Records and Recordings
Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 1:28 pm
I'd like to start sharing the records that have impressed me,
maybe write a line of two about each album. And I have no
bias as to whether it's an audiophile LP or an ordinary pressing, so
long as it's satisfying. If one were to look at HPs Super Disc, we see
that the majority are commercial labels, and he distinguishes them
from the audiophile labels like D2D or from master tape. I really
liked that kind of presentation, because obviously, both pressings,
can be just as good as the other.
I'll just think of a few that comes to my head and here they are:
1. Sara K. ---Waterfalls ( Stockfisch Records)
This is a Direct Metal Master cut from the German Mr Gunther
Pauler. Inside the gatefold one will see the incredibly expensive
direct master cutting lathe with him proudly beside it. I admire
such dedication from people who obviously are not it in for mass
production profits. In all the years of collecting LPs, I have
developed such a soft spot in my heart for German record
engineering, like ATR Mastercut, lots of the Sheffield D2Ds
were pressed in W. Germany, and now this.
In one word, this album is awesome. Listening to the first
side of LP1 (there are 2 LPs ), like cuts 2 and 3, left me breathless
and speechless for a few minutes. My feeling was, such awesome
dynamics and clarity. And we are not even talking of a complete
band with vocalist. Featured is guitarist Chris Jones and the
songs are (for me) so much better than the ones she did for
Chesky. I don't know how to describe her music but it reminds
me of the Clapton Uplugged album and Sara K sings like
a torch singer. I never imagined I would enjoy this album so
much because I was not much of a fan of Sara at Chesky,
but truly, I loved this LP. The best of both worlds, great songs
and great recording.
http://sonatas.cc/lp/sarak.html
2. Clair Marlo ( CISCO Records)
Thank goodness for this reissue on 180g. I did not like the
Sheffield transfer from tape to LP, eventually sold it, and
now, a better transfer. For those who like her music and
voice, not much to elaborate. And I like this one better.
3. Chie Ayado-- Life ( RTI pressing)
When a Hongkong LP dealer was forcing me to get this LP,
I asked, Chie WHO???? But he was like saying, you do not
know this singer???!!!! And looking at her face on the cover
did not help me nor convince me to buy it. But the guy was
adamant, TRUST ME LAH...Well, that put me on the spot that
I got two of her albums, the other called GRACE (which I
played for a friend and he BOUGHT it from me after 2 cuts).
Ayado is a woman. Looks like close to 50s, white hair, and
if one would want to play stereotypes, 'what good can come
out from this girl?' That was on my mind when I paid for her
albums, and it's not that cheap.
How does the LPs sound? For those who love later Ella F.
music, this is something like Ella, belting out songs like
New York State of Mind, Amazing Grace, Blackbird, For Once
in my Life, etc. This singer can sing. I must admit it took me
a few days to get used to her voice, but once it grew on me,
I realized why this girl is an singing icon in Japan (acc to the
HK LP dealer), and now I take it to any place where there is
a turntable. And my friends have all been surprised at this
LP. Excellent piano rendition too, and she plays it too. (kinda
like a female Elton John)
....to be continued..[/img]
maybe write a line of two about each album. And I have no
bias as to whether it's an audiophile LP or an ordinary pressing, so
long as it's satisfying. If one were to look at HPs Super Disc, we see
that the majority are commercial labels, and he distinguishes them
from the audiophile labels like D2D or from master tape. I really
liked that kind of presentation, because obviously, both pressings,
can be just as good as the other.
I'll just think of a few that comes to my head and here they are:
1. Sara K. ---Waterfalls ( Stockfisch Records)
This is a Direct Metal Master cut from the German Mr Gunther
Pauler. Inside the gatefold one will see the incredibly expensive
direct master cutting lathe with him proudly beside it. I admire
such dedication from people who obviously are not it in for mass
production profits. In all the years of collecting LPs, I have
developed such a soft spot in my heart for German record
engineering, like ATR Mastercut, lots of the Sheffield D2Ds
were pressed in W. Germany, and now this.
In one word, this album is awesome. Listening to the first
side of LP1 (there are 2 LPs ), like cuts 2 and 3, left me breathless
and speechless for a few minutes. My feeling was, such awesome
dynamics and clarity. And we are not even talking of a complete
band with vocalist. Featured is guitarist Chris Jones and the
songs are (for me) so much better than the ones she did for
Chesky. I don't know how to describe her music but it reminds
me of the Clapton Uplugged album and Sara K sings like
a torch singer. I never imagined I would enjoy this album so
much because I was not much of a fan of Sara at Chesky,
but truly, I loved this LP. The best of both worlds, great songs
and great recording.
http://sonatas.cc/lp/sarak.html
2. Clair Marlo ( CISCO Records)
Thank goodness for this reissue on 180g. I did not like the
Sheffield transfer from tape to LP, eventually sold it, and
now, a better transfer. For those who like her music and
voice, not much to elaborate. And I like this one better.
3. Chie Ayado-- Life ( RTI pressing)
When a Hongkong LP dealer was forcing me to get this LP,
I asked, Chie WHO???? But he was like saying, you do not
know this singer???!!!! And looking at her face on the cover
did not help me nor convince me to buy it. But the guy was
adamant, TRUST ME LAH...Well, that put me on the spot that
I got two of her albums, the other called GRACE (which I
played for a friend and he BOUGHT it from me after 2 cuts).
Ayado is a woman. Looks like close to 50s, white hair, and
if one would want to play stereotypes, 'what good can come
out from this girl?' That was on my mind when I paid for her
albums, and it's not that cheap.
How does the LPs sound? For those who love later Ella F.
music, this is something like Ella, belting out songs like
New York State of Mind, Amazing Grace, Blackbird, For Once
in my Life, etc. This singer can sing. I must admit it took me
a few days to get used to her voice, but once it grew on me,
I realized why this girl is an singing icon in Japan (acc to the
HK LP dealer), and now I take it to any place where there is
a turntable. And my friends have all been surprised at this
LP. Excellent piano rendition too, and she plays it too. (kinda
like a female Elton John)
....to be continued..[/img]