Wanted...Recommendations on Mapleshade

I have too many Mapleshade recordings to list here, and they are all well-recorded. Some of them are just stunning, especially the vocals. I didn't hear a single recording before I bought it, yet I am not disappointed. I think they're an excellant buy. Good luck!

Ivory: Which recordings with vocals? Any jazz?

I have about ten of them. They are well recorded, some feel a bit bright. My favorite, and a jazz must have, is Clifford Jordan's "Live at Ethel's." Best live ambience I have heard, to date. There are a couple of compilation discs from them which would allow you to hear several of their artists. They will allow exchanges if you don't like a disc. This is a very respectable outfit. Charlie.

I have a large collection of Mapleshade. I had some local friends ask me the same question, after we had a listening session at a friends. I put together an excel spreadsheet that rated them. I like the Mapleshade CDs very much. I think Absolute Sound just did an interview with Pierre Sprey of Mapleshade. Anyway, I will e-mail you the spreadsheet, and if anyone else would like it, please e-mail me. I would be glad to send it to you.

I have about 20 recordings on this label (and its relative, WildChild). I have mixed feelings about this label: some of their recordings are technically excellent, but the music wears a bit thin after several listenings. Also, the recording technique used by Pierre Sprey produces a VERY close, dry perspective -- sometimes to the point that the microphone feels like it's within inches of the player or singer. I think most of their recordings make great demo pieces, but I find them tiring after repeated hearings.