At this point in his life and career, Eric Clapton has nothing to prove to anyone but himself. He’s gone from being called God on now famous graffiti that embarrassed him but others found justified, to later being called a snooze during a stretch of less than inspiring records and perhaps overexposure.
Taking a break from High End Munich coverage of which there's a lot more, brings me to Analog Spark's recent reissue of Bernstein Conducts Rhapsody in Blue/American In Paris (Columbia MS 6091).
The release blurb for Eric Clapton's new Glyn Johns produced and engineered record has left some readers confused about the source. Bob Ludwig clears it up.
Analog Spark, a Razor and Tie imprint headed by Mark Piro just announced some great upcoming AAA releases headlined by the iconic Bernstein/NYP recording of "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris" cut by Ryan K. Smith using for the first time the original three track master tape.
“Too expensive to record to analog tape” we often hear from major label representatives, from producers and from artists. And there are those who don’t think the sonics are better or as good as ProTools.
Groove Note's Ying Tan handed me a surprise at the conclusion of my visit to Bernie Grunman's: a two sided lacquer containing selections from the upcoming Vanessa Fernandez triple 45rpm AAA LP set.
In 1973 the late guitarist, music historian, fanatical record collector and audiophile John Fahey recorded for Reprise Records the album "After the Ball" (MS 2145)—an album of original and "period" pieces including this track: New Orleans Shuffle by the pianist Bill Whitmore, originally recorded in 1925 by The Halfway House Orchestra.
I brought to CES 2016 this £300 Electric Recording Company reissue of Recital Magda Tagliaferro because as well as sharing the experience with friends and colleagues I wanted to watch their reactions to it.
Lyn Stanley’s third effort had better not be more of the same I told her, but only because she asked. Otherwise, it’s really none of my business, especially since I would be reviewing it.
One of the greatest Broadway shows ever was also one of the great recordings of the dawning stereo era. Just reissued by Razor & Tie imprint Analog Spark and sourced using the original 3 track analog master tape, the music leaps from the speakers with new found conviction intensity and astonishing transparency.
The best album with one of the worst covers ever (well, at least of that era), has only grown in stature since it was first released in the Spring of 1966.