"Most importantly, Ms. Fernandez, a long time Led Zep fan, has the vocal chops and the sensibility to wrap her cords tightly around the lyrics and wring new meaning from them. From what I got to hear later on a lacquer, the performances and the sonics will drop your jaws and maybe even your pants!" - Michael Fremer, analogplanet.com

Vanessa Fernandez and her supporting cast have created a series of excellent and refreshing performances on "When the Levee Breaks" that does justice to the Led Zeppelin catalogue. The audio on this SACD is downright dazzling. Please turn up the volume as the dynamics of these recordings should be enjoyed at their full potential. The exceptional audio quality unequivocally elevates the achievements of these studio recordings as reference material. Sound 5/5 HRAudio Review

100% All Analogue Recording

Cut by Bernie Grundman! 

First-Rate Sonics & Exceptional Arrangements of Classic Led Zeppelin tunes
Vanessa Fernandez covers Led Zeppelin tunes in “unplugged” acoustic arrangements.

Utilizing a vintage Neve mastering console direct to the cutting lathe, the specialized process eliminates two steps in the normal LP cutting process: a) mixing the 2 inch MT master down to the usual 1/4 inch production master and b) bypassing the board in the cutting room with EQ only applied only via the Neve board itself. The use of this novel and rarely used LP mastering process, combined with the recently mounted new cutting head in the BGM lathe, promises an LP with stunning analog sound quality to complement the album's exceptional musical performances

United Recording was founded in 1957 by the legendary recording engineer and electronics inventor Bill Putnam with the backing of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. The studios were acquired and renamed Ocean Way Recording in 1977, and after acquisition in 2013 by Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., were re-launched under the original name in 2014. United Recording, one of the world's most recognized music recording studios, with more awards than any other recording enterprise, is responsible for record sales of more than one billion units.  

Brilliant rhythm guitar and solos from arranger-guitarist Tim Pierce including an extended electric guitar solo on the rock version of "Whole Lotta Love" as well as killer vintage slide work on "When The Levee Breaks;" awesome drumming and majestic kick drum work from Jim Keltner on "Kashmir," "Babe" and "Immigrant Song;" driving electric bass lines from Chris Chaney on many of the tracks; memorable B3 and Wurlitzer fills and runs from keyboardist Jim Cox; audacious violin solos and fills from Charlie Bisharat on "Kashmir" and "Immigrant Song;" and, last but in no way least, stirring percussion backing from the great Luis Conte on "When The Levee Breaks," "Black Dog" and "Whole Lotta Love" (acoustic).

And throughout every song the magnificent incomparable vocals of Vanessa. Yes - the album was recorded all analogue multi track but several of the vocal tracks are the complete original live track used without any overdubs or fixes. The vocal performance on "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" is gonna leave some listeners breathless!!

Engineered by Michael C. Ross, mixing of the all analogue album, "When the Levee Breaks" by Vanessa Fernandez, was completed at United Recordings (formerly known as Oceanway Recordings). The mixing was done in the legendary studio A with it's great sounding custom built mixing board. The album was mixed down to 1/4 inch 30 ips tape and delivered to Bernie Grundman Mastering where the mastering and lacquer cutting was done.

All the above elements combined to create memorable and immensely satisfying versions of several well known Led Zeppelin songs and the results are in - an album of epic musical and spectacular sonic quality!! 

"Much of the album, spread onto three 180g 45rpm records, is acoustic, but songs like "Kashmir" with Jim Keltner on drums, rocks out big time. These are fresh arrangements by guitarist Tim Pierce whose playing credits include session work with Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Johnny Van Zant, Meat Loaf, Patty Smith, Joe Cocker, Michael Jackson, Joan Armatrading, Madonna, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, The Doobie Brothers, Elton John, Alice Cooper and others.

The instrumental performances add new luster to the old chestnuts. Old fans will enjoy the new musical environment and some non-Led Zep fans will be won over."

"Most importantly, Ms. Fernandez, a long time Led Zep fan, has the vocal chops and the sensibility to wrap her cords tightly around the lyrics and wring new meaning from them. From what I got to hear later on a lacquer, the performances and the sonics will drop your jaws and maybe even your pants!" - Michael Fremer, analogplanet.com

Musicians:
Vanessa Fernandez, vocals
Tim Pierce, guitars
Jim Keltner, drums
Chris Chaney, bass
Jim Cox, keyboards
Charlie Bisharat, violin
Luis Conte, percussion

Selections:
1. Immigrant Song
2. Black Dog
3. Kashmir
4. Trampled Underfoot
5. When the Levee Breaks (acoustic)
6. The Lemon Song
7. Ramble On
8. Whole Lotta Love
9. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
10. Immigrant Song