Best CD

John Scofield: Thats What I Say, the songs of Ray Charles

To show off what the system can do, various titles on Mercury Living Presence and Dorian labels in general and "Blue Moon Swamp" by John Fogerty for something more upbeat.

Also, I have some cuts from several CDs by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir where the massed choral vocals will blow you away.

depends on who i'm trying to impress. none of our friends or neighbors are impressed with hifi period.

Well, the first thing I do is ask guests what they like and try to accomodate their tastes. Nothing more boring for a guest than to have to listen to music that they neither understand nor enjoy just so you can 'show off' your system.

Most of my favorite classical recordings (not necessarily performances of music) will appear on Hyperion, Dorian, Chandos, Harmonia Mundi, Reference Research, Mercury Living Presence, Telarc, Delos, and Dorian.

Most of my favorite Jazz recordings (same caveat as above) will appear on Verve, Blue Note, and Concord Jazz.

Now, if you want some specific recommendations of specific recordings coupled with performances, perhaps you could narrow your inquiry to genre.

Mighty Sam McClain -- give it up to love on xrcd
Linda Eder - It's no secret anymore
anything from Reference Recordings