Conference cookie::notes$archive:cd_v1

        James Newton Howard seems to be somewhere between Jazz and Rock.
        The only recording of his I have is one cut on the Nakamichi demo
        tape that came with my car deck. 

        Sheffield makes direct to disk audiophile recordings. They made
        realtime analog tape recordings in parallel with this direct to
        disk session, and later added a digital recorder to their
        sessions. Their older recordings have been re-mastered for CD
        direct from the analog tapes; the newer recordings were made from
        the digital master tape. No editing or other mucking is done by
        Sheffield; these are purist recordings, and very well done. 
        
        Since most big name artists had recording contracts when the small
        audiophile labels started to spring up (Sheffield, Wilson, Telarc,
        etc.), they produced fine recordings of lesser known artists. 

        One drawback to their recordings; the direct to disk process
        forces rather short total times. The album you inquired about,
        "James Newton Howard and Friends" is only about 25 minutes long.
        Some are longer, others are even shorter. As a result, you don't
        get much music on a CD that usually goes for a premium price, but
        they are all VERY well done. One exception is the Drum & Track CD;
        two seperate albums on one (still somewhat short) CD. 

        Nakamichi has released some Sheffield and other audiophile labels
        on metal cassette in your choice of Dolby B or C, including JNH&F. 

    
    I'm sorry, but I'm going to dissent.
    
|   ...they produced fine recordings of lesser known artists.
    
    In general, the audiofile labels cater to those who care more about
    the sound than the music.  They record mediocre (sp?) music with
    exceptional care.
                             
    Which gets a big *yawn* from me.
    
    I'll also generalize that alot of the early DDD music was recorded for
    people who cared more about technology than sound or music.  There
    seems to be many attrocious digital recordings of ping-pong "artists"
    which seem to exist only for the purpose of blowing up woofers
    and tweeters.
    
    								-mr. bill

James Newton Howard & Friends
Rock Instrumentals for Synthesizers, Drums, and Percussion
Sheffield Lab CD-23

"The Sheffield Lab Compact Disc is manufactured from our live two-track digi-
tal reference tape recorded sumultaneously with the origianl direct disc per-
formance.  The JVC 900 master tape was digitally transferred to the JVC 900
Compact Disc Master."

This is on the back of the disc box.  I guess it's supposed to mean it sounds
good.  For what it's worth I think it does.  I was in O'Coin's in Worcester
well over a year ago when I heard some catchy music.  I asked about it, found
out it was this disc, I sampled a bit of all the cuts...and immediately bought
it.  It is short alright...but all the music is very good.

I recommend it.

Dick

    Re: who is James Newton Howard
    
    Howard is a keyboard player working out of LA.  First heard him
    back in the 70's doing sessions for a number of people.  Was briefly
    recruited to play synthesizers for Elton John.  This was I believe
    befor he recorded for Sheffield.

    The liner notes for the James Newton Howard CD explain that this
    record/CD was put together as a demo for Yamaha electronic keyboards.
    Yamaha went around and found some artists and commissioned them
    to write/perform the stuff, and Yamaha (generous souls as they are)
    provided the equipment.  SO, the album is loaded with synth and
    other electronic gear.
    
    None of the performers are new to the game (the drummer, Porcaro,
    is from Toto, for instance).  The music is good (it's one of my
    favorite CDs).  Be aware that the drums are LOUD during certain
    pieces (the very beginning of Track 4, for instance).
    
    				Vernon
    

    re .2
    
    I don't know about the early digital recording being more concerned
    about technology then music, but I think some very good music has
    been available since I've been buying.  
    
    re .3, .4, .5
    
    Thanks for the info.  Now all I have to do is find a place that
    has the CD.  
    
    regards,
    Dave

    
    Natural sound carries it.

    James Newton Howard also produces.  He's probably responsible for
    the terrible Ricky Lee Jones album Magazine.  Its all digital and
    sounds very gritty.  Worst of all, the music was ruined by
    overproduction and overorchestration.  James Newton Howard makes
    real bubble-gum crap.

    Re: .8
    
    Even though the statement "James Newton Howard makes real bubble-gum
    crap" was made as though it is the word of God, we'll all assume
    that it's just your opinion.
    
    				Vernon
    

    Of course its opinion!  This is Vax Notes!  How else does one flame?
    
    I was disappointed with JNH&friends on DD.  The drums are the only
    dynamic sounds on the disk and the music is pretty boring.
    
    I was outraged by the Rickie Lee Jones album.  She sane one of the
    songs on the Letterman show while playing piano and it was fantastic.
    The album was such a disappointment with no intimacy.  Its now a
    cut-out.  The CD sounds just as bad as the LP.  I've heard both.

    Re: .9 & .10
    
    Sorry, didn't mean to offend.  I guess I should have put one of
    those little smiley faces at the end of the message...
    
    I haven't heard the Rickie Lee Jones album in question.  But, has
    this James Newton Howard person done any other albums that opinions
    can be gathered on??  Two albums does not a sample make (I hope).
    
    				Vernon
    

>    I haven't heard the Rickie Lee Jones album in question.  But, has
>    this James Newton Howard person done any other albums that opinions
>    can be gathered on??  Two albums does not a sample make (I hope).


I first learned of James Newton Howard when I attended a Melissa 
Manchester concert long ago.  She pulled him out of the band and asked 
him to play.  He was shy about doing it, but, the audience was glad he 
did.  He turned the place on.  This was around 1975 somewhere in New 
Jersey.

After that I bought an album, called, James Newton Howard.

The cover is a close up of a keyboard (blue, black and white).

I enjoy the album.  Not sure what label.  I can check and update if 
you wish.  

< Heaven forbid> But if you want an audio tape, send a tape and 
I'll try and comply.  THIS OFFER EXPIRES ON JULY 13, 1987 5 PM.

Recording can be made with DOLBY B or C, from a NAK 125.

- Howard Coffman
MKO1-2/K13

    Personally speaking, I *like* the Rickie Lee Jones album
    (MAGAZINE). I won't say it couldn't be better, or that it's
    as good as her first album (I like it better than PIRATES
    though).
    
    --- jerry