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Overview

McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1: The Peter Erskine Quartet

Audiophile Jazz Vinyl • All-Analog AAA Recording • 180-Gram Premium Vinyl • 33⅓ RPM LP + 45 RPM EP • Mastered at Sterling Sound • Pressed by RTI

McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1: The Peter Erskine Quartet is a premium audiophile jazz vinyl release created by McIntosh Laboratory in collaboration with Sterling Sound. Featuring eight original compositions performed by four accomplished jazz musicians, this special two-record edition captures the dynamics, tonal richness and intimacy of a live studio performance through an entirely analog recording and mastering process.

Recorded at the legendary Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood and mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound in Nashville, SESSIONS Volume 1 was produced specifically for high-fidelity vinyl playback.

The package includes a 180-gram 33⅓ RPM LP featuring all eight compositions, plus a 12-inch 45 RPM EP containing four selected tracks. Both records are presented in a premium Stoughton Old Style Tip-On gatefold jacket.

A Pure Analog Audiophile Recording

McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1 follows an AAA production process, maintaining an analog signal path through recording, mixing and mastering.

The sessions were captured using professional analog tape machines, including the Ampex ATR-102 half-inch two-track and Studer A800 MKIII two-inch 24-track recorders, operating at 30 inches per second.

This approach preserves the musical interplay, natural instrumental textures and dynamic contrasts of the quartet's performance without digital conversion in the production chain.

The Peter Erskine Quartet

The recording brings together four internationally respected jazz musicians:

  • Peter Erskine, Drums: Two-time Grammy Award-winning drummer known for his work with Weather Report, Steps Ahead, Steely Dan and numerous jazz ensembles.

  • Bob Mintzer, Saxophone: Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, composer and longtime member of the Yellowjackets.

  • Alan Pasqua, Piano: Acclaimed jazz pianist and composer whose collaborations span jazz, fusion and contemporary music.

  • Darek Oles, Acoustic Bass: Internationally recognized bassist celebrated for his expressive playing and extensive jazz recording career.

Their eight original compositions explore contemporary jazz, blues, rhythmic improvisation and acoustic ensemble performance.

Recorded at Henson Studios, Mastered at Sterling Sound

The album was recorded in Studio A at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, September 14–18, 2023.

Recording and mixing engineer Rich Breen captured the performances on analog tape, with the production designed around the requirements of high-resolution analog playback.

Mastering took place at Sterling Sound in Nashville, October 30–31, 2023, under mastering engineer Ryan Smith.

McIntosh reference audio components were used during playback evaluation, including McIntosh vacuum tube amplification, preamplifiers and loudspeakers.

Premium 180-Gram Vinyl Pressing

The album was pressed by Record Technology Incorporated (RTI) on premium 180-gram vinyl.

The two-record package provides two listening experiences:

33⅓ RPM LP: The complete eight-track album across two sides.

45 RPM EP: Four selected compositions presented at the higher rotational speed, offering an additional reference listening format for vinyl enthusiasts.

The records are housed in a premium Stoughton Printing Old Style Tip-On gatefold jacket, providing the substantial packaging associated with collectible audiophile releases.

Complete Track Listing

33⅓ RPM LP

Side A Duration
Leaving LA 3:23
Blues for Old Friends 6:43
Chilipso 4:48
Gumbo Time 3:39
Side B Duration
Into the Dark 5:14
A Few Good Notes 4:16
David's Blues 6:07
The Folks 4:22

45 RPM EP

Side A Duration
Leaving LA 3:23
Blues for Old Friends 6:43
Side B Duration
Into the Dark 5:14
A Few Good Notes 4:16

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Label McIntosh Laboratory
Album SESSIONS Volume 1
Artist The Peter Erskine Quartet
Genre Jazz
Format Audiophile Vinyl Record Set
Number of Records 2
Primary Record 12" LP, 33⅓ RPM
Additional Record 12" EP, 45 RPM
Vinyl Weight 180-Gram Premium Vinyl
Total Original Compositions 8
LP Tracks 8
EP Tracks 4
Recording Process AAA, Fully Analog
Recording Medium Analog Magnetic Tape
Recording Location Henson Recording Studios, Hollywood
Recording Dates September 14–18, 2023
Recording and Mixing Engineer Rich Breen
Mastering Studio Sterling Sound, Nashville
Mastering Engineer Ryan Smith
Mastering Dates October 30–31, 2023
Vinyl Pressing Record Technology Incorporated (RTI)
Packaging Stoughton Old Style Tip-On Gatefold Jacket
Album Producer Jeff Levenson
McIntosh SESSIONS Producers Murat Aktar, Scott Burnett
Release Copyright 2024 McIntosh Laboratory
Playback Requirement Turntable Capable of 33⅓ and 45 RPM

McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1 at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is a McIntosh Reference Dealer and Houston's destination for high-end audio, reference turntables and premium analog playback systems.

McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1 is an exceptional addition to an audiophile vinyl collection and a compelling recording for evaluating the performance of a properly configured two-channel system.

From McIntosh amplification and reference loudspeakers to turntables, phono cartridges and phono preamplifiers, The Grid HiFi specializes in complete analog system design.

Discover the art of reference vinyl playback. Call The Grid HiFi at (713) 218-8120 for expert turntable and analog audio system guidance.

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