Hi-Res Downloads

96kHz/24-bit FLAC/DSD64, MPS/Edel, 0209723MSW (supplied by www.highresaudio.com)

Recorded in 1973 for BASF, and for a long time one of those unavailable and therefore sought-after albums, this studio set may not see Pass at his flamboyant best, but it comes up fresh in this DSD release. It’s a rather laid-back set by the guitarist, backed by bass player Eberhard Weber and Kenny Clare on drums, meaning this collection, mainly of standards, is in pretty safe hands. However, there are flashes of the famous Pass style, notably in the improvised ‘Joe’s Blues’ and a samba’d-up take on the perennial ‘Ode To Billy Joe’, and while the version of ‘Stompin’ At The Savoy’ here may not be the stompiest you’ll ever hear, there’s still much to enjoy. The balance is much as you’d expect, with Pass’s guitar prominent, but there’s also fine extension and definition in the bass and drums, making this a cleanly recorded, if not actually challenging, set. AE

Sound Quality: 85%

Hi-Fi News Lab Report

Originally recorded on BASF analogue tape but now digitally remastered and offered in 96kHz LPCM and DSD64 ‘flavours’ (the latter tested here) this atmospheric recording carries up to ~20kHz with 20-30kHz mostly noise. PM