The Fabulous Fats Navarro Vol. 1 Tone Poet Classic Vinyl Series
The prodigiously talented trumpeter Fats Navarro was a bebop innovator whose career was cut tragically short when he died in 1950 at age 26. As part of the 1500 series Blue Note later compiled this 12” LP with selections from various dates Fats had featured on from 1947–49 with the Tadd Dameron Sextet, Bud Powell Quintet, and the McGhee-Navarro Boptet.
This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is mono, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original masters, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
The Gil Evans Orchestra – Out Of The Cool 180g Analogue Productions Vinyl
"The album is worth getting for the 15 minutes of 'La Nevada' alone but the rest is equally great including the cinematic side closer 'Where Flamingoes Fly.' ... The sonics here with a cut from the master tape by Ryan K. Smith (yes, the master tape- I have a current photo that for some reason I can't share with you) are incredibly transparent, spacious and flat-out thrilling ... and somewhat brighter and less mid-band rich than the long out of print Alto-Analogue edition Bernie Grundman cut in 1997. Both are worth having for different sonic reasons and if you have a clean original Rudy Van Gelder cut (A-4) you may think you are set, but that cut is less spacious, somewhat dynamically compressed, has the RVG lower bass roll-off and is definitely less transparent — not that it's bad and some people do like the more 'in your face' excitement. This one's here now though! Do not miss it!" — Music = 10/11; Sound = 10/11 - Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com.
The Ornette Coleman Double Quartet: Free Jazz Speakers Corner 180g Vinyl
The term 'free jazz' was already in existence – but it had a quite different meaning, namely jazz without paying for an entrance ticket. The album "Free Jazz", however, was intended to lend its name to a quite different style of jazz. 'Free' playing – now this meant that no one was bound to conventions, you could let your imagination run loose. Free jazz gave one the chance to find new rules for every new composition. And it was to be the greatest boost to innovation in the world of jazz. Ornette Coleman’s album from December 1960 stands at the beginning of the free jazz era like a massive portal.
The Oscar Peterson Trio – West Side Story – Verve 200g 45 RPM Vinyl
One of the first Broadway musical scores to be overtly jazz-influenced was Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, a tale of rival street gangs in the inner city. In 1962, pianist Oscar Peterson put his light-swing signature on the already popular score, making it, in the words of one critic, “a delight to hear again” and earning him a Grammy nomination.
Originally released in 1962
The Spinners – Spinners 180g Mofi Vinyl
Sweeping Strings, Funk Rhythms, Brassy Rejoinders, Immaculate Harmonies, and Satiny Lead Singing Fill Thom Bell’s Melodic Arrangements: Few Albums Sound Creamier Than This Watershed Effort
The timeless music and expert arrangements are about the only things smoother than the powder-blue suits sported by the Spinners on the cover of their resplendent self-titled 1972 record. The band’s first album for Atlantic after departing Motown, Spinners ranks as an all-time soul classic – a filler-free set boasting immaculate harmonies, sweet melodies, and impeccably matched vocals. Thom Bell’s flawless production puts it all over the top. Yielding an ideal balance of lushness and grit, the collaboration between the Detroit-based group and studio veteran yielded a record that birthed the celebrated Philadelphia Sound. Now, you can finally experience it in audiophile-grade sonics.The Thelonious Monk Quartet – Straight No Chaser 180g Audiophile Vinyl
180-GRAM 33RPM 2LP SET
This mid-period masterwork from jazz piano’s most uncommon voice find Monk and his quartet ( Charlie Rouse on tenor, Ben Riley on drums and Larry Gales on bass) exploring every texture, tone and melodic turn of seven expansive tracks. This group was subtle, mature and confident, easily supporting Monk’s more idiosyncratic side-tracks (check out the solo on “Locomotive” or the restless exposition on “Japanese Folk Song”) while allowing listeners freedom to move through or contemplate all the sublime subtexts Monk conjures from the endless well of his inspiration.
The World’s Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings Vol. 2 – Chesky Records – SACD
Immerse yourself in The World’s Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings Vol. 2 – a stunning SACD compilation designed for discerning music lovers and audiophiles. Featuring an exceptional selection of high-resolution vocal performances, this collection showcases crystal-clear sound quality, capturing every breath, note, and nuance with breathtaking realism. With a carefully curated lineup of world-class vocalists, this Super Audio CD (SACD) delivers an unparalleled listening experience, making it the perfect choice for hi-fi enthusiasts and collectors of audiophile recordings. Elevate your sound system with pristine, high-fidelity audio and discover the magic of truly remarkable vocal performances.
The World’s Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings Vol. 3 – Chesky Records – SACD
Available for the first time ever on vinyl and SACD, Chesky’s “The World’s Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings Volume 3” is a collection of the very best vocalists within the audiophile scene. This soulful and sophisticated collection of songs has been hand-picked for the very best listening experience. Featuring the signature vocals of songstress Anna Nalick (“As Time Goes By”), soft-spoken crooner Casey Abrams (“Why Don’t You Do Right?”) and the soulfully smooth stylings of Macy Gray (“I Try”) and more. The album showcases the vocal dynamics of this formidable roster in a natural recording that makes it feel like they are right in the room with you. The album attests to Chesky’s commitment to detailed, clear, high-quality sound and perfectly introduces the label’s unique approach to record production.