Hi-Res Downloads

88.2kHz/24-bit FLAC, ECM 2360 378 4459 (supplied by www.highresaudio.com)

Italian pianist Stefano Bollani has covered many musical styles since becoming a professional player at the tender age of 15, his jazz collaborations with trumpeter Enrico Rava gaining him international recognition. Recorded in NY’s Avatar Studios last year, but only recently released, Joy In Spite Of Everything sees Bollani alongside drummer Morten Lund and bass player Jesper Bodilsen (both from Bollani’s working trio) joined by Mark Turner and jazz guitar maestro Bill Frisell. From the laid-back calypso style of the opener ‘Easy Healing’, with a tremendous contribution from Turner’s tenor sax, this modern jazz quintet sparkles with musical inventiveness and tremendous playing throughout the album. A bit more ‘air’ to the sound would have been welcome, nevertheless the tonality and textures of the band’s instruments are colourfully depicted. JB

Sound Quality: 75%

Hi-Fi News Lab Report

Recorded at an unusual 88.2kHz sample rate (though perfect for decimation to CD or upsampling to DSD), this download shows plenty of energy >20kHz including brassy harmonics and, possibly, noise/distortion from downstream limiters. PM