Yes
192/24 was available, as was DSD.
Geez. I knew that - stupid question after being in the sun too long earlier.
Son of Beer, who knew!
Spending some time today with Waltz for Debby by the Bill Evans Trio.
No matter how many times I hear it, I’m always struck by how beautifully Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro, and Paul Motian listen to each other. It doesn’t sound like a piano player with accompaniment—it sounds like three musicians having a conversation.
The recording pulls you right into the Village Vanguard. You can hear the room, the audience, and the incredible interplay between the players.
Listening through a pair of HiFiMan HE400se headphones that take the experience to a whole new level. The sense of space, the air around the instruments, and the intimacy of the performance are simply captivating.
One of those albums that reminds me why I love jazz.
A few days ago I revisited The Köln Concert, and it reminded me why this recording is still spoken of with such reverence more than 50 years later.
What makes it remarkable isn’t just the music—it’s the story behind it. As I understand the concert nearly didn’t happen. Jarrett arrived exhausted, was unhappy with the piano provided, and considered canceling. Instead, he sat down and created one of the most celebrated solo piano performances ever recorded.
The music moves effortlessly between jazz, classical, folk, gospel, and pure improvisation. There are moments of dazzling virtuosity, but what stays with me most is the sense of discovery. It feels less like a performance and more like listening to someone think out loud through music.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz listener or someone who rarely ventures into the genre, this is one of those albums worth experiencing from beginning to end. Put on a good pair of headphones, dim the lights, and let it unfold naturally.
Some recordings entertain. This one invites you into the creative process itself.
Jarrett was always unhappy with the piano, even at the best concert halls with a piano tech present.
After attending a couple of his concerts, I concluded the whining was just part of his shtick.
Speaking of delicate, I was at one of his solo concerts back around 2010 where Madam and Sir Coughsalot were in the audience and he just scolded us and left.
I’ve long imagined a recording engineer saying, “hey we could greatly diminish those horny raccoon sounds you make” and getting the evil eye.
My first Dollar Brand LPs:
A nice compilation of early (1960-62) Dollar Brand from Johannesburg, including The Jazz Epistles featuring Hugh Masakela.
I discovered Dollar Brand/Abdullah Ibrahim early on in my music exploration. Most glad I did, and enjoy his work to this very day. For me Abdullah Ibrahim opened the Cape Town sound door wide, leading to The Blue Notes, Johnny Dyanni, and many more.
Agreed. I like this one, am fond of almost all her albums. Am expecting her most recent to arrive today.
Absolutely. What I enjoy most is how naturally she blends her piano and vocal work—always serving the music rather than showing off. I’m looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new release.
I like her compositions as well.
