Rudy Van Gelder on Vinyl
I was reading about the esteemed recording engineer on Roon and came on this quote.
"I think it has been a tad too quiet around here lately so here it goes:
In a 1995 interview Mr. Van Gelder said, "The biggest distorter is the LP itself. I've made thousands of LP masters. I used to make 17 a day, with two lathes going simultaneously, and I'm glad to see the LP go. As far as I'm concerned, good riddance. It was a constant battle to try to make that music sound the way it should. It was never any good. And if people don't like what they hear in digital, they should blame the engineer who did it. Blame the mastering house. Blame the mixing engineer. That's why some digital recordings sound terrible, and I'm not denying that they do, but don't blame the medium.[16]"
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! |
