|
|
 |
NEW YORK CITY, March 2001—The subtle beauty of
Gene Bertoncini's solo acoustic guitar is uniquely captured
by Sony's new Direct Stream Digital (DSD) recording
technology on the renowned guitarist's latest CD, "Body
and Soul".
"I have never heard a recording like this one," said
Bertoncini. "It sounds exactly like it did in the studio—clear
and warm at the same time".
The new technology represents a first for both Bertoncini
and his record company, Ambient Records of Stamford,
Connecticut.
"I can think of no more perfect way to showcase Gene's
artistry than with this outstanding new Technology", said
Ambient Records president Mark Conese. "Sony's DSD
draws the listener into the music in the same way as a
great LP played back on a good turntable used to. The
resolution is far beyond that of a conventional compact
disc".
"Body and Soul" represents the guitarist at his acoustic best.
In addition to the title tune, the CD contains a wide range of
beautiful melodies, artfully arranged by Bertoncini: "The
Shadow of Your Smile", "My Funny Valentine", How Are Things
in Glocca Morra?", "Edelweiss", "Round Midnight", "Stardust",
"But Beautiful", "I Remember You", "Greensleeves", "Covetina",
(theme from the Deer Hunter), "Sophisticated Lady", and
"Snowfall". Each cut is tastefully rendered in no more than
four minutes.
Direct Stream Digital represents a significant leap over PCM,
the current CD standard. The DSD system uses a 1-bit
delta-sigma modulated word, sampled at 2.8224 Mhz—that's
more than 2 million 800 thousand samples per second. It is a
much simpler analog to digital and digital to analog conversion
process than PCM and therefore is really more analog-like in
sound.
These new CD's are available in two versions, according to
Mark Conese. A "hybrid" version which contains two layers—one DSD and one standard CD. They are premium-priced and
playable on both new Super Audio CD (DSD) playback
equipment and on current CD systems. A single layer "super
down converted" version for standard CD players which
captures much of the resolution of DSD, is also available and is
priced similarly to current CD's.
"Body and Soul" is Bertoncini's first unaccompanied solo
recording and his first recording for Ambient Records. "I'm
really pleased with the results", he says. "This CD comes closer
than anything I've done to capturing the true sonic qualities of
a live performance".
|
| |
|
