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JAN GUNNAR HOFF : Stories – Jan Gunnar Hoff, p. – 2L Blu-ray & SACD

JAN GUNNAR HOFF : Stories – Jan Gunnar Hoff, p. – 2L Blu-ray & SACD

by | Mar 3, 2017 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

JAN GUNNAR HOFF : Stories – Jan Gunnar Hoff, piano [Tracklist follows] – Pure Audio Blu-ray – 11.1 Dolby Atmos + 9.1 Auro-3D + 5.1 surround + stereo + mShuttle /SACD multichannel and stereo; 2L-131 TT: 57:03 ea. (2 discs) [Distr. by Naxos] *****: A terrific recital on both audio-only Blu-ray & multichannel SACD. Recorded during August 2016 in the fine acoustics of Sofienburg Church, this is Jan Gunnar Hoff’s third recording for the Norwegian label, 2L, and his sixteenth in total. The package includes both a Pure Audio Blu-ray and a multichannel SACD, as well as mShuttle for accessing the Blu-ray’s music on your computer. Hoff (b. 1958) is a composer-pianist with wide interests, including classical, rock and jazz idioms; he’s an academic at the Universities of Tromsø and Agder, and finds time to organize festivals and camps, and to tour as a solo artist. And to make fine recordings, such as this one. The works on this release are largely his own works, and link together in a nicely varied fashion, alternating the introspective and musing with the more upbeat energetic works. The whole program is a remarkably satisfying hour’s listening. The recital opens with Värmlandsvisan a Swedish […]

SHOSTAKOVICH: “The Jazz Album” – Ronald Brautigam, p./ Peter Masseurs, trumpet/ Royal Concertgebouw Orch./ Riccardo Chailly – Decca vinyl

SHOSTAKOVICH: “The Jazz Album” – Ronald Brautigam, p./ Peter Masseurs, trumpet/ Royal Concertgebouw Orch./ Riccardo Chailly – Decca vinyl

by | Mar 2, 2017 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

A terrific orchestral version of some of Shostakovich’s jazziest works, on remastered vinyl! SHOSTAKOVICH: “The Jazz Album” – Ronald Brautigam, p./ Peter Masseurs, trumpet/ Royal Concertgebouw Orch./ Riccardo Chailly (TrackList follows) – Decca vinyl 483 0960 (12/23/16): Shostakovich had a constantly changing relationship with jazz during his composing years in the Soviet Union. His famous “Tahiti Trot,” (which is really an arrangement for “Tea for Two,” came about as a challenge by conductor Nicolai Malko to orchestrate Youman’s “Tea for Two” in the space of an hour. Shostakovich did it in 40 minutes, and the resultant work has been a big hit in Russia. In his student years, Shostakovich visited jazz musicians and performances with reported his delight at jazz bands, but later jazz was regarded with suspicion and hostility in certain quarters as a residue of bourgeois culture and decadence. In 1934, however, he participated in a jazz competition whose aim was to raise the level of Soviet jazz from “cafe” music to music with a professional status. He then wrote his three-movement Jazz Suite No. 1.  During the early 1930s Shostakovich wished to get back to concert tours with himself at the piano and wrote this Piano Concerto […]

Dave Douglas and Frank Woeste – Dada People – Greenleaf

Dave Douglas and Frank Woeste – Dada People – Greenleaf

by | Feb 23, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Making music for Man Ray’s masterful art. Dave Douglas and Frank Woeste – Dada People [TrackList follows] – Greenleaf GRE-CD-1051, 63:14 [10/14/16] ****: (Dave Douglas – trumpet, co-producer; Frank Woeste – piano, Fender Rhodes, co-producer; Matt Brewer – bass; Clarence Penn – drums) Want to appreciate an artist’s efforts in a fresh way? Then try experiencing a person’s creativity filtered through another artist’s imagination. That’s the impetus behind the hour-long Dada People, the collaboration by trumpeter Dave Douglas and keyboardist Frank Woeste, alongside bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Clarence Penn. Douglas and Woeste set about penning music which offers a musical viewpoint focusing on famed artist Man Ray, who fashioned paintings, photography, “ready-mades” and other artistic endeavors (both commercial and non-commercial) and was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements, though not formally a member of those groups. The ten original tracks (which are credited equally: five Douglas and five Woeste compositions) impart audio portraits but not always directly related to Man Ray’s creative output. Douglas states the material deliberately engages in the “spirit of mischievousness, of play, of mystery, and also of the ‘play of identity’ within the work of Ray and his circle.” That sphere of […]

MONTEVERDI: Messa a Quattro voci et salmi of 1650; CAVALLI: Magnificat – The Sixteen/ Harry Christophers – Coro

MONTEVERDI: Messa a Quattro voci et salmi of 1650; CAVALLI: Magnificat – The Sixteen/ Harry Christophers – Coro

by | Dec 28, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

A terrific start to a new two-part series. MONTEVERDI: Messa a Quattro voci et salmi of 1650 (Vol. 1); CAVALLI: Magnificat – The Sixteen/ Harry Christophers – Coro Cor 16142, 71:29 ****: After Monteverdi’s death in 1643 at the age of 76, his publisher thought highly enough of some of his unpublished pieces to put them out in print. Though his two large collections of secular (Madrigali guerrieri et amorosi) and sacred (Selva morale et spiritual) music from the last five years of his life represent a major summing up of 30 years of work as the choirmaster of the Doge’s chapel at San Marco, this overflow of creative work that didn’t make it to the printed page is evidently as worthwhile and moving as anything he ever wrote. The collection emanated from the composer’s own stock of manuscripts, and contain a variety of psalm settings, vespers, a litany, and a mass. You might notice that the very title of this collection is “mass”, and none is to be found on this disc; that’s because The Sixteen have committed to two discs from this collection, and the Mass will be available on Volume 2. Many of these works include instrumental […]

DEEMS TAYLOR: Three Century Suite – Moravian Philharmonic Orch./ Petr Vronsky – Navona EP

DEEMS TAYLOR: Three Century Suite – Moravian Philharmonic Orch./ Petr Vronsky – Navona EP

by | Nov 18, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

A very short EP but very accessible music from Deems Taylor. DEEMS TAYLOR: Three Century Suite [TrackList Follows] – Moravian Philharmonic Orch./ Petr Vronsky – Navona NV6066. 15:39 [6/21/16] ••••: This is the 50th anniversary of the passing of Deems Taylor, who was the narrator in Disney’s original Fantasia, and composed the delightful Thru the Looking Glass on Alice in Wonderland (one of my personal favorite works…Ed.). The Three Century Suite had only one previous performance, at Interlochen in 1960, so it is more than welcome to have this recording at this time. You can see and hear each of the five movements on You Tube, because evidently the music went with historical video images on screen. The “Bartholomew Fair” closing movement is a celebration of sheer joy. It is in waltz time and has a lovely melody for strings and winds. The Moravian Philarharmonic does a fine job playing this short score. Sound is excellent – a recording made just this year. TrackList: 1. Pavan – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra / Petr Vronsky 4:19 2. Saraband – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra / Petr Vronsky 2:33. 3. Jig – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra / Petr Vronsky 2:36 4. Ragadoon – Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra […]

Pete Townsend’s Deep end – Face The Face – Video DVD + CD (1986/2016)

Pete Townsend’s Deep end – Face The Face – Video DVD + CD (1986/2016)

by | Nov 16, 2016 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews

Pete Townsend’s Deep end – Face The Face – Video DVD + CD (1986/2016) A thirty year-old concert of Who leader has re-emerged. Performers: Pete Townsend – guitar, vocals; Peter-Hope Evans – harmonica; Chuchu Merca – bass; Simon Phillips – drums; John “Rabbit” Bundrick – keyboards; Jody Linscott – percussion; David Gilmour – guitar; “The Kick Horns” – Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer, Tim Sanders, Peat Brachill & Dave Plews; Billy Nicholls – background vocals; Ian Ellis – background vocals; Chris Staines – background vocals; Gina Foster – background vocals; Coral Gordon – background vocals Studio: Eagle Vision, Eagle Rock Ent./ WDR Rockpalast EV307769, 2 discs (9/16/16) Directors: Christian Wagner & Pete Townshend Audio: DTS Digital Sound 5,1; Dolby Digital Surround 5.1 & Stereo Video: 4:3 screen format on DVD TrackList (DVD + CD are the same): Won’t Get Fooled Again; Secondhand Love; Give Blood; Behind Blue Eyes; After The Fire’ Slit Skirts; Blue Light; I Put A Spell On You; Hiding Out; The Sea Refuses No River; Face The Face; Pinball Wizard; A Little Is Enough; Rough Boys; Night Train Length: 87 min. Rating: Audio: ***1/2         Video: ***          Overall: ***1/2   The […]

Esperanza Spalding – Emily’s D+Evolution – Concord

Esperanza Spalding – Emily’s D+Evolution – Concord

by | Oct 11, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Esperanza Spalding – Emily’s D+Evolution [TrackList follows] – Concord CRE-38265-02, 45:29 (3/04/16) ****: Enter stage right: Esperanza’s artistic evolution! While jazz is predominantly the style you’ll hear emit from her work, Esperanza Spalding transcends the genre on her new full-length album, Emily’s D+Evolution, which shows many alternative and rock-influenced styles, with a passionate theatrical element to the sound. Spalding worked closely with producer Tony Visconti, David Bowie’s primary producer, on several tracks on the album – which could have helped give her this edge. Lyrically, the album pays tribute to her journey by telling the story of Emily, which is Esperanza’s middle name, but also the spirit-muse whose story unfolds throughout this incredibly complex album. At first listen, I initially was unsure of allowing the music to guide my ear on the journey – as it was difficult to define what I was hearing! What pulled me in was giving my attention to the vocals, which have a beautiful unfettered quality displaying her intuitive confidence in every track. Emily sings from the heart. Whether singing as more of a melodic accompaniment, or stealing the stage with her a cappella speak-acting – you can tell that there is not one regretful […]

The Claudia Quintet – Super Petite – Cuneiform

The Claudia Quintet – Super Petite – Cuneiform

by | Sep 12, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

The Claudia Quartet shares musical sketches from life incorporating travel, song, news, movies and more. The Claudia Quintet – Super Petite [TrackList follows] – Cuneiform, Rune 427, 47:21 [6/24/16] ****: (John Hollenbeck – drums, percussion; Red Wierenga – accordion; Matt Moran – vibraphone; Drew Gress – acoustic bass; Chris Speed – clarinet/tenor saxophone) Some writers prefer the conciseness and tight structure of short stories to the length of novels. There’s a nebulousness to characters and pensive situations where the reader has to fill in some details. One of Raymond Carver’s short story collections was called Short Cuts, and that’s an apt analogy to drummer/composer John Hollenbeck’s 47-minute Super Petite, the eighth release with his long-standing Claudia Quintet. Whereas some jazz artists gravitate to making albums or musical projects prolonged and larger, Hollenbeck took the opposite approach and focused on penning shorter compositions (although one piece on Super Petite is over eight minutes). Hollenbeck states in his liner notes, “Many of these compositions came from studies or ideas that I wanted to practice or explore—and through further exploration, they organically evolved into musical portraits or musical shorts.” Hollenbeck’s work has been and continues to be modernistic, and spans contemporary jazz and […]

The Modern Jazz Quartet, Germany 1957-1958 “Lost Tapes” – SWR>>Music, Jazz Haus

The Modern Jazz Quartet, Germany 1957-1958 “Lost Tapes” – SWR>>Music, Jazz Haus

by | Sep 8, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

These 19556-58 German recordings show the outstanding performances of the early MJQ. The Modern Jazz Quartet, Germany 1957-1958 “Lost Tapes” [TrackList follows] – SWR>>Music, Jazz Haus mono 101 731 *****: Pianist-composer John Lewis, in these early recordings, turns the four musicians of the quartet into a sensitive instrument which vibrates in the same universe of sound, achieving a communion unique in the jazz world. His idea was to present a unique style that incorporated both jazz and classical elements with great polish and artistry. And this they did. This is really cool jazz by players who really know the music. There are some nice variations in the German recordings from the U.S. releases, which make the disc worth getting. There is an interlude by John Lewis on “Ralph’s New Blues,” which presents this MJQ classic in a whole new light. On “Midsommer,” the MJQ is heard together with the Harald Banter Ensemble in a third stream style. Then there is their early interpretation of my favorite jazz tune, John Lewis’ “Django.” TrackList: Ralph’s New Blues, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Willow Weep for Me, I’ll Remember April, Misömmer, Bluesology, Django, Sun Dance, Cortege. You Go to my Head, I Can’t […]

Phronesis – Parallax – Edition EDN

Phronesis – Parallax – Edition EDN

by | Jun 12, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Jazz which covers food to fish, astronomy to harmonization. Phronesis – Parallax [TrackList follows] Edition EDN 1070 [Distr. by Harmonia mundi] 56:47 [4/8/16] ****: (Jasper Høiby – doublebass; Ivo Neame – piano; Anton Eger – drums) Pan-European trio Phronesis escalates an atmosphere of adventure, veered jazz and interplayed imagination on sixth album overall—and fourth for the Edition label. Danish bassist Jasper Høiby, British pianist Ivo Neame and Swedish drummer Anton Eger create undulating, modern jazz which is independent from traditional norms but remains approachable. The nine original tracks (three apiece penned by each member) were taped during a single day at London’s Abbey Road studio. The result is music of the moment. There is absorbing spontaneity, regardless if time might have gone into rehearsal or pre-planning. The hour-long presentation commences with two memorable cuts. Eger’s aptly driving “67000 MPH” has unpredictable thematic variations and expressive tempo changes. The fast-paced rhythmic alterations mirror the title, which refers to the speed the earth orbits the sun. The metrical back-and-forth between piano and drums offers a lesson in cadenced communication. Neame’s punningly-titled “OK Chorale” has a name inspired by the famous American Western shoot-out, but the music is far from cattle country. Chorales […]

Home Page for November 2014

Home Page for November 2014

by | Nov 1, 2014 | Home Page

Our November drawing is for two 45-CD sets of The Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon by famed conductor Ferenc Fricsay. Here is a complete list of all the selections on this multi-CD boxed set. And here is our review of it. These have been specially remastered for this collector’s set. The Hungarian conductor, who died in 1963, was known for his interpretations of Mozart and Beethoven, as well as works of his teachers Bartok and Kodaly. He was Chief Conductor of the German Symphony Orchestra Berlin for two periods. He conducted without a baton and recorded exclusively for DGG from the 1950s until his death. The two sets will go to two AUDIOPHILE AUDITION readers who this month register using our simple form. (Those who don’t completely fill out the form will not be eligible for the drawing, including those who registered in previous months.) The two winners will be listed on our Editorial Page next month, where this month you’ll find more details on the drawing.  Here’s our survey of 16 Christmas CDs & SACDs.