Whats on your turntable tonight?

Lonnie Johnson with Elmer Snowden -- "Blues, Ballads and Jumpin' Jazz" - Analogue Productions APR 3001. Great music making by these long time blues musicians. The interplay between them in the studio will make you feel like they've walked into your music room and settled down on the couch.

Jackie McLean, "Bluesnik" - Blue Note 84067-45 -- yet another superb Music Matters 45 rpm Blue Note reissue.

Hearing these two records come alive on one's system makes all the effort worthwhile.
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poco-deliverin'

Stravinsky chamber music works played by the Boston Chamber Players on DGG 2530 551. DGG's chamber music recordings almost always sonically sonically outclass their orchestral recordings -- this one is excellent!
- Concertina for 12 Instruments
- Octet for Wind Instruments
- Pastorale for Vn and Qt of Wind Instruments
- Ragtime for Eleven Instruments
- Septet (1953)

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers: "A Night in Tunisia" -- Blue Note 84049-45 -- Another gem from the Music Matters 45 rpm reissue series.
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A favorite listening partner, a glass of port and great music playing. Tonight in honor of the work of the great recording engineer, Marc Aubort:

Ravel, "Valses nobles et sentimentales" - Skrowaczewski/MinnO - Vox recording by Marc Aubort reissued by Reference Recordings, RM 1004

Ravel, "Pavane pour une Infante Defunte" and "Le tombeau de Couperin" - Skrowaczewski/MinnO - Vox recording by Marc Aubort reissued by Reference Recordings, RM 1001

Gershwin, "Catfish Row Suite" [arranged by Gershwin from the music of "Porgy and Bess"] - Slatkin/StLouisSO - Vox recording by Marc Aubort reissued by Reference Recordings, RM 1005

Gershwin, "An American in Paris" - Slatkin/StLouisSO - Vox recording by Marc Aubort reissued by Reference Recordings, RM 1005

Great stuff!! With each side, my listening partner goes: "Oh, this sounds really good..." and for good reason. These are outstanding recordings, made even better by the outstanding remastering for Reference Recordings by Doug Sax.

Read Michael Fremer's recently published interview with Marc Aubort, plus some good recording history:
Elite Recordings: A Conversation With Freelance Recording Engineer Veteran Marc Aubort
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Rochmaninoff, "Concerto No 3: Symphony of the Air"
Van Cliburn, Piano; 5/19/1958 Carnegie Hall

A treasure given to me by my grandfather this weekend...and I quote, "Try this one on for size."