Scott LaFaro - Pieces Of Jade (2009/2017) [DSD128 + Hi-Res FLAC]

Scott LaFaro was one of the twentieth century’s most influential jazz musicians. During his tragically short life, Scott LaFaro quickly developed into one of the most advanced bassists around, competing with Charlie Haden and Charles Mingus. He emphasized high notes, could play with great speed, and his interplay with Bill Evans in their trio was mutually stimulating and influential. Best known for his landmark recordings with Bill Evans, LaFaro played bass a mere seven years before his life and career were cut short by an automobile accident when he was only 25 years old, his sudden death causing a major shock to the jazz world.

Listening to this album is like taking a quantum leap in time. It’s like eavesdropping on a New York apartment in 1961 and hearing someone playing his bass with total conviction sometimes alone, sometimes with others, resonating from where he lives. This time we hear Scotty on a recording session with Don Friedman on piano and Pete LaRoca on drums. These performances have the raw feel of a jam session and you can sense this group hasn’t benefited from a season of playing regularly together, yet there are inspired moments, from each musician. It’s another fascinating look into a ‘day-in-the-life’ of a great musician who sadly left us with too few days to travel back to again.

Tracklist:

01 - I Hear a Rhapsody
02 - Sacre Bléu (Take 1)
03 - On Green Dolphin Street
04 - Sacre Bléu (Take 2)
05 - Woody 'n' You
06 - Homage to Scott by Bill Evans

Track "1-5" Recorded in New York City 1961; Track "6" recorded in 1985.

Musicians:
Scott LaFaro - bass
Don Friedman - piano
Pete LaRoca - drums

For the 2xHD transfer of this recording, the original 1/4”, 15 ips NAB master tape was played on a Nagra-T modified with high-end tube playback electronics, wired with OCC silver cable from the playback head direct to a Telefunken EF806 tube. The Nagra T has one of the best transports ever made, having four direct drive motors, two pinch rollers and a tape tension head. We did an analog transfer for each high-res sampling and A & B comparisons were made with the original LP, using the KRONOS turntable with a BLACK BEAUTY tone arm.

DSD 5,6 MHz was created using Merging Horus/Hapi A/D converter, calibrated to the required format, and a dCS Vivaldi clock.
2xHD was created by producer/studio owner André Perry and audiophile sound engineer René Laflamme.

Thanks to the Original customer!