Jazz at the Pawnshop

If you are reading this review, there is a fair chance you already know what the Jazz at the Pawnshop recordings are and what they are about, but just in case you don't I will give you a brief overview. December 1976 over a period of two evenings in a small jazz club called Stampen (The Pawn Shop) in Old Town Stockholm, Gert Palmcrantz recorded a leading group of Scandinavian jazzmen live. No rehearsals, re-takes, overdubs or sound level checks. Just a crossed pair of mics, the musicians started playing, the Swedish sound engineer pressed record and the rest has passed into Jazz and audiophile legend, and with justification.The Pawnshop series have been released on many formats over the years separately, but for the first time, all three CD's appear together as a set and in superior (hybrid) SACD format. Knowing nothing of the history of the recordings or the musicians, I first came across the Jazz at the Pawnshop recordings in the late 80's whilst working in a specialist audio dealer in the Home Counties, and we frequently used them as demo discs as the clarity of the recordings was simply remarkable. Now in hybrid SACD the listening experience is indisputably further enhanced.I have to stay I am surprised by the comments made in other reviews regarding the standard of the musicianship. The vibes played expertly by Lars Erstrand on CD1 opener 'Limehouse blues' are superbly detailed on this re-issue (as are the background sounds of the cash register chiming and the chinking glasses of the punters) and the Alto sax of Arne Domnerus on 'Over the rainbow' on CD2 leaves the hairs on the back of the neck standing.If you are new to the Jazz at the Pawnshop series or if you already own them in standard definition CD, this Box set is a must purchase. You can't compare Jazz at the Pawnshop to Blue Note classic 50's recordings by Miles Davies or Dave Brubeck as they were of their time, but this hasn't prevented the sheer quality of the Jazz at the Pawnshop albums being recognised and hailed around the world as the best live jazz recordings ever, and based upon the evidence of this box set re-issue in SACD, I see no reason to dispute that claim.I have been reviewing for Amazon for over 6 years, and as I approached Review #100 I was hoping for something special for this milestone, and I couldn't have chosen a finer album. Highly Recommended.

The original analogue recording of this music on vinyl was regarded as a masterpiece. This SACD digital version is just as good

Superbly recorded set of discs. Some claim an audiophile treat - which it most definitely is on a good 2-channel system - but criticise it for lacking a line-up of well-known jazz musicians and/or a repetoire of exclusive jazz exotica.It is criticised in some quarters as being more revered as the ideal audiophile demo album, than serious pieces of music. However, with a high quality SACD player and supporting amp and speakers, this is a stunningly enjoyable production musically, with a wide and deep soundstage that easily has you believing that you're in the club with the musicians - to the point that you are totally immersed in the music.Arne Domerus and friends are revered in Sweden for their music. That they're not so well known elsewhere, is totally irrelevant.A hugely enjoyable collection of live music, superbly recorded.

Really captures the essence of a great gig in a small venue, I am not even a big jazz fan, but this is great.

Jazz at the Pawnshop 30th Anniversary, is just a fantastic cd a must for all jazz lovers. I have a 7.2 surround sound system and the sacd disc brings the music to life, it's like being in the middle of the band.

good sound but not exceptional. There are better records soundwise (and also music wise) eg. Erykah Badu - Baduism <-very good if you want to hear bass

If you are looking to buy this album on vinyl and are wondering about the pressing quality.... it is audiophile quality, crazily quiet, no pops or clicks. A beautifully done job.... and yes, on a great system, you are in the room with them. What a beautiful sounding jazz record.

1976 recording sound Amazing on my High end Audiophile system , I will definitely buy more from the series . 👍