Album Spotlight - Best of the Yellowjackets

treitz3
treitz3 Posts: 19,027
in 2 Channel Audio
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This is a smooth Jazz combo….not sure honestly what the genre is but it’s a smooth jazz combo with enjoyable “music”. This is undeniable. Whether or not you are a casual listener or a critical listener? This album is right up your alley.

As with most of my reviews/observations, I do not go through the norm. I speak, I note and I report at will without getting all “English and proper”. I take notes and report. I report, you decide. With that said, here is a plethora of my reports on this particular CD.

For a Redbook album? It sounds more like an SACD compared to MANY SACD’s. From the lowest of lows to the highest of highs? It’s there. There is no exaggeration of any frequency to deter to your satisfaction of simply listening to the music. If you want to show off your system without the capability of SACD? This would be the perfect album to do so with.

I first heard of this album from a dear friend of mine who (I believe) has posted here twice. His moniker is “/mx”. I met him and his wife and ‘till today (Through the Carver Forum) still remain dear friends of mine.

The kick drum should have full pressure on a full range system with authority and presence. This, with the introduction of the lowest of LOWS. The Lowest of registers should be with texture and with the authority that should not only please you but should entice guests to “want more” within their own system.

The sound stage on average should be well outside of the mains, if you are running a 2-channel system. What I mean by “well outside” is an average of a 9 to 10’ sound stage outside of the mains.

The kick drum should have full pressure and sound like one of the most natural recordings you have heard on any realm or system/format. Each drummer instrument should be easily identifiable within pinpoint locationality cues and each instrument within the drummer’s kit should be easily pin-point-able within the set itself. Even when chimes or other instruments are suspended within the playing field or sound stage.

If the volume level isn’t exaggerated and is put at the right level? All Bass riffs should be very distinguished and easily identifiable. Regardless of a soft or heavy passage.

There are micro and macro dynamics throughout, along with images and sounds throughout that float, surprise and entice the listener to yearn for more and not step away from the music. Many times throughout the entire album and this is a wonderful aspect….not only on this album but it is prized on many.

Song 5 (at the start) should be room enveloping and with some aspects of the album, has the ability to go well beyond not only the speakers but your ears (at least in my rig). I am quite sure SDA’s would blow your mind on this aspect.

This one is NOT the best of recordings but is still very well done…..on quite a few aspects of the recording effort.

Song 11 – The lower octaves get “loose” while the sound stage gets better to unreal on my system. This song is like a different mastering engineer did the track…..but when song 12 enters into the fray? Awe **** son, the album redeems itself and you enter back into audio bliss.

I will say that when the songs start? Or ends? The music either starts or ends. There is no “noise” to detract from one song to another. It simply (on my system) goes from black to music…..music to black. This is the very best of an “audiophile” recording” ……well at least one of the best aspects (To me) .

While it may not be the very best of recordings, it (for Redbook) may be among the very top of them. If you have the chance to get it? Please do so. It may be one of the very best you have in regular rotation.

Please forgive my typos. Please forgive any other “non-proper paragraph forms or other items on your mind”. I wrote down my notes an typed them in order. With that said, I HIGHLY recommend getting this album.

You can thank me later.

Tom






~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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Comments

  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,124
    I have a flac file of that best of, I like the later output of the band which is not as well represented on this one. I do like this compilation and listen to it often.
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    This is my favorite of theirs, great band.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,027
    While I may be spotlighting an album? If anyone has a suggestion for better music or recording? I am not the authority here or anywhere else and am welcome to better recordings or music from any spotlight I refer too!

    Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • xsmi
    xsmi Posts: 1,798
    Bob Mintzer, the sax player for the band is a heck of a bebop player as well. His bebop, big band and smooth jazz backgrounds are the reason it hard to call this band a straight smooth jazz group. Did I mention he is also one of the nicest, most generous and humble men I've ever met.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,934
    Nice tip, I'll check out the best of album.

    I have this SACD from them:

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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,027
    https://www.yellowjackets.com/store/music

    Cool.....I didn't know they had this many albums. I went to go find the one above and came across this site. Looks like I am gonna be spending mo'money! Thanks, Drew.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    check out cds by the Rippingtons and Special EFX.
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