Introduction: Two Abiding Jazz Albums Stand Out
Every so often, there are albums that blow you away — not only with the music, but also with the way it sounds. These are the kind of records that go a long way in reminding us why so many audiophiles get it so wrong and why great recording, mastering, and pressing, coupled with inspired performances, make damn good music.
Two such albums were released quietly late last year, and close listening has established them as among the definitive jazz releases of recent years. Drawing on a mix of fusion, post-bop, and contemporary jazz, the duo’s two albums boast stunning performances with sound as good as it gets.
These are the records Caelan Cardello’s Chapter One and John McLaughlin’s Music for Abandoned Heights — both of them are true audiophile wonders. In a recent review, Mike’s Vinyl Experience YouTube channel discussed the importance of these two releases.
Caelan Cardello Chapter One (Liam Records)
Breakout Modern Jazz Piano Record
Cardello introduces himself to many listeners on Chapter One, a recording of an accomplished jazz pianist who captivates you from the start. It’s apparent from the opening notes that this is no ordinary good-enough jazz release — it’s something special.
It is a modern jazz album with fusion and post-bop themes, performed across the board with strength, conviction and engagement.
Personnel
- Caelan Cardello – piano
- Jonathan Mir Cotton – bass
- Domo Branch – drums
- Chris Lewis – tenor saxophone
Sound & Pressing Quality
As an audiophile, Chapter One is sensational:
- Pressed on 180-gram vinyl by Quality Record Pressings (QRP)
- Lacquers cut by Dave McNair
- Incredibly silent surfaces with no pops or crackles to be heard
- Warm piano sound, full bass and crisp drums
The single-sleeve jacket isn’t elaborate, but it’s elegant, with helpful liner notes by Michael Fremer.
Musical Highlights
- “Gone Fishin’” - Strong and immediate opener with fabulous Cardello piano work. That groove is infectious, and the rhythm section holds it down in a rock-solid manner.”
- “Steppin’ Up” – Fast and joyous, featuring crystal-clear piano detail and dynamic balancing between bass and drums.
- “Ask Me Now” – A solo piano track available only on vinyl, not on the CD or streaming editions, and one of the album’s most intimate moments.
- “Don’t Look Back” – Dazzles with sensational tenor lines by Chris Lewis as well as an endearing high-bottom stretch.
- “Music for the People” – A standout closing track with superb energy, expansive soundstage, and exceptional recording quality.
Each song follows seamlessly, and the record never loses steam. It’s intense, emotional and ridiculously rewarding.
Vinyl vs Streaming
While (like Chapter One) this is available on CD and high-resolution streaming services, including Qobuz in 24-bit/96kHz, the vinyl version has something extra about it – that little bit more presence and intimacy. The vinyl puts you in the room with the show, some heft and dimensionality that even their wonderful hi-res stream doesn’t match.
All of which is to say that streaming listeners aren’t being done such a disservice — the album sounds great in every format.
John McLaughlin — Music for Abandoned Heights (Impex Records)
A Previously Unreleased Jazz Masterpiece
Music for Abandoned Heights is a previously unreleased recording from John McLaughlin, finally brought to life by Impex Records — and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
The result is a mix of post-bop, fusion and songful expedition, featuring McLaughlin’s inimitable guitar voice with an outstanding supporting cast.
Personnel
- John McLaughlin – guitar
- Gary Husband – drums & percussion / keyboards
- Julian Siegel – tenor & soprano saxophone
- Misha Mullov-Abbado – acoustic bass
- Étienne M’Bappé – electric bass
Audiophile Production & Packaging
Impex delivers yet another perfect presentation:
- Mastered and lacquer cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
- 180g vinyl pressed at RTI
- Lavish gatefold jacket with glossy printing
- Includes a 12-page booklet with liner notes and photos.
Given the production quality, the album feels like a true value — a premium release in every sense.
Musical Highlights
- First Track “The Scene” – Immediately beguiling, reeling the listener in with considerable immediacy and spirit. Once it gets going, it’s exceptionally difficult to stop listening.
- “Malcolm Fitzgerald” – A go-to demo track that shows off McLaughlin’s guitar playing with a deep, enveloping soundstage and razor-sharp imaging.
- “Elijah in DC” – Thunderous and incredibly well-recorded drum beats with such weight and realism.
- “Nathaniel & Christine” – One of the album’s most emotional moments, a wonderfully relaxed, gorgeously expressive interplay of guitar, bass and piano.
- “Nathaniel Drives to New Jersey” – A thrilling group performance with pristine drumming and fluid saxophone lines.
Turn the volume up, and this album truly comes alive — revealing just how masterfully it was recorded.
Availability
- Available on vinyl and SACD
- Not streaming (yet) on Spotify or Qobuz at the time of review
For those with a taste for vinyl, this pressing is well worth the money.
Final Analysis: Two Jazz Must-Haves
Both Chapter One and Music for Abandoned Heights are not only musically stunning jazz albums, but sonically, too. They succeed on every level:
✔ Stunning musicianship
✔ Beautiful compositions
✔ Reference-quality recording and mastering
✔ Audiophile-grade vinyl pressings
Whether you are a jazz-obsessive audiophile seeking sonic nirvana or simply want to experience modern-day jazz at its best, these two albums should be in your collection.
Put simply, these are two of the greatest jazz albums to come along in a very long time – and they demand to be heard.
Watch the full review below:
Purchase Music for Abandoned Heights on 180g vinyl HERE!
Purchase Music for Abandoned Heights on Hybrid SACD HERE!
