Rudy Van Gelder on Vinyl

May I add to this discussion in the spirit of expanding it, not wanting to in any way detract from the excellent points raised so far.  I share the enthusiasm for RVG, but want point out that he was not so good at recording piano and particularly in the early years, he was a mono guy, not a stereo guy.  The guy who figured out that stuff and who was better than he was Roy DuNann of Contemporary Records.  It is a historical fact that it was Roy DuNann who figured out how to properly use the new stereo format to place the musicians across the stage in believable alignment instead of in the then very popular ping pong effect.  He also figured out how to properly mic a piano using stereo techniques.  If you have access, listen to any of his recordings of Hampton Hawes or Andre Previn for example.  Adding to the discussion concerning analog vs. digital, I buy more cds than vinyl records these days.  My priority is to get the music I want, and for a collector of jazz, old jazz, re-issues make more sense.  And usually the cost factor makes the cd option the one for me.  Also, I do not stream.  For me, streaming is like a kiss on the telephone, you can’t feel it.  Plus, old jazz is not in great supply anyway.

@billstevenson, thank you for sharing! I have know idea who Roy DuNann of Contemporary Records and Hampton Hawes were. But I do know who Andre Previn was.

Your post made me think of when I was a kid how I marveled at the sound of those old Capitol Records recordings of Frank Sinatra. And what fascinated me was those old black and white photos of the recording studio.Talk about an acoustically and just as important, architecturally stunning venue to record in!

Capitol Records Studios Circa 1960

So if you can, would you give us your valued comments on Sinatra’s recording engineer, Voyle Gilmore. And tell us what you think about that recording venue and also, if you would, as I value the venue just as important as that massive tube rig and mics that were used for recording.

Because you took the time to introduce us to Roy DuNann, I stumbled upon this wonderful, marvelous and mind blowing site!

Roy DuNann, Engineer - From - The The Skeptical Audiophile - In Search of Better Records  

A couple a weeks ago I sold my everversolo DMP-8 streamer, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop streaming. Im looking to get a stand alone streamer. Streaming kinda reminds me of FM on my stereo that no longer comes on integrated amps anymore in a way, which I’ve always liked. 

@billstevenson, as far as I’m concerned, you can post whatever and whenever you want... 

Barney Kessel from the album ’Carmen’

'Out of print Barney Kessel album. Swingin’ interpretation of the Bizet opera with stellar performances, featuring André Previn on keys. This is ripped from the original 1959 UK Mono pressing. Recorded by Roy DuNann.'

Very nice and swinging hard!

This is a very enlightening discussion.  Thank you all.  With respect to the Capitol recordings, they were also quite good.  Sinatra was famous for always being prepared when he entered the studio.  He did not like to have to record a song more than once.  Mr. one and done.  If you were not ready don't show up.  He did some of his best work with Nelson Riddle who was known to run a tight organization.  Also listen to any of the many George Shearing recordings on Capitol as well as Peggy Lee and June Christy.  Finally, their #1 star from that era was Nat Cole.

@billstevenson is correct about RVG shortcomings with piano miking.  Everything else he seemed to have gotten right.  I would add that some bass player miking was also a bit off, distant.  Seemed as if the bass players were sometimes down the hall.

Contemporary Records is quite good as I've several.  Must admit ignorant to Roy DuNann.  Thank you Roy.  I've several Previn recordings from Contemporary.  What a beast he was!