Not SACD or DVD-audio, Barnburners by the Dukes of Dixieland (Leisure Jazz MD-1070-2; 59:48) features amazingly realistic dynamics and a surround process from FDS Labs called 4+ (compatible with Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound), which they’ve engineered close to the Chesky approach-mostly room ambience from the surround speakers. I grew up with this material in New Orleans and love it, but the overall sound of this disc tilts a bit to the brittle side, especially the vocals, making it difficult to enjoy as thoroughly as I would like. But I will compliment them on the imaging of the instrumentalists: each is solidly three dimensional and well positioned on the sound stage. Just wish the EQ wasn’t quite so bright.
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