Here's my quote from an earlier "Jazz Recommendations" thread:
I recently picked up a jazz compilation on acousticsounds.com entitled "Jazz After Midnight" - recorded by Rudy Van Gelder. Those familiar with the 60's Blue Note era recognize Van Gelder as one of the chief architects responsible for shaping the Blue Note sound. However, making the transition from vinyl to CD was never quite as satisfying ... until now. I was never very fond of the RVG recording style of drums/piano/bass, center stage ... with lead instruments - trumpet and/or sax separately tracked on either left or right channel.
This newer "Jazz After Midnight" is a Hybrid Stereo SACD which sounds as good as any I've ever heard. For sound quality and that sense of "there-ness" this production really delivers. The music itself is engaging enough, but may not be everyone's cup of tea ... mostly standards by a few better known folks. This is taken directly from the write-up: "Ten great tracks by the likes of Larry Coryell, Cedar Walton, Joey DeFranceso and David 'Fathead' Newman." At $9.98 a throw, it's a "why not" purchase. Turns out, this has definite potential as a jazz reference piece.
Strateahed
Also an SACD entitled "Solo" by Michel Camilo is right at the top, along with Herbie Hancock's "Gershwin's World" and Dave Brubeck's "Private Brubeck" ... another excellent solo piano piece - if you like that sort of thing. For a really good selection to choose from - including a few jazz and classical SACD 'samplers' - go to the acoustic sounds website. Their stuff tends to be a bit expensive, but I have found a few of the same recordings 'used' on Amazon. Good luck and happy listening.
