Blue Note release new Charles Lloyd albums

A trio of trios no less from master Charles Lloyd....and wait, there's brilliant Bill Frisell and Julian Lage among the players. Purchase separately or as a 3 lp boxed set (will cost you $100 plus tax after shipping for the set but I'm in). Yes, there's a cd release too, if you must. Had the pleasure of seeing Charles in concert last time he was in Austin, he was magnificent, as were his band. Here's a taste of the new release. Find out more here.

Three guys talking about audio

I sort of smile usually at Bill 'made for radio' Parrish's video postings, lots of talk and good vibe but not always so much content. That said, he delivers it all in an amiable manner that draws you in. Here's an interesting one, if you have the patience, that sort of says a lot about our hobby. Three guys, of a cwetain age, talking at length about one turntable and arm combo. The actual designer hardly gets a word in (you'll have to jump to around the 20 min mark to hear him talk about the 12 month lead time on Kronos products). For the rest, Dabid Robinson (who we are reminded has a PhD) spends a lot of time saying little other than 'this is the best' about the Kronos Discovery (11 actually sold in the US!) It does feel like you joined a conversation with a few guys drinking scotch who are begining to repeat themselves as it kicks in. I get the feeling Bill (conspicuously the only one without a drink) is smiling and slowly realizing it's time to cut them off. This video really does go better with a drink.

Affordable vacuum based record cleaning

 Lots of options out there for those who want to clean their records, most seem a bit pricey for what you get (audiophile reality I suppose) but this one caught my eye. Still $125 and you have to add a shop vac but it looks decent enough. If you have one, let me know.

McIntosh and Sonus Faber change ownership again

 Story of modern business I suppose, and no particular reason to worry, but both McIntosh and Faber are lifestyle brands and for some, that's attractive enough to make companies acquirable. Here's a brief PR blurb, and a link to the official announcement:

June 15, 2022 – Dallas, TX – Highlander Partners, L.P. (“Highlander”), a leading private investment firm, today announced the acquisition of McIntosh Group, through a newly-formed holding company (“the Group” or “the Company”). McIntosh Group has been a leader and innovator in the high-end audio category for decades and today manufactures and globally distributes the world’s finest amplifiers, speakers, turntables and other audio products under several renowned brands. The Company is driven by its dedication to quality performance, sophisticated technology, refined design, and artisan manufacturing. These tenets have resulted in brands known for incomparable design, product quality and consumer experiences.

The Group is anchored by the legendary McIntosh brand. Since 1949, McIntosh amplifiers have been engineered and handcrafted in Binghamton, New York and have undergone an incredible history, having powered events ranging from presidential inaugurations to Woodstock ‘69. McIntosh amps are globally renowned both for their iconic signature design – classic tubes, knobs and the beloved blue metered faceplate – as well as their unparalleled, powerful audio quality.

More details here

When a new release is just not enough

 Blue Note are now in the auctioning business, offering selected test pressings of the generally excellent Tone Poet LP series for auction. Kicking off with Wayne Shorter's Etcectera, your winning bid gets you a sealed, authenticated, unplated test pressing and a copy of the regular release. Tempted? You have 4 days, there's been 10 bidders so far and you need to top $500 as of tonight. I'll be keeping an eye on this and no, I definitely am not getting involved. 

More info here