LATEST ADDITIONS

Capital AudioFest 2022

Alta Audio/Infigo Audio

Ken Micallef Nov 12, 2022

I scrambled into the room shared by Infigo Audio and Alta Audio where Alta Audio's Michael Levy was introducing his new Titanium Hestia II floorstanders ($37,500/pair). I always dig Hans Looman's Infigo amplifiers; Hans always plays cool and unusual music, and his amps are small beasts of potent power, snap-crackling dynamics, and surprisingly large, super-scaled soundstages.

Capital AudioFest 2022

Bache Audio & Alexus Audio from Brooklyn

Ken Micallef Nov 12, 2022

I have to admit, at past shows, Bache Audio's Greg Belman has urged me to visit his and Alex Choren's shared Alexus Audio room, and I've begged off, "too busy" the usual lame excuse. But this time I didn't and damn! I was glad I made it into this small oasis of good music and excellent high-fidelity reproduction.

Capital AudioFest 2022

Distinctive Stereo/Genesis/Element/Merrill/VPI/Aurender/AudioQuest

Ken Micallef Nov 11, 2022

The Distinctive Stereo/Genesis Advanced Technologies/Merrill Audio Advanced Technology room celebrated Genesis's 30th anniversary with the debut of the Genesis Tribute Loudspeakers ($125,000/pair), in honor of Genesis founder, the late Arnie Nudell, "advanced with the latest innovations in materials and technology by current designer, Gary Leonard Koh," stated a press release.

Capital AudioFest 2022

VAC/Von Schweikert/Kronos/Esoteric/Aurender/Hana/Ultra Q

Ken Micallef Nov 11, 2022

When I walked into the Potomac room, a large VAC/Von Schweikert system was playing vintage Steely Dan tunes (Gaucho era) via vinyl into the sprawling spacewhat's not to love? While one exhibitor poked me in the ribs for criticizing their choice of Michael Jackson's Thriller at last year's event, the Yacht Rock flowing out of the mighty Potomac room suited me perfectly. And it sounded fantastic.

Capital AudioFest 2022

Capital Audiofest 2022, Rockville, Maryland Starts Today

Ken Micallef Nov 11, 2022

Presenting dozens of new exhibitors, 40 more rooms, and 30 more accessories booths than in 2021, Capital Audiofest 2022 is up and running like a fire-starter. Owner/organizer/promoter Gary Gill is sporting a new, literally letting-his-hair-down cut, and over an aromatic cigar he excitedly regaled me with news.

Music and Recording Reviews

November 2022 Classical Record Reviews

Jason Victor Serinus, Stephen Francis Vasta Nov 11, 2022

Sarah Willis: Mozart y Mambo: Cuban Dances, R. Strauss: Death & Transfiguration/Metamorphosen, Schubert: Symphonies No.8 ("Unfinished") & No.9 ("Great") and Dvořák: "American" Quartet, 8 Waltzes.

Music and Recording Reviews

November 2022 Jazz Record Reviews

Thomas Conrad, Jason Victor Serinus Nov 11, 2022

Keith Jarrett: Bordeaux Concert, Barre Phillips, György Kurtág Jr.: Face à Face, Al Foster: Reflections and Dado Moroni: There Is No Greater Love.

Music and Recording Reviews

November 2022 Pop/Rock Record Reviews

Phil Brett, Kurt Gottschalk, Tony Scherman Nov 11, 2022

Big Joanie: Back Home, Mike Cooper: Forbidden Delta Planet Blues, Dry Cleaning: Stumpwork and Bonny Light Horseman: Rolling Golden Holy.

Music and Recording Features

On The Road Again: Three European Jazz Festivals

Thomas Conrad Nov 10, 2022

The first European jazz festival I ever attended was in 2006. It was the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy, one of the biggest. Tens of thousands of people overran the cobblestone streets and piazzas of Perugia's old town. The music began before noon and ended long after midnight. At the end of 10 days, I was delirious from joy and sleep deprivation.

My Back Pages

Boys' rock band, summer of '66

Tony Scherman Nov 09, 2022

It was another glorious Lower Cape summer, the warm breeze almost viscous against your skin. Tim Dickey played bass, or ersatz bass, tuning his Gibson SG Special down an octave. I played drums. My brother John and cousin Dave Scherman traded leads. Tony Kahn was a good guitarist, but with the surfeit of guitarists, he played organ.