Bryan Ferry to Release on Mono Vinyl "The Jazz Age" A New Instrumental Album

While his solo career is littered with covers, on this new Bryan Ferry album, the covers are of his own songs performed instrumentally with "The Bryan Ferry Orchestra", a 1920's style emulation. Songs include "Love is the Drug", "Do the Strand," "Avalon," "Virginia Plain" and even a truncated "The Bogus Man," all of which may have you saying "bogus, man," but we'll reserve judgement until we have a listen. The album, co-produced with Rhett Davies, is due out any day now.

COMMENTS
Mazzy's picture

I heard it and love it but its not for everyone. It is similar in concept to McCartney's Percy Thrills Thrillington which covers Ram. A bit of trad jazz. Many skipped that one when it came out only to rediscover it on the recent Ram box. I love both but if you only want rock and roll go elsewhere. Can't wait to get my own copy of this. might even spring for the 10" LP folio set. 

kozakjj's picture

I was looking for an area to paste a general comment, but I was not able to find one. So I will post it here. Michael have done any reviews on the YES albums released by Fridays Music?

Thanks

Jon

orthobiz's picture

For 150...POUNDS!!! I love him and the Roxy output but unless someone gives this to me as a gift I'll opt for the 12 inch!

http://www.vfeditions.com/product/view/73

Paul

lensimons's picture

Unfortunately, based on reviews on Amazon's UK website and listening to samples there, the album also emulates the sound of 1920's recording technology. It appears the album was produced to sound like a 78 recording, minus the surface noise, resulting in tracks with extremely limited dynamic range. Hardly an audiophile's dream.

Of course, should that turn out not to be the case, it could make for an interesting listen.

orthobiz's picture

"Unfortunately, based on reviews on Amazon's UK website and listening to samples there, the album also emulates the sound of 1920's recording technology"

 

That may very well be true, but it might still be enjoyable despite being old-timey. I just loved the close-miked sound of the Beau Hunks (on CD only, unfortunately) doing the old Little Rascals tunes. I haven't listened to the samples but you just might be surprised with the real release...

Paul

Michael Fremer's picture

I love that CD too! Sounds really good...too bad it's not out on vinyl...

Michael Fremer's picture

I love that CD too! Sounds really good...too bad it's not out on vinyl...

Michael Fremer's picture

I love that CD too! Sounds really good...too bad it's not out on vinyl...

my new username's picture

 

Ferry explains: “We used vintage microphones during the recording, which took place at my studio in London, and engineered it to sound antique. Since the band all played together in the same room, it was pretty important that no one played any wrong notes!

 

“We wanted the record to sound antique and of the period, so we deliberately recorded in mono and distressed the sound. Really quite a simple thing to do.”

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/sftw/4673258/Bryan-Ferry-re-imagines-greatest-hits-jazz-style-with-orchestra-for-The-Jazz-Age.html#ixzz2KeJjFwIK

If the Soundcloud previews are any indication it's as if the surface noise of a 78rpm has been removed, which reveals some sorts of things you wouldn't hear from old shellac ... but also absent is the characteristic upper-midrange "honk" of an (acoustic) Victrola as well as nearly all of the dynamics, ironically unfortunate.

But the songs sound quite fun initially. If I can scare up the $20 for the 12-incher, I'll probably go that route.

Brother John's picture

I just listened to a couple of tracks on Amazon and instantly decided I must own a copy of this album. Thanks for bringing it to the light of day Mikey. I'm a huge Roxy, Bryan Ferry nut and this is a must for my collection. God I love Analog corner!

Shaffer's picture

NPR did a story on the record this morning. The tracks can be listened to (albeit with commentary) on http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2013/02/12/171716590/bryan-ferry-wants...

 

nlakg's picture

Jazz just isn't my cup of tea ... Baby Memory Book

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