Chicago Archive
Sonny Rollins – Colossus (1956) – Prestige Records/Analogue Prod. – mono SACD
This is a flawless SACD reproduction of a real jazz classic.
Eric Alexander – Chicago Fire – High Note
Keeping the flame lit…
Shawn Maxwell’s Alliance – Shawn Maxwell’s Alliance [TrackList follows] – Chicago Sessions
Chicago music which deserves some recognition.
“Abhanden” = Works of UNG, VIVIER, DEHAAN, GREENWALD, BALTER & BROWN – Chris Wild, cello/ Ens. Dal Niente – Navona
A very eclectic program, just a little unsettling in places.
ROUSSEL: Bacchus and Ariadne Suite No. 2; RAVEL: Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2 – Chicago Sym. Orch./ Jean Martinon (1965) – RCA Victor/ HDTT DVD-A
Another fine hi-res transfer made from prerecorded open-reel tape.
Patricia Barber – Companion – Premonition Records 90762-1 (double vinyl)
Hi-res vinyl captures the magic of Patricia Barber.
“Hot” = Works by GEORGES APERGHIS, ANOTHONY CHEUNG, AARON CASSIDY, MARCOS BALTER, CHAYA CZERNOWIN & FRANCO DONATONI – Ryan Muncy, saxophones – New Focus
This is pretty abstract stuff but it’s hard to ignore.
Doug Webb – Another Scene – Posi-Tone
Doug Webb, an under-rated jazz tenor stylist….
“In a New Light” – Trio Voce = ZEMLINSKY: Piano Trio in D Minor; SUK: Piano Trio in C Minor; ARENSKY: Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor – Trio Voce – Con Brio
In three pianos trio from the late Nineteenth Century, Trio Voce makes an indelible impression for suave mastery of their respective medium.
Von Freeman – The Great Divide – Premonition Records – vinyl
Premonition Records has re-released tenor man Von Freeman’s 2003 release, The Great Divide.
Otis Rush – Right Place, Wrong Time – Bullfrog Records / Pure Pleasure Records (vinyl)
Pure Pleasure Records has re-mastered Right Time, Wrong Place to 180-gram vinyl with sterling results.
* BERLIOZ: Seven Overtures [TrackList follows] – Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/ Sir Andrew Davis – Chandos
A brilliant hi-res surround recording of the seven Berlioz Overtures.
Lush – Joe Clark Big Band, featuring Jeff Hamilton – Jazzed Media
A new band in the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra tradition.
Greg Duncan – Chicago, Barcelona Connections – New Origins
Greg Duncan connects the dots between flamenco and jazz to create Euro-American music.
Muddy Waters/Rolling Stones – Checkerboard Lounge/Live In Chicago 1981 – Eagle Vision (2 vinyl discs + video DVD)
Historical performance released on collector’s edition vinyl.
Audio News for October 9, 2012
Pay Crunch for Many U.S. Symphony Orchestras; D+M Sells Off McIntosh; Emotiva Adds Stereo & Surround Preamps
“The Soviet Experience Volume II” = SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No. 1 in C; No. 2 in A, Op. 68; No. 3 in F; No. 4 in D; PROKOFIEV: String Quartet No. 2 in F – Pacifica Quartet – Cedille (2 CDs)
A definitive series? You decide.
Muddy Waters/The Rolling Stones – Checkerboard Lounge: Live Chicago 1981 – Eagle Rock (CD + DVD)
Artists like The Stones owe a debt to the blues culture. It is refreshing to see the payback.
Styx: Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight – Live, Blu-ray (2011)
An audience-pleasing run through two popular classic rock albums.
Lurrie Bell – The Devil Ain’t Got No Music – Arai B.G. Records
Gospel and blues unite at the crossroads.
Chicago/The Blues/Today! – Vanguard Stereolab /Pure Pleasure Records (3 LPs)
Glorious vinyl reissue is a must have for any blues fan.
Works of PATRICIA MOREHEAD: “Good News Falls Gently” = Navona Records
Pleasant enough and interesting but with mixed results.