Where technology meets art

Clare Fischer, Jazz Song,  May 1973 – Studio City, California

This is among my top ten favorite solo piano performances of all time, whether on tape, vinyl, or CD. Covering both standards and originals, it captures a true genius of jazz at the height of his playing powers and what made him so unique. Here we find Clare at his most reflective, probing the rich, deep harmonies inherent in each song. Each performance is unrehearsed and is the first and only take, creating a wholly natural and unadorned sequence. Perhaps contributing to the relaxed and unhurried approach found here, the music was recorded in Clare’s living room on the legendary Stellavox SP 7 tape recorder using just two mics. The result is a simple unaltered sound and brilliant piano playing. Engineering John William Hardy.