Reference Recordings LPs: The Reference Mastercuts Series

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"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.

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)

IN STOCK - ORDER NOW RM-2503 - The Hot Club of San Francisco - Yerba Buena Bounce - $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 NOTE: This music is also available (this link also has more information, reviews of the the CD) as RR-109HDCD and HR-109 (HRx)

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THE FOLLOWING LP TITLES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

RM-1504 RACHMANINOFF: Symphonic Dances; Vocalise
Eiji Oue/ Minnesota Orchestra
Single 331/3 rpm LP, 200-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-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.

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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

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