Hey. I’m dope-slapping myself on the forehead - I totally forgot to mention classical percussion, which is also big for me. Thanks for the links. I think I’ve heard one or two of those.
I absolutely love William Walton’s piece “Crown Imperial.” The 2007 recording by the Dallas Wind Symphony has the best-ever striking of a concert bass drum about half-way through. Several years ago, when I was demonstrating it for my very military father-in-law, that strike scared the crap out of him!
One percussion ensemble I’ve grown to love is the Quey Percussion Duo. Their album SoniChroma (Apple Music link) is very good.
That’s why I prefer Joe’s album ‘Standard Time’, over Brubeck’s ‘Time Out’. Joe Morello’s true talent on drums really comes to light, which is odd because the song ‘Time Out’ was really supposed to showcase Morello almost natural ability to play 5/4 time.
Trying hard not to be a snob, but the approach to drum soloing in jazz is typically entirely different from rock. There is a lot more attention to a creative “melodic” use of the drum set that varies with each artist. The best also vary according to the tune and how the other musicians are playing/soloing. Good drummers are “saying” things. Speaking of “tune,” it is also typical for jazz drums to be tuned lower than rock - it allows the instrument to have a wider and deeper sound envelope, similar to the difference between electric and acoustic bass. Rock drums are tuned “tight” for maximum impact. Don’t get me wrong - I like rock drumming for what it does, but it just doesn’t challenge my ears or sound system the way jazz drums do.
I previewed some of the Morello album you suggested. I agree that “Take 5” is better. But I have to tell you that I’m going to have to close my eyes because they got the hour hand in the wrong place. You’d think…
Wanted to hear this on my main system, but can’t find on qobuz. With amazon music prime membership, still can’t figure an easy way to stream. No PC in that room, do I have to use a USB cable from my phone Amazon Music app?
I believe “Hot Stix” is only available in 45rpm vinyl. eBay has quite a few copies for sale. You have to buy it used since new ones are no longer available.
Ah, gotcha and thanks! By “available on Amazon”, my mind jumped to their online Amazon Music service. Only digital in my world since about 1985, so guess I won’t get to hear this one…
I was surprised to find that album hadn’t been transferred to digital. It’s rare, but it happens.
I never totally gave up vinyl - just had too many records, but it wasn’t until I decided a few years ago to get serious about higher audio quality that I got back into vinyl. Mainly what I’m trying to do is experience the DIFFERENCE between the formats, not so much to have a battle. Truth be told, I think digital is now the better, just like digital photography, but there’s still something in analog and film worth pursuing.
Glad I’m not the only weirdo. In one of Paul’s Posts recently he talked about his ability to determine whether something is not level, and I have the same ability. Drove my contractors nuts when they were doing my basement a few years ago. After arguing a few times, then hauling out the level and finding I was right, they started just shrugging and changing. I also learned to compromise and let some things go - if nobody else sees it, how important is it?
Coincidence: a friend was asking me if I was familiar with the rock group The Tubes. I probably should have heard of them, but as I’ve mentioned already, it was later in life that I backed into my appreciation for rock, alternative, etc. Last night I listened to their 1976 album Young & Rich (Qobuz link) (Apple Music). I find the drummer to be quite good and the capturing and use of the drums very effective for the music. A bit bombastic at times, but I’ve certainly heard MORE bombastic. It’s an A&M recording, so I’m not surprised at the good quality. Check out the track “Poland Whale / Madam I’m Adam.” And yes, they have a track on there called “Slipped My Disco” so there’s the era of bombastic for ya.
I decided to check out some of the recordings you listed - couldn’t find many (if any) on streaming, but I did find a recording of Sumire Yoshihara on Apple Music - Ground: Sound Space of Percussion III. Holy Toledo! (and who picked Toledo for that expression) what an incredible recording. It might come across to some as almost a technical “sound effects” thing, but I find it quite musical and her playing is phenomenal. I have also never heard something with such dynamic range, mainly at the “soft” space. There are places where she must be doing everything possible to touch something without touching it, but my sound room and system allow me to hear it. The quality of timbre in every instrument she touches (or whacks) is captured beautifully - fantastic microphones and placement. But what struck me even more was the 3-dimensional soundstage - holy mackerel! (who chose a fish?) - closing my eyes, she was all over the stage - front-left, center-high, you name it. This will be a definite go-to for evaluating components, not to mention good music.
Excellent, glad you found her virtuosity entertaining. She is a phenomenal talent. I had a friend who was a percussion major grad of the Berklee College of Music (and Japanese Zen priest) and he turned me on to the rich variety of percussion artists in Japan. I’m also a big fan of marimba/xzylophone percussion. If of interest, check out the artists Keiko Abe (Grande Dame of Japanese mallet) and Kuniko (young virtuoso on Linn Recordings.)
The Evelyn Glennie recording of mallet percussion concertos is a fantastic test disc as well. It is on Qobuz (a Naxos recording.) If you’re not familiar with her, she’s an amazing artist as well. Completely deaf from a young age but feels the music with the rest of her body. She’s an advocate for deaf artists and has an enlighteningTed Talk on YouTube about music, hearing, and the ways we relate to music. If there’s a greater example of overcoming adversity to achieve artistic excellence I’ve never encountered that person.
The selection of modern/contemporary “classical” on any streaming service is terrible. Which is why I’ll not give up on physical media any time soon. There’s SO much good music that has no commercial promotion or streaming availability.
Now this album provides some interesting challenges to a system from a percussion perspective. Recorded in 1966 it features Jack Marshall and Shelly Manne. Sounds! is available on Qobuz and Apple Music and I also have it on a Japanese CD release that sounds awesome.
Thank you, I will look into Evelyn Glennie. You’re right that the selection of percussion stuff on streaming - well, you can’t shake a stick at it! Thank God for YouTube (although, there’s sure a lot of anti-God content on there). I mentioned the Quey Percussion duo - there are several YouTubes of them, and the audio is pretty good for YouTube. Check out these two - “Paper Covers Rock” and “360”.
