Audiophile Vinyl

Joe Pass
Virtuoso
Pablo/Craft CR00849 (180g vinyl)

Like Chet Baker with his similarly troubled life, Pass was able to shake off his demons on occasion to deliver proof that he was (and remains) one of the finest jazz guitarists of all time. This masterpiece from 1973 is just Pass and his guitar, and it wins not only musically but sonically: Kevin Gray cut the lacquers from the original master tapes and the result is an LP of absolute reference quality. If you’re the sort of listener who revels in solo performances so you can focus on just the one instrument, you will delight in Pass’ interpretations of ‘Night & Day’, ‘Cherokee’, ‘How High The Moon’ and other standards, plus ‘Blues For Alican’, his sole original composition on the LP. KK

Sound Quality: 95%

Joan Baez
Diamonds & Rust
A&M UMCLP075 (180g vinyl)

The impact of the Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown continues, the inexplicably oft-overlooked Baez benefitting with another ace reissue. This time it’s the 1975 album which some consider among her very best, her 16th studio release out of nearly 30. Baez is an amazing interpreter of others’ compositions, so it’s no surprise that this features only four of hers. She included the obligatory Dylan number, a superb ‘Simple Twist Of Fate’, but the rest show wide-ranging taste, songs from Stevie Wonder, The Allman Brothers’ Dickie Betts, Jackson Browne, Janis Ian and John Prine. A high point is her duet with Joni Mitchell on ‘Dida’. And the musicians? All A-list. KK

Sound Quality: 90%

João Gilberto
Amoroso
Speakers Corner/Warner BS3053 (180g vinyl)

If you love bossa nova, or you are one of the millions charmed by Getz/Gilberto and especially ‘The Girl From Ipanema’, Gilberto’s Grammy-nominated solo from 1976 should prove irresistible. Here the guitarist takes over all vocal duties, singing mainly in Portuguese but with tracks, too, in English, Italian and Spanish, while Side 2 consists of compositions by Gilberto’s legendary colleague, Antonio Carlos Jobim. Gilberto’s version of Gershwin’s ‘’S Wonderful’ reminded me of Paolo Conte, while ‘Besame Mucho’ almost makes up for The Beatles’ corny version on The Decca Tapes. A sophisticated mood setter, truly worthy of this 180g pressing. KK

Sound Quality: 90%

Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tarkus
Mobile Fidelity MFSL 1-577 (180g vinyl)

With prog-rockers Yes and Genesis already enjoying audiophile treatment, now it’s the turn of ELP. MoFi is issuing their earliest LPs on 180g vinyl, with three out so far. This, their second LP and from 1971, made it to No 1 in the UK charts despite the A-side being one 20-minute suite – how attention spans have changed. The sound, though mechanical in places in keeping with the cover theme, is sweeping, grandiose and detailed, especially the percussion – enough to make you wonder why Carl Palmer is rarely mentioned in the same breath as Messrs Bonham, Baker, Moon, et al. Also out is the SACD [UDSACD 2313] if you prefer a bit more crunch down below. KK

Sound Quality: 85%