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In 2024 NativeDSD kept growing the largest DSD music collection and started exclusive partnerships with labels. Senior Reviewer Bill Dodd, Technical Advisor Brian Moura and David Hopkins chose the nominees in 20 categories.
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- Vocals – Pop & Soul · Vocals – Jazz · Vocals – Folk · Vocals – Classical Soloist · Orchestral · Christmas Music · Film Music · Concertos / Orchestral with Soloist · Opera · Classical Crossover · Compilation Albums · Meditation & Relaxation · Jazz Trio · Jazz Ensemble · Jazz Fusion · Solo Instrumental · Chamber Music · Tribute Albums · Latin Jazz · Solo Guitar
View All Nominated Albums in the Store · See the 2024 winners
Vocals – Pop & Soul (Brian Moura)
Pearls is the debut album from Aisyah Aziz, a new vocalist on Groove Note. She was recommended to the label by singer Vanessa Fernandez. Pearls features a number of well-known songs made famous by Billie Eilish, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Sade, and Roberta Flack, among others. The title track features a tasty sax solo by Fabian Lim. The arrangements are subtle focusing attention on the singer’s fine vocals and unique singing style.
Singer Vanessa Fernandez had one of the year’s most popular albums at NativeDSD with Remember Me. It features a mix of Soul Classics from the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Bill Withers and Barry White plus Pop songs made famous by Lenny Kravitz, Prince, and Portishead. Adding to the album are arrangements by guitarist Tim Pierce and an all-star L.A. Studio Session band featuring Jeff Babko, Alex Al, Victor Indrizzo, Luis Conte, and Felipe Melanio. A musical delight from start to finish.
Canadian singer Diana Panton highlights the music of Brazil including Samba and Bossa Nova on the album To Brazil With Love. But she doesn’t stop there. The album also features Pop, French Chansons and Jazz songs sung in English and French. Nominated for an Independent Music Award, it highlights Panton’s vocals and some wonderful music.
Vocals – Jazz (Brian Moura)
Jazz Singer Holly Cole reunites with the Jazz duo of Davis & Piltch plus drummer Davide DiRenzo on the album Night. Cole’s cool Jazz vocals are on full display here. She offers new musical insights on familiar, and in some cases unexpected selections, including Viva Las Vegas, You Only Live Twice, Goodtime Charlie’s Got The Blues and You’ve Got A Secret. The album provides an enjoyable evening of cool jazz at its finest.
Aubrey Logan’s album Where The Sunshine Is Expensive is her musical tribute to the Los Angeles music scene. Logan is a unique Jazz performer who sings lead vocals and plays trombone solos on each song. Here she is joined by sax star Dave Koz and vocalist Casey Abrams, her band and background singers in a live performance with audience recorded at East West Studios in Los Angeles. The album has a mix of Jazz and Pop songs and ranges from ballads to upbeat numbers. It’s a fun musical ride that listeners are bound to enjoy.
Believin’ It brings us singer Claire Martin and her trio with a selection of well known songs including Broken Wings, I’m Not In Love and Come Runnin’. Each has a new arrangement that highlights the singers’ vocals and the trio’s talents. The music is fresh and Martin’s singing shines here. One of the year’s best vocal albums at NativeDSD.
Vocals – Folk (Brian Moura)
Time To Be Brave was one of our weekly # 1 Best Sellers this year at NativeDSD. It features singer and songwriter Corrie Lynn Green, Her Band, and the Hazelrigg Brothers. All of the songs on the album were written and sung by Corrie Lynn Green. They are delivered in a heartfelt and passionate way that looks at life in Appalachia. The mix of Folk, Americana and Appalachian genres is very moving, and the musicianship is top notch. Resulting in an album that is a memorable listening experience.
Wireless Days by Paul Stephenson (Stockfisch Records)
Wireless Days is the second album at NativeDSD from acoustic guitarist Paul Stephenson. Here he is accompanied by guitarist Jens Kommnick and a musical ensemble as they play 11 songs that he wrote. The album has a singer-songwriter folk music style. Making for a mellow and enjoyable listening experience.
Vocals – Classical Soloist (Bill Dodd)
Golda Schultz, supported by seven other fine soloists, takes us on a delightful excursion through Don Giovanni, Le nozzi di Figaro, and Cosi fan tutti. The album is dedicated to the five strong female characters in these three Mozart/da Pointe operas. She brings strength to each, navigating the sometimes difficult arias perfectly. A recital? Yes, but so much more. These are also portraits of fascinating women. Highly recommended!
This lovely, haunting album of Czech orchestral songs is a real winner. It’s a followup to last year’s Folk Songs, winner of Album of the Year in the vocal category. This new one from Magdalena Kozena, backed by the Czech Philharmonic with Sir Simon Rattle is even more attractive to me because many of these art songs are from Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959), a composer whose works I have fallen in love with over the last few years. The peacefulness and beauty that flows from this album is amazing!
Here are Four previously unrecorded Cantatas for Voice with Violins by Scarlatti! Suddenly you’re in the nobleman’s or a bishop’s court in the late around the turn of the 18th Century. Valeria Grotta and the Quartetto Vanvitelli are perfect in these works. The complete texts in Italian and English are in the downloadable booklet.
This is a beautiful album of French Orchestral melodies by soprano Veronique Gens, with Herve Niquet conducting the Munchner Rundfunkorchester. Although Gens and Niquet became well known for Baroque music, they seem perfect for these melodies. Gens’ voice and execution are flawless. Everything and everybody is working as a single instrument to create something that is simply and gently moving. There are so many different feelings in this music, but absolutely no bombast! Even if you’re not a fan of vocal recitals I think you may love this!
Orchestral (Bill Dodd)
Once again Rafael Payare shows that he is a rising star as a conductor as he brings marvelous life to these works. Both the Pelleas und Melisande and the Verklarte Nacht are beautifully presented by Payare and the OSM.
Paavo Jarvi conducts the Suisse Romande Orchestra to bring this “unfinished” Bruckner symphony home in a totally complete manner. I have never heard another performance I like better than this one. Jarvi’s Bruckner is leaner and stronger than most. Overall I also find it superior to his RCA recording of the 9th from a few years back.
Over the decades I have heard conductors try to impart the greatness of Bruckner’s music, and here’s one is completely successful. Honeck knows Bruckner inside and out. He writes, “Just as a human being consists of spirit, soul and body, I see Bruckner’s symphonic music in a similar light: Spirit — The art of designing compositional relationships, Soul — The grasping of a boundless depth of spirituality, and Body — The love of Austrian folk and dance music”
The BFO with Ivan Fischer conducting brings us a full modern orchestral rendition that is never heavy or plodding. The textures and details are crystal clear. This Eroica is one everyone should hear. Ivan Fischer with the BFO is always a top tier choice in Beethoven– and most everything else!
Christmas Music (Brian Moura)
NativeDSD Presents adds to their impressive collection of music samplers with the Holiday Music Sampler. Featuring some of the best Christmas Music available in the NativeDSD music catalog. Here you will find selections performed by True Concord Voices & Orchestra, Oscar’s Motet Choir, Ensemble Galilei, Norwegian Girls’ Choir, Bolshoi Theatre Moscow, Jasper String Quartet and Skylark Vocal Ensemble to name but a few. It’s a wonderful collection of Christmas Music that offers an enticing taste of the many Christmas Music albums to choose from at NativeDSD.
Christmas Kiss is a new addition to the NativeDSD collection of Christmas Music albums. Diana Panton and her Jazz Trio bring listeners an interesting set of 15 tracks that feature not only holiday favorites but also some lesser known tunes and some original songs. Panton’s warm and gentle vocals compliment the songs wonderfully. Just the thing to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Jazz Pianist and Composer Donald Vega’s second album at NativeDSD is his contribution to Christmas Music with All Is Merry and Bright. With his trio, they bring us 11 songs of Christmas cheer played with musical style. Featuring musical treatments that include solo piano, Jazz and Latin rhythms this album hits just the right notes for the holiday season ahead.
Film Music (Brian Moura)
Taking a different approach, pianist Ivar Anton Waagaard brings us Film Music For The Piano. Rather than Film Music with a full orchestra, conductor, and soloist, here we have classic movie music played by a pianist solo. In most cases, arranged by the pianist himself. It’s a generous selection of 17 film classics including music from Forrest Gump, The Sting, On Golden Pond, The Piano, Romeo & Juliet, and The Apartment.
The Year 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of famed composer Henry Mancini. To celebrate this musical milestone, IBS Classical brought us the album Henry Mancini Centennial featuring the Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga conducted by José María Moreno Valiente. The album is a celebration of Mancini’s many contributions to Film and TV music during his career. Theme From The Pink Panther, Peter Gunn, Moon River, Charade, The Days of Wine and Roses, Two For The Road, Dear Heart, Baby Elephant Walk and many more bring back fond memories of the music and the movies and TV shows that featured them.
An album of the classic Film Music composed by Ennio Morricone including Once Upon a Time in America, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, The Untouchables and Cinema Paradiso. Performed by violinist Marco Serino, the soloist that played these songs with Ennio Morricone for 20 years and the Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento conducted by Andrea Morricone, Ennio’s son. Andrea and Marco have a personal connection and familiarity with this music, and it shows. Each song is played to perfection as listeners enjoy a journey through one of the genre’s top composers.
Concertos / Orchestral with Soloist (Bill Dodd)
The amazing Ning Feng has a number of superb Albums available on Channel Classics, and this one is no exception. Tung-Chieh Chuang and the Bochum Symphony Orchestra (Germany) provide excellent backing as Ning Feng dazzles with these two Soviet era concertos. This is superb musicianship!
The Symphonies are great, but for me the prize is for the Clarinet Concerto with soloist Ernst Schlader. The Concerto was originally written for the basset (bass) clarinet, but that version was lost when the original score was rewritten for what we know as the modern clarinet. For this recording, Both the original score and an “original” instrument were reconstructed, and this recording brings us a new level of detail. The result is wonderful!
Mari Kodama, her sister, her daughter, and her husband make this a family affair! Once again, the Mozart, being Mozart, is good to have; but the Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra with Mari, sister Momo, and husband Kent Nagano conducting the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande that dazzles!
Opera (Bill Dodd)
This is an opera– but hardly traditional. Marnie Breckenridge is the sole singer, and she is accompanied only by the other character, her cello! The cello is personified by cellist Matt Haimovitz who is physically present as a non- vocal character, but also plays the cello. If that seems confusing, check the album cover. Jacqueline is Jacqueline du Pre, whose rise to fame was meteoric, but very brief due to multiple sclerosis. Marnie Breckenridge handles a difficult role very well. Haimovitz, a du Pre protege, is also fine. Listen to the available samples to get a sense of composer Luna Pearl Woolf’s and librettist Royce Vavrek’s work. It’s hardly traditional, but it is remarkable.
Meyerbeer: Le Prophète (The Prophet) [Triple Album]
Grand opera in every respect! Meyerbeer’s Le Prophete premiered in 1849 and had quite an impact. And this live recording brings it home! Here’s a quote from The Guardian:
“Set in the religious wars of the 16th century, and including an Anabaptists’ uprising, a “skating” chorus (on a frozen lake), a drunken feast and a final conflagration, it lurches from climax to emotional climax. The tenor John Osborn as Jean de Leyde, the prophet of the title; mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong as his mother; and soprano Mané Galoyan as his fiancee, Berthe, lead a first-rate cast. It’s decidedly a curiosity, but here given a breathless ride to its dramatic conclusion.”
Drama, Passion, murder, and suspense! All this originated with an uncompleted play by Oscar Wilde, A Florentine Tragedy. Alexander von Zemlinsky turned it into a one act opera, Eine Florentinische Tragodie. Dramatic, suspenseful, and lushly scored, and it is less than 60 minutes in length, and was the most popular of his 8 operas. Conductor Mark Albrecht and soloists John Lundgren, Ausrine Stundyte, and Nikolai Schukoff are excellent.
Classical Crossover (Brian Moura)
Violinist and Composer Guy Braunstein wanted to write a concerto featuring the music of The Beatles Abbey Road album. Rather than selecting a few songs from the album, he wove all of the songs into a concerto which also includes an Overture, Intermezzo, Cadenza and The End. The album also includes The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Frederick Delius’ Violin Concerto. It is brought to life by Braunstein’s Violin performances plus the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège conducted by Alondra de la Parra. The result is a musical delight for fans of the Abbey Road album and of this very creative selection of familiar and original music.
Crossroad is the latest album from multi-instrumentalist and composer Robert Len with violinist Carole Meneghel. The album blends tracks in a wide variety of musical genres including Jazz, Rock, Latin and Classical music – with a little County and New Age as well. Len plays 13 different instruments in the album, demonstrating that he has more than earned the label of multi-instrumentalist! Crossroad is a very engaging album and exemplifies what a Classical Crossover release is all about.
Sven-Ingvart Mikkelsen provides us with a fascinating look at how a number of famed rock classics are influenced by the music of Bach. He does this by performing classics like Light My Fure, People Are Strange, Stairway To Heaven and A Whiter Shade of Pale, among others, alongside several Bach compositions on the Organ. By the end of the album’s 74 minutes of music Mikkelsen proves his thesis. And it’s a wonderful journey of musical discovery along the way.
Compilation Albums (Brian Moura)
Paul McGowan is the co-founder of PS Audio, a well-known maker of audio equipment including power conditioners, amplifiers, Digital to Analog Converters (DACs) and loudspeakers. Recently he joined forces with Singer, Songwriter and Pianist Jessica Carson and Gus Skinas from the Super Audio Center to launch Octave Records. The label highlights the musical talent in the Boulder, Colorado area where PS Audio is based and recordings in Pure DSD. The Art of HiFi is a 6 album DSD Bundle that demonstrates key aspects of music including Bass, Soundstage, Percussion, Strings, Woodwinds and Guitar. Each album features talented musicians demonstrating these aspects of audio with well recorded Pure DSD 256 Stereo audio. While listeners can purchase individual albums in the series, many NativeDSD customers simply bought the entire 6 album DSD bundle. After you listen to these recordings, you can quickly hear why!
Binaural DSD albums have become increasingly popular at NativeDSD with headphone listeners. They are created by using a “dummy head” system where microphones are placed into the ears of simulated listener. NativeDSD Presents invited Cobra Records Producer and Recording Engineer Tom Peeters to select his favorite Binaural DSD tracks for a sampler that introduces listeners to Cobra’s catalog of almost 50 Binaural DSD releases. I found the Binaural DSD samples to be quite convincing. This is an excellent introduction into Binaural DSD listening.
This year 2xHD Mastering brought us another excellent sampler of Jazz from the Resonance Records, Storyville Records and Jazzology Records catalogs with Piano Piano. The album features 18 tracks and over 90 minutes of music from Jazz Stars including Bill Evans, Monty Alexander, Bob James, Hank Jones, Les McCann, Teddy Wilson and Dick Hyman. If you like Jazz, this is a must have addition to your music collection.
NativeDSD offers over 225 albums in Pure DSD. They are among our most sought after albums in both performances and sound quality. But where do you begin when assembling a library of Pure DSD selections? Pure DSD Recordings, Vol. 1 is just the place to start. Offering over an hour of Jazz and Classical Music in Pure DSD this album is a real sonic and musical treat.
Meditation & Relaxation (David Hopkins)
This album by musician, producer, engineer and educator Karttikeya presents a joyous glimpse into the enthralling world of hand pans. In equal parts resonant and rhythmic, these 15 tracks showcase Karttikeya’s deep connection with these incredible handcrafted instruments and deliver a truly hypnotic listening experience.
Bells have a toning effect that offers therapeutic relief to the body such as muscle tension release, improved concentration and overall positivity as well as reducing stress, improving sleep quality, boosting immunity, or increasing creativity. The Tibetan Brass Meditation Bells used in this recording are free standing bells. Ringing a Bell helps you change your mind state if you feel that your thoughts are drifting away from the present moment. Once you ring the bell, your mind becomes re-focused on the “now”.
Recorded during the early days of the Covid pandemic, this extraordinary audio document provides a rare glimpse into the purity of the natural world, free from the distractions of automobiles, trains and commercial aircraft.
Rather than resulting in an eerie silence, the forests of rural Pennsylvania were filled with the glorious sounds of multitudes of birds singing, chattering and conversing. Seeing this as a (hopefully) once in a lifetime opportunity, famed audio equipment designer and recording engineer Doug Fearn set up his equipment and captured this performance over the course of two spring mornings in May, 2020.
Jazz Trio (Brian Moura)
On Songs We Like, the Hazelrigg Brothers trio play a selection of some of their favorite music. Featuring songs made popular by Jethro Tull, Men At Work, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan, and Led Zeppelin. Along with classical compositions by Bela Bartok and Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer. The music is said to have a continuing influence on the trio’s musical sensibilities and makes for an enjoyable selection of music.
Pianist Hank Jones is one of the towering figures in Jazz history. On Arigato he is joined by Ronnie Bedford on drums and Richard David on bass. Jones’ playing is energetic and dynamic at times. While mellow when the music calls for it. His ease at the keyboard on this album demonstrates why he has long been considered a Jazz giant.
Pianist Les McCann and his trio perform a set of Jazz standards at the Village Vanguard. The concert was originally recorded by Resonance Records founder George Klabin. Resonance now joins with 2xHD to remaster and release the album for new listeners to enjoy. With songs like Sunny, Goin’ Out Of My Head and On Green Dolphin Street, it’s a fine tribute to McCann and the trio’s music making that evening.
The Studio Sessions is the second in a three album trilogy from Jazz pianist Rob van Bavel. The trilogy focuses on ballads favored by the pianist and some of his musical collaborators. On this album bassist Frans van Geest and drummer Marcel Serierse are featured. The trio brings new insights to favorites including Slow Boat to China, Misty, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square and Cinema Paradiso. This is fine Jazz pianist artistry and well worth a listen.
Jazz Ensemble (Brian Moura)
The First At Last was a frequent visitor to the weekly Top 10 Best Sellers List during 2024. And its no mystery as to why. Featuring two European Jazz stars – sax player Jasper Staps and pianist and composer Rembrandt Frerichs and two up and coming Jazz musicians, the album offers smooth and cool Jazz music. One NativeDSD Listener called it “The Perfect Jazz album.” I’d say it’s an album not to be missed.
For his 5th album on Just Listen flugelhorn player Angelo Verploegen is joined by a quintet that includes pianist Marc van Roon and drummer Jasper van Hulten. The album includes what Verploegen calls “a handful of original songs” that are performed live in a warm and intimate setting. Like his earlier albums, Angelo’s warm flugelhorn creates just the right mood for an evening of fine Jazz music.
Jazz Fusion (Brian Moura)
Djabe returns to NativeDSD with Art In Tone. Originally released as a “Direct to Disc” vinyl LP, this new edition uses the Analog Tape Edition of the recording transferred to Pure DSD 256 Stereo. Allowing new listeners to enjoy this high quality recording. It’s a mix of Jazz Fusion and World Music with guitarist Steve Hackett from Genesis joining the group as a special musical guest.
Trees From Underneath was inspired by articles on science, nature, stars, and physics according to quartet leader Balázs Rodek. The album features 6 original songs that feature a unique “dreamy” sound created by the improvised nature of the ensemble’s interactions and playing. An interesting addition to the NativeDSD Jazz catalog.
Solo Instrumental (Bill Dodd)
Josep Colom’s Beethoven Sonatas and his 2021 Album of the Year featuring Mompou’s Musica Callada convinced me that he is a magical pianist. This program of Mozart Sonatas confirms it. Smooth, flowing, dancing Mozart! And adds to the presentation by interspersing his own “Interludes” between Sonatas with a wonderful result.
*DANISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR -POLITIKEN
*EDITOR’S CHOICE – GRAMOPHONE
The Six Suites for Cello— Amazing music! We’ve had some very good original cello performances arrive over this past year, but this one by Henrik Dam Thomsen instantly became my favorite modern recording– perhaps even beating the older ones by Casals or Starker. I can give no higher praise. In a very crowded field, this wonderful performance becomes the one to beat.
From my comments earlier this year: Saskia Giorgini has something to say, and she wears it on her sleeve! You’ll think I’m nuts, but I hear a sparkling joyfulness to much of these pieces. No, I’m not talking syrupy romanticism, I’m simply talking about an airiness– a feeling that she is playing with a smile and saying, “Here, listen to this one!” I believe she is playing these pieces as Debussy might have wanted, but she is sharing the happiness she feels in doing so. The Pentatone engineers have captured this marvelous artist quite well!
Chamber Music (Bill Dodd)
Here’s another newer release that I’ve been enjoying. Let me just repeat quote from Fanfare, since I agree with the reviewer totally: “There is no need to beat around the bush. This new performance by Ssens Trio is the best I’ve ever heard, period. Every note is laid bare, every nuance of phrasing and dynamic fluctuation exposed, and it’s all perfect and incredibly beautiful.”
Over the last few years I have become a fan of Nielsen’s symphonies, but I was not prepared for the power of this 4 hand / two piano arrangement of the Third. These two very talented pianists have gone way beyond a simple rearrangement– this is a whole new piece of music that stands proudly on its own. Equally fine are the Saul and David excerpts. Although these were written for “4 hands” I think there is a huge benefit from having two separate pianos. Highly recommended!
What a wonderful album by the Maxwell String Quartet! Here we have world-class performances of the three Haydn String Quartets Op. 74. After each of the 3 are Scottish Folk tunes as arranged by the Maxwell players. Why? There may not be a historic or musicological reason, but it absolutely works!
Tribute Albums (Brian Moura)
Heart of Brazil features the music of Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti. It includes Eddie Daniels on Jazz Clarinet, Pianist Josh Nelson, Bassist Kevin Axt, Drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and the Harlem Quartet. Resonance Records president George Klabin who produced the album says it was envisioned as a way to bring wider appreciation and recognition of Gismonti’s music. He has succeeded with this recording.
The Music of Cole Porter is brought to life by the Gidon Nunes Vaz Trio on Dream Dancer. Featuring classics including Night & Day, So In Love, All Through The Night and Easy To Love, the trio takes us through a rich set of musical memories. Each song features the One Microphone Recording technique, giving the album a very close and intimate feel. This is an album that adds just the right notes to close an evening of music.
The Ghost, The King and I is a Jazz trio featuring bassist Frans van Geest, guitarist Vincent Koning and pianist Rob van Bavel. Here they play eight songs composed by George Gershwin. Recorded live with an audience using a main microphone and three microphones to support or “spot” the trio members. The trio’s approach to the Gershwin tunes is both familiar and yet improvised. Listeners will recognize the melodies yet enjoy the Jazz improvisations.
Little Dancer is a tribute to Angelo Verploegen’s grandson. It features a collection of standards that embody the themes of love, hope and comfort. Including Nature Boy, Infant Eyes, Smile and Over The Rainbow to name but a few. The songs are played with just Verploegen on flugelhorn and Jeroen van Vliet on piano. Giving the music a close up, soft and mellow feel. A fine musical tribute to the newest member of the family.
Latin Jazz (Brian Moura)
Jazz Clarinetist Eddie Daniels returned to NativeDSD this year with another of his albums of Brazilian music from 2xHD and Resonance Records. To really take things over the top Daniels invited pianists and composers Bob James and Dave Grusin along with a host of recording studio stars including Kevin Axt, Josh Nelson of The L.A. Project and the Harlem Quartet to play on Night Kisses. The result is a trip to Brazil highlighting the romantic yet adventurous music of Ivan Lins.
My Heart Speaks features the Brazilian music of composer Ivan Lins performed by a Symphony Orchestra. Adding to the musical highlights are special musical guest vocalists Diane Reeves, Jane Monheit, and Tawanda plus Jazz star Randy Brecker on Trumpet. The lush orchestrations by Kuno Schmid captures the lush playing of the orchestra that are enhanced by the musical guests. One of the year’s highlights.
Suite Cubana, Vol. 1 (Immersive Edition) brings a historic Jazz album to the world of high resolution audio and 5.1 Channel Surround Sound. It features band leader Bebo Valdes and a band of Latin Jazz all-stars in a rich and lively recording. Available in Stereo and 5.1 Channel Surround Sound DSD and Dolby Atmos TrueHD, it’s a musical treat guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The Stereo edition of the album is fun, but the 5.1 Channel Surround Sound DSD and Dolby Atmos versions spreads the music around the listening room for an even more musically engaging experience. An album not to be missed.
Solo Guitar (Brian Moura)
French guitarist Sebastien Llinares takes us on a musical journey inspired by the Jimi Hendrix song Castles Made of Sand. The album features Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary music influences with compositions from Hendrix, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Leonard Bernstein, Rogers and Hart, George Gershwin, Django and more. The music is thoughtful and beautifully recorded and performed. It’s an album you will want to add to your collection.
Gergely Szurgyi introduces us to Scordatura, a technique where “new horizons in guitar playing” can be achieved by changing the usual tuning of the guitar. It can trade off volume for more depth and warmth. I was not familiar with this approach to the guitar. Szurgyi’s guitar and his playing result in a wonderful album of Pure DSD 256 Stereo music. This album will make you a fan of the Scordatura!
The NativeDSD Team would like to thank Bill Dodd and Brian Moura for having spent an eternity listening to all of the albums released in 2024, and for selecting the albums they believe you should not miss.
View All Nominated Albums in the Store · See the 2024 winners
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