Michael Fremer

I was hosted in Thailand by Chaiwat Jongpatanagitruang (on the right) and his brother Piyanas Jongpatanagitruang (on left). I was a guest on their half-hour Saturday night radio show. The weekly show is about audio.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary "Mercury Living Presence" series, Decca Classics just announced this new audiophile vinyl series half-speed mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios using brand new from the original first generation 3 track analog master tapes high definition digital transfers made by Abbey Road Studios' Jared Hawkes (the one mono release used a full track 1/4" tape).

Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda-san officially coined the term "Umami" in 1908, defining it as a very pleasing or delicious flavor on the palette, a synergistic effect resulting in higher taste intensity.

From the Musical Surroundings press release:

"When Hana decided to create a high-end cartridge, Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san applied the concept of Umami combining brilliant materials and classic Japanese techniques with modern audio engineering."

This minor musical and major sonic gem features the great vibraphonist Gary Burton, Dave Brubeck Quartet drummer Joe Morello (reference only in case you just arrived from outer space) and veteran bassist Joe Benjamin on a jazz session headed by the great Nashville guitarist Hank Garland.