Lex Jasper Quartet - Lexquisite (Live at MCO)
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"The wise musicians are those who play what they can master."
- Duke Ellington
Lex Jasper - piano
Vinsent Koning - guitar
Frans van Geest - double bass
Gijs Dijkhuizen - drums
Total time: 52:55
Original recording format DXD352kHz-24bit.
Mastered by an HQ analog chain to PCM768kHz-32bit.
All other formats are converted versions of the original master.
Lex Jasper Quartet - Lexquisite - Live at MCO
Lex Jasper has enjoyed a remarkable career, performing alongside legends such as Shirley Bassey, Toots Thielemans, Stéphane Grappelli, and Joe Pass, as well as conducting, arranging, and composing for the renowned Metropole Orchestra.
Now, this exceptional live recording showcases Lex Jasper not only as a phenomenal pianist but also as a masterful bandleader.
His quartet, composed of some of Europe’s most respected jazz musicians, delivers a timeless performance, resulting in one of Jasper's most distinctive albums to date.
The magical atmosphere of the legendary Vara (MCO) Studio 2, with its warm acoustics, coupled with the superb recording and production techniques of Sound Liaison, brings every nuance of this live performance to life.
This recording is a beautiful and, at times, delicate work filled with subtle colors and emotional depth, yet interwoven with moments of vehement drama.
Lex Jasper’s piano takes center stage, gracefully complemented by Vincent Koning’s guitar, Frans van Geest’s bass, and Gijs Dijkhuizen’s drums. The chemistry within the quartet is unmistakable, creating a profound experience with every note—this is musical mastery in its purest form.
On the standout track 'Never Let Me Go', the balance between the instruments is so finely tuned that Jasper’s piano feels like pearls dropping into the sea. Koning’s guitar and Dijkhuizen’s delicate brushwork evoke the ambiance of distant waves, while van Geest’s bass provides the grounding calm of Mother Earth.
The quartet’s effortless sense of groove and interplay shines in 'Sing a Song', where the bass and drums pulse as one heartbeat, while the guitar and piano glide effortlessly above.
In 'I Cover the Waterfront', Koning’s melodic guitar playing takes the spotlight, supported by Jasper’s moving and masterful accompaniment.
This is more than just a jazz album, it’s a masterclass in taste, restraint, and musicianship. A great part of what makes this recording truly exceptional is the innovative "One Mic+" technique, crafted by Sound Liaison engineer Frans de Rond.
By carefully positioning the instruments around a special three-capsule microphone and then subtly enhancing the mix with spot microphones, he creates a stunningly natural, phase-coherent sound with a wide, deep, and immersive soundstage, offering an almost visual 3D placement of the musicians.
‘Lexquisite - Live at MCO’ marks a return to the very studio where my career began 50 years ago. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of recording and performing here many times. Now, with a beautifully tuned Steinway grand piano, three outstanding musicians, and brilliant sound production, we’ve created a recording I’m truly proud of!
Frans and Peter, your craftsmanship is nothing short of outstanding! The recording is simply phenomenal, and I couldn’t be happier with how beautifully you’ve captured the sound of the Lex Jasper Quartet. Thank you!
- Lex Jasper
Recorded in MCO Studio 2 (Hilversum) on October 8, 2023
Recording, mixing and mastering by Frans de Rond
Produced by: Peter Bjørnild & Lex Jasper
Digital mastering by Tom Caulfield
Used equipment:
Microphones:
Main system: Josephson C700S
Spot-mic piano: Josephson C700S
Spot-mic bass: Josephson C700A
Speakers: Linkwitz LX521 - The Reference
AD converter mastering: RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE
Mastering headphones: Hifiman HE1000se / Sennheiser HD800S
All power cables and power conditioners by AudioQuest
Network Switch and network cables by SOtM
Catalog Number: SL-1074A