Bernie Grundman revisits Steely Dan's 'Aja'

Legendary audio engineer Bernie Grundman sits down with Ben Williams to discuss his work on 'Aja', from the original mastering sessions with Steely Dan in 1977 to the recent Analogue Productions UHQR.
Film & Interview by Ben Williams.
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[@timothyward1310]

As one who has been reading liner notes since the 70’s, I can say thank you Bernie Grundman for all your contributions to the Recording Arts.

[@Frip36]

Good taste in shirts too.

[@IronMan-tk8uc]

Reading liner notes in albums is probably one of my favorite things in life! Especially in those pre-Internet times when information was much more scarce, knowing who played on your favorite albums was a watershed of emotions! Now we have great sites like Discogs or Rate Your Music that beautifully continues this trend.

[@JamrockVybzTV]

It's an honor to hear from such a legendary mastering engineer. We truly appreciate your time, Bernie.

[@stevenmadrid9350]

I was a teen when Steely Dan was popular. At that time in my life I didn't understand nor appreciate the music. However, now I can't get enough. I get it.

[@Reliable_Session]

I was born in 95, but I have listened to jazz and blues since 2007. Steely Dan just clicked for me last week. Really, really good songs.

[@crBudgetWatches]

Its amazing that I was born when these artists were up and coming, Bernie worked on their albums, I went to elementary , highschool, college, lost interest in physical media as most people, came back, nowadays I am thinking about retirement and Bernie is still going strong 😮. He is a national treasure.

[@renr17]

This UHQR is so fantastic I can't describe it. It sounds amazing. I don't care about the source, Bernie and 45rpm has made this THE definitive AJA

[@jamescox3947]

I received my copy of the UHQR Aja a couple days ago and I will say this . . . . On my upper/mid tier playback system I have never heard a better sonic performance from a vinyl record. Literally. It's absolutely glorious. Wonderful job from all involved - thank you.

[@timkolacny967]

I feel like learned more about mastering watching Bernie talk for 20 minutes than I already knew previously. This was great.

[@morbidmanmusic]

There will be a test.

[@roybertalotto6355]

Wow, 80 years old! At 70 years old, my Rock N Roll destroyed hearing could never master something like this....But he looks great being born in 1943! Would love to hear it!

[@buddystewart2020]

We do appreciate it Bernie, we truly do. Thank you sir.

[@JesseDanielSmith]

classy interview dude -- very nice energy you're putting out making Bernie feel comfortable

[@johnwilmer2551]

This was so great ! My band The Shore was fortunate enough to have " Big bass Bob " from Bernie Grundman master our debut album on Maverick records in 2004. We lucked out.

[@chrislj2890]

I have that album and it's a great one

[@MikeFloutier]

I love it that he was stroking the top of the album with his thumb around 14 mins. The cameraman noticed this and zoomed in the hide it. This so reminds me of myself when my wife cooks an amazing meal; I didn’t notice it but I do this funny thing with my fork when the food is amazing. Looked just like that. Hats off to SD and Bernie; thank you! 🍾❤️

[@neverthetwain]

Bernie is a National Treasure. This video and the insights he gives into what happens during the whole mastering process are priceless. Well done

[@Frip36]

bagel or saurkraut you reckon?

[@hemantishwaran5741]

This might be the best UHQR to date. And that’s saying something because they’ve all been generally phenomenal. This video made my day.

[@TooBuz]

100% agree! I hope everyone’s sounds as good as mine.

[@costelloandsilke7321]

Great to hear from a legendary mastering engineer. We really do appreciate it Bernie.

[@bassiclogic]

Aja is my favorite album of all time.I have a mint condition copy of this album I purchased in 1977. It has the best mix and master of all my older albums. It's amazing that you could make something great any better. I as an accomplished musician enjoy playing these cover songs on Aja more than any other covers. Brilliant harmonies.

[@Sckott01]

This UHQR is a killer. Love it. Thanks, Bernie.

[@BoulevardRecording]

Bill Schnee cut most of the basics for this album in our room when it was Producers Workshop. Doug Sax was in our building for over 40 years. We can see Bernie’s building from our parking lot. The new master sounds great Bernie, as usual.

[@TheElverma]

That box of Q-tips on the shelf behind Bernie is telling. Very telling indeed!

[@daveperez830]

I wouldn’t assume they’re used for just cleaning ear canals: Q-tips have lots of uses in a studio environment (as only one example, for cleaning tape heads of buildup of magnetic oxides shedded from tapes).

[@bobburroughs6241]

One of the great albums, and a super-informative interview.

[@ministerofdarkness]

Truly a masterpiece from start to finish. Audio perfection! PLAY LOUD

[@sewolawen73]

Excellent video! Just ordered my copy of the UHQR pressing of 'Aja' (The only physical copy I've had all along of this classic is within the Citizen Steely Dan CD box set). Thank you, Bernie, for doing The Lord's work!

[@EddieG1888]

I've got the recent remastering by Bernie and I have to say, I've been listening to Aja solidly since my teens (so about 35 years or so now!) and listening to the new remaster is like hearing the album for the first time again. I've heard so much on it that I hadn't heard before.

[@ri067953]

Genius i tell you 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@pnotemusic]

Worked with Bernie a couple times, he's great and he looks exactly the same! Must be that great coffee they have at the studio!

[@josephmckenna4068]

Cool! That was very interesting

[@edwardcowburn2632]

I really enjoy the interviews with the people who are actually involved in making the music what it is. Incredible work guys!

[@hilde45]

What are generous man you are to take the time to talk about the process as well as give us thousands of hours of wonderful listening. Thank you so much! You are a gem.

[@thevinylmuseum2958]

One of the best-sounding UHQRs I’ve heard to date. Last Month we had the White Stripes which was a massive surprise musically and sonically. Now with Aja, we get Incredible detail that is not available on any other pressing I own. Clear vocals and brilliant sound coming from the instruments are quite noticeable. A winner all around. Well, Done Chad, Bernie, and the staff at Analogue Productions.

[@alwilliams5177]

Great to hear from one of the greats. Bernie has brought us so many great sounding records. I'm enjoying the 192khz 24bit flac and totally love it. Hope I will be able to budget a copy of the 45's asap. His converters with my Grado will kick my dacs butt. It's astonishing how much detail is on that safety copy.

[@phototristan]

I'm not a vinyl guy but I'm sure enjoying the 192k high res streaming remaster of this album.

[@LanceHall]

Aja is a perfect album.

[@comeon9796]

Bernie and Chad are such great guys doing fantastic work, love you guys! Your care for detail is much appreciated!

[@machinehead6564]

Great Stuff

[@DemskePaul2017]

PRICELESS interview. thank you! Pre-ordered (3 SD titles) on SACD

[@ThePajdzik]

Absolute Legend

[@timothyweir8790]

Wonderful commentary, Mr. Grundman. Really helps build understanding of mastering process and priorities.

[@yphoenix9077]

Bernie Grundman is a consistently amazing mastering engineer. In fact, his SACD mastering of MJ Thriller easily bests the new MFSL IMO. I've had the AP Steely Dan SACD on pre-order for about a year. I can't wait to hear it.

[@ericmcmullen4079]

@phoenix9077 or anyone reading: do we have any idea of when the SACD of Aja will street? All-in for picking up the entire Dan catalog via AP’s SACD reissues, but they’re really lagging quite far behind the vinyl release dates-albeit for what are surely sound fiscal/strategic reasons.

[@vrvretro]

Aja & Rumours sold a lot of stereo systems in the local stereo stores in 77 and 78.

[@davidstein9129]

Bernie is my hero. I love the sound of his work. It's top shelf.

[@marvinbell7007]

I've seen this guy's name on albums for years, and it is so cool to be able to put a face to the name. Thanks! I would like to see him elaborate on his equipment...does he use plugins? Hearing him answer those things ....

[@golds04]

Be well Donald. Walter- rest in power and peace: a true and soulful gentleman. They- wrote-the music. ❤

[@chaky1978]

Been listening all day in total amazement; I remember back in the 90’s , Cisco’s remaster was playing in every hi fi store listening rooms , Aja has been replaced over the years by other reference recordings…Chad & company have just reintroduced it into the center of every audiophile & music lovers epicenter… Fantastic !! Thank you guys once again for delivering consistent top notch recordings for us fans of your work!!

[@Frip36]

Is this the guy Peter Grant was yelling at in the Song Remains the Same movie?

[@trupax2210]

What a nice man!

[@Cre8tvMG]

I got my degree in audio engineering in 1983. Bernie was the apex. I love hearing him reiterate what I learned back then: minimal intrusion, minimal electronics, trust your ears.

[@winddealer1]

Thank for this legendary mix, was my first LP (along with Fleetwood Mac - Rumors). Wonderful interview.

[@The70s80scollection]

Yessssssssssssssssss, my kind of youtube heaven..................

[@MrLovell1971]

Bernie Grundman is a mastering treasure I always enjoy his knowledge and his talk on the analog tapes can’t wait when my UHQR Aja arrives so I can spin it .

[@c10_c10]

Fantastic interview thank you for this!

[@carrion_man3700]

I see BG in the dead wax and I know I'm in for a great listening experience!

[@CANKRAFTWERK]

Thank you!

[@djjoeykmusic]

Awesome video Thank you

[@gregedenfield1080]

Bernie, love ya man.

[@stansteez]

Damn, I was born in 77… and this guy was already a Mastering Engineer back then :D

[@toploadtele]

5-Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@Habitual_Liar]

I wish he asked him what cartridge he uses. Great interview!!!

[@johnmarchington3146]

It was perhaps a pity that Bernie didn't talk about SACDs for a short time because that is my preferred playback medium now and has been for many years. I intend to buy all the Steely Dan SACDs from Acoustic Sounds. I have already bought the first two but they are part of an order which contains another SACD that has yet to be released so I haven't received them yet.

[@ericmcmullen4079]

Right there with ya!

[@johnmarchington3146]

Thanks for your comment, Eric. Nice to know there are others supporting the format. There have been times when I've really wondered!

[@silvershield2342]

SACD is a wonderful medium. Just hope Sony revives or at least lessen licensing fees for those recording on these disks. Like vinyl, but these 45rpm versions...man, I don't need the exercise of getting up to change disks every 10-15mins. Really would like to see comparison between AP SACD and vinyl releases.

[@johnmarchington3146]

Yes, with Sony it' was a bit like killing the goose that lays the golden egg, although I suspect that some people might consider that a little "over the top". Still, more companies might have become involved with SACD had Sony been more flexible. with its licensing. The rivalry with DVD Audio didn't help either.

[@CANKRAFTWERK]

Thank you i only have about 50 Vinyl but this Album 2 Times

[@jerryandlisa27]

Cant wait to get my copy.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

Great interview and flashback. Thanks Chad and all at the Salina, KS world of AS/AP/QRP!

[@watchnut]

Can't wait for my UHQR to arrive, now when is the SACD available???

[@MrJasonMeans]

It really blew my mind. I have a decent setup but nothing crazy and was just beside myself - well done sir

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Superb video, thanks. I wish we could get a decent price for uhqr in the uk.

[@paulpavlou9294]

Great interview with a legend. I would love to know what speakers he masters with and also what cartridge he uses for playback. I have many albums mastered by Bernie and I love them all. I’m also interested in knowing what his home system is made up of? That would be amazing. Please do another interview and put these questions to him.

[@kvmalley]

Great interview, thanks guys!

[@dimebagdave77]

Manythnx Bernie🤘

[@yo-yotension4613]

I love to hear his involvement mastering Joni Mitchell albums decades ago and recent reissues. She is GOAT!

[@FotogInkArt]

I got this, its JAW DROPPING. I have several, including AA,AB,MOFI and this crushes.

[@rcpsammy7186]

What the hell happened to the sacds? It's been months since Pretzel Logic got issued on the digital and UHQR LP's, but no sacd, and dead silence with no explanation.

[@ericmcmullen4079]

Here, here!

[@fj103]

Thank you

[@VinylGourmetTV]

Amazing... thank you! :)

[@kevinmcgrath3591]

respect to vinyl lovers, but will this be available on BluRay Audio or similar ?

[@machavez00]

Did Bernie supply the files Apple used for its ALAC Hi Res Apple Digital Master of Aja?

[@Cpayne30]

Yes. The hi res downloads are the Bernie masters.

[@glenncurry3041]

So when are those cuttings that do not hold back the high end for those of us that can track it, when will those start being available?

[@louiesimon5292]

This is priceless! Thanks so much for making and sharing it. My Aja UHQR arrives on Friday.

[@ryanand154]

Good record.

[@kayakuprising5914]

I would love to know what Bernie thinks about his hearing and his age, and if he takes steps to test his hearing or ensure he's hearing (or not hearing), certain parts of a recording. Heck, at 50, i know i'm missing some high frequencies that I used to hear in my 20's.

[@Guswalz]

Some good samples on this.

[@ConcertBuddie]

Now who is the wise guy that ordered three of the UHQR's in their latest PR video? Hubba hubba!

[@charlessailer4580]

When are they releasing the SACD?

[@gonolith]

AS site says "To Be Announced"

[@ericmcmullen4079]

Caramba!

[@williamcampbell3868]

All music and high end audio enthusiasts the world over, vintage fans,reviewers and etc. Please see this interview! Some of the things Bernie Grundman said was mind blowing. I want to know what you all of you think

[@yurolson]

Great interview…but it makes question if we are losing audiophile sensibility by having everyone record digitally on a laptop. Aja was composed, thoughtfuly recorded choosing certain players and capturing that audio wave sent through the air. Al this digital music today seems flat but when Aja, or Kind of Blue and even the Band of Gypsies original live disk has dimension to it - I hear the AIR!! Am I’m wrong in this observation? Btw I’m 63 and grew up with stereo phile parents who built Heathkit receivers-remember those? I’d go to stereo stores every week and droll over all the Marantz, pioneer, Dual etc etc stuff….

[@robertguyer6503]

I wonder how often Chad sends back a test pressing to Bernie and requests changes.

[@heroyaldog]

I think they mentioned on Can't Buy a Thrill that they cut 1 of the 4 sides 7 times

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

Just running a mix through some api eq, with those nice transformers can bring that low end into focus.

[@deanwolf9876]

What are those German speakers he mentioned?

[@PRSRECORDS]

What is the "all around cartridge" you use to "test things on"?

[@hughjanus5525]

A joy to listen to. Btw, is it just me or does he sound like Norm Macdonald?

[@Cpayne30]

Interesting timing after the Pretzel Logic fiasco....I'm just waiting on the SACD myself.

[@jefferybeckman5231]

_Aja_ is one my DIDs.

[@fordsrestorations970]

I had variations of Aja , yeah I considered it to be one of my prized possessions.

[@zulnadzar7261]

❤❤❤

[@leepd1]

Ive absolutely no doubt that when it comes to mastering, and in this instance, for vinyl.. this is the type of person you want doing it, but.. as was mentioned in this, when dealing with an amp, the best thing is to not have too much electronics.. so, taking that principle on board, id suggest that when it comes to the best quality audio, surely the best way to hear music is to master it straight to high end digital, thus eliminating all of the limitations that come with a format that is over 100 years old.. just imagine what this album would sound like going from the original master tape straight to 24bit digital.. no master discs, nothing analogue at all.. hence, no compromise.. and as we live in a day age when this is now possible, why bother with vinyl?

[@RnRanimal]

I would love to know which non-high end cartridge he was talking about

[@gilldavidmour4199]

Note to self: Buy more Q-Tips!

[@michaelgreene5703]

was a one off eq'd tape copy used or not? seems to be some controversy over this on steve westman video

[@madkeysfilms]

Roger Nicholls was The Master!

[@bassplayinben]

It's like the interviewer couldn't hear what Bernie was saying 😂

[@MRSAGFLY54]

No kidding Bernie.

[@juliosanchez95]

I wish someone would ask him what the hell happen with pretzel logic?

[@cremersalex]

I'm not used to hearing the snare that crisp.