The Finish Line for Your Phonograph Stylus… Based on an informal survey of friends who predominately play vinyl records, I believe the most neglected part of their audio system is the stylus on their phonograph cartridge. The stylus is a key … [Read More...]
Cochemea Gastelum- All My Relations
Cochemea Gastelum- All My Relations A mixture of native American chanting with some surprisingly vibrant percussion work, led by a horn player known for backing the late Sharon Jones with the Dap-Kings, Cochemea's All My Relations is not only … [Read More...]
Clifford Jordan- Glass Bead Games
Clifford Jordan- Glass Bead Games Glass Bead Games is the second album[1]Jordan released on Strata-East in 1974, following In the World in 1972. Like In the World, it relies on two different … [Read More...]
Live Soul Jazz: Roy Brooks -The Free Slave
Live Soul Jazz: Roy Brooks -The Free Slave Roy Brooks The Free Slave may be one of his best though it is not well known outside of collectors of soul jazz. Brooks is credited playing with a … [Read More...]
Clifford Jordan In the World
Clifford Jordan In the World Clifford Jordan In the World was released on Strata-East in 1972 (though the album was recorded in 1969). Jordan was already a well-seasoned player, having worked … [Read More...]
Mary Black-No Frontiers
Mary Black-No Frontiers Mary Black's No Frontiers was an audiophile favorite back in the day. I hadn’t thought about this record, or played it, in decades. A mention of it somewhere brought it to … [Read More...]
Nathan Davis- Makatuka
Nathan Davis- Makatuka This album, released a year before the recently reviewed “6thSense in the 11thHouse,” was recorded in the same Pittsburgh studio, by the same engineer, with a different … [Read More...]
Jim Hoke –The Floating Zone
Jim Hoke –The Floating Zone Duane Eddy and Jim; photo: Lisa Haddad Jim Hoke is one of those unsung, working musicians who often remain under the radar of the general public, but are well-known … [Read More...]
Peter Ledermann’s Direct Grace Records
Peter Ledermann’s Direct Grace Records Photo- Robin Romano, courtesy Peter Ledermann Most of us know of Peter Ledermann through his Soundsmith company, one of the small handful of companies that … [Read More...]
David Lindley- El Rayo-X Speakers Corner Re-Master
David Lindley- El Rayo-X Speakers Corner Re-Master David Lindley is a national treasure. He’s been doing this a long time, and has appeared on a lot of famous records, including a … [Read More...]
Worldwide List of Phono Cartridge Retippers and Rebuilders
Worldwide List of Phono Cartridge Retippers and Rebuilders Compiled By Rob (with an introduction by Bill Hart) In connection with the publication of Mike Bodell’s study on stylus wear, I thought readers might find value in the attached list of phono cartridge retippers and rebuilders. These folks can repair most phono cartridges and bring them back to life. I do think it makes sense to consult the original cartridge manufacturer first for advice on stylus life and options for inspection.This may prove particularly important if there is any possible warranty coverage, since once a cartridge has been modified or retipped by a third party, the original manufacturer may be unwilling to perform any work on it, whether or not under warranty. Apart from the original cartridge manufacturer, there are many third-party resources for cartridge repair and retipping if you choose not to have the manufacturer do so or do not have a local dealer who is qualified to perform such an inspection. The list which follows was compiled by my friend Rob, a long-time audiophile with a considerable amount of experience buying, using and enjoying some of the great hi-fi gear made over the decades. Rob contributed this list to a forum I frequent and allowed me to reprint it here.[1] Among the questions you might consider, apart from location, turn-around time and expertise, are whether the shop will do an inspection to determine whether a stylus needs to be replaced (including an estimate of time for inspection alone) and whether they are capable of replacing the stylus without replacing the cantilever. Motor assembly and suspension work may also be within their domain but I’d check first. There may be others and readers are welcome to add them via comments (and I’ll try to update the list accordingly). My thanks to Rob, who is always gracious and ever so knowledgeable. Here’s the “list”: Expert Stylus Repair (Wyndham Hodgson) are … [Read More...]
KEN GOLDEN: TOP PICKS FOR 2018- A LIST
KEN GOLDEN: TOP PICKS FOR 2018- A LIST [Ed. Note]: Ken Golden, who contributed a piece on “Prog Rock Obscurities” here in 2016, has been a tireless guide to the less well known, the obscure rock, jazz and hard to “genre-fy” music that has become a staple of my musical diet, gives us a holiday present in the form of his most interesting “picks” for 2018: I’m often asked to compile a year-end top 10 list and I always refrain. My memory is short and there is so much music pouring through the threshold of my business that it becomes too much work v. fun. Plus I have a short memory and I give heavier weight to more recent releases and shortchange albums that came out at the beginning of the year. 2018 was a strong year for progressive music so I’m going to give it a try. I’ll probably forget one of your favorites so remember: THIS IS ALL FOR FUN. THERE ARE NO MONEY PRIZES. In order: All Traps On Earth - A Drop Of Light (AMS Records). The Swedish band Anglagard was the lightning rod for reviving progressive rock in 1992. While their output is generally sparse their impact still reverberates. In the downtime from the studio, their bassist Johan Brand started up a side project four years ago. Enlisting past and current members of Anglagard as well as other guests, Brand uses the Anglagard core sound as a foundation and expands upon it embracing Canterbury, King Crimson, and Magma influences in his writing. Shadings of light and dark with complex song structures heighten the dynamics of the listening experience. Available on CD and vinyl. 2. Al Doum & The Faryds – Spirit Rejoin (Black Sweat Records). This is the fourth release from an Italian musical collective with an ever-shifting lineup. Back in the 70s, the German band Embryo created a musical collision of heavy psychedelia, world music and … [Read More...]