Audiophile Masters Volume III

This reference-quality album
begins with Monica Marie Labonte’s “Loving You,” recorded from an
intimate perspective that lets every nuance of her vocals and acoustic
guitar, and the Dobro and acoustic bass, to be heard with superb
realism. Other selected tracks include the avant-garde-meets
classic-jazz “Baba Yaga’s Hut” by the Tom Amend trio, and the Seth Lewis
Quintet’s lush “Arborvitae,” featuring captivating solos by electric
guitarist Dave Devine and Octave Records solo artist Gabriel Mervine on
trumpet. “Airs chantés, no. 4 – Air vif,” a duet written by Francis
Poulenc, showcases vocalist Ekaterina Kotcherguina and pianist Jessica
Nilles in a performance with stunning dynamics and depth. Andy Thorn’s
“Fox Trail” is a bluegrass banjo and acoustic guitar workout with the
instruments captured in lively detail. “Last Chance” is performed by the
irresistibly-named duo More Than Physics entirely on handpans, a
steel-drum-like instrument struck with the hands, with a surprisingly
versatile range of sounds, all captured with extraordinary fidelity.