Tommy Schneider and Friends - Plan B3

Publisher: Horch House, HH01.00.118

Playing time: 45 min

Specifications: half track ¼", stereo, RTM SM911, CCIR, 510 nWb/m, 38 cm/s

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

Packaging:        1 special cardboard box, with stickers, with spine labeling

Inserts:               1 booklet with 8 pages

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

Translation of the German review:

This album, which caused a sensation as a record issue, I would now like to present as a master tape copy. As an example of this production, I would like to mention the title "Ain't No Sunshine", which has been played for many years at Hi-Fi fairs as a reference title when demonstrating stereo equipment. The fabulous saxophone is placed right in the middle. When the other instruments kick in, there is a musical energy that triggers an enormous fun factor and never fails to amaze hi-fi enthusiasts. The information from Tommy Schneider that the band recorded the tracks live in the studio and, in the case of "Ain't No Sunshine", the first take was chosen for the album, is an indication of the professionalism of the musicians.

The songs on this album (nine out of twelve are composed by Tommy Schneider) move between rock, jazz, funk and soul. The band combines these styles very intelligently and combines them into a coherent whole. They operate six instruments: saxophone, drums, percussion, guitar, flute, and Hammond B3 (including Leslie cabinet). The bass is handled by the Hammond organ. I am very impressed by the variability of the four musicians. Guitarist Adrian Stern, for example, switches effortlessly between rhythm to solo instrument. The saxophone is played by Philippe Chrétien from very soulful to powerful. The Hammond organ (Tommy Schneider) is used sometimes sweetly, sometimes authoritatively and then again grippingly. For all instruments an extremely solid and powerful recording has succeeded, which is especially noticeable with the drums (Hans Peter Bartsch) played to the point. The quality feature of this production is a rich and balanced sound. As a master tape copy, the best of the best. From me there is a clear buy tip.

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