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Audiophile
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The
Cannonball Adderley Quintet in San Francisco
Analogue Productions / Riverside RLP 1157 Reviewed by RSF
It’s a great pleasure to hear these performances 46 years after
they were originally recorded. I’m a big fan of this series, and
we’re now into the third set of 25 Jazz titles from the Fantasy
catalogue (now owned by Concord) and re-issued by Chad Kassem’s
Analogue Jazz Productions as 180g 45rpm releases. Issuing 45s with music
on both sides makes so much more sense than single-sided releases. (Especially
as they don’t warp the way single-sided 45's tend to.) I love the
work Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray perform with these tapes. Masters the
pair! I had to make collecting decisions many years ago and one of the
areas in my collection that is weak is the jazz section. I’m not
sure what an original stereo issue of this recording would set you back,
but I can tell you that you won’t get the sound quality and the
quiet surfaces this recording offers for $50. The musicians here are playing
spontaneously at the Jazz Workshop and you’ve got that ‘club
atmosphere’ going for you as well as the master players in the Quintet.
Strongly recommended for those who have even the slightest interest in
these outstanding musicians.
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Sam
Lightnin’ Hopkins - Lightnin’ in New York
Pure Pleasure Records / Candid Stereo 9010 Reviewed by RP
Wowsa. This is one GREAT album! Hopkins is right up there with the absolute
greats and this gem was recorded at Nola Penthouse Studios in New York
City in November, 1960. Re-cut from the original analogue master tapes
by Ray Staff at Alchemy and pressed on 180g vinyl by Pallas.
I’ve owned the original mono of this recording for well over 20
years and have always, always loved it. I think when you hear this record
you’ll get a good idea why I am so smitten with the blues. Hopkins
weaves a wonderful story in his troubadour style and this is another record
that doesn’t know what the phrase ‘bad track’ means.
Having always heard the mono issue (both the mono and stereo are impossible
to find in clean, quiet issues) I was surprised in listening to the stereo
that we’re offered the same intimate acoustic that’s also
on the mono release. The sound is out of this world and you’re going
to try and figure out how Hopkins seems to play the guitar, the piano
and sing all at the same time! For what it’s worth, this Pure Pleasure
release destroys the UK Barnaby issues.
Starting off with ‘Take it Easy’, you immediately know you’re
in for a real tour de force. Wait until you hear ‘Mister Charlie’
on side 2.
Highest recommendation
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Liszt:
Hungarian Rhapsodies 2 & 3
Enesco: Roumanian Rhapsodies 1 & 2.
Dorati, LSO
Speakers Corner / Mercury SR90235 Reviewed by RSF
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, "This is one
of my favorite Mercury recordings." I find the music light, fast-paced
and wonderfully infectious. You just can’t help toe tapping to this
one. Dorati is right at home with this music and the LSO rises to the
occasion as well. The woodwinds start off slowly and then the full power
of the string section brings it all together. Slowly, at first, and then
the pace begins to quicken. Dramatically. The plucked strings of the cello
and viola sections dominate for just a moment and then Dorati swings into
high gear. This is music we’ve all heard at one time or another
and it’s absolutely delightful. As quickly as the Enesco moves into
high gear Rhapsody 1 ends and number 2 begins.
A thoroughly enjoyable encounter. Side 2 brings us into the world of Liszt
and here we are treated to two of his 6 Hungarian Rhapsodies. There is
seemingly a little more pomp and circumstance as Rhapsody No. 2 opens,
however, this is soon forgotten and this light-hearted fare fills your
entire room with great sound. Liszt is of course a little more serious
than Enesco, but don’t let that scare you. This is Classical Music
for people who don’t think they like Classical Music. Great music
making and NOT to be missed. Those of a digital persuasion should check
out the new SACD release (issue 41 pp132) which
adds extra Liszt Rhapsodies.
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Franz
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished), Symphony No. 3
Carlos Kleiber, VPO
CAE/Deutsche Grammophon 2531 124 Reviewed by RSF
While I am pleased Clearaudio has thrown its hat in the re-issue marketplace
with the Clearaudio Audiophile Audition, I would have liked to have something
more exciting in their first group of Deutsche Grammophon releases than
Kleiber’s Schubert. Firstly, it’s not a hard record to find
used. Secondly, it’s far, far from being one of Kleiber’s
better interpretative outings. The 8th is a little shaky in the first
movement but he does settle down and draws some fine drama after this.
For me he rushes through the 3rd, almost as if he was late for another
appointment. What is most surprising though is that the sound quality
is only mediocre, especially the first half of the Allegro moderato. After
that things do improve, but there’s no saving that 3rd. (Look for
Karajan on EMI or even Kertesz on Decca). Still, your tastes might differ
and at least the re-issue has much quieter surfaces (from Pallas) than
my originals. I do hope these releases continue, but I also hope there
is more creativity in the Clearaudio camp when the next group is selected.
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Tchaikovsky:
Piano Concerto No. 1 Op. 23.
Martha Argerich (pno) Dutoit, RPO
CAE/Deutsche Grammophon 2530 112 Reviewed by RP
Anyone who knows me is aware of my love for almost anything Argerich plays.
This was her first recording with Dutoit and presumably an early encounter
and collaboration of artist and conductor which eventually led to a marriage.
Martha’s recorded this with several different conductors and orchestras
and while some may prefer her performances with Kondrashin or Abbado (and
I like those also), this, being her first, is among my favourite interpretations.
While the orchestras seem to lag in those other recordings, here we have
one entity where the solist and the Philharmonic are united. I really
like the way Dutoit handles his baton throughout this performance, being
delicate when required, but firm and powerful when the score calls for
it. Martha is electrifying as always and I would strongly suggest that
if you’re not familiar with this performance, you’re missing
one of the great interpretations of this work.
The sound, while more than acceptable, comes second compared to the interpretation.
This is a nice addition to my re-issue collection and I’m happy
to recommend this to both those who already own an original pressing and
those searching for that special Tchaikovsky.
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Otis Spann
with S.P. Leary and Fleetwood Mac - The Biggest Thing Since Colossus
Pure Pleasure / Blue Horizon Records 7-63217 Reviewed by RSF
After the Jam Sessions at Chess studios, Spann and Fleetwood Mac decided
to do another album together and this is the result. Leary’s drumming
is outstanding and Peter Green is probably at the peak of his guitar skills.
There’s a slow opening with ‘My Love Depends on You’,
and then things really take off with ‘Walkin’.
This is one of those ultra rare Blue Horizon issues that’s been
out of print for over 30 years. The Pure Pleasure release, another Ray
Staff/Alchemy/Pallas collaboration, is one spectacular bit of music making.
Spann is one of the greats and he’s just so into the groove and
laid back, delivering stunning vocals.
While there are other Otis Spann records I’ve preferred in the past,
this disc makes a very welcome addition to the repertoire of an artist
I can listen to all day long. The man can play the piano as good as Memphis
Slim and that’s saying something! If you’re not familiar with
Otis, this is a mighty find introduction into who he is and what he can
do. Simply stated, he’s got the blues. Great music, great feeling,
great sound. Now all you have to do is get your copy.
Top recommendation. |
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