This is the first edition of Audio News, I hope you will enjoy it. Please spread the word and subscribe.
Rediscovering a Jazz Jewel: Blossom Dearie's Self-Titled Album
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Verve Records has released a new 180g reprint.
"Blossom Dearie Blossom Dearie," a self-titled album by the ever-talented and influential artist Blossom Dearie, is a jazz jewel that never loses its sheen. Dating back to 1957, this album feels as fresh and vital today as it undoubtedly did upon its initial release. The album's smooth and timeless vibe, coupled with Blossom's unique and enchanting voice, provides a pure and authentic jazz experience.
Blossom Dearie's distinctive vocal style, soft and intimate yet bright and articulate, is truly incomparable. Her rendition of classics such as "Deed I Do" and "They Say It's Spring" showcases her ability to provide a new color to known musical landscapes, infusing every note with a sense of personality and charm.
Her piano playing is another defining aspect of the album. Her style, both subtle and complex, enhances the lyrical melody lines. The sophistication and effortless coolness of her piano arrangements, such as on "Tout Doucement," underscore her unerring musicianship.
Among the twelve tracks, each holds its unique appeal. "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" is a delightful jaunt, while "Moonlight Saving Time" is a brighter, brisker tune that showcases Dearie's bouncy, sprightly piano skills. Conversely, "Someone To Watch Over Me," imbued with an air of sweet melancholy, offers a moment of contemplative serenity.
The excellent arrangements throughout the album, typically a trio or quartet format, provide a perfect stage for Dearie's multi-faceted talent. Ray Brown's bass playing and Jo Jones' drumming are standouts, framing Blossom's voice and piano beautifully.
However, it is the timeless quality of Blossom Dearie's voice, so distinctive and personable, that is the real highlight of the album. Whether on up-tempo tracks or softer, more introspective numbers, Dearie's voice captivates. She makes each lyric feel personal, inviting listeners into an intimate world of musical storytelling.
In conclusion, "Blossom Dearie Blossom Dearie" is an essential listen for any jazz aficionado or casual listener alike. Its delightful blend of memorable melodies, fantastic instrumental work, and captivating vocal performances make it a timeless classic. Blossom Dearie's unique artistry shines throughout, resulting in a beautiful, charming, and enduring jazz album.
The Brass Record Weight
A record weight made in brass which seems to work well with the Technics SL1200G.
https://www.fernandroby.com/products/details/brass-record-weight
Reveling in Rachmaninoff and Scriabin: A Retrospective Review of Lang Lang's Masterful Interpretations
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
With the new 180g, 2 LPs reprint by Craft Recordings, we get a chance to relive the spellbinding performance of "Lang Lang Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 & Scriabin Etudes" by the phenomenal pianist Lang Lang. This album is an excellent testimony to his virtuosity, depth of interpretation, and innovative approach to the keyboard.
Starting with Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3, Lang Lang's interpretation stands as a powerhouse of technical brilliance and emotional depth. Known as one of the most demanding pieces in the standard piano repertoire, Lang Lang not only rises to the challenge but also adds his own unique flair, illuminating the music's structure and nuances. The concerto's notorious passages are executed with both precision and panache, highlighting Lang's technical command and interpretive depth. The soaring melodies, dramatic climaxes, and intricate dialogues between the piano and orchestra are masterfully executed, making it an invigorating and moving listening experience.
Then we transition to the Scriabin Etudes. Here, Lang Lang presents a different facet of his musicianship. The selection of etudes provides a wide canvas for Lang to display his exquisite sensitivity, coloristic range, and keen understanding of Scriabin's idiosyncratic musical language. The dynamic changes, contrasting moods, and harmonic complexities are handled with aplomb. His ability to articulate the inner voices, and his command of touch and tone, particularly in the more introspective etudes, is mesmerizing.
The quality of the 180g vinyl is a bonus that cannot be ignored. Craft Recordings has done an excellent job in ensuring the preservation and enhancement of the sound quality. The warmth and richness that comes with vinyl recordings bring an added dimension to the music, making it a truly immersive auditory experience.
One cannot review this album without praising the high standard of collaboration between Lang Lang and the orchestra in the Rachmaninoff concerto. The synchronicity and exchange of musical ideas between them add an extra layer of richness to the performance, making it a truly cohesive musical journey.
In conclusion, "Lang Lang Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 & Scriabin Etudes" is a testament to the pianist's exceptional musicianship. The brilliance of Lang Lang's interpretation, coupled with the excellent sound quality of the vinyl, makes this album an indispensable addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Lang Lang or a newcomer to his artistry, this reprinted album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Here is a preview of a different edition.
Unleashing Sonic Splendor: A Review of the Klipsch La Scala AL5 Loudspeaker
Courtesy of Klipsch
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
From one of the most revered names in the world of loudspeakers, Klipsch's La Scala AL5 loudspeaker is a formidable presence both in size and performance. Exhibiting exceptional craftmanship, aesthetic grace, and an awe-inspiring auditory experience, it stands as an embodiment of Klipsch's dedication to quality.
One of the most striking features of the La Scala AL5 is its design, which beautifully marries form and function. Crafted from high-quality MDF and veneered in a selection of wood finishes, its sizeable cabinet is not just aesthetically pleasing but also serves an acoustic purpose. Its horn-loaded design contributes to its astonishing efficiency, filling even large rooms with rich, powerful sound at relatively low amplifier power.
Where the La Scala AL5 truly shines is in its sound reproduction. Its three-way, fully horn-loaded design provides a directness of sound that is hard to rival. The high and mid frequencies are incredibly detailed, delivered with an openness and clarity that is breathtaking. The vocals are vibrant and lifelike, while the string and brass instruments are reproduced with an astonishing level of detail and realism.
The bass response, delivered by a 15-inch woofer in a folded-horn design, is articulate and robust. While it may not reach the ultra-low frequencies delivered by some competitors, the bass it does deliver is fast, tight, and remarkably detailed. The overall sound signature is one of dynamism and energy, making listening to any genre of music a thrilling experience.
The La Scala AL5's sensitivity rating is an impressive 105dB at 1 watt/1 meter, meaning that it will play extremely loudly even with low-powered amplifiers. This allows the speakers to be driven to high volumes with minimal distortion, resulting in clean and undistorted sound even at concert-level volumes.
However, these speakers may not be for everyone. Their large size and the requirement for a fair bit of space around them for optimal performance may be impractical in small rooms or apartments. Also, their premium price tag means they're a significant investment, but one that discerning audiophiles might find worthwhile.
In conclusion, the Klipsch La Scala AL5 loudspeaker offers an unrivaled, superior listening experience for those who value sonic accuracy, detail, and an immersive musical experience. Its stunning design, top-notch build quality, and incredible performance make it more than just a loudspeaker, but is a remarkable piece of audio equipment that is sure to be the crown jewel of any sound system.
Stereophile article: https://www.stereophile.com/content/klipsch-la-scala-al5-loudspeaker
Official website: https://www.klipsch.com/products/la-scala-al-5
Congratulations. Nice read.