David Carroll: Percussion in Hi-Fi (stereo version)

And here's "Percussion in Hi-Fi" once more, in stereo this time. This brings to the fore how, aside from the content of the music, this record exemplifies its era: The mono and stereo LP releases don't just feature different artwork, the records contain completely different performances. There was no "fixing it in the mix" in 1957: the mono version was recorded in one location with one set of mikes in a single-speaker mix captured to one track, while the stereo version was performed in a different place with different mikes and captured on two tracks (even the arrangements changed between sessions: "Controversy" features a full extra minute of material). I have no idea in what order the sides were cut or which performances the producers found preferable; this stereo version seems to have a fuller bass response, though.

Hell's Bells
Bali Ha'i
The Chimes of Swing
Malagueña
Discussion in Percussion Part I: Quiet Talk
Discussion in Percussion Part II: Chatter
Discussion in Percussion Part III: Controversy
The Cricket
Jungle Drums
Spanish Symphonique No. I: The Pyrenees
Spanish Symphonique No. II: Madrid
Spanish Symphonique No. III: Bullfight
Spanish Symphonique No. IV: Finale - Flamenco

Album audio & artwork

DISCLAIMER: To the best of my knowledge, this work is out of print and not available for purchase in any format. If you are the artist and are planning a reissue, please let me know and I’ll remove it from the blog. Also please get in touch if you’ve lost your art &/or sound masters and would like to talk with me about my restoration work.