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Recommendations for really well-recorded music for high-end audio system demo

I’m using my system to give some local high-end audio demos for fun, and although I have a good selection of tracks I can always use more and am sure you guys have some great ones out there.  First and foremost I’m looking for really well-recorded material that shows off what a good system can do — you know, the “wow your friends” tracks we all have, and if it happens to be good/fun music as well that’s a nice bonus although not necessarily a requirement.  I’d recommend listing the artist, album, and track so it’s easier to find the right version, and if you feel like elaborating on anything notable that makes it particularly good for a demo that’d be helpful/interesting but not necessary.  As an example…

  • Patricia Barber, Companion, “Like JT” — Great live jazz club vibe, fun instrumental with excellent imaging/depth/3D soundstage.

Thanks for anything ya got!

soix
troutstreamnm
45 posts
 

Highly recommend Fourplay Silver as a quality smooth jazz recording.  For a tremendous live recording; Lorena McKennitt Live in Paris and Toronto. Kit Walker-Dancing on the Edge is also an excellent progressive jazz recording if you can find it.  I use these for auditioning new equipment and showing off to friends!

mashif
242 posts
 

@jbuhl 

That Vox Clamantis music is really nice. I was trying to figure out how many different voices I heard and I decided 12. I can hear where each is in space. Excellent recording.

Then I looked them up, found the ECM bio and it was true. I thought 6m and 6f but I got that part wrong. 

Thanks for the recommendation. 

1happyman's avatar
1happyman
76 posts
 

@Troutstream

I checked our Kit Walker and it's produced by Andy Narrell. He plays steel pans and his albums are some of the best sounding recordings I own. Highly recommend his Little Secrets album from 1989. It has the legendary Bernie Grundman as Mastering Engineer. Obviously, Andy took very good notes. Thanks for the recommendation.

77jovian
409 posts
 

A few great albums…
 

Loggins and Messina, Full Sail, the whole album, but check out Pathway to Glory.

Janis Ian, Breaking Silence is remarkable, as is Hunger.

The Mighty Sam McClain, Give it Up for Love, especially Too Proud.

 

And some tracks…

Janelle Monae Make Me Feel

Vienna Teng. 1BR/1BA

Terse Isungset Fading Sun

Chris Jones No Sanctuary Here

boxcarman
412 posts
 

Your list should be full now.  All good.  I will suggest Earl Klugh and Bob James  "Cool". 

More to discover