AAA 100% Analogue This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head

Yarlung Records - YAR17255-195V   - 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl 

AAA 100% Analogue - Mastered By Steve Hoffman &  Bernie Grundman

Limited Edition - Pressed at Pallas in Germany

The Absolute Sound Super Disc List   TAS Harry Pearson Super LP List

I think they had to wait a year to finish up after the first recording session in order for the hall reverberation to stop!   This was recorded to analog tape using a single AKG C24 tube microphone and features the ensemble playing their own tunes plus one by Maurice Ravel.  The sonics here are Spectacular and presented at 45rpm because the 33 test pressing proved too difficult for most tone arms and cartridges to track. At 45rpm you should have no difficulty. The recording is superbly transparent and well-captures the hall's natural reverb. I can't imagine you won't thoroughly enjoy listening repeatedly to this record. Michael Fremer Analogue Planet

Smoke & Mirrors, from executive producers David & Margie Barry

“Yarlung Records newly recorded and released Smoke & Mirrors walked away with this year's top prize! …This recording's huge dynamic range (this is not a piece for the weak willed amplifier), instrumental colors and especially cornucopia of percussion instruments including bass drum and tam-tam will give even a thoroughbred audio system everything it can handle and even a bit more.” -PositiveFeedback    

Smoke & Mirrors takes us on many different “trips” as we journey through this album.  These are refreshingly fully-developed works, each very different from the others, each with its own story. Yet as a whole, this selection of music illustrates the breadth of contemporary classical music written for percussionists, as well as the flexibility and virtuosity of Smoke & Mirrors. World class and sophisticated as this ensemble is, these musicians retain and communicate the sheer joy I experienced when banging pots and pans as a two- and three-year old. Do you remember your own pleasure making a racket as a kid? Smoke & Mirrors: Katalin La Favre, Jessica Cameron, Joe Beribak, Edward Hong and Derek Tywoniuk have never forgotten it.

We chose a single stereo AKG C24 microphone for these tracks. Jon Fisher from Gearworks Pro Audio loaned us these precious microphones. Elliot Midwood designed our microphone preamplification equipment and we recorded directly to RMGI 468 tape for what Yarlung releases as “The SonoruS Series.”

 Mastering by Steve Hoffman. Bernie Grundman cut our lacquers for vinyl release.

Smoke & Mirrors: Vanish

Smoke & Mirrors Percussion Ensemble

45 RPM 180-Gram Vinyl, lacquers cut by Bernie Grundman

Smoke & Mirrors takes us on a journey of the breadth of contemporary classical music written for percussionists. The recording was captured using a single AKG C 24 stereo microphone in the glorious acoustics of Zipper Hall in Los Angeles. Each piece was recorded live to tape with no editing to create a lifelike performance.

In the age of compressed digital downloads, it is refreshing to hear real sound and real music again, reminiscent of RCA Living Stereo in its golden age, or Mercury Records at its height. Yarlung's sound is liquid and transparent, just as if you were sitting in the concert halls with superb acoustics, where these recordings are made.

Musicians:
Smoke & Mirrors Percussion Ensemble
Joe Beribak
Jessica Cameron
Edward Hong
Katalin La Farve
Kevin Schlossman
Derek Tywoniuk
Wai Wah Wan

    Avner Dorman (b. 1975)
    1. Udacrep Akubrad
    
Diego Schissi (b. 1969)
    2. Juego de Relojes (Game of Clocks)
    
Derek Tywoniuk
    3. Watch me vanish, watch me?
    4. Happenstance Mov IV On the Road
    
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
    5. Sonatine Mov III Animé

Pallas - Audiophile Vinyl - Made in Germany  For over 60 years the family business in the third generation of the special personal service and quality "Made by Pallas" is known worldwide. Our custom PVC formulation produces consistently high pressing quality with the lowest surface noise in the industry. Our PVC complies with 2015 European environmental standards and does not contain toxic materials such as Lead, Cadmium or Toluene. Our vinyl is both audiophile and eco-grade!