NEW 45 rpm LP release -- available NOW!

RM-2507 - Doug MacLeod
There's A Time
2-LP set, half-speed mastered by Paul Stubblebine, 200-gm vinyl from Quality Record Pressings in deluxe gatefold jacket!

'Prof.' Keith Johnson's first blues recording! 13 new MacLeod originals highlight this richly detailed recording, done at Skywalker Sound in Marin County, CA. by Reference Recordings' Grammy® winning engineer. Also featuring Doug's longtime bassist Denny Croy and Jimi Bott, one of the most recorded, awarded and respected blues drummers in the world.

Doug says: "Making this album was different than any other one I've done in the past," recalls MacLeod about the sessions. "They put Jimi, Denny and me on this huge soundstage at Skywalker Sound in Marin County and we sat around in a circle where we could see each other. We played live, no overdubs, just three guys playing some music together."

A perennial Blues Music Award nominee, MacLeod was nominated in 2012 as Acoustic Artist of the Year. (Drummer Jimi Bott is also a multi-BMA nominee). More Information and reviews of the HDCD version of this music.

TRACK LISTING: SIDE ONE: 1 Rosa Lee; 2 Black Nights; 3 The Up Song; SIDE TWO: 1 Ghost; 2 My Inlaws Are Outlaws; 3 The Entitled Few; SIDE THREE:1 A Ticket Out; 2 Run With The Devil; 3 St. Elmo's Rooms and Pool; 4 I'll Be Walking On; SIDE FOUR: 1 East Carolina Woman; 2 The Night Of The Devil’s Road; 3 Dubb’s Talking Religion Blues; - All songs written by Doug MacLeod published by Gaslight Square Music, administered by BMG/Chrysalis.

NOW IN STOCK - ORDER NOW! - RM-2507 - Doug MacLeod - There's A Time
NOTE: RR does NOT recommend using Media Mail for LP shipping and cannot be held responsible for damages using this method of shipping.
This music is also available as RR-130HDCD

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RM-2506 - Eugene Istomin, piano
MOZART - Piano Concertos Nos. 21 and 24
Gerard Schwarz, Seattle Symphony Orchestra
2-LP set, half-speed mastered by Paul Stubblebine, 200-gm vinyl from Quality Record Pressings in deluxe gatefold jacket!

A legendary pianist! Inspired performances by one of America's greatest musicians, with Gerard Schwarz conducting the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

Eugene Istomin's illustrious career spanned some fifty years with over 4,000 orchestral concerts and recitals around the world. His performances of Mozart have been called "vigorous and full-bodied" by The Washington Post. He has collaborated with Gerard Schwarz on these concertos many times in the past. The Seattle Symphony has won two Grammy® awards and is often called "the most recorded orchestra in America".

"Prof." Keith Johnson's recording wizardry pays large dividends in natural, high-resolution string textures and huge, three-dimensional soundstage.
The original CD is on The Absolute Sound "Super Disc List" and "RECORDING OF THE MONTH" --Stereophile, May 1996

TRACK LISTING: SIDE ONE: Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467: 1. [Allegro maestoso]; SIDE TWO: 2. Andante; 3. Allegro vivace assai; SIDE THREE:Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491: 1. Allegro; SIDE FOUR: 2. Larghetto; 3. Allegretto

NOW IN STOCK - ORDER NOW! - RM-2506 - Istomin/Schwarz/SSO - MOZART - Piano Concertos Nos. 21 and 24 - $49.98
NOTE: RR does NOT recommend using Media Mail for LP shipping and cannot be held responsible for damages using this method of shipping.
This music is also available as RR-68HDCD and HR-68(HRx)

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RM-1505 Oue/MNO Exotic Dances from the Opera
Single 331/3 rpm LP, half speed mastered, 200-gram disc from Quality Record Pressings, in gatefold jacket

You will enjoy amazing sound on this deluxe half-speed mastered LP of favorites and rarities. This collection of exceptional performances from the Minnesota Orchestra has been a perennial favorite and best seller on CD, SACD and HRx, and NOW can be heard on LP! This recording is one of legendary engineer "Prof." Keith Johnson's very best and favorite titles.

TRACK LISTING: SIDE ONE: 1 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Dance of the Tumblers from THE SNOW MAIDEN; 2 RICHARD STRAUSS Dance of the Seven Veils from SALOME; 3 MUSSORGSKY Dance of the Persian Slaves from KHOVANSHCHINA; 4 TCHAIKOVSKY Hopak from MAZEPPA; SIDE TWO: 1 RABAUD Dances from MAROUF, COBBLER OF CAIRO; 2 SAINT-SAËNS Bacchanale from SAMSON AND DELILAH

NOW IN STOCK - ORDER NOW! - RM-1505 - Oue/MNO - Exotic Dances from the Opera - $34.98 - NOTE: RR does NOT recommend using Media Mail for LP shipping and cannot be held responsible for damages using this method of shipping. ALSO: This music available as RR-71HDCD and HR-71 (HRx) and RR-71SACD

Press quotes from the CD version: "...a sonic spectacular. The orchestra sounds full, natural, warm, and
nicely spread out over the soundstage. There is none of the glare that still seems to affect many orchestral digital recordings; even the highest register of the violins sounds smooth and musical. Climaxes are never congested, and the fullest textures still retain clarity... this is simply to enjoy."  --Henry Fogel, Fanfare

"Paradoxically, the sound I heard offered a clearer, more 'natural' balance between strings, winds, brass and percussion than my balcony seat in the hall."  --John Michel, Skyway News Minneapolis

"...a mound of whipped cream, served with panache. The sheer virtuosity of the playing is a marvel -- this remains one of the great American orchestras -- and the interpretations are clean, light, sometimes tongue-in-cheek"  --Michael Fleming, St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Oue's program offers an inventive combination of worthwhile obscurities interlocked with superb versions of popular classics."  --Heuwell Tircuit, InTune

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RM-2501 Dick Hyman From The Age of Swing
2 LP set, 45 rpm, 200-gram discs from Quality Record Pressings, in gatefold jacket

"Jazz piano master Dick Hyman, with some of the greatest jazzmen who lived and played through The Age of Swing: Phil Bodner, Urbie Green, Milt Hinton, Butch Miles, Bucky Pizzarelli, Joe Temperly, Frank Wess and Joe Wilder." 4.5 Stars - Downbeat

A longtime student of jazz piano history, Dick Hyman has previously recorded the works of Eubie Blake, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and other early jazz pianists. His interests extend to other areas as well, and in a varied career he continues to be a composer, conductor, arranger and organist.

Some of the greatest jazzmen who lived and played through the Swing Era have been brought together once again, perhaps for the last time. Dick Hyman arranged groups of four, five and seven, and Prof. Keith Johnson recorded them in a concert hall with great acoustics. Everyone loved the chance to play together just like the good old days, to listen and balance naturally.

Side One: From The Age Of Swing; You're Driving Me Crazy / Moten Swing; Topsy; Side Two: Dooji Wooji; Them There Eyes; Moonglow; Side Three: Soft Winds; 'Deed I Do; What Is There To Say?; Side Four: I Know What You Do; Rose Room; Mean To Me; I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

Order RM-2501 - Dick Hyman - From the Age of Swing - $49.98-- NOTE: RR does NOT recommend using Media Mail for LP shipping and cannot be held responsible for damages using this method of shipping. ALSO: This music available as RR-71HDCD and HR-71 (HRx)

"San Francisco has the earned reputation as a city that is unique and goes its own independent direction. I think that can also be said of the Hot Club of San Francisco, a creative band that masters Gypsy Jazz, but gives it new shape, sound, and inspiration on this entertaining CD." -- Harvey Barkan, L.A. Jazz Scene

The Hot Club of San Francisco is a quintet of accomplished and versatile musicians who celebrate Django Reinhardt's and Stephane Grappelli's renowned Hot Club de France. The ensemble borrows the all-string instrumentation of three guitars, violin and bass from the original Hot Club, but breathes new life into the music with innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original compositions from the group's superb lead guitarist, Paul Mehling. Hearing the ensemble takes the listener back to the 1930s and to the small, smoky jazz clubs of Paris. The music of The Hot Club of San Francisco has entranced audiences around the globe for more than a decade.

Mandolinist DAVID GRISMAN, father of Dawg music and good friend of The Hot Club, makes a special guest appearance on two tracks. The set is further enhanced by bandoneon virtuoso Seth Asarno, and two bonus tracks feature the quintet augmented by three Dixieland horns!

Recorded by multi-Grammy-nominated "Prof." Keith Johnson at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, the YERBA BUENA BOUNCE sessions benefited from the historic ambience, scene of hundreds of classic jazz and rock recordings. Using his own custom-built microphones and electronics (as always), Johnson was able to utilize some of Fantasy's unique facilities, such as a legendary echo chamber, to add luster to his always life-like soundscapes.

LP Review : The good-natured battles between lead guitar and fiddle are heard in nearly all the tracks. It’s a pleasure to hear the musicians so clearly free and unencumbered by misguided current leadership. As the note-writer says “The beauty and joy and swing of this music is infectious!” —John Henry, Audiophile Audition - June 12, 2012 -- complete review

SIDE 1: Mystery Pacific; Hot Lips; I’m Happy Just To ; Dance With You; Sway; SIDE 2: Number Two; Souvenir de Villingen; Tickle Toe; Black and White; SIDE 3: Rythme Futur; Lullabye; Yerba Buena Bounce; Stardust; SIDE 4: Borneo; Georgia Cabin; Improvisation #2; Some Of These Days (jam)

CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK!
The Hot Club of San Francisco - Yerba Buena Bounce

HOWEVER NOTE: This music is also available (this link has more information, reviews of the the CD)
as RR-109HDCD and HR-109 (HRx)

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RM-1504 RACHMANINOFF: Symphonic Dances; Vocalise
Eiji Oue/ Minnesota Orchestra
Single 331/3 rpm LP, half spped200-gram disc from Quality Record Pressings, in gatefold jacket

FIRST TIME EVER ON LP!
Widely believed to be the finest orchestral recording RR has ever made.

Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the most beloved composers of the twentieth century. His music is redolent of his Russian homeland, and it sings long, lush melodies that define the term "romantic." Everyone who knows and loves his piano concertos will enjoy these lyrical and dynamic works for orchestra. The "Symphonic Dances" in recent years have become one of Rachmaninoff’s most-performed scores. "Vocalise" is one of the great classical melodies, and is hummable by everyone. Grammy® Nominated 2002– Best Engineered Album – Classical; Keith O. Johnson, engineer

New LP Review
"The combination of the Symphonic Dances’ spectacular orchestrations, the great playing of the Minnesota Orchestra, and the superb remastering by RR makes this an audiophile winner all the way." -- John Sunier, Audiophile Audition

A few reviews of the CD
"Even by the exalted standards one has come to expect from Reference Recordings, this is something extraordinary. . . This is the kind of recording that gives one renewed faith in the possibility of reproducing the power and beauty of an orchestra in a home environment, the kind of thing that makes audio worthwhile. Not to be missed." -- Robert E. Greene, TAS

"Keith Johnson's HDCD recording captures the sound of Orchestra Hall with stunning impact. Like the best EMI recordings of the 1960s, the musical and technical qualities of this release are linked inextricably to its success. Quite a remarkable achievement." – Lawrence Vittes, GRAMOPHONE

"The playing by the Minnesota Orchestra is simply stupendous: tremendously unified ensemble, immaculate balances that let you hear all the important lines, and a palpable sense of enjoyment from the players (those trumpet players rule!)." --Victor Carr, Jr., ClassicsToday.com

Side One: Symphonic Dances, 1 non allegro,; 2 andante con moto - Side Two: Symphonic Dances, 3 lento assai; Vocalise

RM-1504 RACHMANINOFF: Symphonic Dances; Vocalise - $34.98--NOTE: RR does NOT recommend using Media Mail for LP shipping and cannot be held responsible for damages using this method of shipping.

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RM-1502 Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite/The Song of the Nightingale
Single 331/3 rpm LP, 200-gram disc from Quality Record Pressings, in gatefold jacket

First time ever on LP! Performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Eiji Oue. The compact disc was a 1997 Grammy nominee for "Best Engineered, Classical."

"There is no finer orchestral playing among American orchestras...Bravissimos are due to all concerned...a triumph of artistry, both musical and technical." - Heuwell Tircuit, InTune magazine

The world-renowned Minnesota Orchesta in its first recordings with its dynamic music director! Eiji Oue, a protege of Seiji Ozawa and Leonard Bernstein, has set the entire Twin Cities area on fire with his eciting and masterful interpretations.

Side One: The Firebird Suite 1919 - Side Two: The Song of the Nightingale

RM-1502 - Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite/The Song of the Nightingale - $34.98

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