Shirley Horn - Softly (2 LP)
- LP
- 2 piece(s)
- 1998
- 9 tracks
- 52 min
- vocal jazz
SoftlyCheapest atimusic.uk
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Average of 4 reviews
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In this set of performances, with her close-knit circle of friends around her, shielded from the rush and sterile environment of typical recording studios, Shirley Horn delivers a more reflective and deeply moving experience than ever before. Her approach to each song she's picked for this album is nothing short of astonishingly spot-on. It's rare that every track from a recording session turns out to be essential, but that's exactly what happened during Shirley Horn's time in the studio. https://www.openreeltoreel.com/2xhd/index.html
This outstanding double-disc 45 rpm 200g vinyl edition beautifully encapsulates the contemplative atmosphere of the late-night recording sessions. Shirley Horn's performances, here with her close-knit circle, shielded from the pressure of time and the sterile environment of commercial studios, are more profound and emotionally charged than any of her previous works. The recording is truly extraordinary, with the sheer elegance of her sound sure to touch your heart.
The noise reduction was overdone, which led to a loss of treble in most parts of the music. I'd have preferred to hear some background noise if it meant the sound would've been more natural.
Audiophiles with a passion for jazz are likely familiar with 2xHD, a brand that's made a name for itself with exceptional transfers from analog tape. The dynamic duo of producer André Perry and audiophile sound engineer René Laflamme have worked their magic on recordings from legendary artists like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Bill Evans, Sarah Vaughn, and Chet Baker, among others. Now, 2xHD is taking it up a notch, presenting a collection of jazz and classical titles on reel-to-reel 1/4-inch 15-inch-per-second tape that not only meets but exceeds the highest audiophile standards. All 2xHD tapes are sourced from the original analog master and transferred in the analog domain using a Nagra-T tape recorder. This isn't just any tape recorder, though. It's been modified with high-end tube playback electronics and wired with OCC silver cable from the playback head straight to a Nick Doshi tube head preamplifier. The Nagra T, with its four direct drive motors, two pinch rollers, and a tape tension head, is considered one of the best transports ever made. A custom-built carbon fiber head block and a head damping electronic system allow 2xHD FUSION to achieve unparalleled transparency and superior 3D imaging. This particular copy was recorded on a Nagra IV-S 1/4" at 15 ips. The transfer is made to Recording The Masters SM468 magnetic tape, which boasts all the features of a master tape, offering the best print-through protection and the longest storage life. The reflective mood of this recording captures the late-night intimacy of the sessions. Shirley Horn's performances here, surrounded by devoted friends and free from the time-is-money anxiety and clinical ambiance of commercial recording studios, are more introspective and emotionally intense than anything she has recorded before. Shirley Horn is truly remarkable in her approach to every tune she chose to perform. It's rare for a recording session to yield only indispensable tracks, but this Shirley Horn studio visit did just that.
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| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Dec 2025 | £83.99 | €83.99 |
| 31 Jan 2026 | £83.49 | €83.49 |
| 28 Feb 2026 | £84.49 | €84.49 |
| 8 Mar 2026 | £83.49 | €83.49 |