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LYN STANLEY - London With A Twist: Live At Bernie's

ATM 3108

John Chiodini (elg); Otmaro Ruiz, Mike Lang (p); Chuck Berghofer (b); Aaron Serfaty (d) Luis Conte (pc) 
Recorded Hollywood, California, 19 & 20 January 2018.

Since her first in 2013, Lyn Stanley has released seven albums. This latest release is a bit different as it was made from a digital file captured live directly from the mix and it has not been mastered. It is a direct to disc process for improved sound quality and has no post- production alterations of any kind; the theory is that what was heard in the recording studio is fed directly into the record. It is available as a two LP Direct to disc vinyl record, an SACD CD and the promo I have which is a straight capture of the best tracks, fed directly from the API console. Sound quality is certainly impressive with firm, rounded bass, crackling percussion and smooth sounding horns and piano although it does have a little way to go to match the best quality vinyl issues.

Lyn kicks off with Route 66, her voice smooth as silk on a medium tempo groove. The rhythm team cruise along beside her with tasty interjections from the piano and guitar. Pink Cadillac is another well performed, medium groove although the notes inform me that they had to wait two weeks to get permission from Bruce Springsteen to use his composition. Apparently, he liked Lyn’s version as he should given how good it is and the late endorsement was finally received. Lover Man is sung in a warm ‘torch ‘style, much as Julie London did it herself. The London of the title refers to Julie London and this CD is a tribute to her from Ms Stanley. London never recorded Route 66 but it was written by her husband Bobby Troup so that is the connection here. The rest of the sturdy standards on offer here were all recorded by Ms London and on this disc they are given bright, brisk readings by Lyn Stanley and some first-rate accompaniment from her six-piece band. It was recorded live at sound master Bernie Grundman’s Mastering Studio although, ironically, no mastering was needed on this occasion. With first class sound and a fine singer who was not afraid to take a chance on Direct to disc recording where no mistakes could be rectified, this is a worthy and enjoyable release.

Reviewed by Derek Ansell

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ECM celebrates 50 years of music production with the Touchstones series of re-issues