What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. X)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2013
On the cusp of 2014, we start a new thread...
Anyway, links:
Volume IX: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...16#22826037054683416
Volume VIII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...nt/12970396056050819
Volume VII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...6878604287751/page/1
Volume VI: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878604097229
Volume V: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605140495
Volume IV: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605795042
Volume III: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607309474
Volume II: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878606245043
Volume I: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607464290
Got tickets for Leeds, Block D, so it's.......
Wow "I Can See For Miles" just blows me away....play it loud!
Richard
prompted by the Dan thread:
Steely Dan
"Two Against Nature"
Amazon download
Dave Matthews Band
"Everyday"
Spotify
Amazing 70s masterpiece.
Well it was inevitable I would play this....and boy does it sound powerful on my system these days with John and Keith on fine form 
Richard
p.s. The label with black print is a first pressing, blue second and red third or so I understand.
Purcell between the two matches.
Original vinyl, to get me in the mood for the match tonight.
Original vinyl, to get me in the mood for the match tonight.
And my choice for the build-up
Actually Chicago & LA but The Trio at their height in '57.
A brilliant recording too.
G
Easy down tempo groove.
Trio Zingara: Beethoven Piano Trio Archduke & Ghost.
I dunno what a horse has got to do with anything with the Beethoven piano trio. Certainly this cover art does not win any prizes.
Ghost is actually a better of the two program included on this CD. Lacklustre both stylistically and in execution.
This recording was said to be nominated for the Gramophone Award. Very different rendition from my favourite Ashkenazy/Perlman/Harrell Trio. Sounds almost amateure-ish, particularly the piano compared to more established players. Archduke gets dull pretty quick for me.
Too polite and reserved played out like a salon music. Soft piano is snooze inducing. Flowery Andante followed by rhythmically challenged final movement.
Very strange recording balance. Two fiddles are nicely close mic'd but the piano is on another planet.
What a refreshing Archduke this is !
Intimate but lively modern reading. all players use period instruments and surprisingly they offer warm and inviting tonal balance. Upfront and lively intro set the right rhythmic mood. Harmonic blends of fiddles are excellent neither dry or vague creating beautiful textures. All players play somewhat in a similar veins with an exceptional clarity, articulation and bold direct approach. This is not a soft romantic reading. I feel this is more right for Beethoven's Trio pieces.
They keep a swift tempo adding freshness in addition to their rhythmic togetherness. I have never heard of this piano player ( Alexander Melnikov ), but he plays with a great sensitivity and honesty plus he has a Pollini like clarity and precision.
I can hear each player's virtuosity whilst maintaining a perfect balance as a group and get exciting results.
Beautifully recorded, too. it's so exciting when I find something good.
Violin "Sleeping Beauty" Stradivarius, 1704: Isabelle Faust
Forte Piano Alois Graff, C 1828: Alexander Melnikov
Cello Geoffredo Cappa, 1596: Jean-Guihen Queyras
Brandi Carlile. Eponymous debut from 2005. I'd be remiss not to include a lady in my parade of American singer/songwriters this evening. Brandi hails from my town and sings with a raw passion that befits the Independence Day spirit. Almost time for the local fireworks.
Isn't she a treasure? See her live, if you can.
A modern classic. Is it as good as "In Rainbows". Possibly.
On CD:-
