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Author Topic: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014  (Read 2537 times)

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LFF

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LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« on: November 01, 2014, 08:31:42 AM »
LFF’s Music Pick of the Month
(November 2014)

Last month’s recommendation went more along the lines of a traditional holiday album which you would normally play during the holidays (DUH!), so this month, we go back to an album you can sit back and enjoy anytime of the year.

The Very Thought of You by Emilie-Claire Barlow



Emilie who?

Well, Ms. Barlow is a Canadian jazz singer who has been singing since the age of 7. She is also a professional voice actress! Very cool!

This album was released back in 2007 and I think it flew under the radar of many audiophiles. It was certainly appreciated by some people as it was nominated as “Best Vocal Jazz Album of The Year” by the Juno Awards in 2008. Is it really that good? Yes...it is very good and best of all - despite the compression - it sounds magnificent.

THE MUSIC
You can hear in her voice that Ms. Barlow simply enjoys singing this music as it’s presented with such a loving touch that it’s hard to miss.
The arrangements are very nice, lending themselves to be used a perfect demo material for many an audiophile. Instead of writing on and on about her silky smooth, sexy voice, how about you guys just listen….



THE SOUND
Unfortunately, as mentioned earlier, the album does suffer from some compression. It’s not compressed to hell a la Rick Rubin but there is compression. I’m sure the full dynamic range would make this music all the more enjoyable. That said, the compression is VERY tastefully done. I’m sure it was done so that people could hear in their car while driving down the lane on a lonely day.

However, compression isn’t the end all, be all for this album. Surprisingly, the EQ work on this album is above par and very, very well done. While not 100% natural, the EQ here is made to give her voice a nice, dark, laid back sound without ruining the instruments. Whoever mastered this, was a master at his craft. The recording quality is also superb. The instrument separation, clarity and tonal characteristics are fantastic. Not only is the instrumentation very well done but the instruments NEVER interfere with Ms. Barlow’s voice. Her voice is clear, articulate, and well projected over all the instruments, which causes everyone to shine and melt into a cohesive whole that just delights the ear and livens up the mood.

CONCLUSION:

The ever so slight downfall on this album is the slight compression but, all truth be told - it’s extremely slight and given the wonderful performance, fantastic musicians, and fantastic EQ work, this album is an exception to the loudness wars and modern day crap we find stockpiling the shelves at your local wal-mart.If you’re a fan of female vocals, good sound quality, vocal jazz, or simply want a good demo record that doesn’t show up everywhere at shows, then definitely pick this album up.Also, her other albums (some of which are on HDTracks!) are also of very high quality. I've been lucky enough to listen to all of them and own most of them. They would ALL receive similar marks from me. The production value, musical arrangements, musical content, and mastering on all of her albums are of very high quality which is rarely experienced these days.

 :)p2 TL; DR - PIRATE SUMMARY :)p2


By ol' Davy Jones, this here mastering engineer be a masterful ear wizard! Arrr...a sexy voice be in dis here album matey! The sound of a siren me does believe. The music and sound be enough to satisfy dis here pirate to his hearts content. Dis be booty for yer system!

Music:10/10

Sound Quality:9/10
« Last Edit: November 01, 2014, 12:43:18 PM by LFF »
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victor25

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2014, 02:13:19 PM »
I'v been back-reading all your recommendations Luis, and its been a terrific addition to my music library! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, really, really appreciated!  :)p7
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LFF

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2014, 07:15:36 PM »
Quote from: victor25 on November 01, 2014, 02:13:19 PM
I'v been back-reading all your recommendations Luis, and its been a terrific addition to my music library! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, really, really appreciated!  :)p7

Glad you're enjoying them. :-)
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MattTCG

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2014, 12:40:38 PM »
I have a Live in Tokyo recording that I've enjoyed for a while now. I'll be looking to pick this suggestion up soon.

Thanks for these!!
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kothganesh

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2014, 05:07:27 PM »
Luis, give me some rock and roll recommendations mate !
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LFF

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2014, 06:17:06 PM »
Quote from: kothganesh on November 03, 2014, 05:07:27 PM
Luis, give me some rock and roll recommendations mate !

LOL! My next one is going to be rock album....just trying to decide if I should go with a new album or with an old one that's often neglected.

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Kamaka

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2014, 01:09:43 AM »
Quote from: LFF on November 03, 2014, 06:17:06 PM
LOL! My next one is going to be rock album....just trying to decide if I should go with a new album or with an old one that's often neglected.



If it seems too difficult to choose, do both. I doubt anyone would mind. That's my vote.
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kothganesh

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2014, 06:58:59 AM »
Quote from: LFF on November 03, 2014, 06:17:06 PM
LOL! My next one is going to be rock album....just trying to decide if I should go with a new album or with an old one that's often neglected.



Oh please, old is gold !!
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gelocks

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #8 on: November 04, 2014, 02:40:22 PM »
Quote from: Kamaka on November 04, 2014, 01:09:43 AM
If it seems too difficult to choose, do both. I doubt anyone would mind. That's my vote.

+1

:)
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CEE TEE

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Re: LFF's MUSIC PICK - November 2014
« Reply #9 on: November 10, 2014, 02:53:47 AM »
Nice, Luis...thank you!!
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