Recorded directly to DSD as studio acoustic session at Immersive Studios in Boulder, Colorado by Gus Skinas at the Super Audio Center, this album captures the live arrangements and performances of a group of superb musicians in Stereo and Multichannel DSD. Using no compression, no effects, no edits, or overdubs on the pure DSD mixes (making use of the Sonoma Workstation, DSD Wide format, and Sonoma Mixing Card) the analog nature of these studio sessions was captured for a stunning reproduction.
Using all of the 8 tracks available on the early Sonoma DSD Workstation, a live mix was engineered on an analog console by Jeff Shuey (2 track stereo), 2 other tracks were used to capture the room’s back wall and ceiling. This approach prevented any edits in the mixes, as the background soundscape for the entire album is based on these full-band live performances and can’t be changed. In addition, 4 spot mics were used to track the vocal, dobro, weissenborn, upright bass, and mandolin/ Irish bouzouki to properly locate those instruments on the soundstage and adjust for gain in the mixes. No other effects or compression were used beyond EQ and panning.
The original intent of this early DSD project was to create the most realistic and accurate 5.1 multichannel reproduction of a singer-songwriter acoustic studio performance as possible. Musicians were arranged in a semi-circle in the studio without isolation. Stereo and Multichannel Mixes then created followed locations such that microphone bleeds as well as sound decay was accurately represented.
The NativeDSD editions of the album have been updated by NativeDSD Mastering Engineer Tom Caulfield with the use of the Signalyst HQPlayer Pro 4 mastering tools and the “EC” modulators. Creating even better and more involving editions of The Window than the original version of the album.
The result is why many audiophiles still refer The Window to as a top-shelf reference recording. Similar recording approaches were taken on David Elias’ follow up native DSD recording projects.
David Elias’ later DSD recordings including Crossing, Acoustic Trio DSD Sessions, Slipper DSD Sessions and Coffeehouse Playlist 1 are also available here at the NativeDSD Music Store and are linked below.
David Elias – Acoustic Guitar, Vocal, Harmonica
Sally Van Meter – Dobro, Weissenborn
Matt Flinner – Mandolin, Irish Bouzouki
Ross Martin – Electric Guitar
Eric Thorin – Upright Bass
Chris Kee – Upright Bass
Marc Dalio – Drums
John Magnie – Keyboards, Accordion
Eric Moon – Keyboards
Charlie Natzke – Acoustic Guitar
Tracklist
Total time: 00:55:48
Additional information
| Label | |
|---|---|
| SKU | SSP3162D64 |
| Qualities | DSD 512 fs, DSD 256 fs, DSD 128 fs, DSD 64 fs, FLAC 192 kHz, FLAC 96 kHz |
| Channels | |
| Artists | Charlie Natzke, Chris Kee, David Elias, Eric Moon, Eric Thorin, John Magnie, Marc Dalio, Matt Flinner, Ross Martin, Sally Van Meter |
| Composers | |
| Genres | |
| Digital Converters | EMM Labs ADC8 |
| Mastering Engineer | Gus Skinas, Tom Caulfield (DSD 128, DSD 256, DSD 512) |
| Mixing Notes | DSD Sonoma Mix by Gus Skinas |
| Notes | The DSD 128, DSD 256, and DSD 512 editions of The Window were created by NativeDSD Mastering Engineeer Tom Caulfield using the Signalyst "EC" 5th Order DSD modulators. The new DSD higher bit rate editions of the album facilitate the listener’s Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) operation utilizing gentler, less phase distorting reconstruction filters and algorithms in the Digital to Analog process. The result is music with far improved phase response, a sound that is less aggressive, more spacious and airy, and less “digital”. |
| Instruments | |
| Original Recording Format | |
| Producer | David Elias, KC Groves |
| Recording Engineer | Gus Skinas, Jeff Shuey |
| Recording Location | Immersive Studios, Boulder, Colorado on November 24th, 25th, 26th, 2002 |
| Recording Software | Sonoma DSD Workstation |
| Recording Type & Bit Rate | DSD |
| Release Date | January 25, 2014 |
Press reviews
HiFi Critic
Not by any means a new release – it was recorded in 2002, and first released the following year – this album is striking on several levels.
For a start, Elias’s work has long been an audiophile favorite, but before you dismiss it for that, let’s make it clear that the songwriter and guitarist not only produces great music, but also great sounding recordings. Going his own way with self-released albums that still set standards two decades on.
Not only that, he was also a DSD pioneer, recording The Window direct to the format, and in multichannel too, using an early version of the Sonoma DSD Workstation to capture the live acoustic sessions in eight channels. It’s another one of those recordings all about a realistic live sound of the musicians playing together.
The album can still induce a shiver with the absolute ‘you are there’ ambience, whether in stereo or 5.1 channels. Above all Elias writes ridiculously catchy songs and performs them with superb musicians.
Listen to this one and the chances are you’ll be scouring NativeDSD to pick up his other albums.
SA-CD.net
“Wow, [The Window is] a SACD that made me listen and love folk music. Never thought it would happen. Most of the things I would have said have been said (see below) but I can say the artistic value inherant here is phenomenal in both the music and technical areas. This is a prototypical SACD. I have only heard one that surpasses it for SACD sound, a little known one from Romero called “Un Segundo Una Vida.” It is the highest fidelity recording I have heard on SACD. Period. It is half and half vocal/intrumental, in flamenco and latin jazz style. I received the two of them together (from CDbaby.com, great company) and have never had a day as jaw dropping as the day that I received these both and played them back to back in the dark with the volume pumped…”
SA-CD.net
Excellent music, [The Window is] folksy but with many influences, so I recommend it to a broader class of listener. Beautiful and immersive sound quality and the music itself is quite addictive.
SA-CD.net
“I’ve just got this [The Window] as a DSD DVD (plays on the Oppo as a data disc) and really like the album, the music is good (think Folk with a Fairport/JJ Cale feel), sound quality is excellent, the mix is immersive wrap round with instruments appearing in the rear channels. I think my favourite track is Half An Hour Away, love the intro. So its a solid 9.”
SA-CD.net
David Elias and his CD ‘The Window’ is the most spectacular and superb piece of art I have ever heard. Like a fine painting, he has taken and put all the strokes of the brush to the canvas and the outcome of this is the production of ‘The Window’.
An Art collecting friend once commented that every home should have at least one piece of art in it, that is when you come to appreciate the talents, love and energy that an artist puts into his work. Well Folks! This is that piece of art you need, and believe you will appreciate every second, every minute, every instrument, every verse, every lyric.
David has the most unusual voice I have ever come across, he has a softness yet almost angelic-like sound and at the same time he brings in a bit of raspy tones. You can not help but fall in love with his voice. David Elias totally grabbed my heart and soul with his vocals, instruments and lyrics. What a awesome experience…..
There is NOT one part of this CD that is NOT done with professionalism. The musicianship that is responsible for the success of this splendid cd is:
David Elias – guitar, vocal, harmonica…..Sally Van Meter – dobro, weissenborn, lap steel…..Matt Flinner – mandolin, bouzouki…..Ross Martin – electric and baritone guitars…..Eric Thorin – upright bass…..Marc Dalio – drums and percussion…..John Magnie – accordion and keyboards. We can not let this review go without mentioning the excellent Producing by David Elias and KC Groves….and the DSD Recording by Gus Skinas.
Each musician did super work on this CD and deserves to be commended for giving their ‘TOTALLY ALL’ to this project. The engineering of this CD is outstanding and of course this is not your typical standard CD, it’s a SACD (super audio cd). Which is based on a new high resolution recording technology called DSD, you can read more on it at http://www.sony.com/sacd
I truly loved every single song on this cd, but the one that really pulled me in, was the title track ‘The Window’, with all the instruments I was totally astounded at the outstanding clarity of each one. It grabbed me and took me away. I closed my eyes and honestly felt like I was right there in the studio. And with vocals like David Elias possesses, it’s not hard to be taken away, believe me.
I can not say enough about this cd and the musicianship that is involved. Let me put it this way before bringing this review to a close, if David Elias and those involved in the creation of this masterpiece, David Elias and his ‘The Window’ Crew would walk away with every single music award possible in every single category. That is how strong I feel about the making of this excellent written, engineered, instrumental expertise, and the talents, energy, stamina and love for his music that David Elias has within his being. Please do yourself a humongous favor, go to the David Elias Website at: http://www.davidelias.com to take a listen and then purchase the Art Masterpiece of Music that you need.
SA-CD.net
Very realistic SACD of absolutely wonderful Folk Music. Never heard of David Elias, his SACD “The Window” was recommended by several posters on the High-Rez Highway as one of the best SACDs for music and sonics. I agree all the instruments sound REAL and David Elias has of the most beautiful voices in folk music. And all the Songs are fantastic, every single one! This is one of my favorite SACDs! Highly, highly recommended!
NativeDSD Listener
If you want to know what DSD is all about…then get this DSD Download.
Every time I queue it up, even if I start doing something else in the interim, I stop and sit and smile for at least a song or two when this one comes up. David’s voice and acoustic guitar, the supporting musicians, the clarity of the recording, the overall production of the album are second to none.
Many, if not most, other DSD recordings are mixed either after being recorded before the DSD format was invented or after being recorded on the more typical/standard studio equipment. A true DSD recording, such as this one, is still a rarity. If you’re an acoustic music fan this one is a must-have.
QuadraphonicQuad Listener
I just listened to the Multichannel DSD download [The Window] from NativeDSD.
I remember starting the playback with track1, then the room disappeared while the music played. It was as if I went into a trance, captivated by a great performance and wondrous sonic.
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars
Oasis CD Manufacturing
The Window’s music and lyrics are just fantastic! And needless to say, the recording is just extraordinary.
Great stuff! It reminds me of music from a beautiful era I’d forgotten — very early Allman Brothers almost, twinged with bluegrass, but every time it gets close to the instrumental prowess of the great players taking attention away from the great lyrics of the songs themselves, the players expertly step back from the foreground.
This is a MUCH different experience from almost any contemporary bluegrass, even though it is informed by the same.
BRAVO!
Sony SACD Project
“You know, I’m listening to your record right now, I’ve listened to it about 12 times completely, and a few more times to particular songs over these last few months. I’ve always liked it, right from the beginning… but now… I have become so attached to it… it’s become part of life, something that draws me to listen… it makes me feel very happy each time and am sorry when each song ends and I leave it behind.”
High Fidelity Review
“Every ‘great’ recording requires ‘great’ music, and that’s what this disc [The Window] is all about. The result can truly be considered a work of greatness. From the moment the disc begins, one is instantly grabbed by the intimate soundstage; Elias sings the majority of lines no louder than a whisper, almost as if all the songs are lullabies, but it sounds as if he’s doing so while sitting on your lap, such is the feeling of a real, confined acoustic space and a close proximity to the performers. The experience is startling, even to a hardened listener such as myself.”
High Fidelity Review
“The Window” features David Elias and an all star band performing 13 tracks written by Elias. The music was recorded live at Immersive Studios in Boulder, Colorado on November 24th, 25th and 26th, 2002.
The sessions were captured direct to the Sony Sonoma 8 Channel Direct Stream Digital (DSD) workstation by Gus Skinas of the Sony SACD Project's Boulder, Colorado office.The detail of the instruments and vocals on the album are outstanding and really show what a well made high-resolution album can sound like.
This one is bound to be a favorite of folk music and bluegrass fans as well as DSD fans who want to listen to a well-recorded album with fine music.
SA-CD.Net
I received this album a couple of weeks ago and didn’t really know what to expect apart from the fact that it was comprised of acoustic instruments and recorded with 5.1 Multichannel DSD in mind. Since I really don’t do MC music, I was hoping that the Stereo mix would be worthwhile and I can’t say that I’m disappointed. There is very nice sound staging, separation of instruments and plenty of air and studio ambiance.
Now, to the music. Since I’m not a musician and since I’m not really a big ‘folk music’ proponent, my comments need to be taken in context. I do have more than a few titles from this genre and I’d say that this is a very ‘relaxing’ disc to listen too. You might not break it out at your next frat party kegger, but on a slow, sleepy Sunday morning, while having coffee and reading the paper, it’s just the ticket, in my opinion.
Of the tracks I call my favorites, we have Something About You – a nice blending of acoustic and electric guitars, kind of reminding me of slide guitar, but hey, I said that I’m no musician. The sing-songy vocals compliment the music nicely.
We then move into probably my favorite song, actually the first of two ‘two-parters’–Half An Hour Away. The song reminds me of some old Irish titles that I have, musically at least. The music has almost a haunting sound to it and it’s one that I play quite often.
Finally, my next favorite is the title track – The Window – the other two-parter and one having an ‘intro’ that is kind of spacey. Like Half An Hour Away, it is somewhat brooding and has a somewhat melancholy tone, musically, which suits me fine.
All in all, I don’t think that anyone will be disappointed in this release and it does have some historical value to it, being the first independently financed/produced DSD release. Also, the packaging is first rate and a lesson to others wanting to record their Art – it can be done and done quite nicely.
My hats off to David Elias and I know that ‘we’ all wish him strong sales and the best of luck.
Muzik Reviewz
David Elias and his album ‘The Window’ is the most spectacular and superb piece of art I have ever heard. Like a fine painting, he has taken and put all the strokes of the brush to the canvas and the outcome of this is the production of ‘The Window’.
An Art collecting friend once commented that every home should have at least one piece of art in it, that is when you come to appreciate the talents, love, and energy that an artist puts into his work. Well, Folks! This is that piece of art you need, and believe you will appreciate every second, every minute, every instrument, every verse, every lyric.
David has the most unusual voice I have ever come across, he has a softness yet almost angelic-like sound and at the same time he brings in a bit of raspy tones. You can not help but fall in love with his voice. David Elias totally grabbed my heart and soul with his vocals, instruments, and lyrics. What an awesome experience…..
There is NOT one part of this album that is NOT done with professionalism. The musicianship that is responsible for the success of this splendid recording is:
David Elias – guitar, vocal, harmonica…..Sally Van Meter – dobro, weissenborn, lap steel…..Matt Flinner – mandolin, bouzouki…..Ross Martin – electric and baritone guitars…..Eric Thorin – upright bass…..Marc Dalio – drums and percussion…..John Magnie – accordion and keyboards. We can not let this review go without mentioning the excellent Producing by David Elias and KC Groves….and the DSD Recording by Gus Skinas.
Each musician did super work on this album and deserves to be commended for giving their ‘TOTALLY ALL’ to this project. The engineering is outstanding and of course, this is not your typical standard album. It is based on a new high-resolution recording technology called DSD.
I truly loved every single song on this album, but the one that really pulled me in was the title track ‘The Window’, with all the instruments I was totally astounded at the outstanding clarity of each one. It grabbed me and took me away. I closed my eyes and honestly felt like I was right there in the studio. And with vocals like David Elias possesses, it’s not hard to be taken away, believe me.
I can not say enough about this cd and the musicianship that is involved. Let me put it this way before bringing this review to a close if David Elias and those involved in the creation of this masterpiece, David Elias and his ‘The Window’ Crew would walk away with every single music award possible in every single category. That is how strong I feel about the making of this excellent written, engineered, instrumental expertise, and the talents, energy, stamina, and love for his music that David Elias has within his being.
Please do yourself a humongous favor, take a listen and then purchase the Art Masterpiece of Music that you need.
Home Theater Forum
I would like to give my props to David Elias, an independent singer and songwriter who took an acoustic folk band and recorded it in a studio, pure DSD including mixing.
This DSD recording sounds extremely good. Normally I don’t pay attention to folk but the music, in addition to the high recording fidelity, is very nice.
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