It’s the most popular page here on The Reel-to-Reel Rambler and so we’ve made it a bit ‘bigger and better’ (as they like to say in the ads). Really we’ve just added a few ‘new’ entries (ie. new to us): Bel Canto in Taiwan, Groove Note and HDTT in the USA, TRJ in Italy, Djabe … More Where to buy music on tape: ‘new’ labels added
In my ongoing search for great music on tape that’s legitimately and legally produced, I’ve come across several very interesting niche labels and artists. In fact, by its very nature, music on tape is niche – or, to quote Michael Fremer, “a niche within a niche within a niche”. Still, the best things in life … More Contemporary music on tape: discovering Djabe – along with ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett
Making high-quality audio recordings in a recording studio is one thing but making audiophile recordings at a remote venue has its own particular challenges. Neville Roberts visits London’s Temple Church to attend one such recording session featuring two of the Bach Cello Suites, performed by the renowned and award-winning cellist, Justin Pearson. I’ve been fortunate … More Recording the Bach Cello Suites: behind the scenes and a free sample download
“A tape is for life, not just for Christmas.” Okay, a tape’s not quite a dog, but still… Sorry, those of you outside the UK probably have no idea what I’m rambling on about now! “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas,” was a famous advertising slogan from the charity The Dog’s Trust, … More Open Reel Records’ Christmas Concert album: it’s not just for Christmas!
Enormous thanks to Terry Ellis at online audiophile webzine http://www.pursuitperfectsystem.com for capturing and sharing this excellent video footage from the Reel-to-Reel Rambler room at Hi-Fi Show Live 2019. Lyn’s a highly successful LA-based jazz singer who’s been working with some of the world’s greatest sound engineers (think Bernie Grundman, Al Schmitt) to create audiophile-quality recordings … More View Lyn Stanley’s full presentation for the Rambler at Hi-Fi Show Live, captured by PursuitPerfectSystem.com
UK-based audiophile label Chasing The Dragon’s latest addition to their reassuringly-expanding catalogue is the classical equivalent of the full English breakfast: music that’s been performed and recorded countless times, that extends far beyond the usual reach of classical music and that’s sure to be immensely popular. (Okay so the breakfast analogy may be stretching it … More The full English breakfast: Dave Denyer listens to Chasing the Dragon’s Live Beethoven Series on master tape
The Munich High-End Show always seems to go from strength to strength and for me 2019 was the best year yet – not least because of a number of enticing developments in the niche-but-growing world of audiophile tape. I had a brilliant few days catching up with a range of tape movers and shakers. Here’s … More The High-End Show 2019: the rambler reports on some exciting reel-to-reel happenings in Munich
About six months ago I penned my first review of a tape from Toronto-based UltraAnalogue Recordings, Shostakovich Cello Sonata & Elgar’s Salut d’Amour. To say that I enjoyed myself would be an understatement (have I mentioned how much I love my job?) and so it was only a matter of time before I went back … More Review: a classical musical masterclass from UltraAnalogue Recordings
In 2018, hi-fi journalist Neville Roberts flew to Venice to attend the live recording of audiophile label Chasing the Dragon’s Vivaldi in Venice album. At home in the UK, Dave Denyer listens to the recording on copy master tape. Spoiler alert: “this is one of the most wonderfully captivating examples of the recording art I’ve ever … More Vivaldi in Venice part 2: a post-script from the rambler’s listening room
Making a high-quality audio recording in a recording studio is one thing, but making a similar recording at a live concert has its own particular challenges. Neville Roberts flies out to Venice to investigate. I’ve been fortunate to be able to attend a number of recording sessions in recent years. The aim at each session … More Vivaldi in Venice part 1: Neville Roberts discovers the joys and the challenges of making audiophile recordings of a live concert
