Karrin Allyson – Footprints ( 180g 2LP)

Label: Pure Audiophile – PA014
Pure Analogue Audiophile Half Speed Mastering by Stan Ricker
Numbered Limited Edition – Pressed at RTI – Bonus Tracks
Grammy nominated Singer Karrin Allyson has never been satisfied merely to repeat herself. With Footprints, her tenth Concord Jazz release, she fulfills the dream of recording with Jazz greats and two of her vocal heroes – Jon Hendricks and Nancy King – while illustrating that she too is undeniably one of today’s most distinctive and masterful jazz vocal stylists. The album also introduces Chris Caswell, whose literate, inventive new lyrics bring fresh perspectives to several of the modern jazz perennials featured herein. With a spirit that is, by turns, ebullient and affecting, Footprints shows Karrin Allyson to be a pacesetter among contemporary jazz singers.
“Another aspect of Footprints that aids in the intimate feel is the sound. The LP is half-speed mastered by the legendary Stan Ricker, so you hear Allyson’s voice with startling realism. This album exudes a quiet, confident sound that transports the listener to Sear Sound Recording Studio, where Allyson made this recording for Concord Records. The four dead-silent 180-gram surfaces allow all information embedded in the grooves to blossom — yes, this is another of those single albums stretched over four sides. Combine all this with a wide, deep soundstage, excellent tonal balance, and good timbre and you get instruments that bloom fully in your listening room.”

“One of the most charismatic figures on tour today.” – New York Times

“Allyson knows what jazz singing is all about…sometimes tender, sometimes tough, (she) always strikes the right chord.” – Associated Press

“The stuff that shivers are made of, both innocent, sexy and world weary.” – Washington Post

“Name your singing style and there’s a pretty good chance that Karrin Allyson can handle it, and handle it well.” – Los Angeles Times

“Pure Audiophile’s practice of stretching a single album out over four LP sides ensures that all the music in the grooves — from the deepest bass notes to the highest treble transient — comes alive. Yes, you might think these records are a tad on the expensive side, but when you factor in all you get for your money the cost doesn’t seem at all out of line. This version of Footprints is poised to become an instant audiophile classic. Don’t miss it.” – John Crossett, Soundstage.com