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SACD

Kinsky Trio Prague, Prazak Quartet – Alexander Borodin – Chamber Music Vol. III (2011) [SACD / Praga Digitals – PRD/DSD 250 288]

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Title: Kinsky Trio Prague, Prazak Quartet – Alexander Borodin – Chamber Music Vol. III (2011)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Praga’s third volume of Borodin’s chamber music focuses on his early works from 1850–62, likely concluding the series. These short, often unfinished pieces lack the Russian character of Borodin’s mature works, reflecting Mendelssohn and Schumann’s influence. Written for private performance, they were unpublished until long after Borodin’s death. The 22-minute Piano Trio (1862), possibly incomplete, shows Schumann and Mendelssohn echoes but lacks a finale. The 1860 Sextet, lasting eight minutes, features Mendelssohnian traits and rich textures. Two string trios from 1850, for two violins and cello, include a G-Minor Andantino with Russian folk elements. The G-Major trio, with Allegro and Andante movements, seems to lack a finale. The Serenata alla spagnola (1886), part of a collaborative quartet, uses a motif from the dedicatee’s name. Performances by the Kinsky Trio and Pražák Quartet are excellent, with vivid SACD stereo sound. Despite minor booklet errors, this disc is recommended for Borodin enthusiasts exploring his early compositions.

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SACD

Ales Barta – Organ Surround Illusion: Toccata And Fugue (2001) [SACD / Exton – OVGY-00001]

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Title: Ales Barta – Organ Surround Illusion: Toccata And Fugue (2001)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

High Quality Non-Compressed Japanese Import SACD! Superior Sound! Organist Ales Barta performs compositional works by J.S. Bach, Brahms, Liszt, Franck, Boellmann, and Messiaen. This Exton Laboratory Gold Line Hybrid Stereo disc is a high quality non-compressed Japanese Import SACD. Recorded on a custom Sony DSD recorder, this audiophile SACD is packaged in an XRCD-like luxury digipak. This disc includes a booklet with detailed microphone and equipment diagram and placement used for each individual recording! Superior quality Japanese Import SACD, manufactured in Yokohama, Japan. Only the best recordings – technically and artistically!

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SACD

Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin, Paco de Lucia – Passion, Grace & Fire (1983) [Japanese SACD 2001] [SACD / Columbia – SRGS-4587]

adminMay 15, 2025 61 Views

Title: Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin, Paco de Lucia – Passion, Grace & Fire (1983) [Japanese SACD 2001]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Paco de Lucía (1947–2014) was a Spanish flamenco guitarist, composer, and producer. He pioneered New Flamenco, gaining legitimacy for the genre in Spain. De Lucía was among the first flamenco guitarists to successfully blend classical and jazz styles. In 1982, he reunited with John McLaughlin and Al Di Meola for Passion, Grace and Fire. This acoustic guitar trio album followed their 1980 Friday Night in San Francisco. The album features intense, virtuosic playing with little respite. Often described as a guitar “battle,” it results in a three-way tie. Passion, Grace and Fire lives up to its fiery, elegant title.

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1 min read

SACD

Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin, Paco de Lucia – Friday Night In San Francisco (1981) [Reissue 1999] [SACD / Columbia / Legacy – CS 65168]

adminMay 15, 2025 59 Views

Title: Al Di Meola, John Mclaughlin, Paco de Lucia – Friday Night In San Francisco (1981) [Reissue 1999]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Friday Night in San Francisco is a mostly live acoustic album featuring guitarists Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucía, and John McLaughlin. This rare summit showcases the trio at the peak of their formidable skills. The album includes three duo and two trio performances, blending spontaneity and virtuosity. Di Meola and de Lucía open with a fiery medley of “Mediterranean Sundance” and “Rio Ancho.” Their interplay combines dazzling solos with percussive rhythm, showcasing their complementary styles. Di Meola and McLaughlin’s take on “Short Tales of the Black Forest” adds humor, with playful techniques and a Pink Panther quote. The trio’s sensitivity and dynamic range counter notions of them as mere technicians. The studio track “Guardian Angel,” composed by McLaughlin, features a haunting melody and standout solos. The album’s high-quality compositions and expressive performances highlight the guitarists’ musicality. Friday Night in San Francisco is a standout in the discographies of Di Meola, de Lucía, and McLaughlin.

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2 min read

SACD

Al Di Meola – Flesh On Flesh (2002) [SACD / Telarc – SACD-63543]

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Title: Al Di Meola – Flesh On Flesh (2002)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Al Di Meola’s Flesh on Flesh, his fourth Telarc album, expands his musical horizons. He’s joined by World Sinfonia members Gumbi Ortiz (percussion) and Mario Parmisano (keyboards), plus Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Alejandro Santos, and bassist Anthony Jackson. Di Meola plays various guitars, including a Les Paul, Stratocaster, and Conde-Romano acoustic, delivering timeless, memorable lines. The eight compositions, like “Flesh on Flesh,” “Zona Desperata,” and “Fugata,” are masterful. In “Flesh on Flesh,” Di Meola plays five instruments, while “Fugata” features a Fender Rhodes duet with Rubalcaba. The album captures the live energy of Di Meola’s performances in a fresh context. Each track celebrates new musical forms, rhythmic reinterpretations, and Di Meola’s virtuosic guitar sound. The compositions reflect beauty, culture, and sensual imagery that inspire him. Flesh on Flesh blends dynamic concepts and technological updates seamlessly. It’s a must-have for fans of Di Meola’s inimitable style.

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1 min read

SACD

Al Di Meola – Elegant Gypsy (1977) [Japanese Reissue 2001] [SACD / SME Records – SRGS 4577]

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Title: Al Di Meola – Elegant Gypsy (1977) [Japanese Reissue 2001]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Guitarist Al di Meola’s second record as a leader is generally an explosive affair, although it does have a fair amount of variety. With Jan Hammer or Barry Miles on keyboards, electric bassist Anthony Jackson, drummer Lenny White (Steve Gadd takes his place on the “Elegant Gypsy Suite”), and percussionist Mingo Lewis on most of the selections, di Meola shows off his speedy and rock-ish fusion style. He was still a member of Return to Forever at the time and was a stronger guitarist than composer, but di Meola did put a lot of thought into this music. The brief “Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil” (an acoustic guitar solo) and “Mediterranean Sundance” (an acoustic duet with fellow guitarist Paco de Lucía) hints at di Meola’s future directions. A near classic in the fusion vein.

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SACD

Al Di Meola – Consequence Of Chaos (2006) [SACD / Telarc – SACD-63649]

adminMay 15, 2025 61 Views

Title: Al Di Meola – Consequence Of Chaos (2006)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Al Di Meola’s Consequence of Chaos marks a partial return to his solid-body electric guitar, but it’s not as intense as his landmark early jazz fusion albums. The album blends electric guitar with world music influences, featuring collaborations with Chick Corea, Steve Gadd, and Barry Miles. Di Meola’s distinctive style unifies diverse approaches, from prog to acoustic to electric, with a classy, authoritative touch. Tracks like “Tao” are complex yet accessible, avoiding predictability or pretension. His restrained yet precise Latin-infused guitar solos balance intensity and subtlety, driving the album’s success. Four brief solo interludes, with Di Meola playing all instruments, contrast the busier ensemble tracks. Percussionists Ernie Adams and Gumbi Ortiz shine, especially on the subtle “Hypnose.” Corea’s appearances on two tracks, including the acoustic duet “Cry for You,” are standout moments. The nine-minute “Tempest,” Di Meola’s most complex composition, showcases his virtuosic skill across shifting moods and rhythms. After 30 years, Consequence of Chaos proves Di Meola remains at the peak of his artistry.

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2 min read

SACD

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan – In Session (1999) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Stax – SXSA-7501-6]

adminMay 14, 2025 54 Views

Title: Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan – In Session (1999) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Blues
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Recorded in December 1983, In Session captures a live jam between blues legends Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Vaughan, fresh off his debut Texas Flood and work on David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, was the year’s breakout guitarist. King, backed by a world-class band, was at the peak of his performance powers. The concert, filmed for a Canadian TV special, delivers fiery, exciting blues. Vaughan, heavily influenced by King, incorporates his idol’s licks but avoids turning the session into a competition. Instead, both guitarists inspire each other to greater heights, creating a dynamic interplay. King’s distinctive style, a cornerstone of Vaughan’s playing, blends with Vaughan’s Hendrix-inspired flourishes. The mutual respect between the two results in a collaborative, not confrontational, performance. King’s powerful vocals add depth, making the album essential for blues fans. Enhanced by Super Audio CD sound, In Session remains thrilling with every listen.

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1 min read

SACD

Albert King – I’ll Play the Blues For You (1972) [Reissue 2004] [SACD / Stax – SXSA-3009-6]

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Title: Albert King – I’ll Play the Blues For You (1972) [Reissue 2004]
Genre: Funk, Soul, Blues
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Albert King’s I’ll Play the Blues for You is a phenomenal blues album from his classic Stax Records era. Signed to Stax in 1966, King gained a larger audience as the label attracted rock fans. His earlier Stax hits included “Crosscut Saw,” “Laundromat Blues,” and Born Under a Bad Sign with Booker T. & the MG’s. For this 1972 album, King collaborated with members of the Bar-Kays, the Isaac Hayes Movement, and the Memphis Horns. The result is a tight, funk-infused blues sound that showcases King’s renowned guitar work. King’s strength lies in his soloing rather than his vocals, which sometimes lack intensity here. Tracks like the title song and “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home” exceed seven minutes, highlighting his expressive guitar. “I’ll Be Doggone” and “Don’t Burn Down the Bridge” feature extended, dynamic performances. Bassist James Alexander’s strutting lines anchor King’s tough yet soulful playing. I’ll Play the Blues for You stands among King’s finest Stax recordings.

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2 min read

SACD