Crystal Clear

5 Stars
Posted
Sunday, December 26, 2021
by
Brian VanPelt
All of the instruments are well recorded and, even though this was a live show,
it seems almost like a studio recording. The soundstage is spacious and has
good depth.
Each instrument is sharply defined, and on the piano, I could trace (in my
mental image) Kelly's fingers going up and down the piano's keyboard. Every
pluck of Montgomery's guitar is easily heard, as well as every drum or cymbal
strike. Even the bass stands out as very well-defined. Whatever tape they used
to master this had to be in perfect condition - there are no harmful sonic
artifacts from worn-out tapes.
This recording is ridiculously good. The audience is not intrusive at all, and you
do have the feeling of being there. The general layout is guitar on the left,
drums on the right, and piano in the middle but further back.
This is exceptional in every way. I have the 45 rpm Analogue Productions
version of this album, and between that and this SACD, I call a sonic draw.
Grade: 5+