Hi-Res Downloads

88.2kHz/24-bit FLAC, Pirouet PIT3067 (supplied by www.highresaudio.com)

The reclusive American pianist Bill Carrothers has recorded several albums for the Munich-based Pirouet label over the years. For Castaways he was accompanied by fellow American bass virtuoso Drew Gress and Belgian drummer Dré Pallemaerts, the set recorded in April ’12 and first released on CD. Now the studio master can be enjoyed in its native 88.2kHz/24-bit format and it sounds beautifully balanced, the trio laid out in a sound image you can virtually walk into. Carrothers’ talent has been hugely underrated (other than by loyal followers, naturally). On Castaways his absorbing compositions once again meld hard and post-bop with occasional classical references, as in the track ‘Siciliano’, based on JS Bach’s concerto movement, BWV1053. Meanwhile it’s the contribution by bassist Gress that stands out – especially on the plaintive ‘Araby’. JB

Sound Quality: 80%

Hi-Fi News Lab Report

Pirouet’s studio is impressive [see here] and this 88.2kHz file was both recorded and mixed at the facility. Lower level tracks show some artefacts at ~32kHz but it’s otherwise clean and dynamic. PM