Octave Records has released Audiophile Masters, Volume X, the latest in its series of reference-quality demonstration recordings. This time the collection features cover versions of songs written by John Lennon, John Prine, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and other legendary songwriters, as well as standards from the Great American Songbook, all captured in extraordinary Pure DSD 256 sound.
“One of the top requests that Octave Records gets from our listeners is that we record an album of cover songs, so we did just that,” noted Jessica Carson, the album’s executive producer. “We asked our artists to pick some of their favorites, and they illuminate these songs with fresh, personal takes on some of the greatest songs ever written.”
On Audiophile Masters, Volume X, the emphasis is on acoustic-based performances featuring duos, trios, and small groups. The sound is up-close and personal, with a clarity and immediacy that perfectly complements the intimacy of the performances. Audiophile Masters, Volume X was recorded using Octave’s Pyramix-based Pure DSD 256 system. It was recorded, mixed and produced by Paul McGowan, with Terri McGowan and Jessica Carson assisting in the recording, mixing and production duties, and mastered by Gus Skinas.
The album opens with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic “Simple Man,” given an elegant rendition by Kyle Donovan on acoustic guitar and vocals, accompanied by Pamela Machala on piano. The duo continues with their spare, open sound on John Lennon’s “Imagine,” delivering every lyrical nuance with stark emotional power. The mood becomes more upbeat, if yearningly wistful, when Kyle is joined by Kate Farmer on the Elvis Presley classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and when Kyle, Pamela and Kate perform Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love.”
Kyle Donovan. Courtesy of Bill Hook.
The album continues with Tim Ostdiek’s pensive cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” featuring Tim on acoustic guitar and vocals, Jenny Balagna on vocals and Octave’s own Tom Amend on piano. Like all the songs on Volume X, the sound has near-tangible depth and presence. The group is joined by Christopher Wright (percussion) and Conner Hollingsworth (upright bass) on a truly stunning version of the John Prine classic, “Angel From Montgomery,” with gorgeous harmonies soaring over a sympathetic instrumental accompaniment.
Next up, Tim and company offer joyous renditions of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Up Above My Head,” and Paul Simon’s “Cecelia,” played with an energetic bluegrass feel. Audiophile Masters, Volume X concludes with two songs featuring Alicia Straka on vocals: “Let’s Fall in Love,” and “Beyond the Sea,” both given jazz-combo arrangements courtesy of Tom Amend on piano, Braxton Kahn playing drums and Seth Lewis on upright bass. The sound is startlingly intimate, from the weight and presence of the grand piano to the depth and harmonic richness of the bass, the subtle but dynamic shadings of Braxton’s drumming, and Alicia’s warm, supple, inviting vocals.
Tim Ostdiek. Courtesy of Jordan Bass.
Audiophile Masters, Volume X features Octave’s premium gold disc formulation, and the disc is playable on any SACD, CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. It also has a high-resolution DSD layer that is accessible by using any SACD player or a PS Audio SACD transport. In addition, the master DSD and PCM files are available for purchase and download, including DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64, and DSDDirect Mastered 352.8 kHz/24-bit, 176.2 kHz/24-bit, 88.2 kHz/24-bit, and 44.1 kHz/24-bit PCM. (SRP: $19 – $39, depending on format.)
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