Album of the Evening

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

Maybe "Album of the (next) Nine Evenings," but I can't resist posting this set here. Really engaging performances, great SQ.

 

[jiminlogansquare]

ClassicsToday calls this a "Major Discovery," and I guess in some ways it is although not because of any profundity that such a designation might seem to imply. I think what they are getting at is the idea that this is light, enjoyable and even fun stuff by a composer not always known for being light, enjoyable or fun, plus it is very nicely played and recorded. 
 

[jiminlogansquare]

Great recent live Ron Carter set. Among many treats, it includes a rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" with one of the most audacious and virtuosic bass solos I have heard (e.g., it quotes from the Bach Cello Suites, and it somehow just fits). Strong recommendation for this.
 

[jiminlogansquare]

From back when music was *about something* (dammit). Something ineffable, yes; but reified here by dint of ginormous orchestration and spine-cracking organ bass notes. Fantastic performances with SQ to match. Go ahead, relinquish!

 

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

I put this here mostly for Symphony No. 2, which is engaging throughout if not exactly exciting, while I found the 28-minute single-movement No. 5 something of a snooze. YMMV. It is all the work of a masterful and meticulous composer. And a new composer to me. 

[jiminlogansquare]

"Dimensional Stardust"
Rob Mazurek and Exploding Star Orchestra

 

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

I knew Humperdink wrote more than just Hansel & Gretel, but had never heard any of it. This album to the rescue! And about two-thirds of the contents  here have never before been recorded. It's all great stuff, if light; and beautifully performed.

 

[jiminlogansquare]

I bought this when it first was released, and it has been one of my favorite holiday albums every year since.

 

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

[jiminlogansquare]

This is a great performance, with absolutely stunning sound quality. Some of the most realistic recorded trumpet sound I have ever heard, and a soundstage with the "you are there" effect set to eleven.

 

[jiminlogansquare]