Reema - The Lowswing Sessions

Publisher: Horch House, HH01.00.208

Playing time: 24 min

Specifications: half track ¼", stereo, RTM SM900, CCIR, 510 nWb/m, 38 cm/s

Reel(s):               1 standard metal reel, with sticker

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

I am very pleased to present a pop production as a master tape copy. It loosens up the existing focus in the market of jazz, classical and blues productions. However, anyone expecting "easy listening" will be proven wrong with this high-class album. The artist Reema transports a high demand on herself as well as on her songs - and thus also on her listeners.

The magical spell that opens the way for the audience into this album starts with the song "Night": A clear and variable voice, framed in a selected instrumentation. This is the musical sensual world of the singer, lyricist and composer Reema. The song "Silence" lives, following the title, especially from the quiet parts. In "Killer" we hear vocals and solo acoustic guitar. From the tape, listening becomes an acoustic feast, because the finest nuances are reproduced. In terms of "tangible presence," this song belongs in the reference class. "Four Letter Words" is a less experimental song, carried by soundscapes and a "real" drum rhythm. With "Down" you return to the personal sphere of the artist. Reema pulls out all the stops once again with the song "What The Whisper Said" to close the album. Her performance creates such a high level of commitment with me that it's hard not to hang on her every word. The recordings give the impression that the singer immediately wants to step out of the virtual stereo center into the listening room. As a result, this work offers challenging and impressive musical fare. It stands on its own in the vast musical landscape that surrounds us.  

Two comments about the sound: Unfortunately, slight pre-echoes can be heard now and then. In some places there are slight distortions in the vocal parts. Upon inquiry with the publisher, these are already present on the master tape, probably because it was levelled beyond the limit of its capacity. The level is reduced to 510 nWb/m or 320 nWb/m (depending on the version ordered) during the copying process. I can give a purchase recommendation despite these small blemishes.

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