Listening to the Bill Evans Trio's "Moon Beams" on the XRCD format was a truly remarkable experience. This remastered version of the classic 1962 album not only preserves the original recording, but also improves upon it with a level of detail and clarity that is truly impressive.

The first thing that struck me was the sense of space and depth in the recording. Each instrument had its own distinct place in the soundstage, and there was a natural sense of separation between them. This made it easy to pick out individual parts and follow along with the music, even on the more complex tracks like "I Wish I knew". The soundstage was wide and deep, providing a sense of immersion that was truly remarkable.

The piano playing of Bill Evans is simply breathtaking on this recording. His touch is delicate and nuanced, with a beautiful sense of melody and harmony. His solos were particularly impressive, as he displays his virtuosity and technical brilliance. On tracks like "Moon Beams", his playing was sensitive and emotional, and his solo was nothing short of breathtaking.

Scott LaFaro's bass playing was also noteworthy, with a strong sense of groove and a fluid, melodic approach. His solo on "You and the Night and the Music" was particularly impressive, as he showed his mastery of the instrument and his ability to create a sense of tension and release. Paul Motian's drumming was subtle and understated, providing a solid foundation for the other musicians to build upon. His cymbals were particularly impressive, with a sense of decay that was truly remarkable.

The XRCD remastering process played a significant role in the overall listening experience. The use of high-quality analog equipment to remaster the original master tapes resulted in a warmer and more natural sound, with a level of depth and detail that was truly extraordinary. The dynamic range was wide, and the overall sound was incredibly lifelike.

When compared to the 2002 SACD version of the album, the XRCD format holds its own. Both the SACD and XRCD format provide a high-resolution audio experience. However, SACD has a wider frequency range and dynamic range, and it utilizes Direct Stream Digital (DSD) technology. On the other hand, the XRCD format uses a remastering process that improves upon the original recording with a warmer and more natural sound.

Overall, listening to "Moon Beams" on the XRCD format was a truly special experience. The music was presented with a level of realism and detail that was truly extraordinary, and the remastering process added a new dimension to the music that was truly remarkable. This album is a must-listen for jazz fans and music lovers alike, and the XRCD format is a perfect way to experience it. If you are looking for a truly exceptional listening experience, I highly recommend this album on the XRCD format.

The Bill Evans Trio's "Explorations" on the XRCD format is a remastered version of the classic 1961 album that truly stands the test of time. From the first notes, it's clear that the remastering process has preserved the original recording while also improving upon it with a level of detail and clarity that is truly impressive.

One of the first things that stood out to me was the sense of space and depth in the recording. Each instrument had its own distinct place in the soundstage, and there was a natural sense of separation between them. This made it easy to pick out individual parts and follow along with the music, even on the more complex tracks like "Nardis". The soundstage was wide and deep, providing a sense of immersion that was truly remarkable.

The piano playing of Bill Evans is simply breathtaking on this recording. His touch is delicate and nuanced, with a beautiful sense of melody and harmony. His solos were particularly impressive, as he displays his virtuosity and technical brilliance. On tracks like "Israel", his playing was sensitive and emotional, and his solo was nothing short of breathtaking.

Scott LaFaro's bass playing was also noteworthy, with a strong sense of groove and a fluid, melodic approach. His solo on "Jade visions" was particularly impressive, as he showed his mastery of the instrument and his ability to create a sense of tension and release. Paul Motian's drumming was subtle and understated, providing a solid foundation for the other musicians to build upon. His cymbals were particularly impressive, with a sense of decay that was truly remarkable.

The XRCD remastering process played a significant role in the overall listening experience. The use of high-quality analog equipment to remaster the original master tapes resulted in a warmer and more natural sound, with a level of depth and detail that was truly extraordinary. The dynamic range was wide, and the overall sound was incredibly lifelike.

Overall, listening to "Explorations" on the XRCD format was a truly special experience. The music was presented with a level of realism and detail that was truly extraordinary, and the remastering process added a new dimension to the music that was truly remarkable. This album is a must-listen for jazz fans and music lovers alike, and the XRCD format is a perfect way to experience it.

Listening to the Bill Evans Trio's "Portrait in Jazz" on the XRCD format was a truly exceptional and memorable experience. The remastered version of the classic 1959 album not only preserves the original recording but also improves upon it with a level of detail and clarity that is truly remarkable.

One of the most striking aspects of the album was the sense of space and depth in the recording. Each instrument had its own distinct place in the soundstage and there was a natural sense of separation between them. This made it easy to pick out individual parts and follow along with the music, even on the more complex tracks like "Peri's Scope." The soundstage was wide and deep, providing a sense of immersion that was truly remarkable.

The piano playing of Bill Evans is simply breathtaking on this recording. His touch is delicate and nuanced, with a beautiful sense of melody and harmony. His solos were particularly impressive, as he displays his virtuosity and technical brilliance. On tracks like "Waltz for Debby", his playing was sensitive and emotional, and his solo was nothing short of breathtaking.

Scott LaFaro's bass playing was also noteworthy, with a strong sense of groove and a fluid, melodic approach. His solo on "Gloria's Step" was particularly impressive, as he showed his mastery of the instrument and his ability to create a sense of tension and release. Paul Motian's drumming was subtle and understated, providing a solid foundation for the other musicians to build upon. His cymbals were particularly impressive, with a sense of decay that was truly remarkable.

The XRCD remastering process played a significant role in the overall listening experience. The use of high-quality analog equipment to remaster the original master tapes resulted in a warmer and more natural sound, with a level of depth and detail that was truly extraordinary. The dynamic range was wide, and the overall sound was incredibly lifelike.

Overall, listening to "Portrait in Jazz" on the XRCD format was a truly special experience. The music was presented with a level of realism and detail that was truly extraordinary, and the remastering process added a new dimension to the music that was truly remarkable. This album is a must-listen for jazz fans and music lovers alike, and the XRCD format is a perfect way to experience it. I highly recommend this album on the XRCD format for a truly exceptional listening experience.

The Bill Evans "Evans in England" 2xHD release is a must-have for any jazz enthusiast. The recording, originally made in 1968, has been remastered and re-released in high-definition audio, allowing listeners to experience the music in unparalleled clarity.

Listening to the Bill Evans "Evans in England" 2xHD release is an immersive and transcendent experience. The remastered sound quality is truly stunning, with every note and chord from Evans' piano, as well as the bass and drums, coming through with incredible clarity and depth. The recording, originally made in 1968, has been brought to life in a way that makes it feel as if you are in the room with the musicians.

One of the most striking aspects of this release is the interplay between Evans, Eddie Gomez on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. The trio's chemistry is evident from the start, with each member complementing and building upon the ideas of the others. Their improvisations are mesmerizing, with each musician taking turns leading and supporting each other. It's a testament to the skill and creativity of these musicians.

The track selection is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of original compositions and standards. From the intricate melodies of "Waltz for Debby" to the swinging "Gloria's Step," the music never fails to captivate. Evans' piano playing is virtuosic, but also deeply emotional and expressive. He effortlessly switches between intricate runs, delicate melodies, and powerful chord voicings, making each song feel fresh and new.

Listening to the "Evans in England" 2xHD release is a truly special and memorable experience. The remastered sound quality, the musicianship, and the track selection make it a must-have for fans of Bill Evans and jazz in general. It's an album that will stay with you long after the music has ended.

Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan's "In Session" recording, made in December 1983, is a true gem in the world of blues music. The album features the two legendary guitarists, who were both known for their unique styles and incredible talents.

The album was recorded as a live performance, and it captures the raw energy and emotion of the musicians. The interplay between Albert King's smooth and soulful guitar playing and Stevie Ray Vaughan's fiery and intense solos is truly a sight to behold. The two musicians complement each other perfectly, with King's deep, rich vocals adding an extra layer of depth to the music.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Call It Stormy Monday," which features both King and Vaughan trading solos and playing off each other's styles. It's a masterclass in blues guitar playing, and it's clear that the two musicians were having a great time on stage.

Another highlight is "Don't Lie To Me," which showcases King's powerful vocals and Vaughan's incredible guitar skills. The song is a perfect example of the chemistry between the two musicians, as they seamlessly blend their styles together to create a truly unforgettable performance.

Overall "In Session" is a must-have for any blues music fan, and it's a testament to the incredible talents of Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The album captures the raw energy and emotion of their live performance and it's a reminder of how these two legends left a lasting impact on the music world.

The Stevie Ray Vaughan Texas Hurricane SACD Boxset is a must-have for any fans of the legendary blues guitarist. This boxset includes a collection of Stevie Ray Vaughan's most iconic albums, remastered in high-resolution audio and presented on Super Audio CD (SACD) format. The set includes "Texas Flood," "Couldn't Stand the Weather," "Soul to Soul," "In Step" and "The Sky is Crying" albums, as well as a bonus disc of previously unreleased material.

The remastered audio on these SACDs is truly impressive. The music sounds more dynamic and nuanced than ever before, with each instrument and vocal coming through clearly. The SACD format also allows for a wider soundstage, making it feel as if you're right in the middle of the performance. Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar playing is particularly striking, with every note and bend sounding more expressive and emotive.

The bonus disc of previously unreleased material is a real treat for fans. It includes live recordings, demos, and outtakes that provide a glimpse into Stevie Ray Vaughan's creative process. The live recordings in particular are a joy to listen to, as they capture the raw energy and emotion of Stevie Ray Vaughan's performances.

The Stevie Ray Vaughan Texas Hurricane SACD Boxset is a beautiful package, with each album presented in a mini-LP replica format. The set also includes a booklet with rare photos and liner notes, making it a perfect addition to any music lover's collection.

Overall, the Stevie Ray Vaughan Texas Hurricane SACD Boxset is an essential purchase for any fans of the blues legend. The remastered audio is stunning, and the bonus disc of previously unreleased material is a real treat. If you're a fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan or simply love high-quality music, this boxset is definitely worth checking out.

Analogue Productions CAPB SRVBOX SA Box, Comp, Num + 6xSACD, Hybrid, Album, RM 2014 US