Inga Rumpf - White Horses

Publisher: HORCH HOUSE, HH05.00.17

Playing time: 73 min

Specifications: half track ¼“, stereo, RTM LPR90, CCIR, 320 nWb/m, 38 cm/s

Reel(s):               2 standard metal reels, with stickers

Packaging:        1 deluxe cardboard box

Inserts:               1 insert folder with 2 insert sheets and 4 photo prints

Homepage: https://www.horchhouse.com/

Translation of the German review:

The German Analogue Audio Association (AAA), in cooperation with the HORCHHOUSE label, brings a very attractively packaged tape to the market at an excellent price/performance ratio. The approach was to offer a very high quality in all aspects. With the LPR90 longplay tape from RTM and a recording level of 320 nWb/m, the maximum level of 510 nWb/m, which is usual in the studio, is undercut by 4 dB. In addition to owners of studio tape recorders, this edition is thus aimed primarily at owners of semi-professional two-track equipment. This production was completely analog: This concerns the recording, the mastering and the tape copy. All tapes are handmade on meticulously maintained STUDER tape machines. Two metal reels are placed in a sturdy HORCHHOUSE box. They are secured against slipping by foam inserts (with recessed grips). The tapes have been provided with leader and tensioning tape. The tape end is glued to the spools to prevent unwinding, especially during transport. On top of the tapes is a folding box that contains six high quality prints with all the information about the production. Look forward to tape art at its best!

Regarding the musical content I would like to quote Holger-Thorsten Hippen with his review in the article "Universe of Inga" (analog 3/2021, from page 78): "White Horses by IngaRumpf is state of the art! Do you have a record player and may only keep five discs, this double LP is included".

I like to extend: If you have a tape recorder and want to treat yourself to the very best, then be happy to be included! This applies to the musical content, the musicians and the recording. My review of the musical content can be found in analog 2/2013 on page 73:

I think the album cover alone is great: waves rolling over each other. If you unfold the cover, you find another panoramic picture with the element water. At the first listen I have the thought to make this review based on the elements: Earth, Fire, Water and Air. In this production, the element of earth fits the experience with which this small cast operates in this direct cut. One senses an uncanny aplomb or steadfastness in the performance. And yet the spark jumps over; there is fire in the performance, which increases as one continues to listen to the other tracks. The recording is airy and light at the same time. The exuberant joy of playing is paired with high professionalism. There is no sign of the tension that Inga Rumpf describes in the text printed inside the gatefold cover. It is the serenity that resonates with me. After the positive element check, nothing can go wrong, can it? There's a negative review on the internet, mainly grumbling about the vocal mic. I really can't understand that. On the contrary: The vocals and instruments are captured here very true to the original, very direct, authentic straight ahead. All the pieces are blues that comes from the heart (blues should always do that, right?). Inga Rumpf herself expresses that it had been her greatest wish for a long time to make such an analog recording. So I see this product as a summary of a long career. For the fan this record is a must, and since this work is only available on vinyl, this is a reason to finally discard all considerations and buy a turntable; although I must say that playing it with high quality equipment increases the fun factor enormously. The two records lie flat on the platter and run through without any background noise, even at high levels. Look forward to a wonderful evening with a concert by Inga Rumpf in your living room! Recorded by Dirk Sommer and Birgit Hammer-Sommer at a concert with 40 invited guests.

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