I came across this the other day - not sure where I found out about it but I'm glad I did - available at CD Baby http://cdbaby.com/cd/primamore, this is one of the finest 5.1 SACD releases I have heard to date. "Grancia" is described as chamber Jazz and it is an apt description, beautiful string and horn arrangements complimented by lilting jazz/world music style solos. The 5.1 mix is spectacular and is presented from the perspective of Primamore on keys. Recorded live with a minimum of overdubs, this mainly acoustic album places you directly in the band and each instrument is clearly defined in a holographic soundstage - beautiful!
It's hard to pin this one down as some of the string arrangements are very classical. But I do find it very soothing and satisfying to listen to. I think generally it is more of a combination of "smooth jazz" and "new age". Sort of like a lot of the stuff that Windham Hill puts out but this one has greater consistency of quality across the entire disc.
There are enough musical styles here that I didn't even try to categorize it in my High Fidelity Review write-up! Nice music in Surround Sound though.
John Sunier over on Audiophile Audition said the SACD had a Surround Sound mix that was tasteful enough to convert 2 Channel fans to Surround Sound.
Have you picked up the October SACD by Larry Chernicoff? Very similar in style and music. And also a nice Surround Sound SACD for the collection.
Hey Brian,
I haven't heard "October" yet. Thanks for the tip. I will look into it.
Thanks, and give Mom my best .