On Newsstands Now: Stereophile, Vol.32 No.2 (February 2009)
The February 2009 issue of <i>Stereophile</i> is now on newsstands. On the cover, we feature the first CD player to come from Canadian manufacturer, Bryston.
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A Seamless Presentation
John Atkinson:
Jim Hall & Bill Frisell
<I>Hemispheres</I>, the new two-CD album by guitarists Jim Hall and Bill Frisell, is the year’s first jazz masterpiece, a work of spontaneous lyricism as glittering and joyful as anything either has recorded (and, given their histories, that’s saying a lot). Hall, who’s 78, and Frisell, who’s 57 and something of a protg, both have a tendency toward doodling when they’re not anchored by a rhythm section. But Disc One—10 tracks of barebones duets (including Milt Jackson’s “Bags’ Groove,” Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War,” Hall’s anthemic “Bimini,” and several pure improvs)—are loose-limbered and air tight, the two trading harmony and melody, then merging the strands to the point where it’s unclear who’s playing what but it meshes and sings all the same. Disc Two—10 more tracks, mainly standards (“I’ll Remember April,” “Chelsea Bridge,” “My Funny Valentine,” “In a Sentimental Mood”), the guitarists joined by Scott Colley on bass and Joey Baron on drums—is no less free-spirited. Colley and Baron, who have played as sideman to both as well as many others, aren’t the sort to lay down rhythmic law; they splash color and weave textures along the leaders’ sinuous lines.
Catharsis
How great was it to hear all the music at the inaugural. Maybe music and the arts will once again be valued in the country. Maybe someone else than right wing country singers can get a tune in edgewise.
In the Mythical Land
Michael Fremer:
More Than Just Sonically Pure
Art Dudley:
It's the Song I Hate
On Sonic Youth's 1992 album, <i>Dirty</i>, there is a song called "Youth Against Fascism," in which Thurston Moore lists a series of difficult political themes (racial violence, a poor economy, a lousy president, etc.) and follows each item with the refrain:
When you shop hi-fi on the Web, do you mostly buy used or new equipment?
The Internet has been a boon to buyers and sellers of used audio components. Reader Mark Lemelin wonders whether you mostly buy used gear, or do you buy new equipment on the Web?
Why New Orleans Matters
As soon as we pulled up, I knew that this was gonna be the highlight of my trip to New Orleans. When the door to <B>Snake and Jakes Christmas Club Lounge</B> swung open, I got tears in my eyes as I beheld the kind of unclean, unsafe booze shack that I've wasted many an hour in.
Lights
When I was younger, in my teens and early twenties, it happened all the time. On a whim, I'd go out to a small rock venue, and be absolutely shocked, ignited, <i>devastated</i> by some young, unknown band. Afterwards, I was always too shy to speak to the musicians, but, if I had any extra cash on me, I'd be sure to head to the merch' table and pick up a demo, maybe even buy a button or t-shirt. The feeling was as intoxicating and brilliant as New York City's snow-covered streets on a sunny winter day. This band was now <i>yours</i> to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, or until they signed to a major label.