What makes a great recording?

In this video Harley Lovegrove explores his four key elements that make up truly great recordings. (very short overview):
1. You need a great location, one whose acoustics match the type of content. A location that inspires the musicians and support team, in one way or another.
2. You need outstanding instruments, suitable for recording (not always the same as performing).
3. You need great musicians, they need to be 'ready' in every aspect. Diverse, able to challenge one another, and yet perform as a really tight unit.
4. You need great music!
Harley chooses 'A kind of Blue' by Miles Davis and 'Hotter than July' by Stevie Wonder as typical examples of pre and post digitization recordings.
In this video, there are excerpts from 'The Making of Thinking About Belgium', a short Young Belgian Talent documentary video by Guillaume Zhang. You can watch the full video here: • Thinkin' About Belgium... (it's in Dutch & French with English subtitles).
The music Harley Lovegrove plays out with is Aveline Gram playing 'Scherzo No. 2 in Bflat minor Op. 31' by Frederic Chopin. You can hear it on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/6aw3lg...
You can buy a copy of the CD from The Pearl Acoustics website here (all funds go to Aveline Gram). shop.lpmc.be/product/aveline-...
Here’s the link to the ‘Great Recordings’ Spotify link: open.spotify.com/playlist/1Bc...

[@lapeercharlie8691]

Your dissertations on the way in which audio technology and recording skill serve--or should serve--the music, the musicians, the performance and the intimacy of the communication they are are aiming to convey, are a real breath of fresh air in the tediously overcrowded field of "audiophile experts". Many thanks for the brilliant insights.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. You’re very kind.

[@willbuckley54]

Funny you mention getting into jazz through good hifi. That's exactly what happened with me. I bought the Kind of Blue vinyl album as it was highly recommended - and I was amazed how great the recording was. Even more amazed to learn it was recorded in 1959 when I was 9 years old. Since then I've bought many vinyl jazz albums recorded in the fifties and even some in the forties - Thelonious Monk being an examplar of early fifties recordings. They almost all sound fantastic with great depth and most in stereo.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed! Thanks for your comment and contribution to the topic

[@heartofcinema3454]

I am an avid listerner of indian ghazal (light classical), being my parents arrived in UK from India. I can recommend the first ever digital musical recording album done by a leading indian artist for release in india (a ground breaking achievement at the time), it is Jagjit Singh’s “Beyond Time” album from 1988. The story is Jagjit Singh travelled with his wife Chitra Singh (duet singer with him) and his classical indian musicans and stayed at a residential "Jacobs studio" in Surrey to recorded the album with a UK production team. Jagjit Singh is famous worldwide for his classcially trained, baritone - rich bass voice, which is for me very peaceful and healing. The most popular track is the opening “Apni Aankhon Ke Samundar Mein" (the ocean of your eyes) and also the opening section to “Apni Aag Ko Zinda" (keeping your fire alive). I am sure this album would sound great on the Sibelius loudspeakers. The poetry on the album is beautiful and I am sure those not familiar with urdu can search up translations on google.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I am sorry it has taken me so long to reply, it slipped through my list by mistake! Thanks for your tip. I know very little on Indian Classical music, so I am very interested to listen to “beyond time”. Hopefully you can reach out to us via our website snd maybe we can find somewhere for you to hear it through our loudspeakers? Best wishes

[@audiorick841]

To present to the young lady a single recording as a genuine musical memoir is such an awesome proposition.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks, very humbled

[@mbgaomo]

I've always loved the sound of I Robot by Alan Parsons Project. Just about everything Alan Parsons does is superb.

[@RUfromthe40s]

it´s the only album i have from alan parson´s ,it was given to me by a older woman or girl that went to work as a prostitute in the summer and was found all slashed with a knife in a pine tree area near a beach, opened like if it was an animal in a slaughter house, down up, he´s brother comited suicide two years earlier buy ingesting a poison that burns all inside ,some die of just smelling it,it was used in agriculture diluted, they had came from Africa and were born there and they didnt like their life´s in Portugal that they had never seen before having to return because independence was given to our portuguese overseas colonies since the 1500´s, and full on civil war started or they would stay over there,even i worked there from 73 to 75 and wasn´t thinking of returning ,things were evolving and looked better than the old country

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

​@@RUfromthe40sDid we really need to know all that?

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@simonzinc-trumpetharris852 i remenbered the how i got that LP and told the story, i think it relates , and bad things happen, you know it, also i guess with age i have the tendencie to drift from the main sbject ,sorry for it

[@SlapAPear]

I implore you to keep making videos, you're a great mind to listen and learn from.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much. I will keep going, jumping from one genre topic to another. They might not please all but I want to only talk about topics that inspire me. And I, for my part, am inspired by others - just passing it on! ;-)

[@radkokosoTT]

I can recommend one particular jazz recording. “Oregon: Beyond words”. It is live recording (Recorded at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, New York City) and it is fantastic, piano and acoustic guitars by Ralph Towner, reeds by Paul McCandless and acoustic bass by Glen Moore. Absolutely great tunes, great dynamics, very natural timbre of instruments (English horn, oboe, bass clarinet etc.). Masterful recording in my opinion.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Oh thanks! I will definitely give it a listen and add it to the ‘what makes a Great Recording?’ Spotify playlist!

[@guillermocubillos9727]

Most Oregon recordings are amazing. I love Oregon

[@stimpy1226]

Oregon's musicianship and fabulous recording techniques are something else. Good call!

[@nialloreilly3210]

Fantastic Harley, thank you so much.

[@warrenmullett]

R.E.M album automatic for the people. So easy to enjoy this album all the way through. The words and experience brought back many memories of the past.

[@julianfoglietti]

Peter, Paul, and Mary’s cover of Don’t Think Twice it’s All Right is gorgeously done!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your suggestion!

[@LovegroveTraining]

I love this video. Your transfer of enthusiasm and passion combined with knowledge and experience. Superbly eloquent.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you so much Damien! Much appreciated

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

As usual à wonderful video, full of passion and knowledge! Thanks for sharing these great stories with us.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! Very kind. You’re very welcome.

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

I enjoy the ambient noises. It adds to the atmos. Also, I recommend 'Listen Here' by the Gene Harris quartet and Oscar Peterson Live at the Barbican trio live at the Barbican 1984.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Oh, I don’t know that. I’ll give it a listen this morning. 🙏

[@jonathansturm4163]

“Kind of Blue” was certainly a game changer so it’s no surprise that it’s the biggest-selling jazz album of all time. Along with “In a Silent Way”, another game-changer, my two favourite albums of Miles. I have both on vinyl and CD. My original vinyl records were stolen many years ago and it was a great relief to be able to purchase them on CD and later still on high quality vinyl.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Agreed…. CD is a great medium, but emotionally, for this kind of music, for me, nothing beats putting a diamond in the groove. Enjoy H.

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@PearlAcoustics analog source and recording ,no convertion made without quality

[@vinylexplorer9817]

WOW! What an outstanding video! So much valuable information... Thank you for making this available to the world!

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@danijelsan81]

This was a pleasure. Please continue making videos. And I’m so glad you mentioned Stevie Wonder. Many of his albums sounded great. I love Talking Book for example. Also his voice on some tracks on Fulfillingness the first finale sounds so natural and untempered with, so to speak.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. I will do my best. Making these videos takes some effort. I make them for fun but intend to make more in the future.

[@MarkoIrvinMark]

Indeed, a great video, and I love this story-telling approach to recordings 'reviews'

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, very kind!

[@altravolta]

Thank you for the video. Very inspirational.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Very kind.

[@pierangelobolis440]

Dear Mr. Lovegrove many thanks to share with us your huge experience. It’s always a pleasure to watch your videos getting new ideas to improve our passion for HiFi systems and everything connected with recorded music.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Pierangelo, thank you for your very kind words. I am humbled. Maybe you might like to suggest the one record that speaks to you, beyond all others? Good evening, Harley

[@ryangao5119]

Thank you very very much for this video. I believe there're many people who knew what you know, however, you're the first one I heard and must be one of a few who could be able to explain so clear and interesting and appealing. Fantastic commentary about recording for musical meaning. A great storyteller, no no, you're a music-heart speaker.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Ryan, thank you very much for your very kind words. They are much appreciated

[@guidoroemer81]

I hope you upload many video's. I greatly enjoy you're way of telling. I think you're a very gifted storyteller. When I listen to you I sit back and relax, very enjoyable. I also hope that from time to time you will come back to this subject of great recordings.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Guido! I certainly will come back to the topic of great recordings. Starting with my next video. I hope to do approximately one a month.

[@dinsy512]

Good conversation as always, Harley! And it’s also good to see “Close To The Edge” get a quick nod of approval!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! 😉

[@adrianmuino3412]

I really appreciate that you recomend albums and explain how they were recorder. The idea of having the band in your living room seems to me be everytime more ridiculous, and this video explains why.

[@lownessfunk4932]

Thelonious Monk ‘Misterioso’ Recorded live in a small club in NYC. The sound is incredible. Hearing taxi cabs go by, door opening, cash register, customers chatting and not to mention how great the band sounds on top of it all.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for this, I was wondering how long it would be until his name came up! Nice choice 👍

[@KarlBrown-it9xn]

This is one of the earlier CD's I purchased but I really enjoy Dire Straits - Brothers in arms for it's quality at the time in 1985. Just love your videos ... Keep up the great work !

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Very kind.

[@tonycanning8518]

For me one of my favorite recordings is the Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions. For me this is just the most amazing CD. I believe all the songs are recorded in one take with just one microphone in the Church of the Holy Trinity. That may or may not be true, doesn't matter, it's extraordinary. This is the first CD I ever brought and to this day it still blows me away.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Tony, you’re not the first to recommend this album. I need to listen to it again. Thanks!

[@dirkbusche54]

@@PearlAcousticsTrinity Sessions was recorded in the Church by a DAT-Recordingsystem. Very unusable. But great Music and great Audio Engineneering.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@dirkbusche54 thanks for the additional information

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Over 20 years ago when I went out to buy my first 'hifi' and knew nothing about anything, I took along the Kind of Blue CD to audition with. Its funny to think, after watching this video, that perhaps I did recognise a good recording even though I didn't know it!

[@Caleketa]

Thank you for mentioning those 2 albums. Looking at the video i went to my record room and picked my 2 hotter than july albums. I purchased the first album in 1980 at the age of 16 and i still have it...its pristine. Nowadays my equipment is improved and the sound of this album is stunning indeed.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Carlo, I have albums from my very early teenage years too. Isn’t it great to have LP’s that you’ve know for what seems to be for ever? Thanks for the comment.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Right now im listening to Van Morrison"s "Into The Music" album from 1979. Great music and great recording.

[@RogierYou]

Thank you for the amazing lesson!

[@PearlAcoustics]

My pleasure!

[@RogierYou]

@@PearlAcoustics I turned my 19year young niece who is into music and an attentive listener to music on to your channel. She is dreaming of a tube amp. Told her hat a nice tube amp and speakers should be her graduation present.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@RogierYou marvellous! 🤩

[@Mckorzi]

The entire channel is great and all your infos and super informative and striking 👌

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Very kind

[@nicolaswindelincx9744]

« Hand. Cannot. Erase » by Steven Wilson ! Fantastic record and fantastic recording !

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@FergalByrne]

For me the recording I love the most is Eurythmics’ “1984” soundtrack album. It was the first record I sat listening to in the dark after bedtime again and again at 14.

[@2HatHudders]

As I have bought my hifi system over covid, I have started listening to more Jazz.! Never used to listen to this before.

[@carlosquijano2827]

I didn’t know Hotter than July: excellent! And, in fact, a very good recording! Thanks.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re welcome 😉

[@ralfm3710]

Thank you very much for this great video, Harley. Recordings that I like because of their soundstage width, depth and dynamics are: - "Landrace", Jamie Saft form the Album Hidden Corners - Shostakovich Symphony Nos. 1, 14 & 15 - Andris Nelsons, Boston Symphony Orchestra (Deutsche Grammophon)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Ralph. You have some great suggestions there! I will add them to my play list for publication!

[@bjwal6]

I enjoy all of your videos, but this was particularly enjoyable and informative.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it

[@guygrundy6647]

Kenny Wheeler's 1975 Gnu High on the ECM label is a breath taking recording.Manfred Eicher's attention to detail in recording and the pressing of the vinyl created new standards. Indeed any of its catalogue particularly from the 1970's to mid 1980's is superb.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Ok - thank you! I will check it out.

[@luismantaras6460]

Jazz is my music and I liked your considerations around "Kind of blue" . As you say, the quality of jazz stereo recordings in the late fifties is superb, always rewarding, any label : Columbia , Víctor, Bethlehem, Contemporary, Prestige, BN, Capitol... I enjoy music as well as the highest quality recording in those albums even if my equipments are not top range, rather low. The first stereo recording I know is a live performance by Stan Kenton about December 1956.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Luis, thanks for your kind words. Indeed, you don’t need a top system to enjoy music. Late in the evening, I am often playing old Lp’s on my old Lenco and vintage stereo. Even a an old Dansette can be fun!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTIONS 👍🤩🤩🤩😍😍😍

[@clivesilver463]

Two top quality recordings are Fleetwood Mac Rumours, as for a live recording Pictures At an Exhibition by Emerson lake and Palmer recorder at Newcastle city hall 1971.

[@alistairlegge7225]

Keith Jarrett’s The Koln Concert is not only an amazing feat of improvisation and creation it sounds fantastic. The acoustics are wonderful. Zeppelin’s untitled 4th. 4 amazing musicians playing together on one of rocks greatest records. Again the acoustics and they way Page and the engineer Andy Johns miked the amps so they captured the ambience of the room and the famous stairwell in Headley Grange.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing. I am with you on both. But most especially the Koln concert, because it proves that musical genius doesn’t always need to be over rehearsed. Two more for my list, thanks!

[@lionellandrews9606]

The Roots- “Do You Want More?!!!??!” seems like a fitting entry given its 2 years after this original KZbin post. To call The Roots- “Do You Want More?!!!??!” an underrated classic recording is an understatement to say the least. This is my generations, kind of blue… respectfully

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for this recommendation. I am listening to it now 😉

[@lionellandrews9606]

@@PearlAcoustics And thank you for giving it a listen!

[@vv13346]

Dave Brubeck Quartet studio album, “Time Out”, recorded and released in 1959. 2019 live recording of Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” at the Berlin Philharmonie. Anne-Sophie Mutter, Yo-Yo Ma and Daniel Barenboim with West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Two excellent suggestions

[@RUfromthe40s]

great LP ,dave brubeck quartet"time out" one gem, classical only concerts for strings and piano 4 to 1 musician , but Monzart as a piece that being so old it seems tastefull even today

[@SubTroppo]

Introducing... Ruben Gonzalez. I agree with you about Jazz. Many of the great records were done in a hurry without much over-thinking (whether or not they were great recordings).

[@gsbass1037]

Thank you for the information I'm always looking to listen to Recordings that someone like yourself listens to. I've been intrigued by Art Blakely's album Moaning. The remastered recording is so dynamic and alive. 1958 sounds incredible. When you spoke of your journey to design speakers I was on the edge of my seat.

[@PearlAcoustics]

GS Bass. You’re very kind. So pleased to hear you enjoy my work. I know Art Blakey but I don’t know ’moaning’. I will certainly dig it out and add it to our list! Thank you.

[@VonRibbitt]

@@PearlAcoustics i think moaning is one of the greatest jazz albums ever recorder, an absolute masterpiece of musicanship.

[@vinylexplorer9817]

@@VonRibbitt I couldn't agree more! Moaning is a masterpiece and I feel like it is very overlooked and underappreciated overall. I personally love that album!!!

[@mikejacobs1635]

Hi Harley, I'm a new subscriber and exceedingly enjoy your videos. I've been going through your older posts and came across this one and hope you keep this series going. I see that there are several installments and will listen to them all. For me one of the best recordings I've heard is Anne Akiko-Meyers' "The Vivaldi Album: The Four Seasons". Not only do you have a world class artist but she is also playing an instrument that is nearly 300 years old and sounds like none other! I never tire of hearing this one.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Mike, so glad you enjoyed the series. Welcome! I will certainly look up your suggestion.

[@TM-fx2pi]

The first record that comes to my mind is Steely Dan, Aja. The musicianship, attention to detail and the balanced details I hear coming off that album are what properly recorded music should sound like…. Modern day that is. I’m sure many will disagree and some will agree and that’s all good. Just my opinion.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Thomas, thank you for your comment and for kicking off this discussion. I agree Steely Dan really did record some very special albums. I am not so familiar with Aja, will take a listen again! A really well recorded album from them, for me is ‘Two against nature’. Enjoy the music!

[@TM-fx2pi]

@@PearlAcoustics thank you for what you do on this channel. While I’m sure Aja has its fair share of comprehension, it’s not minimally recorded in a live environment, it is to me one of the better sounding albums of the day. Much like Dark Side Of the Moon as I’m sure many would agree. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@TM-fx2pi much appreciated, Thomas

[@KB-os6lh]

Gaucho is great also.

[@RogerBarraud]

@@PearlAcoustics I like "Can't buy a thrill" better. I was a bit disappointed with "Aja" by comparison when it was released.

[@markorchard2272]

Mr. Lovegrove. I’ve come to your channel late (“better late than never”?). I could listen to you for hours. Great analysis and musings… intelligent, knowledgeable and engaging. I was a professional portrait photographer. Now severely disabled. However, I recall once doing portraits of a concert violinist. Before his arrival for the shoot I was playing Hilary Hahn performing Bach’s solo partita’s LOUD. Upon his arrival I turned it off. Whilst preparing my setup I heard a partita. Cursing as I thought I’d stopped my CD, I discovered it was him actually playing. Is this a compliment for the recording, my audio setup, or his playing? Who careth?? That CD is great. (Also Jan Garbarek’s ‘OFFICIUM’ recorded live in an Austrian monastery)

[@PearlAcoustics]

What a lovely story. It reminds me of a time when I hired a professional photographer to cover a recording session. When I asked him why he was so late he said he didn’t want to disturb the recording session. I told him we had only been listening to play back for the last hour so, while waiting for him to arrive! 😀. Glad you enjoy the channel. Best wishes from Belgium

[@markorchard2272]

@@PearlAcoustics a classic tale!

[@markorchard2272]

@@PearlAcoustics thanks for your very rapid response. In February Suzanne Vega played in my home city. I have worshipped her since she debuted in 1986/7. I wrote to her in NYC and asked if I could do her portrait before the show. She said 'yes'. I took photos at her soundcheck but took a close-up of her playing my favourite song. Pure guitar and no electronics. They say memory/recollection of 'sound quality' is not possible. But that sound was unforgettable and is me eternal benchmark of my ideal audio setup.

[@DavidHarris-ot7op]

If you haven't heard it, you should give Michael Hedges' "Aerial Boundaries" a listen. I think Hedges had a great sense of musicality and he was a gifted guitarist. And the album is (IMO) very well recorded. There is such attack on the harmonics and slashes - it is very "alive". The title track is worth the price of admission. Although it was attributed to Hedges playing it live in studio, I was sure there was some kind of multi tracking. Then I saw him play it live...... so good. I only discovered your channel quite recently and am really enjoying it. It may hold the answers to some of my dissatisfaction with my current setup, which isn't "bad". Thanks for what you do.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear David, thanks for your kind words. I am listening to Michael Hedges, as I write. Very nice! 🙏

[@artsound8638]

An absolutely superb video Harley; eloquently presented with great care and thought. I would like to bring some electronic music to the table. The Sibelius loudspeakers are, in fact, excellent with electronic music (which might not be obvious to those who are considering the Sibelius speakers!). One of the great modern day "audiophile" recordings for electronic music that I like is the album Random Access Memories by Daft Punk - it's one of those albums that, in my opinion, that tells a great story and evokes emotion throughout (and is wonderfully produced) - I highly recommend it! Cheers, Ajay.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Ajay, very kind indeed. I will certainly add ‘RAM’ by Daft Punk to the list!

[@earlbee3196]

Janice Ian between the lines, A really great 1970s reporting, That’s my recommendation here today.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Nice choice

[@aj..23]

You touched on moving towards Jazz for recording quality and the one that’s really done it for me recently is Mark Kavuma - give tracks “Dear KD”, “Banger Factory” or “Into the Darkness” a whirl. The latter of the three being the highlight. I’m on bookshelf’s with a sub so no doubt not the total optimum setup but am sure I already annoy my London neighbours enough. I’d be interested to hear your thinking on the quality of recording here though as it certainly seems to play a lot better than a lot of other things I listen to.

[@stephenbrickwood5148]

Another super presentation Harley, thank you. An interesting album to listen to is by Steven Wilson, The Raven Who Refuses To Sing and I’m sure that I read that it was recorded as is without overdubs and is quite a remarkable piece of musicianship. Another thing I particularly enjoy is the odd thing that is left in, say a tiny bit of dialogue at the start or end of a song, or John Bonhams squeaking bass pedal…recorded forever for us to marvel at. Almost anything with Stan Getz which is the same era as Miles, what an absolute joy!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation and interesting comment. I am listening to Steven Wilson as I write! Thanks for the tip.

[@Thebarleymasher]

Surely another reason jazz recordings can be so good is the simplicity, just a trio of musicians, or otherwise just a few acoustic instruments playing. Compared to most rock recordings, most of which is poorly recorded anyway, but with larger and amplified ensembles, leading to noisy productions.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Absolutely! The whole process is a lot easier!

[@RobertChampion1]

My reference accoustic disc: Peter Tschaikowksy - Berliner Philharmoniker · Herbert von Karajan - Symphonie Nr.6 h-moll »Pathétique« Great band, great conduct, awesome recording! Deutsche Grammophon magic for $5! I have a Thorens TD125 with an SME3009 and Ortofon Quintet Black MC cartridge. Just a added an Ortofon LH-8000 and Origin Live Cartridge Enabler. Now have a huge soundstage. Feel like I'm sitting front row centre of the balcony!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Sounds absolutely great Robert!

[@obrYo]

Really enjoyed the video, thank you. "Hotter than July" - there are moments when the drum kit is in the room with you. Master Blaster (Jammin') is off the scale, drums, vocals, bass. A few more suggestions. Bill Evans - You Must Believe in Spring. On the track "Gary's Theme" Eddie Gomez's bass is transported, it's right there playing for you in your bedroom. Jon & Vangelis - The Friends of Mr Cairo Joe Walsh - But Seriously Folks

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your very kind comment. I will certainly listen to your suggestions and add them to our ‘great recordings’ Spotify playlist.

[@TheDjcarlos67]

I came to your channel via Tarun @ A British Audiophile & I'm really enjoying your excellent videos🎥🎶

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Welcome!

[@jeg569]

I have the Bonnie Raitt Collection on tape, it is a stunning recording throughout to rival any cd recording.

[@blastfromtheeast]

I absolutely love listening to you. As usual this was educational and inspiring. Would you consider posting new videos a bit more frequently? There are tons of topics you can cover that would benefit us. Always look forward to a new upload here.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much, so kind. Feel free to make some suggestions for topics.

[@doubledark2]

@@PearlAcoustics Hello Harley, would love to see how you approach microphone selection and placement. Thanks

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@doubledark2 Hi, indeed that could be a good topic for a future video. I will give it some thought. Watch this space… 😉

[@doubledark2]

@@PearlAcoustics I'm glued to me seat waiting :) Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@robfinegold5560]

Thank you for an excellent video. It is apparent that you enjoy a wide variety of music so you probably don’t “geek out” on every style but it has been said that Miles changed his style on ‘blue’ due to the influence of Bill Evans. They had been touring together prior to the album and Bill composed and scored important parts of the album. I just thought the viewpoint might send you down another beautiful path that is Jazz from this period. I will also give my old copy of Stevie a critical listen. As you say my equipment has happily improved over the years. Cheers.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Rob fir your kind words, much appreciated. Bill Evans is a name I am hearing more and more these days. And I will explore him and his music a bit more in future.

[@robfinegold5560]

No, thank you. If you want total immersion I suggest a new documentary: Bill Evans: Time Remembered. Available on many platforms, Hulu, Amazon Prime etc. As with many artists, not a happy ending but a fascinating journey. I look forward to enjoying more of your excellent content, cheers.

[@brynybach7741]

A great recording for me is Parce mihi domine from the CD Officium by The Hilliard Ensemble. It's such a haunting piece played in a cathedral. The sound and acoustics of human voice and saxophone is just incredible.

[@PearlAcoustics]

I find this an outstanding recording too.

[@Unicorn-ST]

@Pearl Acoustics thank you for the video, very interesting. I agree mainly with everything, but I also think that mukti-track recordings , more now if are recording digitally, could help to create albums no possible to do on live, and despite I love the live albums and live performance s, I have to admit that there are very good albums created in studio. You asked for our good recording albums suggestions. I could name various of them, but I love Mark Knopfker and I think their recordings are always very well done. One sample could be Shangri-la and also Get lucky... But you could take any of his albums. All the details are clear, you can discover in each listening new great things, and the atmosphere working with keyboards is also remarkable. I am sure that listening it through your system and speakers should be a greataful experience. Regards.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much Vincente. I totally agree, multi-track recordings certainly have their place. And when we’ll done, offer all kinds of amazing creativity and quality. Thank you for your suggestions. I will certainly dig them out. (I am a respectful fan of Mark Knopfler!

[@mostirreverent]

Around the same time Brubeck’s time out album came out and that’s also a wonderfully recorded piece

[@PearlAcoustics]

True! Thanks.

[@RogerBarraud]

It's so good, I'll take five.

[@johnrevell273]

I totally agree with what you say regarding audio quality, I also think we suffered from inferior quality vinyl in 70’s, especially in the UK. It was common practice to melt down and reuse unsold albums, this practice would include the labels on the album thus contaminating the vinyl. Also, there was a lot of flimsy vinyl, quite thin and this really affected audio quality. When I compare old albums that have been re-pressed on 180g vinyl the sound quality is far superior.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed. Vinyl (LP’s) has morphed from a commodity product to a luxury one, bringing benefits to all.

[@vernal6944]

My favorite recordings... CARPENTERS Greatest hits SACD 5.1 JAMES TAYLOR JT SACD 5.1 BECK Sea Change DVD-A 5.1 ELTON JOHN Goodbye Yellow Brick Road SACD 5.1 STEALY DAN Gaucho SACD 5.1 PINK FLOYD Wish You Were Here SACD 5.1

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DrLothar]

PJ Harvey's second album Rid of Me comes to mind. Sound-wise there is no better example of a rock band, a power trio to be precise, playing in a large room. The aesthetic is unapologetic and naturalistic; not a lot of compression, not a lot of overdubs and certainly no sweeteners like added plate reverb or such, but a lot of space, air and dynamics. Steve Albini engineered the album with documentarian precision. As far as the music goes, Harvey's songs convey fantastic emotional complexity and intensity, and her performance just exudes conviction and belief in the material. To me, this is one of the most beautiful instances where performance, song material, aesthetic choices and high production value intersect. I remember it sounded quite stark, dry and perhaps even ugly at first, but now it would feel insane to have any of it any way else.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Justus, thank you for your comment. PJ Harvey is an artist that I have somehow missed, being focused mostly in a classical world. However your defence is so compelling I will certainly add it to my What makes a great recording play list after listening to it a few times, to see what it is I have been missing.

[@richardlee9307]

@@PearlAcoustics If you want something totally different by Albini, try Neurosis - Times of Grace. A very heavy, very metal album, but recorded very much in that Jazz album style by recreating the live sound.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@richardlee9307 thanks for the tip, I will check it out!

[@carlsonloggie]

"Crime of the Century" by Supertramp. Perhaps their greatest album, and impeccably recorded.

[@PearlAcoustics]

True!

[@Justwantahover]

HER Best Part Lollapalooza 2020! Great holographics off the scale.

[@chrisbullock6477]

Mr. Harley Lovegrove it would be nice to see you guys extend that program to other music genres like Jazz and young people who are gifted in that area as well.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Chris, that would be great and might happen one day, but with the limited resources we have today, all efforts are focused on making a difference in one direction.

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

Motown studio A produced some superb live sound recordings by simply running all instruments straight into the board, mostly down to cost and room/space restraints. I don’t think sound quality was uppermost but was a knock on effect of what they were doing. I understand back in the 60’s Motown was often asked how their sound could be replicated, not forgetting the musicians involved.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your addition to the debate Tony.

[@Bob-us9di]

Many years ago, at school, I did work experience with a recording company - I played several instruments, loved mucking around with audio electronics and guitar amps and my ambition was to become a recording engineer. Finally I went off to university to do a degree in..... political economy, followed by another degree etc etc. I never forgot what I learned in music though - which is why I so appreciate this guys take on audio and music - the pursuit of excellent sound and great music. To go back... a recording that was held up by the sound engineers I (briefly) trained with was Decca's recording of Wagner's Ring Cycle with Solti. At the time, as a 16 year old more into rock music, I hated Wagner - but in the years since I've come to consider this one of the greatest achievements in recording technology. It's not just the genius of the Decca engineers with their innovations - but the idea of making a 'live' recording in a studio and carrying this project for 8 years - all four operas and 20 hours of music with the greatest orchestra and operatic soloists of the day - all recorded in the wonderful acoustic of the Sofiensaal in Vienna. John Culshaw, the producer and a real Decca legend. Sadly I suspect we'll never see the Ring recorded in studio again - or any opera perhaps - the costs are enormous. As an alternative, very different - how about the various recordings of Tchaikovsky's last 3 symphonies with the Leningrad Philharmonic and Mravinsky? Sure the recording qualities of the DG tapes are not wonderful, and the Berlin Phil with Karajan is boringly note perfect - but for sheer emotion the Leningrad just burns into your soul and bares the composers tragic life for all to witness. In jazz, how about Dave Brubeck's live recording from the early 70s - 'We're All Together Again for the First Time' - it's not just about Brubecks crashing chords and Desmond's smooth alto but Gerry Mulligan's growling baritone sax - it's the recording that made me take up learning the sax. Or.... Keith Jarret's 'Koln Concert' on ECM (a great recording company), Coltrane's 'Love Supreme'??? ... and I'm definitely going to get the Aveline Gram CD - even with just laptop speakers I can hear a very well recorded piano - the most difficult instrument to mike up and a real joy when it works!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Bob, such a wonderful comment and so many good suggestions. I think the Koln concert is a very fine suggestion because if it’s incredible back story

[@petercook7502]

After very much enjoying your Daft Punk recommendation I would like to suggest a great recording for you. Cowboy Junkies - The Trinity Session (the 1983 original not the revisited). I think it fulfils all the requirements you discuss for a great recording and there are a couple of interesting KZbin videos covering the recording and the different approach used. This is the album that started a personal journey into 'HiFi with headphones' and for that I am in it's debt.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Peter. Very kind. I will follow up on your suggestion. Listening to it now. Have added it to our playlist ;-)

[@claytonkeltto3239]

Bit late to the party but thanks for another great video and your thoughts on KOB and Hotter than July! Also, nice outro with your recording!! If you haven't tried any Three Blind Mice records, you should. Great musicians and typical Japanese craftsmanship recordings. Couple of favorites are Midnight Sugar and Blow.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Clayton, you’re very kind. Thanks too for your suggestion, I will definitely look them up! 🙏

[@ThinkingBetter]

Great recordings are those that will cause positive emotions and make you desire to hear it repeatedly. Optimally that means great performing artists performing great music recorded with utmost care and mastered with excellence.

[@PearlAcoustics]

So true!

[@kodiak2053]

Great video, thankyou. I just recently found your channel and am going thru your videos. My current newest addition to my great recordings playlist is, Hanne Boel, Outtakes. Superbly recorded. Dynamic clear and very intimate. Track 1,2 and 8 are favourites. Track 1 has an amazing drum intro , snapping the skins. Track 2 very intimate and midrange vocals are superb. Track 8 is emotional and very brooding. Track 8 is a song recorded by many artists over the decades but I love this rendition from Hanne. She is Danish and a true artist in my option. Enjoy! And keep the great videos coming. Let me know what you think. Happy listening.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Kodiak, Thanks so much for your input. (You were the first but I missed it)! What a great suggestion… I am listening to Hanne Boel, right. Sounds fantastic!

[@kodiak2053]

Right on Harley! I get very excited when I come across well recorded music. Especially when it’s a style or genre I enjoy. It just comes alive in the room. Here’s another one that literally blew my mind. I was stunned. Smiling and darn near crying at the same time. It was a real unforgettable experience. In my living room nonetheless and on my modest 2 channel stereo. I don’t know how this was recorded but it seems to have the “ collision “ of sound waves you described as the instrumentation crescendos with the choir into a blended singular voice. Which is fitting as I envision cosmic stellar bodies swirling and colliding in my imagination. An absolutely stunning and deeply moving experience for me. The whole album in its entirety is great. But the most moving piece for is this one: Deep Field: Earth Choir Eric Whitaker and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@kodiak2053 will definitely give this one a listen! Thanks

[@Finn-McCool]

I love reclining and closing my eyes in my theater while listening to the latest Analog Productions 5.1 SACD release of Dark Side of the Moon. I know it might be gimmicky to some, however listening to the footfalls circle around the room is something I prefer to the 2 channel stereo versions.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Finn, I have heard the new release you refer to, is way better and that they have gone back to the original tapes where possible. ‘Dark side’ is an album I grew up with, some it’s lyrics are simply bang on, even after all these years. There’s nothing like letting the music take over! Enjoy.

[@RogerBarraud]

Meh - the original SQ quadrophonic was good enough back in ~'75 or so. I'm one of the 'some', I suppose. CD4 was as good, but the gear was too expensive to matter.

[@Finn-McCool]

@@RogerBarraud 5.1 is demonstrably better in every way to quad from my perspective and a decent home theater is quite inexpensive these days. But I understand each their own. 👍🏼

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Excellent video. For me I like the recording of Oscar Peterson trio . The We get requests album or cd , I could listen to this album over and over again. Thanks

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Jose. I love that Oscar Peterson trio album too. It was apparently recorded with just two microphones. I don’t know for sure if that is true. But indeed, it sounds great.

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Thanks for answering

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Terrific video. Such a fascinating insight into what constitutes a great recording. The point about 70s bands pushing tape to its limits and being exposed when listening on a high end system is perfectly illustrated by Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. You can hear the joins and distorted layers. I'm puzzled by the love for Tubular Bells which I think sounds like a thick stew, lacking space and depth for the instrumentation and lacking dynamic range. I've listened to it in a number of formats- vinyl, CD, SACD etc and it sounds dull and uninspiring. my favourite has to be Brubeck's Time Out- it is sonic and musical perfection. A studio that produced some great recordings is Sigma Sound in Philadelphia- originally Cameo Parkway in the early 60s. Joe Tarsia was the engineer. was the magician there. The quality of Chubby Checker's The Twist & Let's Twist Again are amazing. Another great studio was CHESS Records in Chicago- listen to Fontella Bass Rescue Me from 1965- it is exceptional. It's My Party by Lesley Gore- produced by Quincy Jones is also an amazing production. Quincy has produced dozens of superb albums that sound sensational- for himself and others including Michael Jackson. Bruce Swedien was his side kick on the board.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, very kind. Thank you also for your insights and for extending the conversation. Brubeck is certainly ‘on my list’ but I will gladly add your other nominations!

[@waltergist8923]

I only recently subscribed and started exploring your channel. I appreciate your point of view and the experience it is drawn from. It is particularly refreshing to see classical music included in an audiophile's perspective. I haven't been through all your videos yet, but if you haven't already delved into it I think there are two distinct challenges finding (and probably making) good, in your sense, recordings of an orchestra compared to recordings of soloists and small ensembles. It would be great to hear your perspective. Also you mentioned Glenn Gould and the studio the first Goldberg Variations were recorded in. There is a fascinating little book by Katie Hafner about the relationship between Gould, his favorite piano (Steinway CD 318) and the piano tuner who struggled to achieve Gould's vision of what a recorded piano should sound like. It is called A Romance on Three Legs: Glenn Gould's Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Piano. Hafner also gets deeply into Gould's relationship with his recording engineers and the recording process. The book may be hard to find but it's a real gem.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Walter. Thanks for your addition to the conversation. Indeed, there’s also a very interesting video on the topic of Glen Gould and his passion for getting a professional recording. There’s more videos to come and because one covering a recording I made of a solo piano.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Walter, thanks for your very interesting comment. My next video coming out on the 17th. Covers one of my attempts to record Bach and solo piano. Best wishes

[@robertn3866]

Another great recording and absolutely fabulous album that would deserve a review on this channel is Chick Corea and Return to Forever - Return to Forever (1972) especially the last track : Sometime Ago / La Fiesta

[@PearlAcoustics]

Oh, now, that’s taking me back! Great suggestion. I’ll put it on the list. Thanks.

[@buskman3286]

Re the comment that re-recording using tape steadily increased noise... Having used them on a daily basis, a studio tape machine of the day - like the Ampex machines shown in your pic - would completely erase a previously recorded track when re-recording on the same track. No added noise would result regardless how many times the track was erased/re-recorded. If the machine didn't do that, it wasn't properly aligned/calibrated for the tape being used. Now, if you are talking about "bouncing" tracks, that's a different deal. There will typically be a 3dB noise (hiss) increase/reduction of the s/n ratio with each bounce.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment and contribution to the topic

[@ikemi1]

Dave Grusin's Homage to Duke is one of the best sounding recordings in my collection.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Joseph, I will add him to the playlist, I will share in a few weeks time

[@ikemi1]

@@PearlAcoustics It wasn't available on Tidal Harley so I purchased the CD. The most beautiful sounding CD, it brought my system to life more than usual.

[@bananaskin7527]

Recently been listening to Chopin. The double CD of Chopin played by Horowitz. I think music performed is indicative of a culture. Or a reflection. I like Peter Tchaikosky and Aaron Copland too. Thank you for the music and the sharing. Not to forget the artists on Verve and CTI.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks. Very true

[@RUfromthe40s]

in studio either than the recorder quality it´s most important the microphones and the way they are positioned to capture sound and if the studio is large enough it´s good for more than one player but if litle it sounds better if each musician plays separatelly but normally they play better together don´t are used to play it alone in a recording studio

[@josephvanalstyne4049]

for a great holographic image. 1. explosions. bob james on esp label. great recordings on early esp records.2. trio64. bill evans. almost all evans 60;s recordings are amazing.3. thembi. pharoah sanders.amazing soundstage. i grew up on hard rock,prog, and metal. but your right. as an audiophile jazz becomes an audio addiction that you cannot recover from. great video!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind words Joseph! From prog. rock to Bill Evans - nice journey! I will check out your album suggestions and add them to a playlist I am preparing for a future video! Best wishes H.

[@r423sdex]

Bob James does do fantastic recordings. I’ve only got into Jazz over the last two years, and it is very addicting. Sonny Rollins is my favourite at the moment.

[@JLSGK]

The best experts are those who present their expertise in an unassuming manner, and you do that very well. I like the great human instrument--the voice. Three of my favorite recordings are Nina Nesbitt's "The Sun Will Come up, The Seasons Will Change & The Flowers Will Fall" (especially the acoustic versions of her songs), James Blake's "Covers," and Ondara's "Tales of America, The Second Coming." On the flip side, one singer whose recordings that I don't like, at least not through my speakers, is Adele. Her recordings, despite her amazing voice, are way too bright and fatiguing for me.

[@PearlAcoustics]

That’s so interesting, I found exactly the same thing about Adele’s recordings. Not sure what’s going on there but her recordings are selling out stadiums and any other artist, so not sure what to think. I need to give her another listen.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your great recording suggestions. I will certainly listen to Nina Nesbit and add her to the list.

[@kevinsmith8328]

Studio verses Live albums. I have many favorites in both area's. I believe finding a great live recording is harder. A lot of factors involved. I really like some of those 50's/60's Jazz club recordings were wonderful. As for the studio recordings it is hard for me to pick, because It is hard to find a whole record that I like the song/sound on it. John Klemmer "Touch" did it for me in the 70's.

[@celtic-audiophile]

I’m going left field with a recording from Shelby Lynne called Just Little Lovin, mesmerising, we use it as our test album for audio upgrades now for 10 years.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@breliol1838]

Really enjoying these videos! I dont know if this album meets the "Great Recording" criteria, 'Hats' - The Blue Nile could be worth checking out.

[@PearlAcoustics]

So glad to hear you enjoy my videos. There will be more. Definately 'Hats' can make the list ;-) Just added it to the 'Great Recordings playlist'. Thanks for the tip!

[@LuisTorres-he4lo]

Having a great deal of well known audiophile recordings ( kind of Blue UHQR, Dark side, Wish You Where Here, etc) I always find myself going back to Boston’s Don't Look Back ; I find the sound and music mesmerizing. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@blairsan]

Steve Winwood's Arc of a Diver comes to mind. indeed maybe many other albums from his lineage would qualify...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Oh... I don't know that album. I will check it out. Thanks!

[@robh9079]

Great vid! Love the Gould Eaton recordings btw, with some really interesting and ground breaking experimentation (in recording technique) at least partly innovated by Gould himself, who gave up playing live fairly early to focus on recording. Worth a vid?????

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Rob. Gould was certainly a pioneer. I will add your suggestion to the play list and will reflect on the video suggestion. I was thinking of Jacqueline Du Pre and the Elgar next….

[@johnwade7430]

This form of Jazz was Modal - take ‘So What’: only two chords Dorian on D and Dorian on Eb. Miles preferred first takes as he wanted the spontaneity of the performance - he certainly could afford as many takes as he liked. Aside - when I was at Birmingham University I used to study Electro-Acoustic Music (partly). All of the sound-Masters were recorded onto Sony’s Betamax Video recordings equipment. Simply cos iit was Digital - I was at Birmingham in 1987-88.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks John

[@geoff37s38]

I find lesser known artists can sound much better than the big names. Presumably the studio budget is limited so an army of engineers has not totally overdone the mixing etc.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Very true! But we must not forget that mostly, it’s not the engineers that call the shots but the producers - I didn’t talk about them much because they were not relevant in my two selections.

[@dalesimonson]

Although I haven't gone through all the comments (323 on this one, alone, and very many on your others in this thread) I didn't notice anyone pointing out any Chesky "binaural" recordings. I've only purchased one, but it's a beauty: Macy Gray's Stripped, an acoustic re-imagining of her popular "hits". Her voice may not be to everyones taste, but the imaging and soundstage is quite magnificent on my Magnepans. I'd love to hear it on your point-source speakers, in some ways the total opposite of a planer presentation! (I'm on the west coast of Canada, so that's not likely to happen.) Love your videos, subscribing now. Thanks!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Dale, thanks for your comments. I am so glad you appreciate my videos. Sorry for the delay in replying. Chesky are indeed an excellent label. I must get around to talking about them. I hope you’ll get a chance to audition our loudspeakers one day. Most Maggie customers like them 😉

[@waltergist8923]

I only recently discovered David Chesky and Chesky records. I think anyone interested in the struggle to reproduce music electronically at home will benefit from exploring Chesky. Many of us are always searching for albums or tracks to test or sow off our systems. It's worth checking out "Dr Chesky's Sensational, Fantastic and Simply Amazing Binaural Sound Show." It's an unusual and fascinating exploration of Chesky's unique passion for recorded music.

[@wjp04]

You mention disliking the mechanical sounds of a piano. I have to recommend you listen to the tack "My Friend the Forest", off of Nils Frahm's 'All Melody. It is fantastic. It sounds as if you were inside the piano hearing every piece of wood hit every line of string. The track really makes the mechanical sound enjoyable

[@PearlAcoustics]

Sounds great - I will definately give it a listen. I only hate the mechanical sounds of a piano when I don't want to hear them on a recoding! ;-)

[@mskelter6111]

Amazing album, I enjoyed it so much, thank you for sharing it! I love the content, congratulations! I personally would love to know your thoughts about Fantasy (earth, wind and fire) or It's A Long Way There (little river band) I feel like a lot is going on and yet is not a mess, it's a wholness that, as the song goes on, lifts progressively my soul

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! There are just so many songs that make me feel good, from Jamaican reggae to Mozart to Strauss and Schubert, and Simple Minds. When I think of something specific, I will let you know. 😀

[@precbass]

My recommendation is "An Other Cup" by Yusuf (aka Cat Stevens).On the 1st track 'Midday', its uncanny how his voice has such presence that you actually think he's in the room with you (to coin a phrase).The whole album is a masterpiece.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Ok, thanks for the tip Gerry, I’ll check it out.

[@none3143]

Excellent topics just a potty it's done by such a personality