Midrange Magic Music Seminar

Presenter: Philip O’Hanlon to spin a specially curated playlist for our Montreal show-goers. He was so excited to be there to meet old friends and greet new ones. Love Montreal hospitality!

Showcasing: Graham Audio LS8/1, Bergmann Audio Modi Air bearing turntable System with Moonriver 404 Reference Integrated amp with optional DAC and phonostage, Artesania shelf-less audio rack system with accessories, Cardas Audio cables accessories

Playlist

I change out 50% of the music for every show. That keeps me fresh & happy to share music with the music lovers.

For Montreal, I brought a wonderful selection of French pop music, thinking that this would go over really well. Hmm, overtime, I ventured into a French compilation, the room was virtually cleared. I will try again when we launch the LS5/5F in Montreal next.

Polo & Pan, Christine & the Queens, L’Imperatrice, La Femme, Vendredi Sur Mer…. Great music, worth exploring. See more below.

I did play Charlotte Cardin which went over well, but did not play Dominique Fils-Aimé, as I thought her fabulous music would be played by every other room with a turntable. Am bringing her “Three Little Words” to AXPONA

Tennessee Ernie Ford “Funny How Time Slips Away” (Analogue Productions), Here is a voice that blasts into the room, grabs you by the ears and compels you to stop & listen. A remarkable sonic feast of country music, Ford’s favourite songs from such country composers as Hank Williams, Fred Rose, Jenny Lou Carson, Willie Nelson, and Don Gibson.Sparse, compelling production with backup provided by just two musicians; guitarist Billy Strange and bassist John Mosher. A simple great album, featuring great vocals, great guitar and bass, and great songs. Sound quality, a solid 10 of 10.

Billie Eilish, “Lost Cause”, This album is noticabely better produced by brother Finneas & better performed, showing considerably more maturity than Billie’s earlier offferings. The most popular single on this album “Oxytocin” is memorable, but I prefer #3. “Billie Bossa Nova” – we compared the streamed version at the Montreal Show (Melco streamer into a Chord Hugo DAC) the digital sounded clear & crisp but the LP had the emotion that the digital lacked, no surprise. But #7. “Lost Cause” is sufficient reason to buy the album alone. With a gorgeous, rich synth bass laying down the foundation, and various synths tastefully played from Happier Than Ever

Isabeau Coriveau – A Leap Of Faith, This beautiful lady is a harpist, flautist, composer with a rarely used gorgeous voice, sung in unison. Her music style is Irish & British folk music but tastefully updated. Her seven-piece band play interesting & fresh arrangements of well-known folk songs. We used #6. “Blackbird” on Demo XXII and also play #2. “Scarborough Fair” at many HiFi Shows & Dealer Events; it’s seen through the eyes of the female lover for a nice change. Isabeau is a wonderful singer, her voice beautifully equipped for folk and her harp is a welcome respite from the normal guitar.

Caravelle_Polo & Pan, Caravelle tells the story of Alexandre Grynszpan and Paul Armand-Delilleas as they distill dance music, electronic, pop & world music into the most irresistible, timeless pop music. OK, its not a sonic masterpiece, but musically its terrific & bound to create an instant party. #3. Canoppée, #4. Coeur croisé #6. Naña #10. Mexicali Sorry, the LP is hard to find, but the source of countless hours of pleasure.

Imelda May & Jeff Black_Black Tears from Life, Love, Flesh & Blood

Marian Hill – “All Night Long” from Unusual

Prokofiev / Hilary Hahn – Scherzo from First Violin Concerto. From Paris

Bruce Springstein – “ Western Stars” – album, same title

Marcus Miller – “Conchita’s Lament” from Siesta

Press coverage:

Montreal Audio Fest 2022, by Robert Schryer: …I felt a wall of tears—black or not—well up in the back of my eyeballs, and this is no metaphor. It was a beautiful, tender moment, but also disconcerting: People were sitting right next to me… Touching? You don’t know the half of it. Midrange magic is real… Read more here

Montreal Audio Fest 2022, by Suave Kajko: … delivered a performance that was several notches up on the sonic ladder… offered a luscious midrange, with palpable vocals and instruments … this system sang a very rich and energetic rendition of the track… the bass played fantastically deep, offered very good articulation, and simply made me want to get up and dance… lifelike vocals, offering all the nuances I would expect from his voice, and fantastic soundstaging. Read more here.