Pro-Ject introduced its new, upgraded RPM line of turntables at Munich's High End Show. The RPM 1 now features a new carbon fiber over aluminum arm tube as well as a new magnetic repulsion anti-skating system. The price will go up some but the exact price has yet to be announced.
Behind closed doors Ortofon's Leif Johannsen introduced me to the new Quintet moving coil cartridge lineup as well as other new products and an off the record look at some upcoming Ortofon projects.
Billed in the blurb accompanying this modestly packaged LP as a new album by an up and coming jazz singer crossing over to classic country after being turned on to Leonard Cohen by Nancy Wilson (the jazz singer not half of Heart) and later falling under the influence of Dolly, Kitty and John Prine, once you hear some of the readily available downloadable tracks from this just released set you'll be hearing another strong influence not cited as one along with Joni Mitchell and Allison Krauss: Norah Jones.
Coverage of Munich's High End Show, arguably the world's largest and best audio show begins Thursday, May 15th with tweets during the day (@analogplanet) and posts at night. Stay tuned!
Zorin Audio is a China-based company producing a series of tone arms and turntables that last year at an audio show impressed visually. The machining appeared superb and the designs sensible, but with sufficient innovation to draw my interest.
On June 28th and 29th, Mastering engineer Chris Bellman (CB in your "dead wax") and recording engineer/mixer Francis Buckley will present the two day course "Analog Mastering in a Digital World" at Bernie Grundman Mastering. It's part of a Studio Prodigy Master Class Series
Sam Records is a one man, Paris, France-based operation began in 2011. The one man is Fred Thomas, who has self-professed interests in both jazz and photography. He also obviously is a man who cuts no corners and who believes in authenticity.
Backed by a stellar, award-winning trio of musical director and pianist Mike Renzi, bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Dave Ratajczak, Lyn Stanley greatly impressed in her New York debut at the intimate Metropolitan Club, billed as an "Internationally acclaimed jazz cabaret".
On Wednesday, May 7th, Nashville's United Record Pressing announced a major plant expansion with the planned addition of 16 additional presses. To meet demand the company currently operated 24/6 snd has been doing so for the past two years.