Wanted...Recommendations on Mapleshade

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.

I recently got four Mapleshade CD's--really six, since I sent two female vocalists back, just didn't like them much. I'm about to order four more because the sound quality is simply the best I've ever heard from a CD, and I have a number of Chesky CD's. Good sound wouldn't be reason enough unless you like the musical performances too, and I happen to be happy with them as well. They let you return ones you don't like, so there's less risk than usual. I'd go for it!

To this point in time, I have 12 Mapleshade CD's. The sound is very good. My own personal favorites are 'Afterglow', 'Just For You' and 'Live at Ethell's'.

These CD's are well worth the money, better than many big label names (quality-wise). You do have to be a little careful of your selections; the sound quality is the same but there are good choices and so-so ones, so just be selective of your musical likes before ordering!