A Lazy Afternoon - André Rabini with Strings

Publisher:           STS Analog, T6111185

Playing time:     46 min

Specifications:  half track ¼“, stereo, RTM LPR35, CCIR, 320 nWb/m, 38 cm/s

Reel(s): 1 high quality metal reel, punched

Packaging: 1 standard cardboard box, with sticker

Inserts: 1 insert sheet

Homepage:       https://sts-digitalshop.nl/reel-to-reel/

Translation of the German review:

From the Dutch label STS ANALOG come in regular intervals tape delicacies. The title "A Lazy Afternoon" is a current in-house production, which is also released on LP and CD. For each format a separate mastering is done. One of the main focuses is the tape. This was mastered from a Studer A800 with 24 tracks on a two-track NAGRA T. The fact that there are no limiting factors in the production chain up to the finished master tape copy can be heard immediately in this production: In the sound image there is a captivating calm and clarity, yes, just a sheer beauty. The tonality is very well balanced, from the deep bass basement all the way up to the treble. There is a delicate melting in all coherence that immediately makes my thoughts fly while listening. In the foreground is the singer André Rabini, accompanied by a selected orchestra. We hear piano, guitar, bass, drums, violins, viola, cello, cornet and tenor saxophone.

After reading through the enclosed information sheet, I consider when the songs were actually composed. The research shows: They are hits and standards that started their triumphal procession between 1912 and 1968, i.e. in a period of 56 years of the last century, and have not lost their topicality until today: Of course, the question arises whether it is now right to venture cover versions in 2018. I am open to this topic for two reasons:

First, there are already countless reinterpretations of most songs. Often we hardly know the original, but one of the popularized other releases. If then a really good recording of twelve songs on a common sound carrier is to be had, as with this tape, I find that extremely remarkable.

On the other hand, it is the peculiarity to get these pieces of music in a stunning quality. That is unique and with that I think that the owner of the company STS ANALOG, Fritz de With, has succeeded with this master tape a very big hit.

Songs:

1. What A Difference A Day Made, María Grever, 1934

2. For Once In My Life, Ron Miller, 1965

3. The Very Thought Of You, Ray Noble, 1934

4. The Days Of Wine And Roses, Henry Mancini, 1962

5. Two For The Road, Henry Mancini, 1967

6. One Morning In May, Hoagy Carmichael, 1934

7. Bésame Mucho, Consuelo Velázquez, 1941

8. My Melancholy Baby, Ernie Burnett / Maybelle Watson / George A. Norton, 1912

9. (Our) Love Is Here To Stay, George Gershwin, 1938

10. Dancing On The Ceiling, Richard Rodgers, 1930

11. All Of You, Cole Porter, 1954

12. What A Wonderful World, George David Weiss, 1968

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)