Sandy's Place - My Favorite Demo Music - Part 1
Many people have visited me, with my various companies, at dealer events or trade shows over the years, and most have commented on my selection of demo material. So I thought I'd share with you those tracks that are my all-time favorites - I play them again and again because they're so good. I should point out that I have always selected material that allows me to "suspend disbelief" when listening. What I mean is, I want to sit down to listen and in moments forget I'm listening to a stereo system and be transported to the performance or control room of the studio. Here are some of my favorites (pt 1) ...
The Great Gate of Kiev, from "Pictures at an Exhibition" as conducted and performed by Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orchestra. Reference Recordings catalog #RR-79. This HDCD recording is crystal clear and preserves all the dynamics as though you were sitting only a few rows back in the hall while it was performed.
The Peacocks, by the Bill Holman Band from the "A View from the Side" XRCD. Perhaps one of the most respected yet unrecognized master arrangers and players of the Big Band era, Bill Holman paints a beautiful picture with this song. As it begins you can just see in your mind peacocks slowly opening their plumes and revealing the intricacies and lush, bright colors. This song is much the same and reveals its dense but sublime beauty as you listen. Wait 'til you hear it on a great system with a pair of Tritons!
Pie Jesu, from "Requiem and Five Anthems" by John Rutter and performed by the Turtle Creek Chorale. Reference Recordings catalog #RR-57. This HDCD recording perfectly captures both large and small scale choral performances along with subtle pipe organ playing some very low notes! The way it's recorded I feel like I'm in the front row of the balcony and the soloist is singing her aria as though I am the only one in the audience. This disc was selected as a Super Disc by The Absolute Sound editors. It's really, really, really good!
Summer Days by Ana Caram, from her album "Rio After Dark." Chesky catalog #JD028. This is what I would call a typical Chesky recording: very simple and it captures all the nuances in the performances by each of the musicians. Latin jazz relies on the subtle interplay of musicians and should wrap itself around you like a warm breeze if the system is up to the task.
Once in Love with Amy by Mel Torm�, from the album "Mel Torm� Swings Shubert Alley". Verve catalog #821 581-2. The Velvet Fog himself with the Marty Paich Orchestra, released in 1960. Mel's voice sings right to me on this cut and the whole thing sounds incredibly natural. This shows that, no matter how old the recording, the system really has the power to pull me into the performance. Now also available from HDtracks in both 24/96 and 24/192 resolutions!
Those are just the first few, look for part II in a future issue. Now, if I can find my old record by Terry Riley called "A Rainbow in Curved Air" ...
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