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SACD

Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Christian Lindberg – Allan Pettersson: Symphony 4 & 16 (2014) [SACD / BIS – BIS-2110 SACD ]

adminMay 18, 2025 382 Views

Title: Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Christian Lindberg – Allan Pettersson: Symphony 4 & 16 (2014)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO

Allan Pettersson was a dedicated symphonist, composing 15 symphonies after his unfinished Symphony No. 1 (1951), plus a fragment of another by his death in 1980. Apart from six non-symphonic works, he nearly always had a symphony in progress. The gap before Symphony No. 4 was likely due to the poor reception of Symphony No. 3’s 1956 premiere. Unlike the four-movement Symphony No. 3, No. 4 adopts a single-movement structure, a format Pettersson favored after his Symphony No. 2. Symphony No. 4 features long, chorale-like passages alongside modernist elements, possibly reflecting his mother’s religious songs. Pettersson dedicated the work to his mother, noting in his journal her embodiment of goodness. Symphony No. 16, composed in 1979 for saxophonist Frederick L. Hemke, includes a prominent alto saxophone solo. Its “jazz-scented” slow section follows a frenetic opening, resolving in a tonal, peaceful conclusion. Christian Lindberg and the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, joined by saxophonist Jörgen Pettersson, deliver a critically acclaimed performance. Their recording continues their celebrated cycle of Pettersson’s symphonies, showcasing the works’ stylistic duality and emotional depth.

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SACD

Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Christian Lindberg – Allan Pettersson: Symphony No. 9 (2013) [SACD / BIS – BIS-SACD-2038]

adminMay 18, 2025 363 Views

Title: Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Christian Lindberg – Allan Pettersson: Symphony No. 9 (2013)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO

Allan Pettersson composed his Ninth Symphony in 1970, following the triumphant 1968 premiere of his Seventh under Antal Dorati. This success brought him greater recognition, but his health worsened, leading to a nine-month hospitalization after completing the Ninth. The symphony, his longest at 65–80 minutes, is a single-movement work depicting an extended struggle toward harmony. Pettersson believed fighting through a symphony’s challenges should ultimately yield consonance, even if it takes hours. In the Ninth, harmony is achieved in the final two chords, forming a plagal “Amen” cadence in F major. The work is more concise in its resolution than his other symphonies. Christian Lindberg and the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, completing their BIS cycle of Pettersson’s symphonies, have earned critical acclaim. Their recording of the Sixth Symphony was praised for capturing Pettersson’s dark atmosphere and pacing its climaxes superbly. The Ninth continues their empathetic interpretation of his singular musical vision. This release is a fitting capstone to their acclaimed series.

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SACD

Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Christian Lindberg – Allan Pettersson: Symphony No. 13 (2015) [SACD / BIS – BIS-2190 SACD]

adminMay 18, 2025 424 Views

Title: Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Christian Lindberg – Allan Pettersson: Symphony No. 13 (2015)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO

Allan Pettersson focused almost exclusively on symphonies from 1951 until his death in 1980, despite the genre’s declining popularity. Called “the last symphonist” in 1960s Sweden, he completed his Symphony No. 13 in 1976 for the Bergen Festival’s 25th anniversary. Its complexity delayed the premiere until 1978, and it wasn’t performed in Sweden until 2014 by Christian Lindberg and the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra. The single-movement work blends atonal and tonal styles, a hallmark of Pettersson’s music. It features allusions to composers like Beethoven and Shostakovich, including the latter’s D-S-C-H cryptogram. The symphony showcases Pettersson’s commitment to the genre’s expressive potential. Lindberg and the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra have a strong affinity for Pettersson’s music, evident across their recordings. This performance highlights their deepening connection to his challenging, large-scale works.

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SACD

Allan Holdsworth – All Night Wrong (2002) [SACD / SMEJ – XSGP 1]

adminMay 18, 2025 607 Views

Title: Allan Holdsworth – All Night Wrong (2002)
Genre: Jazz, Rock
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Allan Holdsworth is an English guitarist and composer. He has released twelve studio albums as a solo artist and played a variety of musical styles spanning a period of more than four decades, but is best known for his work in jazz fusion. All Night Wrong is Allan Holdsworth’s first official live album, released in 2002 through Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Allan Holdsworth, a renowned guitarist, performs live in Japan in 2002 with his trio. The trio includes drummer Chad Wackerman and bassist Jimmy Johnson, longtime collaborators. Both Wackerman and Johnson excel at complex time signatures and odd-metered rhythms. Their powerful playing provides a solid foundation for Holdsworth’s virtuosic guitar work. The album, impeccably recorded, captures Holdsworth’s signature legato riffs and jazzy chord voicings. He weaves delicate sound textures alongside dynamic, climactic solos. The trio blends nuance with controlled intensity, elevating the performance. The recording showcases their ability to navigate intricate musical structures. It ranks among Holdsworth’s finest works, delighting his dedicated fanbase. The live setting highlights the trio’s synergy and technical prowess.

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SACD

Al Jarreau – All I Got (2002) [SACD / GRP – 065 082-2]

adminMay 18, 2025 477 Views

Title: Al Jarreau – All I Got (2002)
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Al Jarreau, a versatile crooner known for scat singing, has won seven Grammys across jazz, pop, and R&B over four decades. His second GRP/Verve album, All I Got, features 11 songs showcasing his imaginative vocal style. The album blends urban innovation with soulful, jazzy, and romantic elements. Producer Paul Brown’s urban sound shapes tracks like “Random Act of Love” and “Secrets of Love.” Jarreau’s a cappella “Route 66” and the title track highlight his layered storytelling. “Random Act of Love” offers a fresh take on countering street violence. The gospel-infused “Feels Like Heaven to Me” reveals Jarreau’s depth. “Until You Love Me” and “Jacaranda Bougainvillea” pair his vocals with lush string orchestras. Featuring Freddie Ravel and a duet with Joe Cocker, the album surpasses the versatility of Tomorrow Today. All I Got showcases Jarreau’s diverse, award-winning artistry in fluid, soulful settings.

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SACD

Alfred Brendel – Mozart Piano Sonatas (2005) [SACD / Philips Classics – 475 6199]

adminMay 18, 2025 418 Views

Title: Alfred Brendel – Mozart Piano Sonatas (2005)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

The Mozart piano sonatas on this album are technically challenging due to ornaments and contrapuntal themes. Alfred Brendel performs these with ease, delivering a graceful and nuanced interpretation. His playing occasionally leans forceful, lacking subtle restraint. The Sonata in E flat, K. 282, and Fantasia, K. 396, share a slow, meandering temperament. Brendel infuses the E flat sonata’s minuets with unexpected humor. The Sonata in D major, K. 576, is notably elegant, with balanced handling of its hunting-call theme. He treats contrapuntal entrances like a fugue, showcasing Mozart’s Classical refinements. Brendel adds subtle coloring, enhancing the sonatas’ depth and character.

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SACD

Alison Krauss and Union Station – Live (2002) [SACD / Rounder Records – ROUNDER SACD 11661-0515-6]

adminMay 17, 2025 803 Views

Title: Alison Krauss and Union Station – Live (2002)
Genre: Country
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

This SACD earns 5 stars for the exceptional performance by Alison Krauss & Union Station. The musicians are crisp, clear, and balanced, making their instruments sing with life. They blend technical skill with soulful expression, a rare gift that shines throughout. Alison’s vocals are strong and natural, fitting perfectly with the instrumentation, despite some noting a “thin” quality. Union Station’s supporting vocals are solid, but the instruments steal the show. The recording gets 4 stars due to the lack of music in the center channel, missing a fuller live stage effect. Aside from this, the recording quality is flawless, capturing the band’s great performance. The thin vocal miking, common in Krauss’ work, could use more heft but isn’t a major issue. This double album feels like a “Greatest Hits” collection, including O Brother, Where Art Thou? tracks like “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow.” Recorded in DSD, it delivers the master recording quality, making it a valuable addition despite minimal between-song chatter.

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SACD

Alison Krauss & Union Station – New Favorite (2001) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Rounder Records – Rounder SACD 11661-0495-6]

adminMay 17, 2025 386 Views

Title: Alison Krauss & Union Station – New Favorite (2001) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Country
Format: MCH SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

New Favorite, the ninth album by Alison Krauss & Union Station, was released in 2001. It reached the top 50 of the Billboard 200 and top 5 in Country and Bluegrass charts, earning gold certification. Released alongside the influential O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, it followed Krauss’ contribution to that project. The album won the 2002 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, with “The Lucky One” winning Best Country Performance by a Duo/Group and Best Country Song. Unlike the traditional O Brother sound, New Favorite is the band’s slickest, most progressive work. It blends contemporary country, as in Krauss’ Forget About It, with Dan Tyminski’s progressive bluegrass. The album’s polished production, with heavy reverb, may alienate traditional bluegrass fans. Stellar musicianship shines, with Ron Block’s banjo, Tyminski’s guitar, and Jerry Douglas’ dobro, though the latter is muted by echoes. The call-and-response vocals on “Daylight” are a highlight, but Krauss’ fiddle is underutilized. Despite moments of brilliance, New Favorite lacks the vibrant spirit of their 1997 album So Long So Wrong.

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SACD

Alison Krauss – Now That I’ve Found You (1995) [Reissue 2002] [SACD / Rounder Records – ROUNDER SACD 1161-0325-6]

adminMay 17, 2025 421 Views

Title: Alison Krauss – Now That I’ve Found You (1995) [Reissue 2002]
Genre: Country
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection is a 1995 retrospective album by Alison Krauss, released on February 7. It compiles tracks from her solo albums, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and a Cox Family collaboration. The album includes some new material alongside earlier recordings. Krauss, a bluegrass prodigy, had recorded for a decade before achieving fame. This collection became a surprise hit, reaching number two on country charts and Top 15 on pop charts. Its success was remarkable for a bluegrass artist without prior mass appeal. Krauss was a leading figure in late ’80s and early ’90s bluegrass, blending innovation with tradition. The album highlights her career’s key moments, showcasing her versatility and talent. It captivates new listeners, encouraging exploration of her full discography. Now That I’ve Found You solidifies Krauss’ status as a bluegrass pioneer.

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SACD

Alison Krauss – Forget About It (1999) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Rounder Records – Rounder SACD 11661-0465-6]

adminMay 17, 2025 460 Views

Title: Alison Krauss – Forget About It (1999) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Country
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Alison Krauss gets introspective and personal on her seventh album, one of her solo outings that shoves Union Station in the background while conventional country steps up to the spotlight. But Krauss is a little too sharp for Nashville standard, so Forget About It sounds more like an adult pop album with occasional notes of country grace. Unfortunately, the material here isn’t very inspired (despite a dip into the Todd Rundgren songbook and the fine title tune), and Krauss herself has a hard time elevating it. Still, her fragile, angelic voice is capable of working wonders, which it often does with even the weakest of songs. A marginal effort.

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