Ultimate HQCD (UHQCD) - new CD format, King Crimson on UHQCD and more

Release - UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN

 

(from the SHM-SACD thread)
Universal took the second step towards the SHM-SACD project with 12 jazz titles.
This release is not related to the MQA UHQCD project, but to the Tower Records Hybrid SACD project.
3 Verve and Impulse! titles, although previously were released on SHM-SACD before, now get 2018 DSD mastering of Tower Records release.
The other 9 German ECM label titles are new to the SHM-SACD project, but were released as Hybrid SACD on Tower Records, Japan in 2017 and as UHQCD in 2017 and 2019.
All but one (Pat Metheny Group Lyle Mays, Mark Egan, Dan Gottlieb) are gone.
2017 DSD mastering will be used for the new release.

Interestingly, these new SHM-SACDs, while sounding better than their hybrid SACD versions, cost significantly less at $27.36 vs. $35.11.

Please see the list of titles and details at:
New SHM-SACDs last-word on packaging, sonics PART TWO
Posts: #977, #978, #979

 

Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music best could be the same one that came out on a Hong Kong SACD.

 

Correction of information, the Whitesnake cd is a single cd, the Lynyrd Skynyrd is a double cd.

 

Universal is adding the next 9 albums to the Mini LP MQA UHQCD Rock: The Best Of Albums series with a new 2021 transfer,
priced similar to the SHM Mini LP at $ 25.74 ($ 34.93 for a double album).


Universal Rock: The Best Of Albums series

June 23, 2021

(Mini LP MQA UHQCD)
Wishbone Ash S/T (2CD)
Joe Walsh The Best of Joe Walsh
Styx Reppoo
Steppenwolf 16 Greatest Hits
Budgie S/T
Humble Pie The Best
Bryan Ferry Street Life - 20 Great Hits
Whitesnake The Best of Whitesnake
Lynyrd Skynyrd Triple Trip

(translation from the Universal site)
* High resolution CD masterpiece series can be played on all CD players (44.1kHz / 16bit) high-resolution CD (UHQCD).
* If you use an MQA compatible device, you can play back with the high resolution quality of the original master:
High-Resolution CD (MQA-CD x UHQCD) folds the high-resolution sound source and store it on a CD!
If you decode it with an MQA compatible device or software, it will instantly “unfold” to high resolution. Of course, even if you rip it, the size remains the size of a CD, saving the capacity of HDD etc.
High sound quality without decoding to high resolution!
The first reason why the sound is good even when listening with an ordinary CD player (even without an MQA compatible device) is the improvement in time axis resolution created by MQA cleaning the bleeding of sound over time. With or without decoding, it has a great effect on the graininess of the sound.
The second reason is the improvement of the reading accuracy of the player produced by the special material and manufacturing method of UHQCD.
Combined with the action of the green color label coat that absorbs unnecessary light inside the device, it enables faithful master reproduction as if the freshness of the sound has increased by several levels.”

“Cardboard sleeve reissue in Hi-Res CD format (UHQCD format x MQA technology). Features the DSD master in 2021, using original master tapes in Japan. The DSD master is available in 352.8kHz/24bit high resolution (perfect for MQA-enabled audio players / not digitally distributed up to this time). The Mini LP faithfully replicates its Japanese first pressing LP design (gatefold). Includes an obi faithfully replicating its Japanese first pressing LP design. Comes with lyrics and a description. Green color label coating. Available as cardboard sleeve packaging for the first time.”



Wishbone Ash [MQA / UHQCD] [First paper jacket] [Limited edition] / Wishbone Ash
“[High Resolution CD / Paper Jacket: ROCK Best compilation album series in the analog era]
Two sets of twin lead guitars, with Andy Powell at the core, Ted Turner, and later Laurie Wisefield. Wishbone Ash's best compilation album from "Blind Eye" (1970) to "Just Testing" (1980), a collection of songs left in literally 10 years of glory. First CD and first paper jacket. (Announced in 1981)
★ High Resolution CD (MQA-CD x UHQCD) specifications
★ 2021 DSD master based on Japanese original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source)
★ First time in Japan Spread paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature
★ Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP
★ Commentary / with lyrics
★ Limited edition
★ Green color label coat”

Disc 1
1. Blind Eye
2. Errors Of My Way
3. Warrior

4. Like a Child
https://youtu.be/LiqOKil4Bf4
5. Lady Whiskey
6. Everybody Needs a Friend
https://youtu.be/RhCbjiaszpw
7. Sometime World
https://youtu.be/kvLVSPPLZZY

Disc 2
1. Rest In Peace (Album Version)
2. Helpless
3. F.U.B.B.
4. Living Proof
https://youtu.be/-I5MxUFrlow
5. The Way of the World (Part 2)
6. Lifeline
https://youtu.be/jcIRM153lLA
7. Persephone
https://youtu.be/VXQQjXwnbNA




The Best of Joe Walsh [MQA / UHQCD] [First paper jacket] [Limited edition] / Joe Walsh
“[High Resolution CD / Paper Jacket: ROCK Best compilation album series in the analog era]
Joe Walsh, who still supports the Eagles as a lead guitarist, is solo, under the name of Burnstorm, as a member of James Gang. Producer Bill Szymczyk summarized the songs left on Dunhill, and made the best album released from ABC into the first paper jacket. The songs ①③⑥ are remixes produced for this album by Bill Szymczyk. (Announced in 1978)
★ High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications
★ 2021 DSD master based on US original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source)
★ US first time Spread paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature
★ Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP
★ Commentary with lyrics
★ Limited edition
★ Green color label coat”

1. Turn to Stone (Remix)
2. Mother Says (by Burnstorm)
[Live, 1975]
https://youtu.be/kaosjTS9yhs
3. Help Me Thru The Night (remix)
[Live, 1974]
https://youtu.be/diOdGWHQKMY
4. Rocky Mountain Way
5. Meadows
https://youtu.be/tP9My5P5_eE
6. County Fair (Remix)
7. Funk No.49 (by James Gang)
[Live]
https://youtu.be/JbmtW31oAj8
8. Time Out
[Live, 1975]
https://youtu.be/yaqWFX7IiFA
9. Walk Away (by James Gang)
[Live, 1972]
https://youtu.be/41n_oo2VPig




Reppoo [MQA / UHQCD] [First paper jacket] [Limited edition] / Styx
“[High Resolution CD / Paper Jacket: ROCK Best compilation album series in the analog era]
Styx, famous as a popular band of American progressive rock, "branch point" after A & M transfer (1975) The best compilation album, which is a compilation of songs from "Paradise Theater" (1981) to Japan as a commemorative edition by fan voting, has been made into a first paper jacket. The bold design of Kanji by Tsuguya Inoue is eye-catching. (Announced in 1981)
★ High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications
★ 2021 DSD master based on US original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source)
★ First time in Japan Paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature
★ Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP
★ Commentary with lyrics
★ Limited edition
★ Green color label coat”

1. Borrowed Time
https://youtu.be/sRDIxYK2ugo
2. Crystal Ball (Live)
3. AD 1928 (Paradise Theater Open)
4. Rockin’ the Paradise
[Live, 1981]
https://youtu.be/OuREpab44Kk
5. Suite Madame Blue
https://youtu.be/CkkQPxoxJJY
6. Boat On The River
7. Come Sail Away
8. Renegade
[Live, 1996]
https://youtu.be/rkGQGz7dvTs
9. Miss America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYikyYL0S00
10. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
11. Babe




Steppen Wolf 16 Greatest Hits [MQA / UHQCD] [Limited Edition] / Steppen Wolf
“[High resolution CD / Paper Jacket: ROCK best compilation album series in the analog era] Formed in Canada by vocalist John Kay and featured in the movie "Easy Rider" (1969), "Born to Be Wild!" Steppenwolf, who has become known around the world, has made the first paper jacket of the best album that summarizes the songs left on Dunhill. (Announced in 1973)
● High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications ● 2021 DSD master based on US original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (High resolution undelivered sound source) ● First time Paper jacket that reproduces the US board LP in miniature ● Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP ● Commentary / lyrics ● Green color label coat.”

Born To Be Wild
It's Never Too Late
Rock Me
Hey Lawdy Mama
Move Over
Who Needs Ya
Snowblind Friend
Ride With Me
Magic Carpet Ride
The Pusher
Sookie Sookie
Jupiter's Child
Screaming Night Hog
For Ladies Only
Tenderness
Monster

Tenderness
https://youtu.be/-Da6NtYbkt4

The Pusher
https://youtu.be/Zv6PY1BQLBE




Budgie [MQA / UHQCD] [Limited Edition] / Budgie
“[High resolution CD / Paper Jacket: ROCK best compilation album of the analog era] A collection of songs selected from the 3rd to 5th albums released by Badge, a hard rock band from Cardiff, Wales, on MCA. The first Japanese compilation best album was made into a first paper jacket. Like the original album, the jacket uses an illustration of a budgerigar (budgie). (Announced in 1982)
● High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications ● 2021 DSD master based on Japanese original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source) ● First time in Japan Paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature ● Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP ● Commentary / lyrics."

1. Breadfan
2. You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk
3. Hammer And Tongs
https://youtu.be/OaDppXC9RaI
4. Baby Please Don't Go
5. In For The Kill
6. Who Do You Want For Your Love?
https://youtu.be/seOgoWc9Vz0
7. Breaking All The House Rules
8. Napoleon Bonaparte Part 1
9. Napoleon Bonaparte Part 2
https://youtu.be/scIqFErh3v4

 

The Best [MQA / UHQCD] [Limited Edition] / Humble Pie
“[High resolution CD / Paper Jacket: ROCK best compilation album of the analog era] A song selected from five albums released by A & M by Humble Pie, which was formed around Steve Marriott and initially had Peter Frampton. The best album that collects the songs is made into the first paper jacket. (Announced in 1982) ● High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications ● 2021 DSD master based on English original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source) ● English first time Spread paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature ● Commentary / lyrics ● Green color label coat.”

1. Hot'N'Nasty
2. Stone Cold Fever


3. I Can't Stand the Rain
https://youtu.be/ooltGLk26H0
4. 30 Days In The Hole
[Live, 1974]
https://youtu.be/sDvrfgx4tg0
5. Black Coffee
[Live, 1973]
https://youtu.be/2tNoSmlnxwQ
6. Shine On
“One of the greatest tracks ever recorded by England's classic hard rock / soul / blues supergroup. Featuring Steve Marriott (Small Faces), Peter Frampton (The Herd), Greg Ridley (Spooky Tooth) & Jerry Shirley.” (comment)
https://youtu.be/qKLPj6YBFM4
7. C'mon Everybody
https://youtu.be/p5L-YcHcYe4
8. Honky Tonk Women
9. I Don't Need No Doctor (Live)
https://youtu.be/mSyrf-FYKVE




Street Life - 20 Great Hits [MQA / UHQCD] [Limited Edition] / Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music
“[High-resolution CD / paper jacket: ROCK best compilation album series of the analog era] Roxy Music, the male of British glam rock, and his frontman Bryan Ferry's songs are summarized in two LPs in chronological order, and finally the best compilation album with the John Lennon memorial single "Jealous Guy" (1981) is made into a first-paper jacket. (Announced in 1986)
● High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications ● 2021 DSD master based on British original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source) ● English first time Spread paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature ● Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP ● Commentary / lyrics ● Green color label coat.”

These are images from the only 1989 CD:






All music samplers are live videos w/good sound:

Let's Stick Together
https://youtu.be/Z9EbR0ckb40
This Foolish Things
https://youtu.be/vYUpq2dTnnY
Love Is The Drug
https://youtu.be/0n3OepDn5GU
Oh Yeah
https://youtu.be/UFadTILdKqM
Same Old Scene
https://youtu.be/vXOgQN1a7bE
More Than This
https://youtu.be/kOnde5c7OG8
Avalon
https://youtu.be/bpA_5a0miWk
Slave to Love
https://youtu.be/9kp3N3wQPO0
Jealous Guy
https://youtu.be/hRzGzRqNj58

 

The Best of Whitesnake [MQA / UHQCD] [Limited Edition] / Whitesnake
“[High resolution CD / Paper Jacket: ROCK best compilation album series of the analog era] In the process of developing from a solo project to a band by David Coverdale who left Deep Purple, former Deep Purple named John Lord and Ian Paice Whitesnake's members joined together, adding "Heart of the City", an unreleased live in Japan, to the songs from "Trouble" (1978) to "Come and Get It" (1981). The edited best album is made into the first paper jacket. (Announced in 1981)
● High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications ● 2021 DSD master based on Japanese original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source) ● First time in Japan Paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature ● Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP ● Commentary / lyrics ● Green color label coat.”

Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues
Trouble
[Live, 1978]


Lie Down (A Modern Love Song)
Sweet Talker
Love Hunter
https://youtu.be/aBSdOxvIAtE
Don't Break My Heart Again
[Live, 1981]
https://youtu.be/SMT-Uyxy5pg
Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City
[Live, 1978]
https://youtu.be/9-0AiRqvpMw
Fool For Your Loving
[Live, 1980]
https://youtu.be/WtznhhKOW5k
Take Me With You
We Wish You Well
[Live, 1978]
https://youtu.be/g-TwSQR41w0

Unfortunately, this song could not get into this album, as it was recorded by Whitesnake much later:
https://youtu.be/7dm8jEHO9ec




Triple Trip [MQA / UHQCD] [Limited Edition] / Lynyrd Skynyrd
“[High resolution CD / Paper Jacket Best compilation album of the ROCK analog era] From the debut album released in 1973 by Al Cooper's Sounds of the South, due to the tragedy of losing members in a plane accident in 1977. The best compilation album in Japan, which is a collection of songs by the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, who once closed its history, was made into a CD and a first paper jacket. (Announced in 1981)
● High resolution CD (MQA-CD + UHQCD) specifications ● 2021 DSD master based on Japanese original analog tape converted to 352.8kHz / 24bit and recorded (high resolution undelivered sound source) ● First time in Japan Spread paper jacket that reproduces the board LP in miniature ● Band that reproduces the design of the first Japanese board LP ● Commentary / lyrics ● Green color label coat.”

Whiskey Rock-a-Roller
https://youtu.be/BCr0FHHB20g
Travellin' Man
https://youtu.be/EhKr3TNaxqc
T For Texas
[Live, 1976]
https://youtu.be/UVtI_NllBz8
The Needle and The Spoon
https://youtu.be/_RUs6UBm_AY
Workin' For MCA Saturday Night Special
[Live, 1976]
https://youtu.be/nnYtyR6i6Qo
I Never Dreamed
Tuesday's Gone
[Live, 1976]
https://youtu.be/_7p2ogicS1U
That Smell
I Ain’t The One
Call Me The Breeze
[Live, 1975]
https://youtu.be/aQqioJKjzPs
Comin' Home
https://youtu.be/Ro4_u0DtFaI
Searching
Sweet Home Alabama
[Live, 1977]
https://youtu.be/6GxWmSVv-cY
Free Bird
[Live, 1976]
“Ronnie Van Zant was Skynyrd, he was the heart and soul of the band, his personality, his lyrics, and emotion
that connected with everyone that loved their music. He may not have realized it at the time, but he and his buddies,
all the band that was Lynyrd Skynyrd, all of them, created some of the greatest, kick ass Rock and Roll, of all time.”
(comment)
https://youtu.be/QxIWDmmqZzY

 

@toilet_doctor , why do you think Uni Japan uses the Jpn copy tape for Wishbone Ash, and not the Uk master DSD?

A guy here in Norway recently compared both SHM-SACDs, the one from 2010 using the Jpn copy tape and the 2016 SHM-SACD that is a new DSD from Uk master tapes. He said the Uk DSD transfer was superior and least as good as his original Decca Lp.

I have both SHM-SACDs, and the Uk master release is the best, no doubt of that!

 

There are cases when OMT is not in a good condition and better to find and use spare copy or branch copy. But, as I see, they don’t have time for tape research in different countries and a possibility to do that and used the OMT as it is (Queen).

In this case, I think, this is compilation album made in Japan by Victor:
Wishbone Ash – Wishbone Ash (1981, Vinyl)

So, OMT of this album is in Japan… It was compiled from Japanese dub tapes…(?)
Uni will never recompile this album from the scratch.

 

I can say that the Original Master Tapes stored in Uk is in pristine condition.

But what do you hear?
You often quote what other people hear, but seldom yourself

 

Yes, original album "Argus" OMT is good and 2013 transfer is the best digital version - everyone agree and me too.
But we are talking about compilation album that was compiled in Japan.
The same as Triple Trip by Lynyrd Skynyrd. OMT of these albums are in Japan, not in UK.

 

Here is the truth about MQA.
Use 40 minutes to understand why MQA is bad for us. If you don’t have time, you have the conclusion after 5 minutes.

MQA is noise and distortion added to music.

Tidal is a big supporter of MQA. Neil Young pulls his music from Tidal, will not be a part of marketing that is not true.

 

Thank you. I've been looking for something like this to easily explain to people why MQA is in fact undesirable when you can have lossless audio.

 

Just listening...

 

The Police are releasing 7 MQA-UHQCDS on the 17th July. These CDs seem to be the ones that came in the box set because the bonus CD that came with the box is included, they will also be replica card sleeves mini lps, details on cdjapan.

 

Thanks for the information. The Police is one of my favorite bands. So I have to add these CDs to my "to buy" list.

 

Bit of a update, only 4 of the cds are the latest mastering for some reason, also Every Breath You Take Greatest Hits is included so not all cds from the box set.

 

(from the Japan Mini LP SHM-CDs - New Releases, George Harrison and more thread)
Universal is moving on with Mini LP MQA UHQCD releases. In July, they will release 7 The Police albums with a new 2021 flat transfer or the latest transfer used in a previous project.
The price remains the same as the Mini LP SHM-CD ($25.71), so an UHQ upgrade and MQA encoding are free bonuses.

Universal Mini LP MQA UHQCD Series
(with year of mastering)

July 21, 2021

(MQA UHQCD)
The Police Outlandos d'Amour (2021)
The Police Reggatta de Blanc (2013)
The Police Zenyatta Mondatta + 1 (2014)
The Police Ghost in the Machine (2021)
The Police Synchronicity (2013)
The Police Every Breath You Take: The Singles (2021)
The Police Flexible Strategies (2021)

See details at posts: #1554, #1555 and #1556

 

Every Breath You Take has a nice looking cover. I never did buy the SACD of that one so it won't even be a double-dip.

CD Japan

I wonder if Flexible Strategies is good. Don't have that one either.

importcds

 

If they took it easy on the mastering it should be. The one released in the box not so long ago was too digitally limited for my taste, although there's an official high resolution version floating around that is nice and dynamic.

 

Universal has announced 8 UHQCD live recordings by Morgan Lee expanding from the 1996 3CD set to the 8 UHQCD box set ($109.71).

Aug. 18, 2021

Lee Morgan The Complete Live at the Lighthouse (8 UHQCD)

"The contents of this release will be identical to the worldwide release, except for UHQCD format and a description with Japanese translation. "The Complete Live At The Lighthouse" from Lee Morgan includes 18 unreleased tracks. Comes with a booklet. Features the high-fidelity UHQCD format."

The 8CD world-wide release was not announced yet, but 12 LPs:
“The Complete Live At The Lighthouse presents, for the first time, all 12 sets of the legendary trumpeter Lee Morgan and his quintet during their historic engagement at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, CA, from July 10-12, 1970. This 12 LP box set encompasses 33 performances, including more than 4 hours of previously unreleased music, all-analog on 180-gram heavy vinyl. It also includes a booklet featuring interviews, essays, and rare photos. Limited Edition.” (Blue Note)
Remixed by Steve Genewick at Capitol Studio
Mastered by Kevin Gray at Coherent Audio



(translation)
The Complete Live at the Lighthouse [UHQCD] [Limited Edition] / Lee Morgan
“A popular trumpet player’s live masterpiece of his later years is finally complete.
The live version of "Live at the Lighthouse" when Lee Morgan, a popular trumpet player who died at the age of 33, appeared in a lighthouse in California with his own group two years before his death, finally completed after 50 years. The original was a 2-disc LP, and was released on a 3-disc CD containing additional songs in 1996, but this time it has been completed by adding unreleased sound sources (18 tracks) for 4 hours or more. The whole picture of the three-day stage from July 10th to 12th, 1970 finally sees the sun. In addition to numerous unpublished photographs taken locally, the booklet includes valuable interviews with band members at the time and comments from contemporary trumpet players who adore Lee Morgan.
Imported AC domestic board specifications.
“It's probably the clearest indication of where Morgan was heading, and in that sense it's a record of monumental importance.” - Don Was (President of Blue Note Records)
<Personnel> Lee Morgan (tp), Bennie Maupin (ts, fl, bcl), Harold Mabern (p), Jymie Merritt (b), Mickey Roker (ds), Guest: Jack DeJohnette ( ds).
Recorded live at The Lighthouse, Hamosa Beach, California, July 10-12, 1970.”

 

Universal has announced the reissue of 10 Louis Armstrong albums 120th Anniversary Ed.($16.46).
No word on the mastering…

Aug. 04, 2021

(UHQCD)
Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong Hello Dolly!
Louis Armstrong Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson + 4
Louis Armstrong Satchmo 1950
Louis Armstrong Satchmo at Symphony Hall +11 (2 UHQCD)
Louis Armstrong Satchmo at Pasadena
Louis Armstrong Satchmo In Style + 4
Louis Armstrong The Five Pennies Original Soundtrack
Louis Armstrong Satchmo Serenade + 10
Louis Armstrong Bing & Satchmo + 1




What a Wonderful World [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong
[120th Anniversary of Louis Armstrong UHQCD Masterpiece Selection] In commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Louis Armstrong's birth, 10 titles were carefully selected and reissued as UHQCD! A great entertainer's bestseller. The moving title song was also used in the movie "Good Morning, Vietnam". <Personnel> Louis Armstrong (tp, vo), Tyree Glenn (tb), Joe Maleney (cl), Marty Napoleon (p), Art Ryerson (g), Buddy Catlett (b), Danny Barcelona (ds), etc. Recorded on August 16, 1967, July 23, 24, 1968, in New York and Las Vegas.

Hello Dolly! [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong
“The title song of the musical with the same name overtook the Beatles. A blockbuster album by the entertainer "Satchmo" of the century, who won the number one spot on the US hit chart. The singing created by the unique voice and familiar characters has been loved over time. First UHQCD. Recording year: December 1963, April 1964 / Recording location: New York.”

Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson + 4 [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong
“A masterpiece of 1957. Oscar Peterson, known for his transcendental skills, is dedicated to his tasteful accompaniment pianist here, firmly supporting Satchmo's songs and trumpets. First UHQCD. Date of recording: July 31, 1957, October 14, 1957 / Location: Los Angeles Capitol Studios.”




Satchmo 1950 [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong & All Stars
“1950 studio recording album by Louis Armstrong. First UHQCD. Recording year: April 26th, 27th, 1950 / Recording location: New York”




Satchmo at Symphony Hall +11 [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong
"A super-famous live album released for the first time by Decca. A complete version of the live performance of the two performances at Symphony Hall in Boston on November 30, 1947. First UHQCD. Date of Recording: November 30, 1947 / Location: Symphony Hall, Boston

Satchmo at Pasadena [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong
“A fun live performance with all-stars such as Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard, Earl "Fatha" Hines. First CD in Japan. First UHQCD.”

Satchmo in Style + 4 [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong
“Satchmo, composer Gordon Jenkins and his A collection of pop standards by the orchestra (released in 1958). First CD in Japan. First UHQCD. Additional recording of 4 bonus tracks.”

The Five Pennies Original Soundtrack [UHQCD] / Soundtrack
“Real jazz trumpet player, Red Nichols. The original soundtrack of the biographical movie "The Five Pennies". One of the attentions of Satchmo fans, where you can enjoy many famous performances by Danny Kaye and Louis Armstrong. First UHQCD.”




Satchmo Serenade + 10 [UHQCD] / Louis Armstrong
“Recorded on Decca from 1949 to 1953. The warm taste of Satchmo's vocals and trumpet is transmitted straight through. It's good to be humorous, but when you listen to a type like (3), there are things that make you sick. First UHQCD.”




Bing & Satchmo + 1 [UHQCD] / Bing Crosby
“Bing Crosby produced by Johnny Mercer And Satchmo-Louis Armstrong, a co-starring board between big names. A rare album that has been unavailable since the late 1950s.
First CD in Japan. First UHQCD.”

 

Man oh man if only these were SHM-SACD instead of UHQCD. But it still looks appealing.

 

I have a previous release, which should be the same as an upcoming one:
Louis Armstrong What A Wonderful World UHQCD Universal, Japan 2017 Stereo





Review

At first, I opened the booklet and found no mastering information, no credit notes, nothing but the lyrics and personnel.

The sound is well balanced with well represented bass. The vocals are in front, but with some brightness (like the “S”-sound) - some tracks are more than others.
The dynamics are very good - the volume went up quite high without distortion.
Overall sound presentation - a ted flat. And the clarity of the sound could have been better.
Sounds like a slightly improved (in terms of airiness and separation) version of our first, circa 1988, CDs.
And most likely, it is that old mastering/transfer placed on a fancy disc.



"Digitally transferred from original album master by Doug Schwartz at MCA Studios, Glendale, CA".

To give you a better idea of the sound, it sounds like an intermediate between the first recently posted video (24 million views) and the last three videos:



Dream A Little Dream
https://youtu.be/R-xzfwDAn1I

There Must Be a Way
https://youtu.be/Y7zbYO5_tMM

The Home Fire
https://youtu.be/mAs1jxmYJVQ

 

"Hello Dolly!", however, was remastered in 24-bit. At least discogs refers 2012 SHM release as remastered edition.




"Hello, Dolly!" is the title song of the popular 1964 musical of the same name. Louis Armstrong's version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. The music and lyrics were written by Jerry Herman, who also wrote the scores for many other popular musicals including Mame and La Cage aux Folles. "Hello, Dolly!" was first sung by Carol Channing, who starred as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the original 1964 Broadway cast. In December 1963, at the behest of his manager, Louis Armstrong made a demonstration recording of "Hello, Dolly!" for the song's publisher to use to promote the show. Hello, Dolly! opened on January 16, 1964 at the St. James Theatre in New York City, and it quickly became a major success. The same month, Kapp Records released Armstrong's publishing demo as a commercial single. His version reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, ending the Beatles' streak of three number-one hits in a row over 14 consecutive weeks (in addition to holding the second and third chart positions) and becoming the most successful single of Armstrong's career, followed by a gold-selling album of the same name. The song also spent nine weeks atop the adult contemporary chart shortly after the opening of the musical. The song also made Armstrong the oldest artist ever to reach 1 on the Hot 100 since its introduction in 1958. Billboard ranked the record as the No. 3 song of 1964, behind the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You." "Hello, Dolly!" won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1965, and Armstrong received a Grammy for Best Vocal Performance, Male. Louis Armstrong also performed the song (together with Barbra Streisand) in the popular 1969 film Hello, Dolly!” (comment)


Here are sound samplers from this release with a richer sound:
CDJapan : Hello, Dolly! [SHM-CD] Tracklisting