Fats Jazz Band – That old Feeling

Publisher: SEPEA audio

Playing time: 55 min

Specifications: half track ¼", stereo, CCIR, 510 nWb/m, 38 cm/s

Reel(s):               2 special metal reels, printed, with stickers

Packaging:        2 standard cardboard boxes, covered with stickers

Inserts:               2 x information on cardbox

Homepage: https://sepeaaudio.com/

Translation of the German review:

With this recording I am completely enraptured from the very first track. This feeling sets in immediately: The title "That old feeling" describes it accurately, but actually falls short: these two tape reels, recorded at 38 cm/s, manage to immerse the listener musically in music from the first half of the last century. It is this sublime, feather-light performance that immediately makes you want to shake a leg. I can justifiably say that I can't remember ever feeling so comfortable with this kind of music. This production is based on bandleader Ladislav Fanzwitz's idea to analyze and transcribe the music of old shellac records and record them in analog with a nine-member band, the vintage orchestra FATS JAZZ BAND from Slovakia, in 2016. The idea for this recording came from a meeting between Ladislav Fanzowitz and analog recording professionals Ladislav Krajčovič and Peter Sedlák from the company SEPEA audio.

In order to achieve three different sound characteristics of the recording, the tape machines Studer A80 (½-inch with 76 cm/s), Studer C37 tube unit ¼-inch with 38 cm/s) and a Telefunken M5 (¼-inch with 38 cm/s) were used. To remain completely analog, the Sonosax SX-T mixing console was used. In parallel, a digital recording was also made for the release of a CD. If you ask the people involved in the project, you get the statement that the sound of the analog recording is quieter and clearer compared to the digital. Listening from the magnetic medium is pure joy. Here I can only agree. The sound is dynamic and pure. The instruments and vocals are excellently located on the virtual stage between the speakers.

Since they did not want to use "overdubs" (adding material to an existing recording), the FATS JAZZ BAND was given a responsible task: the band had to perform everything, including vocals, in one go, just as we know it from live performances (usually vocals are recorded separately in the studio and mixed in later). This discipline is difficult because, in addition to playing in a particularly flawless and lively manner (clear, coherent, dynamic, rhythmic), the musicians also have to pay attention to the correct distance to the microphones so that the volume between loud and quiet parts is given the right balance for the mix. The songs were recorded up to six times without interruption, after which the best version was selected for further analog processing.

Regarding musical content, one positive thing that stands out is that these are by no means "worn out" hits from the last century. Only a few songs are known to me. Thus, not all of them are with vocals either. The two metal reels come in two lovingly designed and accurately pasted boxes. On the front and back you will find all the important information as well as various photos of the band.

Conclusion: This tape recording sounds phenomenal. I feel transported back in time to the creation of this music, but without the crackle of shellac records and entirely without any noise. I can give it a high recommendation to buy. Especially for swing fans there should be no stopping.

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