Steve Hoffman mastered Ventures/Jackie Gleason Christmas albums!

Discussion in 'Music Corner' started by Hawkman, Dec 21, 2014.

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  1. Hawkman

    Hawkman Supercar Gort Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    New Jersey
    I gotta tell you I love these two Steve Hoffman mastered, Razor & Tie, Christmas albums:

    The Ventures Christmas Album

    Jackie Gleason 'Merry Christmas'

    If you can find either of the Razor & Tie versions for a price that doesn't send you to the poor house, GRAB THEM!!! They sound fantastic!

    What I love about the Ventures album is the way that they start the songs with a hit of the day and then segue seamlessly into the Christmas song. For instance 'She's Not There into What Child Is This, Ventures style. :)

    The Jackie Gleason 'Merry Christmas' album is PERFECT for the quiet, wee hours of Christmas. If it's snowing outside, all the better. The man really knew how to set a mood.

    Both of these albums are perfect bookends for Christmas. But DEFINITELY get the Razor & Tie versions that Steve mastered. They don't make them like this anymore!!!
     
  2. ReggieTheVaper

    ReggieTheVaper Forum Resident

    Location:
    UK
    If any members already have both these albums, I would recommend "The Wombles - Wombling Merry Xmas"

     
    Hawkman likes this.
  3. jricc

    jricc Senior Member

    Location:
    Jersey Shore
    :righton::righton::righton: On The Ventures Christmas Album, Hawkman!
     
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  4. Clark V Kauffman

    Clark V Kauffman Forum Resident

    Location:
    Des Moines, Iowa
    Wow... $58 for a used copy of this out-of-print Gleason CD. And $162 for a new one.
     
  5. Elton

    Elton I Hope Being Helpful, Will Make Me Look Cool

    Location:
    Carson Ca.
    Hawkman is right! They DON'T Make Them Like That Anymore! :eek::confused::rolleyes:;):cool:
     
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  6. Hawkman

    Hawkman Supercar Gort Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    New Jersey
    I couldn't believe that either. But...the quality of the music and the reputation of it's mastering engineer increase the demand more than the supply. :)

    Try scrounging around eBay. Just make sure that you get the Razor & Tie versions.
     
  7. MrRom92

    MrRom92 Forum Supermodel

    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Just ordered both. I won't be able to get em until next year but they should provide for good listening next christmas!
     
  8. bRETT

    bRETT Senior Member

    Location:
    Boston MA
    I got an import version with the mono and stereo mixes, but had to keep the SH version, if only for the count-off that he put in before the first track.
     
  9. JazzPolice

    JazzPolice Well-Known Member

    Listening to my Sony Playstation 1 SPCH 1001 with Cardas Quadlink 5C interconnects, Cardas Crosslink speaker cable, Quad ESL 57 speakers, and a pair of Heathkit UA-1 tube mono amplifiers with Mullard 6CA4s and Amperex Bugle Boy 6BQ5s. This cd sounds very, very good. I think Steve did an exceptionally good job on this one. The guitars sound alive, jangly, warm and natural without any of the harsh, piercing quality that I've heard in many inferior Ventures remastering jobs. The rhythm section is full and robust without calling attention to itself or being overblown. Very nice work. Cheers!
     
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  10. Echo

    Echo Forum Resident

    Which version is it? Would you give me a link?
     
  11. Muzyck

    Muzyck Pardon my scruffy hospitality

    Location:
    Long Island
    I don't think the count in is on the Razor & Tie SH mastered version. That was on the EMI Larry Walsh / Ron Furmanek remixed version from 1990. To my ears, it sounds like the SH version uses the original mix. I prefer the original mix and the mastering on the Razor & Tie is fantastic. :agree:
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2014
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  12. JazzPolice

    JazzPolice Well-Known Member

    "The Ventures Christmas Album" RE 2085 Razor & Tie. It's an excellent disc. Someone was paying attention here and knew what the hell they were doing.
     
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  13. Echo

    Echo Forum Resident

    Purchased it a minute ago for €18 :)
     
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  14. JazzPolice

    JazzPolice Well-Known Member


    Awesome. I know you'll like it!
     
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  15. sixtiesstereo

    sixtiesstereo Senior Member

    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Re: The Ventures. Agree it's a truly classic album and I guess I have the EMI version since it
    has the count-in on "Sleigh Ride".
    The only track that I don't care for is "Scrooge". It really doesn't fit well on the album and
    breaks the flow of the disc. Always felt it would have been better on "In Space" or some type
    of Halloween album. But I guess that's just me.
     
  16. quicksrt

    quicksrt Senior Member

    Location:
    Los Angeles
    The most guitar rocking Christmas album ever. Very crunchy sounding, not just the surf sound that I love here.
     
  17. mmars982

    mmars982 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Couldn't agree more on the Ventures. Scored a copy last year and it's in heavy rotation lately. One of my favorite CDs.

    Don't have the Jackie Gleason, but I am expecting a copy of the Razor and Tie Merry from Lena to be under the tree and am looking forward to hering that.
     
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  18. HominyRhodes

    HominyRhodes Forum Resident

    Location:
    Chicago
    I bought the Razor & Tie edition of The Ventures Christmas Album at Tower Records back when it first came out, and it's usually the very first album I play every year when I'm trying to get into the spirit of the season. It sounds absolutely wonderful.

    But, I never thought to look at the credits, and it wasn't until a year or two ago (maybe after I joined this forum?) that I realized :doh: it was the work of our host. Thanks, Steve, and Merry Christmas.
     
    munjeet likes this.
  19. Hamhead

    Hamhead The Bear From Delaware

    I have the Gleason Christmas album.
    It's nice, it's sloooooow, it's easy.
    I got it for my Mom ages ago who had it on LP, I was surprised to see a SH credit on it. We always though it sounded better played on 45.
    One thing I always wanted to know is "who's Hercules?" The musician credited on the Gleason album playing electric celeste.

    It's certainly not this dude
    [​IMG]

    The Ventures album is a desert island Christmas album, a classic.
     
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  20. mike catucci

    mike catucci Forum Resident

    Location:
    PA
    Just grabbed the Razor and Tie version of Gleason's CD for 29.00 shipped (like new) on eBay. There are a few more at that price for those interested.
     
  21. RogerB

    RogerB Forum Resident

    Location:
    Alabama
    I've got the Ventures Christmas Album mastered by our host and I concur it sounds amazing!! Also one of the most
    "fun" Christmas albums you will ever hear!!!

    It's the only Christmas album I can listen to in June!
     
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  22. TallPaulInKy

    TallPaulInKy Forum Resident

    Everytime I listen to this fabulous album, I feel Evelyn Freeman (organ) Red Rhodes (singing steel guitar, notable especially on Silver Bells) Jules Wechter and Frank DiVito (both of the Baja Marimba Band) and percussionist Eddie Brackett Jr don't really get the credit they deserve for helping in this festive atmosphere.
     
    mmars982 likes this.
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