• 
  A Desperate Light: Orchestral Works by Gisle Kverndokk
• 
  The Silk Road: Chamber Music for Winds
• 
  Sa kort ein sommar menneska har (So Short Is The Summer We All Have)

Your music has been described as accessible and entertaining as well as being rigorously constructed intellectually. Do you see your music this way, and is it important to you for your music to be accessible and/or entertaining?

It is an interesting observation. I’m not sure about the “rigorously constructed” part. I don’t like to construct music. My ideas and my structures have to come naturally, spontaneously. I always follow my musical instincts when I work. But of course you have to structure your ideas, and it is also important to analyse your ideas so that the composition has substance and a clear focus. I’m happy that people experience my music as accessible and entertaining. I like entertaining music. Though I find it important to communicate that “entertaining” is not the opposite to “serious”.

In ‘Three Pictures’ the music describes three paintings: ‘Rue Lafayette’, ‘Night in St Cloud’ and ‘At the Roulette Table in Monte Carlo’ by Edvard Munch. How do you draw inspiration from the works of Munch and have you also been inspired/influenced by other visual artists?

Visual art and music have so much in common. In fact, there are many composers that are also very talented visual artists. Think about Schönberg and Gershwin, to name a couple. I come from a family with lots of talent in that art form. My father was an architect and also a wonderful painter. So I grew up drawing and painting all the time, and I have always thought very visually when I compose. I’m constantly inspired by visual art, and I love to go to art exhibitions. Especially retrospective exhibitions of a particular artist. Then you see how an artist develops his or her ideas through the years. And sometimes you see how the same idea is evident through their whole life span. One retrospective exhibition that will stay with me forever was with the German artist Gerhardt Richter at the Centre de Pompidou. What an artist!

In ‘Three Pictures’ I have tried to recreate the composition of the painting. The colors, the light, the contrasts, and the drama that I found in them. I created my own stories when I interpreted the pictures. All of that provided me with lots of musical ideas.

I have a couple of other works inspired by visual artists. I was commissioned to write a work for the 100th anniversary for the Munch paintings at the Oslo University Hall (University Aula), a beautiful concert hall in Oslo centre where Munch decorated the hall with fantastic paintings in 1916. I wrote a work for baritone and piano, inspired by his painting ‘Chemistry’. There I also used some of his own texts about that picture. My string quartet ‘La Nouvelle Athènes’ is inspired by the area in Paris where all the artists lived at the end of the 19th century. The streets there commemorate the famous painters, so the three movements are dedicated to Van Gogh, Gauguin and Moreau. Here I also created my own drama. There are so many stories related to these artists and the streets where they lived.

As a Norwegian composer is it important for you to engage with the works of your fellow Norwegians such as Munch?

Well, I haven’t thought so much about that. But the work ‘Three Pictures’ was a commission for a chamber music festival at the Munch Museum in Oslo. The fabulous trumpet player Tine Thing Helseth was the artistic director, and she wanted me to compose a work inspired by Munch. So I chose those pictures, created in France. I have spent a lot of time in Paris, so I felt a strong connection to those paintings. I am a frequent visitor at the National Museum here in Oslo. I love to walk around and get inspired by the art there. Some of the iconic pictures from the golden age of the Norwegian national romantic era are truly inspiring. I am very much connected to the Norwegian tradition in all the arts. But I also think it is important to look up and take in other influences, other cultures. We live in a multi cultural society, and I have reflected on that in some of my other compositions.

It can be very restrictive to always try to be a part of the Norwegian tradition. As a composer, if you for instance incorporate Norwegian folk music, before you know it, you sound like Grieg. So we have to look for new ways. Several contemporary composers have made great contributions in how to use the Norwegian folk tradition as an organic part of their music, in a new and original way.

‘A Desperate Light’ was influenced by Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Age of Anxiety’ as well as other works from the great composer. How do you approach engaging with your illustrious predecessors?

This work was actually written for a competition in Vienna, celebrating Bernstein. A good friend of mine, the conductor Caspar Richter who lived in Vienna (and sadly passed away 2 years ago), called me and urged me to write a piece for that competition. I am a huge fan of Bernstein and I have listened to his music all my life. This was during the pandemic in one of the worst lockdowns. I felt that I lived in an age of anxiety, so I wanted to write a piece that reflected that. In my ‘Bernstein-bubble’, the music that came out was absolutely “Bernsteinesque”. It might sound like American film music from the ’50s or ’60s. Alfred Newman and another Bernstein, Elmer Bernstein, come to mind. We are all standing on the shoulders of our predecessors so we should acknowledge that, and send some gratitude to them now and then! And I wish that my friend Caspar could have heard this piece.

You describe your composition ‘Symphonic Suite from Around the World in Eighty Days’ as “a concerto for orchestra”. How did you transform the music from your wildly successful work into a concerto for orchestra? Did you enjoy the process of revisiting this work and transforming it?

The opera consists of a lot of symphonic music, many orchestral interludes, and my idea in this opera was actually to make a symphonic form of the whole musical drama. I always think like that in my musical theatre works. So I thought that it would be good to create a symphonic work from all this material, since it is very hard to get a big opera like this produced again. I didn’t want this music to disappear in a drawer.

I wanted to make a work that showcased all the instruments in the orchestra. I want the musicians to feel that they all have an important part to play! In the sections where there were vocal solos I naturally gave them to different solo instruments. For instance, the coloratura aria for Violetta in Paris, was made into a short violin concerto. It was a challenge to fit everything together, so I composed transitions between all the sections to make everything organic. But it was a real joy to revisit this. I am planning to do similar suites from several of my other operas as well. When I have the time…

The post Interview with Norwegian Composer Gisle Kverndokk appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote during this process. We take great pleasure in looking back over the year of fantastic DSD music that we are able to promote, and we are happy that you do as well.

A very big Thank You to NativeDSD Senior Reviewer Bill Dodd and Technical Advisor Brian Moura for their contributions to the AOTY Awards process, and for their efforts in general. NativeDSD would not be what it is without them.

We once again applaud all of the Nominees for AOTY 2024. Just being nominated is a token of excellence in DSD Audio Quality, and with so many great albums this year it was hard to even choose the Nominees!

Album of the Year 2024 Winners

WINNER
Solo Guitar /
Audience Choice Award

This album also receives our Audience Choice Award for receiving the most votes overall, with an impressive 174 votes! Congratulations to Gergely Szurgyi, Robert Zoltan Hunka and the rest of the Hunnia Records team.

Gergely Szurgyi
Hunnia Records – HRES2417

Gergely Szurgyi introduces us to Scordatura, a technique where “new horizons in guitar playing” can be achieved by changing the usual tuning of the guitar. It can trade off volume for more depth and warmth. I was not familiar with this approach to the guitar. Szurgyi’s guitar and his playing result in a wonderful album of Pure DSD 256 Stereo music. This album will make you a fan of the Scordatura!

WINNER
Vocals (Jazz)

Holly Cole
2xHD – 2XDAR1015

Jazz Singer Holly Cole reunites with the Jazz duo of Davis & Piltch plus drummer Davide DiRenzo on the album Night. Cole’s cool Jazz vocals are on full display here. She offers new musical insights on familiar, and in some cases unexpected selections, including Viva Las Vegas, You Only Live Twice, Goodtime Charlie’s Got The Blues and You’ve Got A Secret. The album provides an enjoyable evening of cool jazz at its finest.

WINNER
Vocals (Folk)

Corrie Lynn Green & Her Band with Hazelrigg Brothers
Outer Marker Records – OM08100h

Time To Be Brave was one of our weekly # 1 Best Sellers this year at NativeDSD. It features singer and songwriter Corrie Lynn Green, Her Band, and the Hazelrigg Brothers. All of the songs on the album were written and sung by Corrie Lynn Green. They are delivered in a heartfelt and passionate way that looks at life in Appalachia. The mix of Folk, Americana and Appalachian genres is very moving, and the musicianship is top notch. Resulting in an album that is a memorable listening experience.

WINNER
Vocals (Classical Soloist)

Magdalena Kozená, Czech Philharmonic, Sir Simon Rattle
PENTATONE – PTC5187077

This lovely, haunting album of Czech orchestral songs is a real winner. It’s a followup to last year’s Folk Songs, winner of Album of the Year in the vocal category. This new one from Magdalena Kozena, backed by the Czech Philharmonic with Sir Simon Rattle is even more attractive to me because many of these art songs are from Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959), a composer whose works I have fallen in love with over the last few years. The peacefulness and beauty that flows from this album is amazing!

WINNER
Orchestral

Manfred Honeck, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Reference Recordings – FR757

Over the decades I have heard conductors try to impart the greatness of Bruckner’s music, and here’s one is completely successful. Honeck knows Bruckner inside and out. He writes, “Just as a human being consists of spirit, soul and body, I see Bruckner’s symphonic music in a similar light: Spirit — The art of designing compositional relationships, Soul — The grasping of a boundless depth of spirituality, and Body — The love of Austrian folk and dance music”

WINNER
Holiday Music

Diana Panton
2xHD – 2XHDDP1130

Christmas Kiss is a new addition to the NativeDSD collection of Christmas Music albums. Diana Panton and her Jazz Trio bring listeners an interesting set of 15 tracks that feature not only holiday favorites but also some lesser known tunes and some original songs. Panton’s warm and gentle vocals compliment the songs wonderfully. Just the thing to put you in the Christmas spirit.

WINNER
Film Music

José María Moreno Valiente, Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga
IBS Classical – IBS82024

The Year 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of famed composer Henry Mancini. To celebrate this musical milestone, IBS Classical brought us the album Henry Mancini Centennial featuring the Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga conducted by José María Moreno Valiente. The album is a celebration of Mancini’s many contributions to Film and TV music during his career. Theme From The Pink Panther, Peter Gunn, Moon River, Charade, The Days of Wine and Roses, Two For The Road, Dear Heart, Baby Elephant Walk and many more bring back fond memories of the music and the movies and TV shows that featured them.

WINNER
Concertos / Orchestral with Soloist

Ning Feng, Bochum Symphony Orchestra, Tung-Chieh Chuang
Channel Classics – 45924

The amazing Ning Feng has a number of superb Albums available on Channel Classics, and this one is no exception.  Tung-Chieh Chuang and the Bochum Symphony Orchestra (Germany) provide excellent backing as Ning Feng dazzles with these two Soviet era concertos.  This is superb musicianship!

WINNER
Opera

Marnie Breckenridge, Matt Haimovitz
PENTATONE – PTC51873411_bundle

This is an opera– but hardly traditional.  Marnie Breckenridge is the sole singer, and she is accompanied only by the other character, her cello!  The cello is personified by cellist Matt Haimovitz who is physically present as a non- vocal character, but also plays the cello.  If that seems confusing, check the album cover.  Jacqueline is Jacqueline du Pre, whose rise to fame was meteoric, but very brief due to multiple sclerosis.  Marnie Breckenridge handles a difficult role very well.  Haimovitz, a du Pre protege, is also fine. Listen to the available samples to get a sense of composer Luna Pearl Woolf’s and librettist Royce Vavrek’s work. It’s hardly traditional, but it is remarkable.

WINNER
Classical Crossover

Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen
OUR Recordings – 8226920

Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen provides us with a fascinating look at how a number of famed rock classics are influenced by the music of Bach. He does this by performing classics like Light My Fure, People Are Strange, Stairway To Heaven and A Whiter Shade of Pale, among others, alongside several Bach compositions on the Organ. By the end of the album’s 74 minutes of music Mikkelsen proves his thesis. And it’s a wonderful journey of musical discovery along the way.

WINNER
Compilation Album

Bill Evans, Monty Alexander, Bob James, Hank Jones, Les McCann, Teddy Wilson, Dick Hyman and more.
2xHD – 2XHDFT1265

This year 2xHD Mastering brought us another excellent sampler of Jazz from the Resonance Records, Storyville Records and Jazzology Records catalogs with Piano Piano Piano. The album features 18 tracks and over 90 minutes of music from Jazz Stars including Bill Evans, Monty Alexander, Bob James, Hank Jones, Les McCann, Teddy Wilson and Dick Hyman. If you like Jazz, this is a must have addition to your music collection.

WINNER
Meditation & Relaxation

Karttikeya
Outer Marker Records – OM10100H

This album by musician, producer, engineer and educator Karttikeya presents a joyous glimpse into the enthralling world of hand pans. In equal parts resonant and rhythmic, these 15 tracks showcase Karttikeya’s deep connection with these incredible handcrafted instruments and deliver a truly hypnotic listening experience.

WINNER
Jazz Trio

Rob van Bavel, Frans van Geest, Marcel Serierse
Sound Liaison – SL1069A

The Studio Sessions is the second in a three album trilogy from Jazz pianist Rob van Bavel. The trilogy focuses on ballads favored by the pianist and some of his musical collaborators. On this album bassist Frans van Geest and drummer Marcel Serierse are featured. The trio brings new insights to favorites including Slow Boat to China, Misty, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square and Cinema Paradiso. This is fine Jazz pianist artistry and well worth a listen.

WINNER
Jazz Ensemble

Jasper Staps, Rembrandt Frerichs Quartet
Just Listen Records – JL030

The First At Last was a frequent visitor to the weekly Top 10 Best Sellers List during 2024. And its no mystery as to why. Featuring two European Jazz stars – sax player Jasper Staps and pianist and composer Rembrandt Frerichs and two up and coming Jazz musicians, the album offers smooth and cool Jazz music. One NativeDSD Listener called it “The Perfect Jazz album.”  I’d say it’s an album not to be missed. 

WINNER
Jazz Fusion

Balázs Rodek
Hunnia Records – HRES2410

Trees From Underneath was inspired by articles on science, nature, stars, and physics according to quartet leader Balázs Rodek. The album features 6 original songs that feature a unique “dreamy” sound created by the improvised nature of the ensemble’s interactions and playing. An interesting addition to the NativeDSD Jazz catalog.

WINNER
Solo Instrumental

Henrik Dam Thomsen 
OUR Recordings – 8226922

*DANISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR -POLITIKEN
*EDITOR’S CHOICE – GRAMOPHONE

The Six Suites for Cello— Amazing music! We’ve had some very good original cello performances arrive over this past year, but this one by Henrik Dam Thomsen instantly became my favorite modern recording– perhaps even beating the older ones by Casals or Starker. I can give no higher praise. In a very crowded field, this wonderful performance becomes the one to beat.

WINNER
Chamber Music

Rikke Sandberg & Kristoffer Hyldig
OUR Recordings – 8226923

Over the last few years I have become a fan of Nielsen’s symphonies, but I was not prepared for the power of this 4 hand / two piano arrangement of the Third. These two very talented pianists have gone way beyond a simple rearrangement– this is a whole new piece of music that stands proudly on its own. Equally fine are the Saul and David excerpts. Although these were written for “4 hands” I think there is a huge benefit from having two separate pianos. Highly recommended!

WINNER
Tribute Album

The Ghost, The King and I (Frans van Geest, Vincent Koning, Rob van Bavel)
Sound Liaison – SL1064A

The Ghost, The King and I is a Jazz trio featuring bassist Frans van Geest, guitarist Vincent Koning and pianist Rob van Bavel. Here they play eight songs composed by George Gershwin. Recorded live with an audience using a main microphone and three microphones to support or “spot” the trio members. The trio’s approach to the Gershwin tunes is both familiar and yet improvised. Listeners will recognize the melodies yet enjoy the Jazz improvisations. 

WINNER
Latin Jazz

Bebo Valdes, Juan Pablo Torres & Paquito D’ Rivera
Anderson Audio NY – AANYC542024

Suite Cubana, Vol. 1 (Immersive Edition) brings a historic Jazz album to the world of high resolution audio and 5.1 Channel Surround Sound. It features band leader Bebo Valdes and a band of Latin Jazz all-stars in a rich and lively recording. Available in Stereo and 5.1 Channel Surround Sound DSD and Dolby Atmos TrueHD, it’s a musical treat guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The Stereo edition of the album is fun, but the 5.1 Channel Surround Sound DSD and Dolby Atmos versions spreads the music around the listening room for an even more musically engaging experience. An album not to be missed.

WINNER
Vocals (Pop & Soul)

Diana Panton
2xHD – 2XHDDP1125

Canadian singer Diana Panton highlights the music of Brazil including Samba and Bossa Nova on the album To Brazil With Love. But she doesn’t stop there. The album also features Pop, French Chansons and Jazz songs sung in English and French. Nominated for an Independent Music Award, it highlights Panton’s vocals and some wonderful music.

Thank You for Voting!

The NativeDSD Team would like to thank Bill Dodd and Brian Moura for having spent an eternity listening to all of the albums released in 2023, and for selecting the albums they believe you should not miss.

The post The Winners: 2024 Albums of the Year appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Audio enthusiasts have diverse motivations. Some seek the most “pleasant” sound, while others indulge in nostalgia, cherishing vintage gear or the bombastic effects of home cinema soundtracks.

Siegfried Linkwitz, audio pioneer and co-inventor of the Linkwitz-Riley crossover was a long-time subscriber to the San Francisco Symphony. He always aimed to experience their recordings in the most authentic way at home, focusing on reducing tonal and spatial distortions that distract from the musical event. So for Siegfried Linkwitz loudspeakers had an absolute reference when evaluating their performance: The live event!

Furthermore, Siegfried Linkwitz was aware that a sensible chain starts with the proper recording technique. https://www.linkwitzlab.com/Recording/AS_creation.htm

An excellent example of such a recording-replay chain makes use of the synergies, that come into play when minimal micing (one-mic) is paired with a dipole playback (Linkwitz LX521). The chain transferred the music from the recording venue to the control room in DSD256 format. This happened a few days ago. We heard the live performance vs. the rendered recording over LX521.4MG in the Hilversum Studio of Sound Liaison record label.

Download Links for Comparison

Pure DSD 256

DXD 352kHz Conversion

On a crisp autumn day in Hilversum, the Sound Liaison studio hosted a unique recording event. The focus was on capturing the purest essence of a live performance using a minimalist approach: a single microphone array. The artists for this session were the renowned Peter Bjørnild on double bass and Iman Spaargaren on sax/clarinet. Their synergy and musicality promised an engaging auditory experience. The goal was to achieve a 1:1 reproduction of the original event, leveraging the one-mic technique, DSD256 digital format, and the holographic LINKWITZ LX521.4MG dipole speakers. This report delves into the intricacies of the recording process, the technical choices made, and the resulting high-fidelity reproduction that brought the live event to life in stunning detail.

The One-Mic Technique

The one-mic technique is a purist’s approach to recording, aiming to capture the natural balance and spatial characteristics of a performance. By using a single, high-quality microphone array, the recording preserves the integrity of the soundstage, avoiding the phase issues and artificiality that can arise from multi-mic setups. For this session, a Josephson C700S was chosen for its renowned clarity and sensitivity, positioned strategically to capture both instruments in their natural acoustic environment.

DSD256 Digital Format

Digital recording formats play an important role in preserving the fidelity of the captured sound. For this session, the choice was DSD256, a high-resolution format known for its ability to reproduce audio with exceptional detail and accuracy. Higher rate DSD (e.g., DSD256) has come of age, and many older misconceptions found on the internet about SACD and DSD64 are now outdated. DSD256 doesn´t involve quantization issues, sample rate conversion, and other artifacts. DSD256 may offer an analog-like sound, maintaining the warmth and depth of the original performance. Today, postproduction of DSD is possible, even in Quad-DSD256 (11.2MHz) format, without needing (lossy) conversion steps to/from PCM. The decision for DSD256 ensured that the recording remained as true as possible to the source, from capture to playback. Furthermore, DSD256 files can be stored, copied, and archived without the unavoidable degradation and aging of analog master tape.

The Recording Session

The recording session took place in Sound Liaison’s acoustically treated studio, designed to provide an optimal environment for capturing live performances. Peter Bjørnild and Iman Spaargaren were positioned to achieve a natural balance, with the Josephson C700S placed strategically to capture the full spectrum of their sound. The musicians performed several pieces, including intricate jazz improvisations, each showcasing their dynamic range and expressive capabilities.

Throughout the session, the focus was on maintaining the purity of the sound. The signal chain was kept as simple as possible, with the microphone feeding directly into a high-quality preamp and then into the DSD256 recorder. This minimalist approach minimized the potential for signal degradation, ensuring that the recording captured the true essence of the performance.

Playback on LINKWITZ LX521.4MG Dipoles

The final step in the process was the playback of the recording on the holographic LINKWITZ LX521.4MG dipole speakers. These speakers are renowned for their ability to reproduce sound with remarkable accuracy and spatial realism. Their open-baffle design and advanced driver technology allow them to create a three-dimensional soundstage, making them an ideal choice for evaluating the fidelity of the recording.

During playback, the recording revealed its true potential. The one-mic technique captured the natural interplay between the double bass and sax/clarinet, preserving the nuances of their performance. The recording format ensured that every detail was rendered with stunning clarity, from the subtle overtones of the double bass to the breathy nuances of the saxophone and clarinet. The LINKWITZ LX521.4MG speakers brought the recording to life, creating an immersive listening experience that faithfully reproduced the live event.

Holistic Approach to Music Capturing and Reproduction

This recording session exemplified the holistic approach to music capturing and reproduction, where every aspect counts. From the minimalistic microphoning with the Josephson C700S to the analog-like DSD256 format for storage and transport, each step was carefully considered to preserve the integrity of the performance. The final rendering on the holographic LX521.4MG dipole speakers ensured that the recording was reproduced with the highest fidelity, capturing the essence of the live event in all its dimensions.

3D Soundstaging and High-Fidelity Reproduction

One of the most impressive aspects of the recording was its ability to recreate the three-dimensional soundstage of the live performance. The one-mic technique, combined with the DSD256 format and the holographic LINKWITZ LX521.4MG speakers, allowed listeners to experience the spatial relationships between the instruments as if they were present in the studio. The depth and width of the soundstage were preserved, providing a sense of immersion that is often lost in multi-mic recordings.

The high-fidelity reproduction extended beyond the spatial characteristics. The tonal balance and dynamic range of the recording were exceptional, capturing the full spectrum of the duo’s performance. The double bass had a rich, resonant quality, while the saxophone and clarinet were rendered with a natural warmth and clarity. The recording also preserved the subtle details of the performance, such as the ambient sounds of the studio and the expressive nuances of the musicians’ playing.

Conclusion

The test recording event at Sound Liaison Hilversum demonstrated the potential of the one-mic technique, DSD256 digital format and LX521.4MG dipole speakers to achieve a high-fidelity reproduction of a live performance. By capturing the natural balance and spatial characteristics of the double bass and sax/clarinet duo, the recording provided a 1:1 reproduction of the original event. The recording format ensured that every detail was preserved with exceptional clarity, while the holographic LINKWITZ LX521.4MG speakers brought the recording to life with their remarkable accuracy and spatial realism. This session highlighted the importance of simplicity and purity in the recording and rendering process, offering a compelling example of how high-fidelity audio can transport listeners to the heart of a live performance.

Download Links for Comparison

Pure DSD 256

DXD 352kHz Conversion

The post Recording Event at Sound Liaison: A One-Mic Recording of a Double Bass and Sax/Clarinet Duo appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

• 
  Souvenir de Posen (World Premiere Recording)
  US$19.49 – US$36.49
  Select options

A Reputation Only Few Can Hope to Attain.

The Meccore String Quartet has built a concert hall reputation that only few can hope to attain. In their home country recognised as ‘the best Polish string quartet’, they also have garnered acclaim after acclaim on many international stages. Their recent tour in The Netherlands, so I hear, was a great success with standing ovations.

Established in 2007, The Meccore String Quartet has won many hearts among classical music collectors with a small yet enviable number of widely appreciated recordings. It’s now high time for a quantum leap into the perfectionist world of High Resolution, reaching out to an audience of connoisseurs who accept nothing but the best. 

Fascinating is a weak Description.

For me, it’s no secret that the best productions come from labels managed by ‘music lovers’ rather than ‘music factories’ merely focused on commercial results. Prelude Classics label manager and executive producer, Michał Bryła, has recently joined the ranks of those music-loving producers. Like the previous two, this third album won’t fail to impress with its musicality, impeccable engineering and not least a smart choice of repertoire. Both Wieniawski (Józef, not Henryk) and Paderewski (World Premiere) are Firsts in the High-Res domain. 

Perhaps not core repertoire for many, but hearing these melodious works in the Meccore String Quartet’s reading, one will definitely be won over; at least, I was. Fascinating is a weak description of the verve and emotional depth with which these Polish musicians interpret their national heroes. A more than welcome addition to our library.

Listening is More Convincing than Words Can Express.

It dawned on me that more than words (and, let it be said:  ChatGPT-generated texts) can express, it is indeed by listening that one fully appreciates the sheer beauty these four players elicit from their period instruments; some are copies (by Krzysztof Krupa), but the first violinist, Wojciech Koprowski, uses (Henryk) Wieniawski’s own instrument (1846 Ch. F. Gand, père) from the collection of the National Museum in Poznan, Poland. 

Much of their persuasive charm may also be attributed to them having the right mindset and proper genes to understand the West Slavic soul of both composers, resulting in positive emotion coming from the heart rather than from artificially dramatized excitement. The opulent engagement in the performance lends both works more weight than the score suggests at first sight reading. 

Striving to reach the Summit of Excellence.

Drawing parallels with other String Quartets can be hazardous. Still, when I compare Meccore with the late Alban Berg Quartet, my conclusion is that whilst interplay and virtuosity are of a similar and technically excellent standard, the Meccores add some of the missing human compassion. 

Moreover, with advances in modern recording, the Meccore String Quartet has the advantage of a more realistic sound picture with a discrete surround projection. The recorded level is high. So, be warned and be modest with the volume setting to keep ‘presence’ in the upper strings under control. 

Summing it up: This release is a lucid example of a String Quartet that doesn’t sit on its laurels but keeps striving to reach the summit of excellence. The balance between the players is exemplary, as is the accuracy in tone and phrasing of each. I’ve greatly enjoyed the “Souvenirs of Posen” and I’m pretty sure you will like it as much. 

Blangy-le-Château, Normandy, France.

Copyright © 2024 Adrian Quanjer and HRAudio.net

The post ‘Souvenir de Posen’ from the Meccore String Quartet appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

The final nominations are in – and now it’s time to vote! Make sure to really explore all the nominations and cast your votes before January 01. The winners will be announced on Friday, January 03 2025

Throughout 2024 we have continued our mission of growing the largest DSD music collection. We have started exclusive partnerships with labels and worked hard to continue showcasing the great DSD music being made around the world. We have a lot to celebrate! Next comes the difficult part… 

How do we select the nominees for our anticipated Albums of the Year Awards? As has been our tradition, NativeDSD has asked Senior Reviewer Bill Dodd and Technical Advisor Brian Moura to carefully review the year’s DSD releases and bring our listeners their nominations in several musical categories.

This is a great way to applaud and reward the excellent music and performances that the music labels and artists have brought us this year. And it also is a guide for our listeners to see what we have selected as the best DSD music in 2024.

Part 3 contains the following categories:

Solo Instrumental
(Bill Dodd)

Josep Colom
Eudora Records – EUDDR2408

Josep Colom’s Beethoven Sonatas and his 2021 Album of the Year featuring Mompou’s Musica Callada convinced me that he is a magical pianist. This program of Mozart Sonatas confirms it. Smooth, flowing, dancing Mozart! And adds to the presentation by interspersing his own “Interludes” between Sonatas with a wonderful result.

Henrik Dam Thomsen 
OUR Recordings – 8226922

*DANISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR -POLITIKEN
*EDITOR’S CHOICE – GRAMOPHONE

The Six Suites for Cello— Amazing music! We’ve had some very good original cello performances arrive over this past year, but this one by Henrik Dam Thomsen instantly became my favorite modern recording– perhaps even beating the older ones by Casals or Starker. I can give no higher praise. In a very crowded field, this wonderful performance becomes the one to beat.

Saskia Giorgini
PENTATONE – PTC5187206

From my comments earlier this year: Saskia Giorgini has something to say, and she wears it on her sleeve! You’ll think I’m nuts, but I hear a sparkling joyfulness to much of these pieces. No, I’m not talking syrupy romanticism, I’m simply talking about an airiness– a feeling that she is playing with a smile and saying, “Here, listen to this one!” I believe she is playing these pieces as Debussy might have wanted, but she is sharing the happiness she feels in doing so. The Pentatone engineers have captured this marvelous artist quite well!

Chamber Music
(Bill Dodd)

Ssens Trio
LAWO Classics – LWC1343

Here’s another newer release that I’ve been enjoying. Let me just repeat quote from Fanfare, since I agree with the reviewer totally: “There is no need to beat around the bush. This new performance by Ssens Trio is the best I’ve ever heard, period. Every note is laid bare, every nuance of phrasing and dynamic fluctuation exposed, and it’s all perfect and incredibly beautiful.”

Rikke Sandberg & Kristoffer Hyldig
OUR Recordings – 8226923

Over the last few years I have become a fan of Nielsen’s symphonies, but I was not prepared for the power of this 4 hand / two piano arrangement of the Third. These two very talented pianists have gone way beyond a simple rearrangement– this is a whole new piece of music that stands proudly on its own. Equally fine are the Saul and David excerpts. Although these were written for “4 hands” I think there is a huge benefit from having two separate pianos. Highly recommended!

Maxwell Quartet
Linn Classics – CKD641

What a wonderful album by the Maxwell String Quartet! Here we have world-class performances of the three Hayden String Quartets Op. 74. After each of the 3 are Scottish Folk tunes as arranged by the Maxwell players. Why? There may not be a historic or musicological reason, but it absolutely works!

Tribute Albums
(Brian Moura)

Eddie Daniels and friends
2xHD & Resonance Records – 2XHDRE1141

Heart of Brazil features the music of Brazilian composer Egberto Gismanti. It includes Eddie Daniels on Jazz Clarinet, Pianist Josh Nelson, Bassist Kevin Axt, Drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and the Harlem Quartet. Resonance Records president George Klabin who produced the album says it was envisioned as a way to bring wider appreciation and recognition of Gismanti’s music. He has succeeded with this recording.

Gidon Nunes Vaz Trio
Sound Liaison – SL1066A

The Music of Cole Porter is brought to life by the Gidon Nunes Vaz Trio on Dream Dancer. Featuring classics including Night & Day, So In Love, All Through The Night and Easy To Love, the trio takes us through a rich set of musical memories. Each song features the One Microphone Recording technique, giving the album a very close and intimate feel. This is an album that adds just the right notes to close an evening of music.

Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen
Sound Liaison – SL1064A

The Ghost, The King and I is a Jazz trio featuring bassist Frans van Geest, guitarist Vincent Koning and pianist Rob van Bavel. Here they play eight songs composed by George Gershwin. Recorded live with an audience using a main microphone and three microphones to support or “spot” the trio members. The trio’s approach to the Gershwin tunes is both familiar and yet improvised. Listeners will recognize the melodies yet enjoy the Jazz improvisations.

Angelo Verploegen & Jeroen van Vliet
Just Listen Records – JL033

Little Dancer is a tribute to Angelo Verploegen’s grandson. It features a collection of standards that embody the themes of love, hope and comfort. Including Nature Boy, Infant Eyes, Smile and Over The Rainbow to name but a few. The songs are played with just Verploegen on flugelhorn and Jeroen van Vliet on piano. Giving the music a close up, soft and mellow feel. A fine musical tribute to the newest member of the family.

Latin Jazz
(Brian Moura)

Eddie Daniels featuring Dave Grusin & Bob James
2xHD & Resonance Records – 2XHDRE1183

Jazz Clarinetist Eddie Daniels returned to NativeDSD this year with another of his albums of Brazilian music from 2xHD and Resonance Records. To really take things over the top Daniels invited pianists and composers Bob James and Dave Grusin along with a host of recording studio stars including Kevin Axt, Josh Nelson of The L.A. Project and the Harlem Quartet to play on Night Kisses. The result is a trip to Brazil highlighting the romantic yet adventurous music of Ivan Lins.

Diane Reeves, Jane Monheit, Tawanda & Randy Brecker
2xHD & Resonance Records – 2XHDRE1257

My Heart Speaks features the Brazilian music of composer Ivan Lins performed by a Symphony Orchestra. Adding to the musical highlights are special musical guest vocalists Diane Reeves, Jane Monheit, and Tawanda plus Jazz star Randy Brecker on Trumpet. The lush orchestrations by Kuno Schmid captures the lush playing of the orchestra that are enhanced by the musical guests. One of the year’s highlights.

Bebo Valdes, Juan Pablo Torres & Paquito D’ Rivera
Anderson Audio NY – AANYC542024

Suite Cubana, Vol. 1 (Immersive Edition) brings a historic Jazz album to the world of high resolution audio and 5.1 Channel Surround Sound. It features band leader Bebo Valdes and a band of Latin Jazz all-stars in a rich and lively recording. Available in Stereo and 5.1 Channel Surround Sound DSD and Dolby Atmos TrueHD, it’s a musical treat guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The Stereo edition of the album is fun, but the 5.1 Channel Surround Sound DSD and Dolby Atmos versions spreads the music around the listening room for an even more musically engaging experience. An album not to be missed.

Solo Guitar
(Brian Moura)

Sébastien Llinares
Alpha Classics – ALPHA1063

French guitarist Sebastien Llinares takes us on a musical journey inspired by the Jimi Hendrix song Castles Made of Sand. The album features Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary music influences with compositions from Hendrix, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Leonard Bernstein, Rogers and Hart, George Gershwin, Django and more. The music is thoughtful and beautifully recorded and performed. It’s an album you will want to add to your collection.

Gergely Szurgyi
Hunnia Records – HRES2417

Gergely Szurgyi introduces us to Scordatura, a technique where “new horizons in guitar playing” can be achieved by changing the usual tuning of the guitar. It can trade off volume for more depth and warmth. I was not familiar with this approach to the guitar. Szurgyi’s guitar and his playing result in a wonderful album of Pure DSD 256 Stereo music. This album will make you a fan of the Scordatura!

The NativeDSD Team would like to thank Bill Dodd and Brian Moura for having spent an eternity listening to all of the albums released in 2024, and for selecting the albums they believe you should not miss.

The post Albums of the Year – 2024 Nominations (Part 3 of 3) appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Throughout 2024 we have continued our mission of growing the largest DSD music collection. We have started exclusive partnerships with labels and worked hard to continue showcasing the great DSD music being made around the world. We have a lot to celebrate! Next comes the difficult part… 

How do we select the nominees for our anticipated Albums of the Year Awards? As has been our tradition, NativeDSD has asked Senior Reviewer Bill Dodd and Technical Advisor Brian Moura to carefully review the year’s DSD releases and bring our listeners their nominations in several musical categories.

This is a great way to applaud and reward the excellent music and performances that the music labels and artists have brought us this year. And it also is a guide for our listeners to see what we have selected as the best DSD music in 2024.

Part 2 contains the following categories:

Concertos / Orchestral with Soloist
(Bill Dodd)

Ning Feng, Bochum Symphony Orchestra, Tung-Chieh Chuang
Channel Classics – 45924

The amazing Ning Feng has a number of superb Albums available on Channel Classics, and this one is no exception.  Tung-Chieh Chuang and the Bochum Symphony Orchestra (Germany) provide excellent backing as Ning Feng dazzles with these two Soviet era concertos.  This is superb musicianship!

Akademie Für Alte Musik Berlin, Ernst Schlader, Bernhard Forck 
PENTATONE – PTC5187208

The Symphonies are great, but for me the prize is for the Clarinet Concerto with soloist Ernst Schlader.  The Concerto was originally written for the basset (bass) clarinet, but that version was lost when the original score was was rewritten for what we know as the modern clarinet.   For this recording, Both the original score and an “original” instrument were reconstructed, and this recording brings us a new level of detail. The result is wonderful!

Mari Kodama, Momo Kodama, Karin Kei Nagano, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Kent Nagano
PENTATONE – PTC5187202

Mari Kodama, her sister, her daughter, and her husband make this a family affair!  Once again, the Mozart, being Mozart, is good to have; but the  Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra with Mari, sister Momo, and husband Kent Nagano conducting the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande that dazzles!  

Opera
(Bill Dodd)

Marnie Breckenridge, Matt Haimovitz
PENTATONE – PTC51873411_bundle

This is an opera– but hardly traditional.  Marnie Breckenridge is the sole singer, and she is accompanied only by the other character, her cello!  The cello is personified by cellist Matt Haimovitz who is physically present as a non- vocal character, but also plays the cello.  If that seems confusing, check the album cover.  Jacqueline is Jacqueline du Pre, whose rise to fame was meteoric, but very brief due to multiple sclerosis.  Marnie Breckenridge handles a difficult role very well.  Haimovitz, a du Pre protege, is also fine. Listen to the available samples to get a sense of composer Luna Pearl Woolf’s and librettist Royce Vavrek’s work. It’s hardly traditional, but it is remarkable.

London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Mark Elder, John Osborn, Elizabeth DeShong, Mané Galoyan
LSO Live – LSO08944

Grand opera in every respect!  Mayerbeer’s Le Prophete premiered in 1849 and had quite an impact.  And this live recording brings it home! Here’s a quote from The Guardian:  

“Set in the religious wars of the 16th century, and including an Anabaptists’ uprising, a “skating” chorus (on a frozen lake), a drunken feast and a final conflagration, it lurches from climax to emotional climax. The tenor John Osborn as Jean de Leyde, the prophet of the title; mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong as his mother; and soprano Mané Galoyan as his fiancee, Berthe, lead a first-rate cast. It’s decidedly a curiosity, but here given a breathless ride to its dramatic conclusion.”

Mark Albrecht, John Lundgren, Ausrine Stundyte, Nikolai Schukoff, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra
PENTATONE – PTC5186739

Drama, Passion, murder, and suspense!  All this originated with an uncompleted play by Oscar Wilde, A Florentine Tragedy.  Alexander von Zemlinsky turned it into a one act opera, Eine Florentinische Tragodie.  Dramatic, suspenseful, and lushly scored, and it is less than 60 minutes in length, and was the most popular of his 8 operas.  Conductor Mark Albrecht and soloists John Lundgren, Ausrine Stundyte, and Nikolai Schukoff are excellent.

Classical Crossover
(Brian Moura)

Guy Braunstein, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, Alondra de la Parra
Alpha Classics – ALPHA869

Violinist and Composer Guy Braunstein wanted to write a concerto featuring the music of The Beatles Abbey Road album. Rather than selecting a few songs from the album, he wove all of the songs into a concerto which also includes an Overture, Intermezzo, Cadenza and The End. The album also includes The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Frederick Delius’ Violin Concerto. It is brought to life by Braunstein’s Violin performances plus the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège conducted by Alondra de la Parra. The result is a musical delight for fans of the Abbey Road album and of this very creative selection of familiar and original music. 

Robert Len, Carole Meneghel
2xHD – 2XHDRL1251

Crossroad is the latest album from multi-instrumentalist and composer Robert Len with violinist Carole Meneghel. The album blends tracks in a wide variety of musical genres including Jazz, Rock, Latin and Classical music – with a little County and New Age as well. Len plays 13 different instruments in the album, demonstrating that he has more than earned the label of multi-instrumentalist! Crossroad is a very engaging album and exemplifies what a Classical Crossover release is all about. 

Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen
OUR Recordings – 8226920

Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen provides us with a fascinating look at how a number of famed rock classics are influenced by the music of Bach. He does this by performing classics like Light My Fure, People Are Strange, Stairway To Heaven and A Whiter Shade of Pale, among others, alongside several Bach compositions on the Organ. By the end of the album’s 74 minutes of music Mikkelsen proves his thesis. And it’s a wonderful journey of musical discovery along the way.

Compilation Albums
(Brian Moura)

Various Artists
Octave Records – artofhifi_bundle

Paul McGowan is the co-founder of PS Audio, a well-known maker of audio equipment including power conditioners, amplifiers, Digital to Analog Converters (DACs) and loudspeakers. Recently he joined forces with Singer, Songwriter and Pianist Jessica Carson and Gus Skinas from the Super Audio Center to launch Octave Records. The label highlights the musical talent in the Boulder, Colorado area where PS Audio is based and recordings in Pure DSD.  The Art of HiFi is a 6 album DSD Bundle that demonstrates key aspects of music including Bass, Soundstage, Percussion, Strings, Woodwinds and Guitar. Each album features talented musicians demonstrating these aspects of audio with well recorded Pure DSD 256 Stereo audio. While listeners can purchase individual albums in the series, many NativeDSD customers simply bought the entire 6 album DSD bundle. After you listen to these recordings, you can quickly hear why! 

Various Artists
Cobra Records and NativeDSD Presents – NDSD0027

Binaural DSD albums have become increasingly popular at NativeDSD with headphone listeners. They are created by using a “dummy head” system where microphones are placed into the ears of simulated listener. NativeDSD Presents invited Cobra Records Producer and Recording Engineer Tom Peeters to select his favorite Binaural DSD tracks for a sampler that introduces listeners to Cobra’s catalog of almost 50 Binaural DSD releases. I found the Binaural DSD samples to be quite convincing. This is an excellent introduction into Binaural DSD listening.

Various Artists
2xHD – 2XHDFT1265

This year 2xHD Mastering brought us another excellent sampler of Jazz from the Resonance Records, Storyville Records and Jazzology Records catalogs with Piano Piano Piano. The album features 18 tracks and over 90 minutes of music from Jazz Stars including Bill Evans, Monty Alexander, Bob James, Hank Jones, Les McCann, Teddy Wilson and Dick Hyman. If you like Jazz, this is a must have addition to your music collection.

Various Artists
NativeDSD Presents – NDSD0024

NativeDSD offers over 225 albums in Pure DSD.  They are among our most sought after albums in both performances and sound quality.  But where do you begin when assembling a library of Pure DSD selections? Pure DSD Recordings, Vol. 1 is just the place to start. Offering over an hour of Jazz and Classical Music in Pure DSD this album is a real sonic and musical treat.

Meditation & Relaxation
(David Hopkins)

Karttikeya
Outer Marker Records – OM10100H

This album by musician, producer, engineer and educator Karttikeya presents a joyous glimpse into the enthralling world of hand pans. In equal parts resonant and rhythmic, these 15 tracks showcase Karttikeya’s deep connection with these incredible handcrafted instruments and deliver a truly hypnotic listening experience.

Leonie Schuurman
Just Listen Records – JL028

Bells have a toning effect that offers therapeutic relief to the body such as muscle tension release, improved concentration and overall positivity as well as reducing stress, improving sleep quality, boosting immunity, or increasing creativity. The Tibetan Brass Meditation Bells used in this recording are free standing bells. Ringing a Bell helps you change your mind state if you feel that your thoughts are drifting away from the present moment. Once you ring the bell, your mind becomes re-focused on the “now”.

Birds in Nature
Outer Marker Records – OM04100H

Recorded during the early days of the Covid pandemic, this extraordinary audio document provides a rare glimpse into the purity of the natural world, free from the distractions of automobiles, trains and commercial aircraft.

Rather than resulting in an eerie silence, the forests of rural Pennsylvania were filled with the glorious sounds of multitudes of birds singing, chattering and conversing. Seeing this as a (hopefully) once in a lifetime opportunity, famed audio equipment designer and recording engineer Doug Fearn set up his equipment and captured this performance over the course of two spring mornings in May, 2020.

Jazz Trio
(Brian Moura)

Hazelrigg Brothers Trio
Outer Marker Records – OM05100H

On Songs We Like, the Hazelrigg Brothers trio play a selection of some of their favorite music. Featuring songs made popular by Jethro Tull, Men At Work, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan, and Led Zeppelin. Along with classical compositions by Bela Bartok and Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer. The music is said to have a continuing influence on the trio’s musical sensibilities and makes for an enjoyable selection of music. 

Hank Jones Trio
2xHD – 2XHDJA1154

Pianist Hank Jones is one of the towering figures in Jazz history. On Arigato he is joined by Ronnie Bedford on drums and Richard David on bass. Jones’ playing is energetic and dynamic at times. While mellow when the music calls for it. His ease at the keyboard on this album demonstrates why he has long been considered a Jazz giant. 

Les McCann, Leroy Vinnegar, Frank Severino
2xHD – 2XHDRE1256

Pianist Les McCann and his trio perform a set of Jazz standards at the Village Vanguard. The concert was originally recorded by Resonance Records founder George Klabin. Resonance now joins with 2xHD to remaster and release the album for new listeners to enjoy. With songs like Sunny, Goin’ Out Of My Head and On Green Dolphin Street, it’s a fine tribute to McCann and the trio’s music making that evening. 

Rob van Bavel, Frans van Geest, Marcel Serierse
Sound Liaison – SL1069A

The Studio Sessions is the second in a three album trilogy from Jazz pianist Rob van Bavel. The trilogy focuses on ballads favored by the pianist and some of his musical collaborators. On this album bassist Frans van Geest and drummer Marcel Serierse are featured. The trio brings new insights to favorites including Slow Boat to China, Misty, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square and Cinema Paradiso. This is fine Jazz pianist artistry and well worth a listen.

Jazz Ensemble
(Brian Moura)

Jasper Staps, Rembrandt Frerichs
Just Listen Records – JL030

The First At Last was a frequent visitor to the weekly Top 10 Best Sellers List during 2024. And its no mystery as to why. Featuring two European Jazz stars – sax player Jasper Staps and pianist and composer Rembrandt Frerichs and two up and coming Jazz musicians, the album offers smooth and cool Jazz music. One NativeDSD Listener called it “The Perfect Jazz album.”  I’d say it’s an album not to be missed. 

Angelo Verploegen, Marc van Roon, Jasper van Hulten, Guus Bakker, Nils van Haften
Just Listen Records – JL032

For his 5^th album on Just Listen flugelhorn player Angelo Verploegen is joined by a quintet that includes pianist Marc van Roon and drummer Jasper van Hulten. The album includes what Verploegen calls “a handful of original songs” that are performed live in a warm and intimate setting. Like his earlier albums, Angelo’s warm flugelhorn creates just the right mood for an evening of fine Jazz music. 

Jazz Fusion
(Brian Moura)

Djabe
My Reel Club – GR164

Djabe returns to NativeDSD with Art In Tone. Originally released as a “Direct to Disc” vinyl LP, this new edition uses the Analog Tape Edition of the recording transferred to Pure DSD 256 Stereo. Allowing new listeners to enjoy this high quality recording. It’s a mix of Jazz Fusion and World Music with guitarist Steve Hackett from Genesis joining the group as a special musical guest. 

Balázs Rodek
Hunnia Records – HRES2410

Trees From Underneath was inspired by articles on science, nature, stars, and physics according to quartet leader Balázs Rodek. The album features 6 original songs that feature a unique “dreamy” sound created by the improvised nature of the ensemble’s interactions and playing. An interesting addition to the NativeDSD Jazz catalog.

The NativeDSD Team would like to thank Bill Dodd and Brian Moura for having spent an eternity listening to all of the albums released in 2024, and for selecting the albums they believe you should not miss.

The post Albums of the Year – 2024 Nominations (Part 2 of 3) appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

A huge congratulations to Jakob Buchanan for receiving the prestigious award as Jazz Composer of the Year for his work SONG & WIND. Congratulations also go out to the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir, percussionist Marilyn Mazur, conductor Carsten Seyer-Hansen, and producer Preben Iwan.

It has been an absolute pleasure for OUR Recordings to work on the release of this album with such wonderful artist.

Composer, trumpet and flugelhorn player Jakob Buchanan writes music specifically with the musicians he is working with in mind. Joining him on this important project are regular collaborators the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra conductor Carsten Seyer-Hansen and percussionist Marilyn Mazur. Together they conjure landscapes of beauty, power and sometimes deep melancholy. Mazur’s panoply of percussion function as an emotional “basso continuo,” speaking a language built out of pure rhythm while Buchanan’s solos emerge almost like ancient cantilations from the choral/orchestral textures. The Aarhus Jazz Orchestra is carefully orchestrated, and the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir provides an aura of ethereal beauty to this soundscape song and wind.

In every way, Buchanan’s Song & Wind is a worthy successor to his earlier award-winning Requiem, (also written with Marilyn Mazur and the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra in mind), a major work, expressive and full of beauty, drawing equally on the music of the past while charting a further course into the future.

Ever since it quietly emerged on the international scene in the late ‘60s, Scandinavian jazz carved out for itself a distinctive niche. Drawing on the influence of Miles Davis and Gil Evans, Scandinavian jazz embraced a free, spacious, experimental, and contemplative aesthetic. It has also been open to modern or contemporary classical music and collaborations with European folk and ethnic-musicians.

Quotes from Reviews…

“One moment your life is a stone in you, and the next, a star” wrote Rilke in The Book Of Pictures (1902-1906). Apt words, these, to introduce this latest work from the questing Danish composer and brass man Buchanan. As weighty as it is ethereal, as atemporal as it is diversely sprung rhythmically, Song & Wind is a splendid addition to and extension of the Davis-Evans axis in classically inflected jazz.”
Jazz Journal (UK) Michael Tucker

“SONG & WIND is unique, yet another contribution from the master of symphonic jazz, Jakob Buchanan, to the meaningfulness of life”.
Jazz Special (DK)

“An ambitious project that has been fully realized, producing music with an abundance of delights”.
Jazz Views (UK) Nick Lea

“The music was at once grand and fragile. Just like the globe, and perhaps the elegiac lay in precisely that relationship: That the human miracle – of which music is also a sublime expression – is also the fatal condition. It stops, everything. Also the music. But it was beautiful, very beautiful even, while it lasted. And the rest is silence, to use Hamlet’s words”.
***** Henrik Palle, Politiken (DK)

“The music is strongly focused and structured. Contemplative. But it is also open, experimental, and to some extent eclectic. This last aspect especially thanks to Mazur’s efforts”.
***** Gaffa (DK) Ivan Rod

“While this album by Jakob Buchanan may not be a production that fits inside of a progressive rock context, and perhaps not even inside a progressive spectrum, it is a stunningly beautiful album that does come with qualities I know there are people in the progressive rock universe that will appreciate. The combination of some standard jazz movements, Latin inspired rhythms and sacral classical vocal traditions approached and executed in more of an orchestral manner is breathtaking at its peak, and competent and solid elsewhere. This is a quality production on all levels, and those with an interest in a sacral sounding combination of jazz and classical music of the kind that begs to be performed in a church or a cathedral built with live music performances in mind should find this album to be quite the rewarding experience I gather”.
****** Progressor (N) Olav “Progmessor” Björnsen

“We are taken through many different moods, with the choir, percussion, trumpet, and big band taking on various roles and conversing. It’s a grand piece of big band music that, in many ways, borders on classical music.”
Jazz Nyt (DK) Niels Overgård

“The music was first inspired by the small human – the innocent, angelic voices of the choir,  and the great Mother Nature – represented by the primal force of Mazur. It was composed with the Nordic nature «just there» with all its might, colors and sounds and countless relationships to man, in the places where Buchanan liver – in a landscape of soil and fields on Mols, just outside Aarhus, shaped by all the small hills and in the middle of the strong winds from the sea and in a small farmhouse in Kornhult, Sweden, surrounded by the darkness of the pine forest, the moss and the bird life. The references to the nature elements are reflected in the lyrics: «When I end, I will end as a tree ends: as a fire, bleeding out the sunlight from every summer it lived» (from the fourth movement «The Stones Make Sand Slow»). The cover artwork, the oil painting Variations of the Wind by Lars Physant on a relief structure created by Sílvia Magriñá Costán complements the musical vision.

As in previous orchestral works of Buchanan, he weaved masterfully a unique and dramatic musical encounter, contemplative and intensely emotional that lingers long in the mind after it is gone. Song & Wind is a seven-movement choral suite. Buchanan plays the flugelhorn and he is one of the main soloists and the Copenhagen Boys Choir gives voice to his elegiac, melancholic melodies. The Aarhus Jazz Orchestra embraces and complements these beautiful melodies with warm brass (four flugelhorn players and four trombonists) and woodwind (five sax players and clarinetists and flutists) sounds. Mazur acts as a sonic sorceress and a catalyst who connects the choir voices with the jazz orchestra and colors and paints the suite with delicate, imaginative sounds.”
Salt Peanuts (N) Eyal Hareuveni

The post Jakob Buchanan Receives Danish Music Award Jazz 2024 appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Throughout 2024 we have continued our mission of growing the largest DSD music collection. We have started exclusive partnerships with labels and worked hard to continue showcasing the great DSD music being made around the world. We have a lot to celebrate! Next comes the difficult part… 

How do we select the nominees for our anticipated Albums of the Year Awards? As has been our tradition, NativeDSD has asked Senior Reviewer Bill Dodd and Technical Advisor Brian Moura to carefully review the year’s DSD releases and bring our listeners their nominations in several musical categories.

This is a great way to applaud and reward the excellent music and performances that the music labels and artists have brought us this year. And it also is a guide for our listeners to see what we have selected as the best DSD music in 2024.

Part 1 contains the following categories:

Vocals – Pop & Soul
(Brian Moura)

Aisyah
Groove Note – GRV1250

Pearls is the debut album from Aisyah Aziz, a new vocalist on Groove Note. She was recommended to the label by singer Vanessa Fernandez. Pearls features a number of well-known songs made famous by Billie Eilish, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Sade, and Roberta Flack, among others. The title track features a tasty sax solo by Fabian Lim. The arrangements are subtle focusing attention on the singer’s fine vocals and unique singing style.

Vanessa Fernandez 
Groove Note – GRV1400

Singer Vanessa Fernandez had one of the year’s most popular albums at NativeDSD with Remember Me. It features a mix of Soul Classics from the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Bill Withers and Barry White plus Pop songs made famous by Lenny Kravitz, Prince, and Portishead. Adding to the album are arrangements by guitarist Tim Pierce and an all-star L.A. Studio Session band featuring Jeff Babko, Alex Al, Victor Indrizzo, Luis Conte, and Felipe Melanio. A musical delight from start to finish.

Diana Panton
2xHD – 2XHDDP1125

Canadian singer Diana Panton highlights the music of Brazil including Samba and Bossa Nova on the album To Brazil With Love. But she doesn’t stop there. The album also features Pop, French Chansons and Jazz songs sung in English and French. Nominated for an Independent Music Award, it highlights Panton’s vocals and some wonderful music.

Vocals – Jazz
(Brian Moura)

Holly Cole
2xHD – 2XDAR1015

Jazz Singer Holly Cole reunites with the Jazz duo of Davis & Piltch plus drummer Davide DiRenzo on the album Night. Cole’s cool Jazz vocals are on full display here. She offers new musical insights on familiar, and in some cases unexpected selections, including Viva Las Vegas, You Only Live Twice, Goodtime Charlie’s Got The Blues and You’ve Got A Secret. The album provides an enjoyable evening of cool jazz at its finest.

Aubrey Logan
2xHD & Resonance Records – 2XHDRE1173

Aubrey Logan’s album Where The Sunshine Is Expensive is her musical tribute to the Los Angeles music scene. Logan is a unique Jazz performer who sings lead vocals and plays trombone solos on each song. Here she is joined by sax star Dave Koz and vocalist Casey Abrams, her band and background singers in a live performance with audience recorded at East West Studios in Los Angeles. The album has a mix of Jazz and Pop songs and ranges from ballads to upbeat numbers. It’s a fun musical ride that listeners are bound to enjoy.

Claire Martin
Linn Records – AKD563

Believin’ It brings us singer Claire Martin and her trio with a selection of well known songs including Broken Wings, I’m Not In Love and Come Runnin’. Each has a new arrangement that highlights the singers’ vocals and the trio’s talents. The music is fresh and Martin’s singing shines here. One of the year’s best vocal albums at NativeDSD.

Vocals – Folk
(Brian Moura)

Corrie Lynn Green & Her Band with Hazelrigg Brothers
Outer Marker Records – OM08100h

Time To Be Brave was one of our weekly # 1 Best Sellers this year at NativeDSD. It features singer and songwriter Corrie Lynn Green, Her Band, and the Hazelrigg Brothers. All of the songs on the album were written and sung by Corrie Lynn Green. They are delivered in a heartfelt and passionate way that looks at life in Appalachia. The mix of Folk, Americana and Appalachian genres is very moving, and the musicianship is top notch. Resulting in an album that is a memorable listening experience.

Paul Stephenson
Stockfisch Records – 0132110

Wireless Days is the second album at NativeDSD from acoustic guitarist Paul Stephenson. Here he is accompanied by guitarist Jens Kommnick and a musical ensemble as they play 11 songs that he wrote. The album has a singer-songwriter folk music style. Making for a mellow and enjoyable listening experience.

Vocals – Classical Soloist
(Bill Dodd)

Goulda Schultz, Kammerakademie Potsdam, Antonello Manacorda
Alpha Classics – ALPHA1026

Golda Schultz, supported by seven other fine soloists, takes us on a delightful excursion through Don Giovanni, Le nozzi di Figaro, and Cosi fan tutti. The album is dedicated to the five strong female characters in these three Mozart/da Pointe operas. She brings strength to each, navigating the sometimes difficult arias perfectly. A recital? Yes, but so much more. These are also portraits of fascinating women. Highly recommended!

Magdalena Kozená, Czech Philharmonic, Sir Simon Rattle
PENTATONE – PTC5187077

This lovely, haunting album of Czech orchestral songs is a real winner. It’s a followup to last year’s Folk Songs, winner of Album of the Year in the vocal category. This new one from Magdalena Kozena, backed by the Czech Philharmonic with Sir Simon Rattle is even more attractive to me because many of these art songs are from Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959), a composer whose works I have fallen in love with over the last few years. The peacefulness and beauty that flows from this album is amazing!

Valeria La Grotta and Quartetto Vanvitelli
Arcana – A564

Here are Four previously unrecorded Cantatas for Voice with Violins by Scarlatti! Suddenly you’re in the nobleman’s or a bishop’s court in the late around the turn of the 18th Century. Valeria LaGrotta and the Quartetto Vanvitelli are perfect in these works. The complete texts in Italian and English are in the downloadable booklet.

Veronique Gens, Hervé Niquet, Munchner Rundfunkorchester
Alpha Classics – ALPHA1030

This is a beautiful album of French Orchestral melodies by soprano Veronique Gens, with Herve Niquet conducting the Munchner Rundfunorchester. Although Gens and Niquet became well known for Baroque music, they seem perfect for these melodies. Gens’ voice and execution are flawless. Everything and everybody is working as a single instrument to create something that is simply and gently moving. There are so many different feelings in this music, but absolutely no bombast! Even if you’re not a fan of vocal recitals I think you may love this!

Orchestral
(Bill Dodd)

Rafael Payare, Orchestre symphonique de Montreal
PENTATONE – PTC5187218

Once again Rafael Payare shows that he is a rising star as a conductor as he brings marvelous life to these works. Both the Pelleas und Melisande and the Verklarte Nacht are beautifully presented by Payare and the OSM.

Paavo Jarvi, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich
Alpha Classics – ALPHA1068

Paavo Jarvi conducts the Suisse Romande Orchestra to bring this “unfinished” Bruckner symphony home in a totally complete manner. I have never heard another performance I like better than this one. Jarvi’s Bruckner is leaner and stronger than most. Overall I also find it superior to his RCA recording of the 9th from a few years back.

Manfred Honeck, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Reference Recordings – FR757

Over the decades I have heard conductors try to impart the greatness of Bruckner’s music, and here’s one is completely successful. Honeck knows Bruckner inside and out. He writes, “Just as a human being consists of spirit, soul and body, I see Bruckner’s symphonic music in a similar light: Spirit — The art of designing compositional relationships, Soul — The grasping of a boundless depth of spirituality, and Body — The love of Austrian folk and dance music”

Budapest Festival Orchestra, Ivan Fischer
Channel Classics – 46524

The BFO with Ivan Fischer conducting brings us a full modern orchestral rendition that is never heavy or plodding. The textures and details are crystal clear. This Eroica is one everyone should hear. Ivan Fischer with the BFO is always a top tier choice in Beethoven– and most everything else!

Christmas Music
(Brian Moura)

Various Artists
NativeDSD Presents – NDSD021

NativeDSD Presents adds to their impressive collection of music samplers with the Holiday Music Sampler. Featuring some of the best Christmas Music available in the NativeDSD music catalog. Here you will find selections performed by True Concord Voices & Orchestra, Oscar’s Motet Choir, Ensemble Galilei, Norwegian Girls’ Choir, Bolshoi Theatre Moscow, Jasper String Quartet and Skylark Vocal Ensemble to name but a few. It’s a wonderful collection of Christmas Music that offers an enticing taste of the many Christmas Music albums to choose from at NativeDSD.

Diana Panton
2xHD – 2XHDDP1130

Christmas Kiss is a new addition to the NativeDSD collection of Christmas Music albums. Diana Panton and her Jazz Trio bring listeners an interesting set of 15 tracks that feature not only holiday favorites but also some lesser known tunes and some original songs. Panton’s warm and gentle vocals compliment the songs wonderfully. Just the thing to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Donald Vega Trio
Anderson Audio New York – AANYIR22024

Jazz Pianist and Composer Donald Vega’s second album at NativeDSD is his contribution to Christmas Music with All Is Merry and Bright. With his trio, they bring us 11 songs of Christmas cheer played with musical style. Featuring musical treatments that include solo piano, Jazz and Latin rhythms this album hits just the right notes for the holiday season ahead.

Film Music
(Brian Moura)

Ivar Anton Waagaard
LAWO Classics – LWC1380

Taking a different approach, pianist Ivar Anton Waagaard brings us Film Music For The Piano. Rather than Film Music with a full orchestra, conductor, and soloist, here we have classic movie music played by a pianist solo. In most cases, arranged by the pianist himself. It’s a generous selection of 17 film classics including music from Forrest Gump, The Sting, On Golden Pond, The Piano, Romeo & Juliet, and The Apartment.

José María Moreno Valiente, Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga
IBS Classical – IBS82024

The Year 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of famed composer Henry Mancini. To celebrate this musical milestone, IBS Classical brought us the album Henry Mancini Centennial featuring the Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga conducted by José María Moreno Valiente. The album is a celebration of Mancini’s many contributions to Film and TV music during his career. Theme From The Pink Panther, Peter Gunn, Moon River, Charade, The Days of Wine and Roses, Two For The Road, Dear Heart, Baby Elephant Walk and many more bring back fond memories of the music and the movies and TV shows that featured them.

Andrea Morricone, Marco Serino, Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento
Arcana – A495

An album of the classic Film Music composed by Ennio Morricone including Once Upon a Time in America, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, The Untouchables and Cinema Paradiso. Performed by violinist Marco Serino, the soloist that played these songs with Ennio Morricone for 20 years and the Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento conducted by Andrea Morricone, Ennio’s son. Andrea and Marco have a personal connection and familiarity with this music, and it shows. Each song is played to perfection as listeners enjoy a journey through one of the genre’s top composers.

The NativeDSD Team would like to thank Bill Dodd and Brian Moura for having spent an eternity listening to all of the albums released in 2024, and for selecting the albums they believe you should not miss.

The post Albums of the Year – 2024 Nominations (Part 1 of 3) appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

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  Sarahbanda
  US$18.49 – US$32.49
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The Sarahbanda was an idea born from the Mozart y Mambo trilogy. Could you tell us about your thought process during and after those 3 albums and the formation of the Sarahbanda? Also, what inspired you originally to make the Mozart y Mambo albums? 

The short answer to this question is that I fell in love with Cuban music when I heard the Buena Vista Social Club for the first time. I went to Havana in 2017 to dance salsa, but met the Havana Lyceum Orchestra who were playing a concert of works by W.A. Mozart that evening. I was so impressed with how they played Mozart, but I was sad at the state of the instruments they were playing on, and I decided on the spot I wanted to do something to help. So together, we came up with a plan to record the Mozart horn concertos in Havana and, also, because I love Cuban music so much, mix some Mozart with Cuban rhythms, thus creating a whole new repertoire for the French horn. My Cuban band, The Sarahbanda, was formed during the Mozart y Mambo project basically because, although I also wanted to get closer to the band culture of the Cuban popular music.

There are no French horns in any band in Cuba. I am not sure if there is any French horn in any salsa band all over the world. Ever since I was little I wanted to play in a band, and here it was Cuban band culture that I wanted to experience. The only way I could do that was to form a band of my own and I asked some of Cuba’s most talented popular musicians to join me. On every Mozart y Mambo album, the Sarahbanda recorded one piece. When all the Mozart horn concertos were recorded and our album trilogy was completed we decided that we wanted to take our band to the next level. That’s when we decided to release an album of our own. Sarahbanda was released on September 6th, 2024. 

Mozart y Mambo was received extremely well both in the classical community and the pop and Latin community. Is it safe to say that this new album is even more firmly rooted in traditional and modern Cuban music? And if so, in what ways did you intentionally achieve that goal?

We are absolutely thrilled and happy that Mozart y Mambo reached all kinds of different communities. The people who were interested in me playing Mozart also discovered Cuban music. And the people who were interested in Cuban music listened to classical music on the albums as well. So it was a win-win situation!

For us, this new album Sarahbanda is a journey through Cuban musical history. We have included Cuban classics like Chan Chan and Pare Cochero up to the present day with covers of famous songs like Sandunguera and Contigo en la Distancia. We also include two new wonderful compositions by two of our band members, Yuniet Lombida and Aylín Pino. 

Everything about the album is Cuban (except for me!) including the cover and booklet artwork design done by a wonderful Cuban designer, Rubén Cabrera. All the songs are Cuban or arranged by Cuban musicians – Jorge Aragón, our pianist and Edgar Olivero. 

Jorge and Edgar were also the two main arrangers for the Mozart y Mambo project. So, yes, the album is very firmly rooted in traditional and modern Cuban music. Because of my classical music background, I wanted to add a little classical twist as well, and that’s where the Romanza and the Habanera come in. My Cuban musician friends enjoy playing that as much as I enjoy playing their music.

How did you select the players whom you invited to join on this adventure?

Well, as I said before, I invited some of Cuba’s most talented, wonderful and well-known popular musicians to join me. A couple of the musicians I knew already from the Havana Lyceum Orchestra and Yuniet Lombida, the saxophonist, is our musical director. He is the boss because he has his feet firmly in the popular music scene, and he knew whom to ask to play in the band. He is also the one who told me: “Sarah, if you can’t dance Cuban music, you can’t play Cuban music”. So learn to dance all these different rhythms I did!

I’ve never had so much fun in a recording studio in my life as I had whilst recording Sarahbanda. And I’m so grateful to these musicians for going on this journey with me, because – as Aylín says in the promotion video – you can’t explain Cuban music. You have to listen to it, and you have to play it”. I’m learning every day with them and I am very grateful for that. 

Can you give some specific examples of how your playing needed to change in order to fuse with the band? Did the band have to adapt to fuse the horn? 

The first album came out in 2020, and now we are in 2024, so we’ve had an album every year. I could play the horn already before I went on this journey, but being with these Cuban musicians, there are a few things that I’ve really had to improve and my playing has certainly evolved in the past 4 years. My rhythm is better – there’s no way you can get slower or drag in Cuban music. You must have fantastic rhythm to play with a Cuban band, otherwise they just leave you behind. I had to find a different way of articulation, to project my sound and also to blend with the saxophone better. So, I’ve had to work on that. I’ve also had to find a different position for the horn – I stand facing with my bell more out to the audience. Otherwise, they just wouldn’t hear me because usually we horns point backwards.

Now this is a very interesting thing about Sarahbanda. We are a completely acoustic band. We don’t record like most salsa bands with everything amplified and also musicians recording their parts in different places – one guy recording something in Miami who sends the track to a guy in Havana who records on top of it, etc, etc.

We recorded Sarahbanda all in the same room – our recording engineers Andreas Wolf and Marcus Mittermeyer are geniuses. How they did that, I really don’t know, but every instrument sounds amazing. There is no interference between different instruments on each microphone. I’m not sure how to explain that, but I think you know what I mean. And the mix is really, really fantastic. The other thing that my musicians do which is unusual in a salsa band is to play dynamics. Salsa bands usually start loud and finish even louder. But with me, they have to do some echoes, make colours, make diminuendos, crescendos. They say they’ve really enjoyed that part as well, putting the colour into what we’re playing. So, yes, the band has also adapted. They listen. The radar in this band is incredible. It is a give and take on both parts, and I love it.

You recorded in the Traumton Studios in Berlin. Why was this location chosen? 

Our recording engineer Andreas Wolf knew this recording studio. I had heard of it, but I’d never been there. It’s about half an hour train ride from my house, and it was February when we recorded there, freezing cold and snow outside. Cubans don’t like cold weather, but we made it into the studio every day and then the temperature went up inside. It got very hot in there with all these fiery Cuban Latin rhythms happening. We forgot that outside it was cold, so it was always a shock when we went home in the evenings. Our promo video on YouTube makes me smile every time I see it – Cubans in the cold!
We have great memories of Traumton and I will definitely be going back there to record again. Maybe the next Sarahbanda album… who knows?

Can we expect more music recordings of the amazing Sarahbanda in the future?

Yes you can! We’re already planning our next album and are happy to receive any repertoire suggestions from your readers! We want to keep it as Cuban as we can because we want to promote Cuban music all over the world. My own personal mission is to take these amazing musicians all over the world. Right now, I’m answering these questions from Switzerland where we are playing in the Swiss Chamber Music Festival. We just did an educational concert this morning where we demonstrated Cuban music to a whole school. We were told beforehand how the Swiss children are a little bit reserved, a little bit quiet. But the kids went completely bananas at the end! They clapped, stood up, danced, sang with us – it was very touching. It’s also so special for me to watch my musicians discover different countries and cultures. Here in Switzerland we had to stop and take photos of the cows… there are not many cows in Cuba anymore. It made me laugh. So it’s a real cultural experience for us all here as well as a musical one.

The whole point of the Sarahbanda is that we’re a family. Each time we make music together, we can’t wait to meet again. Our concerts are always one big party on stage and where there is big love, there is great music. 

We want to thank Sarah for her time in answering our questions. Please visit her website for extra information about everything she is doing, and to contribute to her charity Instruments for Cuba.

www.thesarahbanda.com
www.sarah-willis.com/instruments-for-cuba

The post Interview: Sarah Willis on recent album ‘Sarahbanda’ appeared first on NativeDSD Music.

Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album

Best Latin Jazz Performer

My Heart Speaks from 2xHD Mastering and Resonance Records is the most extravagantly lush album of Ivan Lins’s career. Performing rare gems from his catalog, the composer is backed by the 91-piece symphony of Tbilisi, capital of the Republic of Georgia.

Best Contemporary Classical Work/Composition

“I called Julien Labro last night with the news that Takacs Assad Labro earned a Latin GRAMMY nomination for Julien’s piece which we premiered on the album. Julien wrote the evocative Meditation No.1 eliciting intoxicating tango rhythms conjuring Astor Piazzolla and other Argentine masters of the golden era. Julien performs bandoneón with legendary Takács Quartet on their first Yarlung Records release. Listen again to track 03 at NativeDSD, mastered up to DSD512 by our very own Tom Caulfield.
Thank you Takacs and Bravo Julien!”
– Bob Attiyeh, producer

Andrew Quint gives the recording Five Stars in The Absolute Sound:

This release Yarlung Records hits the trifecta—engaging unfamiliar music, committed performances, and spectacular sound. Clarice Assad is a Brazilian-American composer/pianist, who moves effortlessly between classical, jazz, and popular idioms. She accompanies her own scat singing on two selections (Luminous and Milton Nacimento’s Cravo e Canela) while Constellation for violin and piano features a touchingly songful slow movement. Completely different is the slashing, angular Clash for bandoneón and string quartet. Bryce Dessner’s quasi-minimalistic Circles is scored for the same forces, and Julien Labro, the album’s featured bandoneón virtuoso, contributes Meditation No. 1, an eight-minute reverie for this instrumental grouping as well. Kaija Saariaho’s Nocturne, for solo violin, fits the program’s aura of anxious melancholia. The Takács Quartet is approaching their semicentennial, and although only the cellist remains from the original ensemble, the group’s intensity and technical fluency is intact. Yarlung’s sonics are revelatory. Balances are believable, and although the recorded perspective isn’t immediate, Assad’s first vocal entrance on the Nascimento piece made me jump. …vinyl options are also available.

The post 2024 Latin Grammy – Nominations appeared first on NativeDSD Music.