What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 01 January 2016
2016 has arrived today, so time to start this thread afresh.
Last year's thread (and links to previous years) can be found here;
JJ Cale Compilation. A new exploration for me, prompted by earlier listening to the Clapton tribute album. Enjoying it so far. Tidal.
Todays arrival, second spin:
Bill Charlap, piano
Peter Bernstein, guitar
Peter Washington, bass
"Having a guitarist instead of a drummer softenes the texture of the trio sound and make it more intimate. It also makes the sound of the bass come forward so one can appreciate, in this case, the virtuosity of Washington. Charlap's tone is pristine and his solos are sigh-inducingly beautiful. The group's style may seem "old fashioned" on surface, but their interpretations of standards are modern, sophisticated and urban. This CD is a must-have item for fans of Bill Charlap. " (Birdland)
John Mellencamp. Plain Spoken. On vinyl from 2014. Laid back American rock with some mellow, tubey electric guitar sounds. Well suited to the vinyl format.
The Doors. Their 1967 debut on Elecktra butterfly label vinyl circa 1970. When I think of best rock debut albums this is one that always comes to mind.
Nirvana. Nevermind (1991). On the 2009 ORGM vinyl. Originally recorded on tape at Sound City, remastered by Bernie Grundman, and pressed at Pallas. Might be the most visceral, energetic and immediate sounding LP that I own.
Streaming | Transcoded DSD
(2008)
Rather at odds with this beautiful sunny morning, I used to listen to this Hans Zimmer soundtrack to test a system's bass response and when I used to use a subwoofer. This morning its doing duties as a wake up caller, listening via IEMs.
Quad 33 posted:This is an excellent album and well worth checking out..
Larry Coryell is at the top of his game, playing fast, jazzy lines, and the other guys set the music in an authentic Indian raga-based framework with some Iranian percussion thrown in.
Vinyl
Your description of this album is interesting Graham, I've add it to my music to try on Tidal, thanks.
Meredith Brooks. Blurring The Edges. On CD from 1997. A decent debut album from a singer/songwriter that may have ridden on the coattails of Alantis Morisstette's success at the time.
Cake. Prolonging The Magic. On CD from 1998. Wide ranging uniquely developed pop music; alternative perhaps with influences from country, hip hop, ska, and funk. Always delivered with a tight groove, always fun (great lyrics), and always gets the toe tapping.
Drew Holcomb & the Neighbours - Medicine.
A melange of country/folk/rock. Ray Lamontagne ish in parts , Ryan Adams ish in parts .....Tidal
"Naima" is perfect accompaniment for a lazy humid summer afternoon.
CD rip
I did see a review somewhere recently but hadn't followed it up. Just given Naima and Giant Steps a quick blast on Tidal. Surprisingly rich sound 
. Added to favourites for a proper listen later. Good shout . Cheers. N.
On CD:-
Borders Nick posted:I did see a review somewhere recently but hadn't followed it up. Just given Naima and Giant Steps a quick blast on Tidal. Surprisingly rich sound
If you were trapped on a deserted island with a single Jazz song, Naima would be a good one. I have a see-thru clear vinyl copy of Giant Steps. Turns out Giant Steps is actually very complex and deep...my cousin told me this; his parents are both professional symphony musicians. Here is a PDF that reads like a research paper about Giant Steps: http://danadler.com/misc/Cycles.pdf
Never knew about "Coltrane Changes" but this is fascinating stuff:
