McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1: The Peter Erskine Quartet

Welcome to McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1, an album crafted with attention to every detail in pursuit of sonic excellence. Recorded and mastered with utmost precision on analog tape, it promises a rich, high-fidelity vinyl listening experience that will transport you into the studio to hear the musicians’ captivating performance and original sound.

"This is a 100% top quality all-analog production… a superb-sounding record in every possible way… consider the sound a Tracking Angle 11 [out of 11]… an audiophile demo record with system-testing spectacularly natural sound… The record will show off how good analog sounds, how good the McIntosh systems sound, how good the recording is and, unfortunately, how mediocre are so many recordings in all of our collections." – Michael Fremer, Tracking Angle

Produced for McIntosh by iconic mastering studio Sterling Sound, the entire production and engineering process was meticulously managed by an expert team of producers and engineers. Every aspect of making this album, from recording and mixing in legendary studios, to mastering and cutting, to test playbacks on McIntosh systems, was undertaken with the single goal of creating the best sounding record possible while retaining the artistry and passion from the studio session. This unique collaboration between McIntosh and Sterling Sound results in an album worthy of the world’s most discerning listeners – McIntosh customers.

"A four-star sonic journey that perfectly embodies the warmth, detail, and dynamic range synonymous with McIntosh… a masterful performance that spans a range of jazz styles… every detail is rendered with stunning clarity… The immersive soundstage transports the listener directly into the performance, while the pristine analog recording beautifully captures the nuances of each instrument." – Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz

We invite you to sit back, relax, and experience the sonic richness of this live recording as if you were there. Welcome to McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1: The Peter Erskine Quartet.

"This is one of the best recorded and executed albums I’ve listened to. I’m so happy I bought one when they were released. I wish most recordings were done this way." – acelestrin on Instagram

"Spun it last night on my rig. Amazing sound quality!" – niccampesi on Instagram

"Listened to it on my new Technics SL-1210 GR2 turntable thru a newly restored vintage Mac 1700 receiver and it’s nothing short of breathtaking." – texxasjeff on Instagram

FEATURES

• Jazz album featuring 8 original compositions from The Peter Erskine Quartet

• All songs specially recorded for release on McIntosh SESSIONS

• AAA production

• Recorded live in Studio A at the famous Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles

• Mastered at Sterling Sound in Nashville

• HQ-180 Gram Premium Vinyl Pressing by RTI

• Includes a 12" 33-1/3 RPM LP with all 8 songs plus a 12" 45 RPM EP with 4 of the 8 songs

• Packaged in an Old Style® Tip-On Gatefold Jacket from Stoughton Printing

TRACKLIST

33-1/3 – Side A

Leaving LA (from the film Sacramento) (Peter Erskine, Erko Music, BMI) 3:23
Blues For Old Friends (Darek Oles, LA Jazz Quartet Music, BMI) 6:43
Chilipso (Alan Pasqua, Itsall Music, BMI) 4:48
Gumbo Time (Alan Pasqua, Itsall Music, BMI) 3:39

33-1/3 – Side B

Into The Dark (Darek Oles, HNH and Buster Ann Music, ASCAP) 5:14
A Few Good Notes (Bob Mintzer, Mintzer Music, ASCAP) 4:16
David’s Blues (Peter Erskine, Erko Music, BMI) 6:07
The Folks (Alan Pasqua, Itsall Music, BMI) 4:22

45 – Side A

Leaving LA (from the film Sacramento) (Peter Erskine, Erko Music, BMI) 3:23
Blues For Old Friends (Darek Oles, LA Jazz Quartet Music, BMI) 6:43

45 – Side B

Into The Dark (Darek Oles, HNH and Buster Ann Music, ASCAP) 5:14
A Few Good Notes (Bob Mintzer, Mintzer Music, ASCAP) 4:16

ABOUT THE PETER ERSKINE QUARTET

Speaking about the musical marriage of drummer Peter Erskine, pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Darek Oles, journalist Jim Worsley from All About Jazz said, “The trio could be considered the perfect melting pot of creativity, complexity, and rhythm, pollinated with spontaneous interplay and intelligent conversation.” That’s quite a summary of these top-tier jazzmen who, after playing together for decades, find themselves at the top of their game. Their Live In Italy recording, which garnered a Grammy nomination in 2022, is evidence of their primacy.

What makes the meeting of minds extra special now is the addition of saxophonist Bob Mintzer, acclaimed composer, arranger, and founding member of the Yellowjackets. A long-time associate to all, Mintzer elevates the group’s collective mastery in a new project, McIntosh SESSIONS, a direct-to-tape recording representing the partnership between hi-end audio giants McIntosh and Sterling Sound. At the heart of this captured performance is a vibrant intimacy that speaks volumes about the singular power of jazz and pure, reproduced sound.

Erskine and company revealed this immediacy in the studio. But, in fact, they bring it to the stage each time they play.