Hear More Music

For those attending AXPONA High-End Audio Expo this year opportunities abound to learn, not just to see and hear. AXPONA's Master Class Theater promises many great opportunities to gain insight into subject matters that many audiophiles and music lovers alike find interesting and of value. Subjects include:

Limiting Factors of Modern True-to-Life Audio Reproduction.

How to choose Ortofon cartridges and Ortofon Phono Cartridge Technology.

(Speaker) Cable length parameters.

Ten Ways to Optimize Music Streaming.

Back to the Future with RTM Tapes.

How does your playback system stack up?

Discoveries and advances in vinyl optimization.

You can see the complete Master Class Theater schedule and register for AXPONA EXPO here -----> https://axpona.com/masterclass/

AXPONA EXPO exhibitor list here -----> https://axpona.com/exhibitors/

With so many manufacturer exhibitors as well as Ear Gear and RecordFair (and CDs) plan on spending at least one whole day or two or...three. 

Bring plenty of money for Record Fair!

Thanks for reading Hear More Music,

Doug

Keyboardist Sam Fribush is on the frontlines of the Hammond organ revival. His debut release, the SF Organ Trio, was produced by Charlie Hunter and recorded over quarantine in North Carolina. Fribush became a member of Hiss Golden Messenger in 2021. Currently based in Greensboro, NC, Fribush has brought his fonky, soulful vibe home to the town where he was born and raised.

My initial listening notes- Wide stereo image Natural bass drum with a kick! Keyboards nice further back in soundstage mix. Natural guitar work not strident. Big soundstage and imaging!! Not overly compressed. 5 stars. Those keyboards gradually sneak up in the mix. Fun! Toe tapping! Pleasent, solid bass guitar. Wish this EP was a full album! Mix of depth, large soundstage & center image is very balanced. Is that a Hammond B3? Yes it is! Percussion on “Fat Nap” clean and snappy!

The Music 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵 The Sound 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

Hear More Music: Sam Fribush Organ Trio Vol. 1: Riverboat

Check out these on your favorite streaming service. Film music by orchestra and two styles of jazz from Remy Le Boeuf and Pat Metheny. Enjoy! 🎵 #music #jazz #orchestra

The Spring, 2024 edition of Record Store Day is soon upon us...the day we are forced to visit our local independent record store and sift through the great new special edition releases while taking in the vinyl and CD retail culture. Great times! https://recordstoreday.com/Home

Some of the titles on my long list- 

Kelly Watch The Stars by Air

Chet Baker and Jack Sheldon make sweet vibes on Imperfect Harmony

Count 'em...Five 3" releases by The Beatles, two from George Harrison, one from John Lennon and even a new EP from Ringo Starr entitles "Crooked Boy"

Bill Evans may have the best album title of all...Everyone Digs Bill Evans.

A 50th Anniversary Edition of Elton John's Caribou on double vinyl. 

Another 50th Anniversary set, this one is Sweetheart Of The Rodeo by The Byrds members.

The Birds, The Bees and The Monkees (and the second place album title!) by The Monkees (thank you to Friday Music!)

The Rolling Stones (UK) on ABKCO.

Pharoah Sanders, Harvest Time on Luaka Bop Records.

There is a long list of releases for this Record Store Day and you can see them all on the Record Store Day website. Some releases are regional, some very local and some are national. Below is the complete RSD listing but check with your local independent record store to be sure the titles that you are interested in will be carried locally. Good Times! 

https://recordstoreday.s3.amazonaws.com/2024/2024_RSD_PUBLIC.pdf

American Pie - United Artist Records released in October, 1971 with words and music written by Don McLean and dedicated to Buddy Holly ~ CDP 7 46555 2. 2003 Capitol Records 72435-84279-2-9.

Many music fans have a favorite song or favorite album in which they remember all the lyrics to. They remember when it was first released, where they purchased it from and the impact it made upon them.  For me that song has always been American Pie.

Don McLean had released his first album, Tapestry, in 1970 with little notice.  With a larger record label behind him American Pie (the album) was released in October 1971 and literally shot up the charts based on the strength of the song American Pie.  The song was unique, dealing with loss and years of social upheaval, musical changes, religion and war. (Sounds like current times, doesn't it?) Through the song McLean recalled and honored Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), musicians that McLean looked up to and had passed away. The song struck a nerve with the American public, most of whom were tired of war, social ills and all the other stressful issues of the day.

In 2003 Capitol Records reissued the album in along with two additional songs and a nice booklet in which McLean describes how he came to write the album as well as his concept of the history of the times in which it was written.  It’s a great addition to anyone’s music library.

Interesting American Pie facts:  At 8:32 it is the longest song to reach #1 on the Billboard music charts.  In 2001 American Pie was voted the #5 Most Memorable Song of the Century.  The original vinyl 45 single, due to the song’s length, had the first half of the song on side one, the second half on side two.  The only way to hear the song in its full length was to buy the vinyl album.

Years ago we attended a wedding and to close out the reception the new bride and groom asked everyone to hold hands and to form a circle around the dance floor.  While we all faced each other they closed the reception by asking everyone to sing American Pie in unison…the full eight minute and thirty two second version.  I belted it out as best I could and I admit it brought serious tears to my eyes. The sound of a room full of people singing that song was such a great experience and one I obviously still remember.  It was so cool to hear everyone, younger and older alike, sing it together.

THAT is what music is all about.

And, I still remembered all of the words. Thank you, Don.

Thanks for reading and listening,

Doug

In the 1920's Louis Armstrong recorded with two groups of jazz musicians. Enter the Hot Fives and, the Hot Sevens. in 2006 Wynton Marsalis recorded many of both jazz groups songs in this live session at the Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York. If you love jazz this is a must listen. Upbeat and slow selections abound with very good sound quality, tone and pace. Aside from streaming on the usual services such as Deezer, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Qobuz, you can download in either (MP3 or WAV formats) from the Jazz At Lincoln Center online store at https://store.jazz.org/collections/music/products/louis-armstrong-s-hot-fives-and-hot-sevens?variant=40659316572245

I've contacted Jazz At Lincoln Center to inquire if these recordings are available on CD or vinyl LP but have not heard back from them as of posting of this review.

Whether you stream or download this music needs listening to. Jazz enthusiasts will surely embrace them and those who are just now exploring jazz as a music medium will be introduced to great music and audiophile-level sound quality (except for the MP3 lossy format).

Edit: The folks at Jazz At Lincoln Center were kind enough to respond to my question about availability of this recording on CD and vinyl LP. Unfortunately they have no other plans to release this on physical media at this time. So, streaming or via download from their website is the only way to enjoy this great recording.

Thank you very much for visiting Hear More Music!

Doug

Like many I spent most of 2020 at home. Hunkered down, I listened to more music than ever. Much of that time was spent exploring new music by unfamiliar artists, playing music genres much different from what I would normally listen to. I listened to many of the CDs in my home music library and even delved into those old Boston and Chicago albums that I hadn't heard in ages (seriously, those first six Chicago albums are fantastic). Jazz, classical (I'm a sucker for Mozart) and the Allman Brothers all sounded great. But I wanted, needed something different. I mean really, how many times can one listen to Dark Side Of The Moon? Sacrilege I know but you catch my drift.

Deezer HiFi streaming subscription totally helped my new music needs. Millions of full albums, playlists and EPs at my disposal for the cost of one CD each month. And the sound quality with their HiFi version is full CD quality. If you enjoy finding new and old music I recommend Deezer highly. I can access my Deezer choices through smartphone, tablet, desktop and Sonos at home. Other services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon, Spotify are great ways to enjoy more music than ever before. Choose the one best for your listening needs.

So here are ten recent finds, artists and their albums, that I discovered during Pandemic 2020. Give them a listen and see what you think. Road trip!

Discovered at Stereophile magazine.

Discovered on Facebook.

Discovered on Darko Audio YouTube channel.

This news from Michael Timmins’ Cowboy Junkies!

“Many years ago, in the time before streaming services and back when we'd gather together to make music, Margo ventured down the 401 to Guelph, Ontario and to the home of Jeff Bird. There she spent some time with Jeff and a few of his talented musical friends and recorded songs by some of her favourite artists. This album may have been recorded fifteen years ago, but these songs are timeless.... as is Margo's voice...enjoy.”

This album is only available as a digital download or as a digital stream. It is not available as a CD or on vinyl. You can find it here: 

#Spotify #AppleMusic #AmazonMusic #TIDAL #Deezer #iTunes #Pandora #Napster #music #margotimmins #cowboyjunkies #jeffbird #hearmoremusic 

I’ve been a Doobie Brothers fan since first hearing their third studio album, “The Captain and Me” in 1973.  Their mix of hard-edged guitars with vocal harmonies won me over.  Songs like Natural Thing, Long Train Runnin’, China Grove…well, ALL of them only gave a sneak peak at what was to become a popular hit-making band.

Fast forward to the 2010 edition of the band.  They had their huge hits and concert tours throughout the eighties.  After singer Michael McDonald left the band they continued to tour and record without the success of earlier years.  They brought back their original record producer, friend Ted Templeman, along with original guitarists and vocalists Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston.  After playing a few gigs together they asked former drummer Michael Hossick and master-of-all-stringed-instruments John McFee to reunite for a new Doobies album and tour.

Adding to the fun, Willie Nelson and ex-Doobie Michael McDonald make appearances.  Don’t be fooled however, this is no re-union album with ‘guest artists’ added for filler.  The Doobies of old with their harmonies, timeless rhythms and guitar solos are here.  If you enjoyed this band in the past give them another try here.

A nice twist is the remake of ‘Nobody’ from their first album.  This version has a new guitar solo and spotlights Johnston’s rougher vocal style.   Producer Templeton played up to every band member’s strengths and styles.  The Simmons-Johnston-McFee trio is one of the best front lines in rock while drummer Hossick’s playing is forward and driven.  Templeton did what many of us music purists hope for by not overdriving and overmixing the album.  It sounds equally good on a smaller system or better home audio gear.

Whether you want to relive the Doobie glory years or just want a great rock record give World Gone Crazy a listen. Enjoy.

Thanks for visiting Hear More Music!

Doug

Even though these two CD sets were released two years apart, they share a common theme and compliment each other.  On An Island was released as Gilmour’s third solo studio album in 2006, Live In Gdansk in 2008.

Many know David Gilmour as the lead guitarist, vocalist and writer for seminal rock band Pink Floyd.  Gilmour chose to do more solo projects with his interest in continuing to work as a band waned.  Since fellow band mate Richard Wright passed away in 2008 Gilmour continues in this direction.  As On An Island proves he is playing better than ever.

If Pink Floyd fans are disappointed that the band is no longer a functioning unit (for now), have no fear.  On An Island is as close to a Pink Floyd sound as you can get.  Wright plays on the album and the combination of his keyboards musically complements Gilmour’s vocals and guitar, making for a very enjoyable listen.  Topping it off is hearing David Crosby and Graham Nash add background vocals to the title track.

Gilmour's final 2008 live performance was held at the Gdansk Shipyard in Poland celebrating the anniversary of the Polish Solidarity Movement headed by Lech Walesa in 1980.  In addition to four Pink Floyd songs, On An Island is performed live and included on this two-CD set is the selection of A Great Day For Freedom.  50,000 people attended this show to celebrate their freedoms from non-communist trade unions. The Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra is a nice addition to the overall recording. Richard Wright joined Gilmour on this tour and recording before his death. The recording quality and musicianship here are both superb.