the 100-year history of jazz!

(more…)

Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings – Struttin’ Our Stuff: In Concert (2004) [2.0 & 5.1] {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · July 27, 2017 · Comments off

The late ’90s saw former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman return to recording/touring duty with a new outfit, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. As expected, Wyman managed to retain some bluesy elements from his previous band, but the Rhythm Kings primarily specialized in a musical form that made a surprise comeback during this time – swing. (more…)

Hugo Montenegro – Love Theme from The Godfather & The Dollars Trilogy (2016) [2.0 & 5.1] {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · May 31, 2017 · Comments off

Hugo Mario Montenegro was a composer, arranger, and conductor who is primarily known for his movie work in the ’60s, as well as his adaptations of film scores like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Montenegro began to branch out after the Hang ‘Em High album, recording a diverse array of albums, ranging from show tunes to electronic experiments. Throughout the late ’60s and ’70s, he continued to score films, including Lady in Cement, The Undefeated, The Wrecking Crew, Tomorrow, and The Ambushers, among many others. He continued composing and recording until his death in 1981. This SACD release combines 2 LP on 1 SACD – “Love Theme from The Godfather” (1972) & “Music from A Fistful Of Dollars / For A Few Dollars More / The Good, The Bad And The Ugly” (1968).

(more…)

Hugo Montenegro – In Wonderland & Neil’s Diamond Fashioned (2016) {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · April 9, 2017 · Comments off

Hugo Mario Montenegro was a composer, arranger, and conductor who is primarily known for his movie work in the ’60s, as well as his adaptations of film scores like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Montenegro began to branch out after the Hang ‘Em High album, recording a diverse array of albums, ranging from show tunes to electronic experiments. Throughout the late ’60s and ’70s, he continued to score films, including Lady in Cement, The Undefeated, The Wrecking Crew, Tomorrow, and The Ambushers, among many others. He continued composing and recording until his death in 1981. This SACD release combines 2 LP on 1 SACD – “Hugo In Wonder-land: Interprets the Genius of Stewie Wonder” (1974) & Neil’s Diamond fashioned by Hugo Montenegro” (1973). (more…)

Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble – When Strangers Meet (2002) [SACD to FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz]

SACD / DSD By admin · March 29, 2017 · Comments off

Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble – When Strangers Meet (2002)
PS3 Rip | FLAC tracks 2.0 24bit/88.2 kHz | Front+CD | 1.38 GB

This disc introduces Yo-Yo Ma’s latest and most ambitious adventure, the Silk Road Project. It explores the cultures that flourished along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that for centuries connected Europe and the East. Founded by Ma in 1998, the project aims to create connections, mutual trust, and cultural interchange between people from different parts of the world through their only shared language: music. This recording includes music from Mongolia, China, Persia, Japan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and an improvisation on an Italian Renaissance street song, performed by musicians from all those countries, as well as America, on both Eastern and Western instruments. Ma, who participates in every piece either as soloist or part of the ensemble, plays cello and a Mongolian “horse-head fiddle.” There is also a Mongolian soprano, who sings a traditional song native to her region. For the uninitiated Western listener, the music requires some getting used to. Much of it is based on rhythmic ostinatos. The melodies use Oriental scales; the intonation is untempered; the music seems all color, texture, and atmosphere, without what might be called themes; and repetition takes the place of development. Contrast is achieved through sudden change, buildup by adding instruments. However, the music is often beautiful, delicate, dreamy, or peaceful; every listener will find his or her own favorite pieces. The playing is splendid, with much inventive improvisation. Inevitably, Ma’s tone and personality stand out, but he never dominates in fact or spirit. The booklet offers essays by Ma and the project’s musicologist, Theodore Levin, photographs of the players, and drawings of the Eastern instruments. (more…)

Neeme Jarvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra – Wagner: Tristan Und Isolde (2011) {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · March 25, 2017 · Comments off

The popular Prelude & the so-called Liebestod (“Mild und Leise”) from Richard Wagner’s music drama Tristan und Isolde are the most familiar parts orchestras play, most often in the 1859 concert arrangement by Wagner. (He preferred that the term Liebestod be applied to the Prelude only, & originally titled his concert version Liebestod und Verklärung, or “Love-death & Transfiguration.”) The featured work of this Chandos SACD is the 1994 suite arranged by Henk de Vlieger, fashioned from key parts of the entire opera, not just the beginning & end. Tristan und Isolde: An Orchestral Passion is a lengthy tone poem that includes key passages, in much the same manner as de Vlieger’s other symphonic syntheses on Der Ring des Nibelungen, Parsifal, & Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. These instrumental potpourris have all been performed by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, for whom de Vlieger serves double duty as arranger & percussionist, & the recordings of the 1st 3 suites with Edo de Waart show enthusiastic support & commitment to de Vlieger’s work. Add to that the recordings that Neeme Järvi & the Royal Scottish National Orchestra have made of The Ring, Parsifal, & now Tristan und Isolde, & it becomes clear that there’s a market for these recordings of “operas without words.” Since the music is faithfully adapted from the original score, & arranged into a coherent version that still communicates the broad outlines of the drama, there is little to debate over de Vlieger’s choices. Though he’s not noted as a Wagnerian conductor, Järvi’s interpretation is perfectly acceptable & coherent for most casual listeners’ purposes. Indeed, purists who appreciate the original music dramas really have no need for this arrangement, though newcomers who are daunted by Wagner’s texts & operatic singing may want to try this recording as a means to become better acquainted with 1 of the most influential works in western music history. This album is filled out with 2 of Wagner’s early opera overtures, Das Liebesverbot & Die Feen. (more…)

Neeme Jarvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra – Wagner: The Ring, Siegfried Idyll (2008) {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · March 25, 2017 · Comments off

This 67-minute, orchestra-only version of Wagner’s famous opera cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen is arranged by Henk de Vlieger, arranger, composer & percussionist in the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic. The work was commissioned by the orchestra & the result is a 14-section fiery musical spectacle entitled The Ring, an orchestral adventure. (more…)

Neeme Jarvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra – Wagner: Parsifal (2010) {PS3 ISO + FLAC}

SACD / DSD By admin · March 25, 2017 · Comments off

Most of the familiar orchestral versions of Richard Wagner’s operatic music were arranged either by him or his followers in the 19th century, so the Overture & Venusberg Music from Tannhäuser & the Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin have long been performed in these special concert formats. But the main work of this SACD is the 1993 suite arranged by Henk de Vlieger, Parsifal, an Orchestral Quest, which is a fresh adaptation of the key moments from Wagner’s final music drama. The work was commissioned by the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, after de Vlieger, the ensemble’s percussionist, had successfully arranged music from Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen into a similar orchestral vehicle for them. Parsifal, an Orchestral Quest was premiered on RCA in 1997 by Edo de Waart, & Neeme Järvi leads the 2nd recorded performance on this 2010 release on Chandos. Since the music is faithfully adapted from the original score & arranged into a coherent instrumental version that still communicates the broad outlines of the drama, there is little to debate over de Vlieger’s choices, & Järvi’s performance with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is fully satisfying. This album provides a balanced program of Wagner’s orchestral music, from the somber meditations of Parsifal to the lascivious passions of the bacchanalia from Tannhäuser & the stirring emotions in the Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin, so listeners can expect a captivating listening experience that may also inspire them to seek out the full operas. (more…)