Some Staff Favorites for the Summer Break

Graeme Budd (TNT France) I'm going to recommend an album that my brother subjected me to on a biking trip to Wales and then bought me a vinyl copy of for Christmas (Thanks Eliot!). Hiatus Kaiyote's "Choose your Weapon" which for those who've never heard of them is what is apparently referred to as Neo Soul. Now despite me getting it in the middle of winter it has a smooth soulful feel that invites you to sit down with a drink or three on your patio and just enjoy it. It's superbly played throughout, quirky enough for you not to get bored and well recorded without being clinical. And if you're still hesitant I would add that the singer goes by the name Nai Palm. What more could you ask for? Those of an analytical persuasion can even try and work out what time signature each song is in...Answers on a postcard please!

David Hoehl (TNT USA) Choosing a single record to recommend at first blush seemed a daunting task, but in the end the choice was easy: Friedrich Wuhrer, pianist, plays Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 29 in B-Flat, op. 106, “Hammerklavier,” and 12 Variations on a Russian Dance from Wranitzky's “Das Waldmädchen,” WoO 71, and Schubert's Fantasy in C, D. 769, “Wanderer Fantasie.” (1952 and 1954; Melo Classic MC 1023, mono CD; 72:52). I consider the steadfast refusal of rights holders to make Wuhrer's complete Schubert sonata cycle, the first on record, available in an official release one of the great failures of the digital era, but in its absence, this "Wanderer" gives a good flavor of Wuhrer's knowing way with that most songful of composers. The pianist's account of the "Hammerklavier" is a noble effort with a particularly heartfelt slow movement, and the variations are suitably light and winsome. The disc is a good introduction to this commendable little classical reissue label and, for those who have Wuhrer's LPs, a good supplement to his "official" catalogue. Available direct from the label (http://www.meloclassic.com/)--best of all, at a reduced sale price.

Roger McCuaig (TNT Canada) Last summer I decided that I would try to acquire some of the Neil Young vinyl records missing from my collection. I started by making a list of the ones that I thought should be the top priorities in this search. That’s when I came across some pretty spectacular reviews of On the Beach. Comments like “… one of Neil Youngs most underrated and enduring albums”, “…cult like status among record collectors”. There were many more but you get the picture. This record, released in 1974, went out of production on vinyl in the early ‘80s and was only released on CD in 2003. I eventually ended up purchasing a reissue on vinyl and it didn’t come cheap. This album was the follow up to Harvest and is one of the early instances of Neil switching styles completely. It has been described as dark, morose, and despairing. To me, it was worth every penny, the recording quality is excellent and the more I play it, the more I enjoy it. Every track is a new pleasure. A record very much worth rediscovering.

Richard Varey (TNT New Zealand) My current favourite album on CD is Ronnie Earl and Friends (Telarc, 2001). This is such a special album musically, emotionally, and sonically. Ronnie Earl hadn't played guitar for two years, and this was an effort to get back to his beloved music in a safe place among special players who could empathise. It was recorded spontaneously without much preparation and pretty much live in the studio. It's a very dynamic and thus 'present' album, with outstanding performances. It's a Telarc DSD and you can hear it. It's a blues album with R&B/soul flavours from James Cotton, Luther Johnson, Irma Thomas, and Kim Wilson. Ronnie Earl plays electric guitar supported by his core band, which included Levon Helm on drums. Each song showcases one of the performers taking the lead. Earl wanted a collaboration and it works really well, answering the question of his ability to come back to his blues both affirmatively and unequivocally. It might even be his best album. Recorded at Bearsville Studio in late 2000 and mastered by Bernie Grundman, the sound quality matches the quality of the music. Co-produced by Joe Harley and Ronnie Earl. Highly recommended.

Mark Wheeler (TNT UK) To choose one recording when there are so many that I love is tough. I am familiar enough with many albums to make them useful as reviewing tools, each one being useful to identify certain potential strengths and weaknesses of any particular component. I’d agree with David's use of piano music, which can be very telling, and I’d agree with Roger about Neil Young (who is notoriously meticulous about recording and production quality). I am going to name one of the jazz greats, but an album which was loved and loathed in equal measure by his traditional fan base on it’s release. It is Miles Davis' 1986 album Tutu, which picked up a Grammy.

Nick Whetstone (TNT UK) While the remit was to submit a recommendation for a record or album, I am going a bit wider in suggesting any of the Coke Studio sessions albums. I came across this music while browsing You Tube, and find it refreshingly different but still easy to 'get into'. It is a fusion of traditional Asian music with modern arrangements and instruments.