SH Spotlight Telefunken Omni microphones and vintage Capitol "Binaural" records: "Velvet Brass" Jackie Gleason

How does it sound? I’m a bit uncertain about what I should get. I think I might prefer the mono LP, but am concerned about the SQ. Samples of the SH version I’ve heard sound quite good, but I’m concerned about the ability to hear all of the instruments in the stereo version. I’d prefer not to have to play it loud to get a full listening experience.

 

I thought it sounded good, but a little harsh on the treble.

 

That's one thing that confused me. I thought it was only modern CDs that go that sort of treatment.

 

It's all in the family, more or less. On Monday, the opening sequence of Better Call Saul (season six's premiere episode) featured Jackie Gleason's Days of Wine and Roses. (There's an ongoing season six discussion on the "Visual Arts" forum.) I liked what I heard, so I investigated Gleason's music on Spotify and here in the "Music Corner" forum. I came across this thread and another thread discussing Jackie Gleason's music. Quite helpful . . . and away I went! I ended up buying the Razor & Tie CD, as well as three other late 1950s and early 1960s Capitol LPs.

Lots of well priced copies available!

 

I like both. I like the uptempo Velvet Brass, as well as the slow strings with the horn soloing (e.g., Bobby Hackett's trumpet). Reminds me of Jerry Goldsmith's Chinatown soundtrack. I wonder if Gleason influenced Goldsmith's work for that film, even if just a little bit.

 

Thanks for the heads up on all counts.

 

Well, "Romantic Jazz" is on Qobuz, streaming in CD-quality 44.1kHz / 16-bit, along with a LOT of other Jackie Gleason titles. You weren't kidding about all the music being slow Makeout music, with album names like "Love Embers and Flame," "Opiate D'Amour," "Music to Change Her Mind," "Music to Remember Her," "Tawny," "Lover's Rhapsody," "Music for Lover's Only," etc.

It even has "Velvet Brass" in the discography (44.1/16), and given how dynamic it sounds to me, I'm inclined to think it just might be your mastering from Razor & Tie.

 

I think the cover art of the version on Spotify is from the Capitol release (logo in lower right-hand corner) . That version sounds a bit harsh - or, at least, less smooth - to me as compared to samples of the Razor & Tie version I heard elsewhere (though we are talking separate streaming services and not optimal listening conditions).

 

Some decent swing in this album (Riff Jazz), as well.

 

I assumed - but do not know - that the streaming versions are the late 1980s (Larry Walsh) Capitol version. In any event, you can get a taste of the Razor & Tie version here - Jackie Gleason CD: How Sweet It Is - Velvet Brass (CD) - Bear Family Records Better yet, buy the CD (just be sure to check the CD details and note the different cover).

TOP: Razor & Tie 1996 (Hoffman) - 20 tracks Jackie Gleason - How Sweet It Is! The Jackie Gleason Velvet Brass Collection



BOTTOM: Capitol 1987 (Walsh) - 16 tracks Jackie Gleason - Jackie Gleason Presents Velvet Brass

 

Woody Herman with strings, perhaps with a twist of Kenton! Works for me, but no, not a true Gleasson LP.