The Syd Lawrence Orchestra – Big Band Spectacular (180g D2D 2LP + DVD)

Label: Chasing the Dragon – VALDC002 – 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl – Live D2D Direct To Disc
AAA 100% Analogue – D2D Direct To Disc – Audiophile Mastering
Limited Edition – Pressed in Germany
This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only, from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head
“This album of tunes by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw comes as close to being on the other side of the studio glass as I’ve heard from a recording in some time.” – Michael Fremer, Stereophile Magazine
Mike made his first direct cut last year when he recorded the Four Seasons and that is a phenomenal record, the best sounding classical LP I’ve heard. But the dynamics on offer from a 16 piece brass/woodwind, piano, bass and drum powered band is in another league to a chamber orchestra. This release lets you know all about it without the razor sharp mid and treble normally associated with trying to capture this much energy on two channels. Highly recommended even if you’ve never heard of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw or Benny Goodman. Jason Kennedy The Ear Review
“Both discs sound extraordinarily vibrant, alive, and real, and if the comparison between tape and D2D wasn’t so instantly available you would be more than happy with the tape based version that was cut from 24 track, two-inch tape mixed down to half inch tape at 30 IPS. But putting on the D2D reveals just how incredibly natural, warm and effortless vinyl can sound at its best. This pressing has a depth and richness of tone that’s irresistible, and even seems to ‘time’ better than its tape-mastered counterpart. Given big bands were all about precise timing, that’s saying a lot!” – Hi-Fi+ Magazine
• Double LP & DVD
• LP 1: Direct Cut to Vinyl
• LP 2: Same session via 24-track mixdown to 1/2″ tape @ 30ips
• DVD – behind the scenes look at how the albums were created

“The audiophile world involves a staggering amount of minutia. Everything leads, however, to an emotional payoff, as you’re constantly reminded while rubbing shoulders with people devoted to good sound. So while, if you study the literature on, say, speaker placement or multichannel audio, you might expect everyone who cares about such matters to walk around with a pencil protector in his shirt pocket, instead you’re much more likely to encounter someone whose passion for audio can hardly be contained and who has a lively sense of humor. Those points were underscored when I began correspoding with Mike Valentine, the owner of the UK audiophile label Chasing the Dragon…He isn’t afraid to say something controversial (certainly his statement, “The sound quality here…is better than sex!” could spark a heated debate), and because he’s filmed underwater sequences for over 90 films, including five James Bond movies, you quicky understand that he knows how to pursue lofty professional goals and have fun.” – Jeff Wilson, The Absolute Sound