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Just occasionally I get the change to indulge my passion for Jazz. In fact when I received the ‘True Stereo’ sampler I was not aware I would be doing so.

These days digital seems to be everything so when I read about a True Stereo sampler that works with original unprocessed Analog recordings I was intrigued to hear the output. This sound can only be reached with a good bit of pre planning as there are only two microphones and no alteration is made to the originals.

With over 50 years of jazz appreciation to my bow I loaded the CD into my system with interest. I have heard of three of the twelve artists and follow the work of only one – more of that shortly – so I really had no idea what to expect.

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I was listening only to the sound – excellent – and then I realised I liked what I was hearing. There was only one ‘Standard’ among the twelve tracks so the first listen had not only the quality to absorb but also the tune. The second play becomes more tune but you still note the quality and depth of sound something often missed on other Digital recordings.

I have often wondered why I prefer live music with all the imperfections and perhaps it’s just because you hear the real sound. Of the twelve tracks covering a range as all samplers do I would happily listen to more from at least ten of them and even the other two would not worry me.

These days the sleeve insert is often no more than an image, here you get details of the album that each track comes from with full track listing and recording date plus – and as far as I know this is unique – where all the instruments were positioned giving the Stereo Spread and Spacial Positioning.

Even if Jazz is not really your scene I can whole heartedly recommend the Naim True Stereo Sampler NaimCD080. It costs only £5.

Now onto the name I have followed this is Charlie Haden who plays Acoustic Bass the CD is called Nightfall NaimCD077 and the nine tracks were all recorded live at the California Institute of Arts around a year ago. This is a duo album with John Taylor on piano.

As mentioned live recordings – to me anyway – add that something and given the choice I would always go for live over studio recording that could and often are edited within an inch of their lives.

Some people would call the work of Charlie Haden and John Taylor chamber jazz I do not care to classify it in anyway. I would only say it is a listening pleasure. Should it be played during the day or late at night just don’t let anyone or anything disturb your listening pleasure. I would of course have loved to be at the California Institute of Arts a year ago when it was recorded but using the True Stereo system is almost as good and of course I can enjoy it for evermore. The cost is £12.98.

Link:  www.naim-audio/music/samplers.html then select True Stereo