Vladimir Shafranov Trio - Moonlight Becomes You / LP Venus Records

Album History

The album Moonlight Becomes You represents a pinnacle in the career of pianist Vladimir Shafranov, who, alongside Hans Backenroth on bass and Moussa Fadera on drums, delivers a masterful straight-ahead jazz set. Recorded at Yardhouse Studio in Sweden, the album captures an atmosphere of romantic swing that highlights the trio's virtuosity. This is the second installment in Shafranov's Moon series, which has garnered critical acclaim for its clarity and emotional intensity.

Production Quality & Mastering

This specific pressing from Venus Records is a benchmark for audiophiles worldwide. Utilizing the renowned Venus Hyper Magnum Sound technology, Tetsuo Hara has overseen the mixing and mastering with absolute precision, delivering a sound with exceptional depth, dynamic presence, and crystal-clear resolution. The pressing on heavy 180g vinyl ensures the faithful reproduction of the audio signal, minimizing surface noise and providing a premium listening experience.

Aesthetics & Construction

The Japanese production by Venus Records is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail. The vinyl comes with the classic OBI strip, a hallmark of collectible Japanese editions, while the quality of the jacket and inner sleeve reflects the high aesthetic standards of the label. Given the limited nature of Venus Records releases, each copy is a valuable addition to any serious jazz vinyl collection.

Listening Experience

Listening to this record transports the listener to a space where Shafranov's piano dominates with warmth and clarity. The interplay between the trio members is exemplary, with the bass providing a solid foundation and the drums adding the necessary vitality. This is a record that demands high-quality equipment to reveal all the nuances of the recording, offering a truly realistic sense of the musicians' presence in your listening room.