Michael Fremer and Bob Levi
CLARICE from Bob Attiyeh and Yarlung Records
Extraordinarily well recorded with every tube and analog bell and whistle, this 45 RPM LP of Clarice, pressed in Germany, is another Yarlung Records treat.
Bob Attiyeh of Yarlung Records, 2018. A portrait.
Considering that the producer, Bob Attiyeh, has taste levels superior to any other producer I know, I am not surprised. Recorded at the Samueli theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California, the music was captured on a single AKG C24 stereo tube microphone and recorded on the very special SonoruS Audio ATR12 analog tape recorder by Arian Jansen.
Of course, CLARICE was mastered to vinyl by the incomparable Bernie Gundman. Craig and Diane Martin were the executive producers.
Bob Levi's Reference System
- SteinMusic Aventurin MC phono cartridge
- Cardas Clear Beyond phono cables
- EAR PB88 tube phono stage
- EAR V12 Integrated tube amplifier
- AQ Dragon speaker cables
- Stein Music Inline Speaker Signature Silvers (Review soon on PF)
- Martin Duke II speakers on Marten Duke Stands
- REL subwoofer w/Kubala-Sosna Elation PC
- Phono and integrated cables: UIT audio Interconnects and UIT Perfect Music Booster power cables
- AQ Dragon PCs
The Music
The first three selections, written by Clarice Assad for Yarlung Records, commemorates the birth of her three children. This world premier recording called "Constellation," is a real beauty in every way. The composer plays the piano and Harumi Rhodes plays the violin.
Side A cut 1 "Celestial" is for both violin and piano. Featuring a glorious piano sound that is rounded and luminous, the violin is played with broad strokes yielding a combination of both crispness and calm. The music is melodic and dreamy, and quite celestial. Really charming.
Side A cut 2 "Estrellita" or "little star," has a very attractive rhythm with high energy and exquisite melody. The violin sound is more rounded with a different expression. The glorious piano playing is dance-like and toe-tapping. The melody is now full bodied and very beautiful. The presentation is very airy and natural. This original piece is particularly gorgeous.
Side A cut 3 "Solais" or Sunshine is played on piano and violin. The piano is played slowly with feeling while the melody is carried by the violin. Here the violin is played sweetly, the theme accelerates to a bold melody, with a quiet ending on the piano. This is exquisite violin playing. Just when you thought there could be no more, there is a reprise of the melody with both instruments singing in joy, with an interesting ending. The piece leaves no variations untouched. What a gorgeous cut!
Side B Cut 1 "luminous" also by Clarice Assad. This a fresh interpretation of the totality of Brazilian jazz. With vocal punctuation, this is a very unique break from the average jazz recording. High energy piano notes complement the scat performed by Assad. This entire piece is an affirmation of the Brazilian beat. It is most approachable and entertaining.
Side B cut 2 "Cravo e Canela" or "clove and cinnamon" by Milton Nascimento is performed by Assad. She arranged the piece for piano and song, some "almost" words and some scat. This appealing melody was propelled by the rich piano tone. Expressive vocals are fascinating, fun, and very surprising. The interesting vocal solo ends with a brief dance-like melody. This special arrangement and performance is improvisation at its best.
The Sound
CLARICE is 100% analog from start to finish. This very dimensional and airy LP sounds to me like a direct-to-disc release. It just could not be better recorded. The spatial ques are open and realistic, while image height and depth are superb and in-the-room. Enjoy state of the art imaging with the instruments fully integrated on the stage.
This is A+ treatment of new material never before recorded. It is a treasure to be used as a reference LP for any great stereo system. I fully recommend the purchase of this amazing album for your own collection. Could not be better! Congratulations to Bob Attiyeh and team at Yarlung Records!
CLARICE
Retail: $38.99
Elusive Disc for all Yarlung Releases
Yarlung Records
8721 Santa Monica Boulevard #111
Los Angeles, California 90069
310.692.4575
