Big Phat Band does it again on DVD-A :-) (1 Viewer)

[John Kotches]

I got a copy of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band's new disc, XXL Wednesday of last week and am finally getting around to making a few comments.

Buy this disc. Buy this disc. Buy this disc.

Ok seriously now, we tend to rag on Silverline for a lot of releases that are lacking in sound quality. I've said more than once they also have a few gems from time to time. IMO, this is Silverline's finest release to date with tremendous musicians, skillfully performed arrangements, reference grade sonics and some performances that will knock the socks off of most music fans.

Several tracks have guests, including Michael Brecker taking a great tenor solo, Take 6 on a few tracks, Brian McKnight, and a favorite of mine, clarinetist/saxophonist Eddie Daniels.

The dynamic range is wide, and the presentation is expansive as all get out.

One caveat, if you don't like immersive mixes, you probably won't enjoy this disc. It's extremely agressive, including front/back imaging of the band.

Enjoy this one folks, IMO it's great.

Regards,

 

[Michael_T]

I have been looking for this one..as I have the first Big Phat Band release on DVD-A.

As much as I maligned Silverline for 99% of their DVD-A releases, the original Big Phat Band was one of the few exceptions. I am sure this is one of the Silverline releases that is worth picking up.

Thanks.

 

[Brian L]

Just teed up an Amazon order...can't wait.

Thanks for the review John. FWIW, given the 1st disc's high quality, I was not expecting anything less. It appears that they have delivered in spades.

BGL

 

[John Kotches]

Brian,

This is better by a fair margin

Chalk it up to experience and better mastering equipment

Regards,

 

[Joe Solek]

John, I agree. This is a fantastic disc. It just bugs me to no end that why can't all Silverline discs sound like this, damn it!

 

[John Kotches]

Joe,

I would say that a large portion of the equation is the master tapes they're working with.

How good can the master tapes be for the "Front Row Live" series?

Oh well, just my thoughts.

Regards,

 

[Mike Broadman]

How good can the master tapes be for the "Front Row Live" series?

Makes one wonder why the bother making them, then.

Does this DVD-A have a stereo track?
Is the music new or is it a legacy title?

 

[John Kotches]

Mike,

It shows as having a stereo track, and my 598/861v4 shows it as 24bit/48k. It's recognized as stereo, as Trifield is being applied however I get no audio output. I'm sending an e-mail off to my tech contact at Meridian to have them check the title out.

It's new, recorded in 2003.

Regards,

 

[Justin Lane]

Thanks for the thoughts on this disc John. I will be looking for it on my next trip to the store. Hopefully the Best Buy near me gets some in soon, as they did not have XXL in stock last week.

J

 

[David Tolsky]

I'm glad that you mentioned this one John. I was getting ready to write something about it after my first listen. I seriously hope that anyone wanting a great quality DVD-A with a very aggressive and creative mix will go out and buy this one. Even if Big Band is not your cup of tea, you can't help but dig this disc for pure musicality. It's lots of fun and has become my favorite Silverline release.

 

[Brian L]

Not much to add other than he fact that this is perhaps the best sounding disc I have ever heard in my system. Swinging For the Fences was the previous title holder.

The bass/drums on this puppy are incredibly well done, as is pretty much everything else on there. Your sub will have lots to do with this recording.

I am a devote of 5.1 music, and consider this a state of the art rendering.

The only negative for me is that I am not too crazy about the tracks with vocals. Not that there is anything wrong with them, I just prefer my big band stuff to be instrumental.

BGL