Quality: SACD

Bob James – One (1974) [2021, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Bob James - One (1974) [2021, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Bob James – One (1974) [2021, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 1.45 GB (ISO) + 730 MB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Evosound | Hong Kong | Cat#: EVSA569S | Genre: Contemporary Jazz

Bob James’ first recording for his Tappan Zee label is typically lightweight. Although Grover Washington, Jr. has two spots on soprano, and trumpeter Jon Faddis is in the brass section, James’ dated Fender Rhodes keyboard is the lead voice throughout the six pieces, which include two adaptations of classical works. Only a lightly funky version of “Feel Like Making Love” rises above the level of pleasant background music. Continue reading “Bob James – One (1974) [2021, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Georg Friedrich Händel / The Bach Choir & The English Concert / David Hill – The People Shall Hear! Great Händel Choruses (2009) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Georg Friedrich Händel / The Bach Choir & The English Concert / David Hill - The People Shall Hear! Great Händel Choruses (2009) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Georg Friedrich Händel / The Bach Choir & The English Concert / David Hill – The People Shall Hear! Great Händel Choruses (2009) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Stereo & Multichannel | No Scans
Total Size: 2.90 GB (ISO) + 3.42 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: BIS | EU | Cat#: BIS-SACD-1736 | Genre: Classical

Despite the fact that he wrote a large number of operas and instrumental works, Handel is often perceived as a choral composer – or, more specifically, as the composer of the Hallelujah chorus. That particular piece is of course included on the present disc – as is He saw the lovely youth from Theodora, which Handel himself is reported to have preferred to Hallelujah, and indeed to all of his other choruses. Continue reading “Georg Friedrich Händel / The Bach Choir & The English Concert / David Hill – The People Shall Hear! Great Händel Choruses (2009) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Luciano Pavarotti – Ti Adoro (2003) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Luciano Pavarotti - Ti Adoro (2003) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Luciano Pavarotti – Ti Adoro (2003) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Stereo & Multichannel | Full Scans Included
Total Size: 3.63 GB (ISO) + 4.02 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Decca | Germany | Cat#: 470 635-2 | Genre: Classical

Luciano Pavarotti has long avoided doing the kind of solo crossover release often proffered by his Three Tenors comrades Plácido Domingo and José Carreras; indeed, in his liner introduction he claims that he was initially “very skeptical” of this project. He came around, though, and the result marks his first solo album of any kind in years. Catty opera cognoscenti hoping for an embarrassment may be gratified by a few booklet photos (keep that shirt on, Luciano!), but otherwise they’re out of luck. Continue reading “Luciano Pavarotti – Ti Adoro (2003) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Kenny G – I’m In The Mood For Love… The Most Romantic Melodies Of All Time (2006) [2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Kenny G - I'm In The Mood For Love... The Most Romantic Melodies Of All Time (2006) [2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Kenny G – I’m In The Mood For Love… The Most Romantic Melodies Of All Time (2006)
[2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 852 MB (ISO) + 0.98 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Arista | Hong kong | Cat#: 88875098492 | Genre: Easy Listening

There are bound to be those who will simply refuse to give Kenny G’s 2006 release, I’m in the Mood for Love, half a chance, and it’s a crying shame. Returning to a purely instrumental approach following At Last…The Duets Album (which featured a great cameo by Chaka Khan), I’m in the Mood for Love is admittedly a lot like Kenny G’s other albums. Continue reading “Kenny G – I’m In The Mood For Love… The Most Romantic Melodies Of All Time (2006) [2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Kenny G – Live (1989) [2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Kenny G - Live (1989) [2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Kenny G – Live (1989) [2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 3.04 GB (ISO) + 1.42 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Sony Music | Hong Kong | Cat#: 82876521642 | Genre: Smooth Jazz

Quite often, so-called smooth jazz artists who are mindlessly predictable in the studio become a lot more spontaneous and risk-taking on-stage. Playing for themselves instead of pandering to radio, they’re much more inclined to let loose. But Kenny G Live was only a slight improvement over 1986’s Duotones and 1988’s Silhouette, the knee-jerk studio recordings that made him a superstar. Continue reading “Kenny G – Live (1989) [2015, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Gabriel Yared / Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields – The English Patient (1996) [2003, Reissue, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Gabriel Yared / Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields - The English Patient (1996) [2003, Reissue, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Gabriel Yared / Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields – The English Patient (1996)
[2003, Reissue, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Multichannel Only | Full Scans Included
Total Size: 3.39 GB (ISO) + 3.81 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Fantasy | Germany | Cat#: FCD-16001 | Genre: Soundtrack

Gabriel Yared composed most of the music for the soundtrack of one of 1996’s most acclaimed dramas, which was largely performed by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields; John Constable (on solo piano) and Marta Sebestyen (vocals) are also featured. Yared’s score is mostly typical wide-screen epic stuff–nothing special. More interesting are Hungarian folk singer Sebestyen’s occasional contributions. A few period pop/jazz cuts by Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fred Astaire are interspersed throughout, and are most likely more effective on screen than on disc, where they juxtapose uncomfortably with the orchestral instrumental pieces. Continue reading “Gabriel Yared / Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields – The English Patient (1996) [2003, Reissue, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Eddie Money – Eddie Money (1977) [2016, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Eddie Money - Eddie Money (1977) [2016, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Eddie Money – Eddie Money (1977) [2016, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 1.91 GB (ISO) + 1.88 GB (DSF) + 941 MB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Analogue Productions | US | Cat#: CAPP 089 SA | Genre: Pop Rock

This strong debut benefits greatly from the expertise of veteran producer Bruce Botnick as well as the likes of former Steve Miller bassist Lonnie Turner and saxman Tom Scott. Guitarist Jimmy Lyon was to Money what Keith Scott was to Bryan Adams. Money, son of a New York City cop, had a rock & roll epiphany en route to following his dad’s career path. Continue reading “Eddie Money – Eddie Money (1977) [2016, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Big Star – #1 Record / Radio City (2004) [Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Big Star - #1 Record / Radio City (2004) [Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Big Star – #1 Record / Radio City (2004) [Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 1.49 GB (ISO) + 3.06 GB (DSF) + 1.57 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Stax | US | Cat#: SXSA 60025-6 | Genre: Power Pop

A two-fer combining Big Star’s first and second albums, #1 Record/Radio City remains a definitive document of early-’70s American power pop and a virtual blueprint for much of the finest alternative rock that came after it. The lone Big Star record to merit the full participation of founder Chris Bell, the brightly produced #1 Record splits the songwriting credits evenly between him and Alex Chilton (in the tradition of Lennon-McCartney). Continue reading “Big Star – #1 Record / Radio City (2004) [Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Eric Clapton – 4 Albums [Audio Fidelity Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Eric Clapton - 4 Albums [Audio Fidelity Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Eric Clapton – 4 Albums [Audio Fidelity Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
4x SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
4x DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
4x FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
4x CD-Layer / FLAC Image + Cue + Log
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 1.83 GB (CD-Layer) + 9.55 GB (SACD ISO) + 9.38 GB (SACD DSF) + 4.35 GB (SACD FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Audio Fidelity | Genre: Blues Rock
UPDATE: Added DSF tracks

Timepieces The Best Of Eric Clapton (1982) / Behind The Sun (1985) / Journeyman (1989) / Pilgrim (1998)
Continue reading “Eric Clapton – 4 Albums [Audio Fidelity Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Simone – Let’s Fall In Love (2016) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Simone - Let's Fall In Love (2016) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Simone – Let’s Fall In Love (2016) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Total Size: 2 GB (ISO) + 1.94 GB (DSF) + 981 MB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Venus Records | Japan | Cat#: VHGD-178 | Genre: Vocal Jazz

Simone is joined by a cast of talented musicians for Let’s Fall In Love. Simone puts her own unique spin on country music artist Alison Kraus’s “Ghost In This House” as well as jazz standards like “Moon Glow.” Continue reading “Simone – Let’s Fall In Love (2016) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Shelly Manne – 2 3 4 (1962) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Shelly Manne - 2 3 4 (1962) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Shelly Manne – 2 3 4 (1962) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 1.48 GB (ISO) + 1.45 GB (DSF) + 709 MB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Analogue Productions | US | Cat#: CIPJ 20 SA | Genre: Post Bop

This unusual set has five selections from a date featuring the great tenor Coleman Hawkins, pianist Hank Jones, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Shelly Manne. Both “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Cherokee” find the group at times playing two tempos at once (Manne sticks to double-time throughout “Cherokee”), and showing that they’d heard some of the avant-garde players. Continue reading “Shelly Manne – 2 3 4 (1962) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Duke Jordan – Flight To Jordan (1960) [2011, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Duke Jordan - Flight To Jordan (1960) [2011, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Duke Jordan – Flight To Jordan (1960) [2011, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 2.01 GB (ISO) + 1.97 GB (DSF) + 937 MB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Analogue Productions | US | Cat#: CBNJ 84046 SA | Genre: Hard Bop

Duke Jordan, who played regularly with the Charlie Parker Quintet in 1947, was long known as a superior bebop pianist whose style was touched by the genius of Bud Powell’s innovations. This quintet album, also featuring trumpeter Dizzy Reece and the young tenor Stanley Turrentine, gave Jordan an opportunity to record six of his originals and, although none became as well-known as his “Jordu,” the music has plenty of strong melodies and variety. This is one of Duke Jordan’s better recordings and is quite enjoyable. Continue reading “Duke Jordan – Flight To Jordan (1960) [2011, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Ben Webster – See You At The Fair (1964) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Ben Webster - See You At The Fair (1964) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Ben Webster – See You At The Fair (1964) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Full Scans Included
Total Size: 1.44 GB (ISO) + 1.42 GB (DSF) + 679 MB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Analogue Productions | US | Cat#: CIPJ 65 SA | Genre: Jazz

Ben Webster’s final American recording was one of his greatest. At 55, the tenor saxophonist was still very much in his prime but considered out of style in the U.S. He would soon permanently move to Europe where he was better appreciated. Continue reading “Ben Webster – See You At The Fair (1964) [2010, Remastered, Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Richard Wagner / The Cleveland Orchestra / Szell – Wagner: Great Orchestral Highlights From The Ring Of The Nibelungs (1999) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Richard Wagner / The Cleveland Orchestra / Szell - Wagner: Great Orchestral Highlights From The Ring Of The Nibelungs (1999) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Richard Wagner / The Cleveland Orchestra / Szell – Wagner: Great Orchestral Highlights From The Ring Of The Nibelungs (1999) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
No Scans Included
Total Size: 3.62 GB (ISO) + 3.12 GB (DSF) + 1.42 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Sony Classical | US | Cat#: SS 89035 | Genre: Classical
Continue reading “Richard Wagner / The Cleveland Orchestra / Szell – Wagner: Great Orchestral Highlights From The Ring Of The Nibelungs (1999) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”

Richard Wagner / Hansjörg Albrecht – Der Ring: An Organ Transcription (2006) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Richard Wagner / Hansjörg Albrecht - Der Ring: An Organ Transcription (2006) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]

Richard Wagner / Hansjörg Albrecht – Der Ring: An Organ Transcription (2006) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]
SACD-ISO / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
DSF Tracks / DSD / 1bit / 2.8224MHz
FLAC Tracks / 24bit / 88.2kHz
Stereo & Multichannel | Full Scans Included
Total Size: 3.45 GB (ISO) + 10.4 GB (DSF) + 4 GB (FLAC) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Oehms Classics | Germany | Cat#: OC-612 | Genre: Classical

Adapting orchestral music for the organ can be a tricky matter, and few transcriptions work ideally despite the similarity of the organ’s varied stops to the instruments of the orchestra and its capacity to imitate an orchestra’s massed forces and wide dynamic range. However, when the music happens to be arrangements of excerpts from Richard Wagner’s opera tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen the trickiness of the project becomes even more obvious, for the difficulties of these complex orchestral pieces are only compounded when transferred to the organ. Continue reading “Richard Wagner / Hansjörg Albrecht – Der Ring: An Organ Transcription (2006) [Hi-Res SACD Rip]”