SoundStage! Music Online Editor's Pick
Archives
July/August 2002
Stan Getz - Stan Getz with Cal Tjader
JVC XRCD JVCXR-0218-2, 2002
Musical Performance
Recording Quality
Overall Enjoyment
With its XRCD program, JVC has produced the most
distinguished catalog of remastered recordings extant -- now well over 100 strong -- as
well as some of the best-sounding CDs you can buy. And that they've achieved such stellar
sound with master tapes that are often approaching 50 years old is a clear sign that
there's something to the care with which XRCDs are produced. Coming on the heels of many
vintage classical re-releases, this seemingly little-known set from Stan Getz and Cal
Tjader on vibes includes the likes of Scott LaFaro and Vince Guaraldi. It's joyous, expert
music making unlike most of what we hear today, which is perhaps the reason JVC chose this
title for remastering. The early stereo sound is sweet, spacious and detailed, and it
ranks with the very best from the other audiophile-grade XRCDs, of which their are many.
It's at the top of my recommendation list for those looking to buy an XRCD or two and thus
find out what the series is about: great music, attention to detail, and superior
sound....Marc Mickelson
Dave's True Story
BePop 1011, 2002 (remaster)
Musical Performance
Recording Quality
Overall Enjoyment
Dave's True Story's 1998 release Sex Without Bodies created
a stir in audiophile circles, but two of the songs from this 1994 eponymous debut CD were
featured in the movie Kissing Jessica Stein and catapulted the NYC band into
mainstream consciousness. In its initial release, this disc sold over 10,000 copies, a
good many of these coming at live shows, and it's easy to understand why: catchy numbers
well played in a jazz/pop/lounge vein. Singer Kelly Flint interprets these songs with
nuance and sexiness, which are all the better served by the spacious and clear sound.
"Sequined Mermaid Dress" is worth the price of the disc alone, but "Last Go
'Round" proves that reincarnation is a suitable subject for something other than
heavy metal. If you enjoyed Sex Without Bodies, you won't miss a beat with this CD,
remastered and re-released with four bonus tracks....Marc Mickelson
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