you know I am a great fan of Pat Metheney as well as of Julian Lage. At the Village Vanguard I was able to enjoy Julian Lage with his combo in 2022. Pat I have seen many times in Germany. Both are great Guitar Virtuoso as is Al Di Meola which I have met at Kaufhaus Beck in Munich some years ago (see my report on this blog).
I nearly have all LPs of these three maestros. Now I got their latest recordings: Julian Lage – Speak to Me, Pat Metheney – Moon Dial and Al Di Meola – Twenty Four.

Of course I played all LPs in an In Center Position with the new DS ES 001 on my Micro Seiki SDP with AS Titan arm and Ortofon 100 cart via my improved EMT 66 phono pre.

The sound is such present and full. What a difference the centralised record makes in difference to a swinging around record (Off – Center Position). You will not believe the accuracy, the harmonious bass lines of the Julian Lage Trio. It is so stimulating, that I wonder how could I ran through the world without centralisation? Ok it was good but this is really from a different world.

Don’t forget after stopping the table you need to move the record into the exact middle position (In Center) without taking away the DS ES 001 (!!!). You may use it as a weight in the correct position.

Julian Lage is playing solo guitar, also with his combo on the two LPs some typical American songs. Of course the music is recorded in the best and professional way at Brooklyn Studios by the Blue Note/Capitol Team around Don Was and Joe Harley. The mastering and vinyl cutting (in Memphis) is just superb.

Pat is playing his special baritone guitar he fabricated for his tour and record. He is playing solo. It is a very smooth record. A new experience. You need to hear it more times. Then you like it pretty much.

Al Di Meola is on his track again. He is now 70 years old as is Pat! Hey, nearly only old men in this business! Very similar to the audiophile side?! 😉. Luckily I have two years left! The album is a jewel in quality and music, a beautiful guitar festival of Jazz/Flamenco/Art-Rock, virtually composed and perfect from its production side.

if you have the chance to get these records do start a testing with centering the records. You will have an even greater musical enjoyment & maybe you will realise somewhat of a surprise.

fully centralized! You do hear the difference of out-off-position and full centralization! Looking at the cart you do not see any sidewards moving on the record!