Regular visitors to this Music section of the Forum might recognize that I had started a topic a while back “How a Great System Improves Drum Sounds.” It was meant to focus more on drum SETS (sometimes called drum kits or trap sets), but quickly folks started adding percussion ensembles and other instruments you bang or scratch (technically a piano is a percussion instrument). So before you add anything here, maybe check the Drum Sounds topic first to see if it’s mentioned there - aw heck, what’s wrong with both places?
Last night I heard a new percussion ensemble recording from 2xHD Records, called creatively enough Audiophile Percussion. Note that 2xHD doesn’t sell downloads directly from their website, but it is for sale on HD Tracks. (I could’t find it yet on Qobuz or Apple streaming). It says right there on the cover WARNING: Play at Medium Volume, but to be honest, I think it’s a marketing ploy - I ran it at totally normal volume and it didn’t tax my speakers any more than most other stuff. However - a big however - the quality of this recording is incredible. They started with a simple 2-mic setup, but used what we used to call in recording “spice mics” to provide presence, and it was mixed right - the ensemble on stage, but I was with them on stage where it counted most. Musically it’s good - not the greatest I’ve heard, but the Musicus Percussion Ensemble led by multi-genre composer, arranger, performer Robert Len, is quite talented. And it is not the most explosive, dynamic percussion recording, but it IS one of the most realistic. Said another way, I wouldn’t necessarily use it to show off my system to an audiophile unless I knew they were more into reality than just being “blown away.”
I need to find this album buried somewhere. Percussion, bass, midrange, and pretty much everything improved as my system improves. There will be a time when one, okay me, realizes the system is sounding better than expectation, and it is time to stop digging rabbit hole.
The amazing thing is when I listen to many “bad” recordings from the past, they now sound great! That is a nice feeling.
A truly good system provides a balanced perspective and insight into the composers intenet with subtly IME. Singling out an instrument, or group there of, may actually reflect a system weakness based on my 55+ years experience.
Well doggone it - I have tried to separate the DRUMS from the PERCUSSION, but I don’t care anymore - I just need to check both topics! The more the merrier.
And I have been a huge fan of Max Roach since I was a kid.
If the “buried album” you’re trying to find is the one I led off with, it’s available for purchase/download from HD Tracks (direct link to album)
Your comment about “bad” recordings from the past now being great is something I experience a lot more often than the phenomenon of my system doing a better job of revealing flaws. But I think my attitude has a lot to do with it - I’m LOOKING more for improvement and ignoring flaws. Very naive I know, but a lot more fun.
I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “singling out an instrument” - whether it is what I said about “spice microphones” to create presence? Or is it about focusing on one type of instrument, in this case, percussion?
And 55+ years? We’re around the same age… you know… oh crap, I forgot.
My comment, while not very clear, had to due with focusing on a particular instrument or range thereof. Drums are fine , and their presentation is something I tend to focus on. I prefer a more melodic approach , which Max Roach provides for. I din’t appreciate the bombastic over the top drumming at all, never did.
Now when I listen to music I do just that, typically not singling out a particular instrument, or percussion in this case.
As far as percussion there is Adam Randolph and Hamid Drake for starters and a bit more contemporary. Then there is Jack deJohnette , his early ecm albums are very good. As far as percussion, Steve Reich’s works come to mind. I leave the research up to you.
Regarding age I’ve got you by 16 years.
Excuse my typos as this iPhone touch screen is a bit funky.
