LS-1302 | MKII

When a musician has spent so many years “on the road” and “live in the studio,” the time is surely right for a retrospective. Yet this "Analog Retrospective" occupies a truly special place within Hans Theessink’s rich discography. The man with the unmistakable baritone voice, who consistently avoids digital effects in favor of a natural, direct and transparent sound, has amassed an extensive archive of analog master tapes. From this remarkable collection, the Vienna-based artist selected nine outstanding songs that can be seen as the very essence of his artistry and musical legacy. By his side on most of these recordings is his longtime American co-singer and background vocalist Terry Evans from Vicksburg, Mississippi, whose powerful voice adds warmth and depth to seven of the nine tracks. The legendary Ry Cooder lends his distinctive guitar work to two songs, while Jon Sass impressively demonstrates that even the mighty tuba can swing with the best of them. The result is a musically diverse and richly varied retrospective, featuring predominantly compositions by Hans Theessink. From a sonic perspective, this strictly limited and individually numbered album is equally captivating for audiophiles. Contributing significantly to its exceptional sound are Hans Theessink’s own audiophile standards and the expertise of mastering engineer Christoph Stickel, who enjoys an outstanding international reputation for his purist "Pure Analog Remastering" approach. Using extensive vintage equipment and a wealth of expertise, Stickel meticulously revisited the gems of this collection – entirely all-analog. The results speak for themselves: Hans Theessink’s rugged, unmistakable voice sounds astonishingly direct and almost tangible, while the instruments reveal an abundance of detail.

Right from the start, Al Di Meola brilliantly displays his amazing guitar skills and appreciation of gorgeous melodies. Utilizing concentration and devotion to his craft rather than simply performing routines make this performance an extraordinary experience. His masterful skills combined with feelings of emotion create a spectrum of musical ideas. Al Di Meola assembled a thoroughly excellent group of musicians for this review of his career spanning almost three decades. It is a fantastic combination of romantic chamber music, traditional Latin American music and the freedom of jazz, constantly switching between off-the-cuff improvisation and intricate musical arrangements. Time and time again the musicians alter familiar music with surprising rhythmic changes to construct a marvelous soundscape. A truly magical concert.