Where technology meets art

Dave Samuels Vibes Trio, September 1980 – New Haven, Connecticut

Here we have highly talented musicians in a highly unusual configuration both musically and sonically. It is very uncommon to hear a trio consisting of vibes (Dave Samuels), piano (Andy LaVerne), and bass (Mike Richmond). And, it’s almost impossible to hear such a group recorded with only two omni-directional microphones. But that is the case here and the musical and audio result is stunning. It is one of the best jazz recording I have ever made with only two spaced omni-directional microphones. But more importantly, the playing is world class, with some of the greatest musicians from New York City performing at the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven, Connecticut. You’ll rarely hear the vibes played as well as Dave Samuels plays them. And you will rarely experience such an unusual (and stellar) group recorded with such naturalness as is heard here. I consider this the recording I’m most proud of as it was very difficult to record with just two microphones and achieve this sound quality.