| Review by Claude June 5, 2012 (10 of 11 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics:  |
I compared this 4th SACD release of the 1956 "Ella and Louis" album to the japanese hybrid SACD from 2004 (UCGU-7039)
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: Ella and Louis
The difference is quite important.
At first, the japanese SACD sounds much more detailled and forward, but this is due to a big upper treble boost compared to the Analogue Productions SACD. In the long run, it tends to annoy as it emphasizes sibilance of the closely miked vocals, especially Armstrong's raspy voice. The voices are very forward in the mix.
The AP SACD seems to have a flat EQ, not trying to compensate the natural treble roll-off of the old recording. While it sounds duller at first (it is missing the treble extension of post-1957 recordings), the presentation of the voices and the trumpet is fuller and more natural.
This latest SACD releaase is highly recommended, even if you already have a previous SACD release. It will probably be your definitive version of this album.
(4 stars for the recording quality, 5 stars for the mastering)
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| Review by pvcmusiclover January 16, 2013 (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
I love love love this performance. Ella and Louis are just magical together. I believe that this, along with a bunch of other Verve stuff was recorded on 30ips tape, as opposed to "standard" 15ips. Wonderful level of detail and clean treble. I'm glad AP re-issues these guys. They certainly benefit from DSD mastering.
The micing is a little close/dry for my tastes. Treble is also a tad on the hot side (characteristic of 30ips).
One thing I find odd is that this is a stereo recording of mono tape. Generally, the engineer uses one head the whole width of the mono tape or sums the stereo heads together, then sets the digital recorder to mono, so both the left and right channels are bit for bit the same. On this album, the right channel is slightly louder and on "Isn't This a Lovely Day" and "April in Paris" you can notice stereo tape hiss on the intro.
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| Review by Marpow January 17, 2015 (2 of 3 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong: Ella and Louis Hybrid, SACD Mono
Analogue Productions released 2011.
If you have had a hard day or week like I do many times then this disc is the tonic you need when you come home.
Reissue recording notes from Acoustic Sounds:
Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound from the original master tapes to vinyl and PCM. The DSD was sourced from the PCM. George listened to all of the different A/D converters he had before he chose which to use, and he felt the George Massenburg GML 20 bit A/D produced the best and most synergistic sound for the project.
Performance: I am no expert as this is my first ownership of this 1956 recording. Interesting to know this is the first of three recordings Ella and Louie did together. Absolutely perfect, very calming with a great sense of togetherness and musical affection between the two artists. Great song selection and very amazing to have the track called "Stars Fell On Alabama". Remember this recorded in 1956 years before Dr. Martin Luther King tracked into the hostile town of Selma, Alabama.
Mono Sonics: Sterling. I listened via HDMI outputs. My McIntosh read disc as PCM, 88.2Khz. Clarity and nuances where perfect. The band and the vocals where coming out of speakers like musical notes floating on butterfly's wings. A very pure sonic sound.
Packaging: Plastic jewel case with rounded corners. Inside photo of Capitol records original master reel file. Mini paper booklet with non credited liner notes.
I absolutely love the cover photo of Ella and Louie, they look so happy and Louie with his white socks and big smile is priceless.
If you ever need to take it down a notch like I do, this AP disc is a must.
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