Hugh Masekela, flanked by Bernie Grundman (L) and Steward Levine
photo: David Goggin
Producer Stewart Levine and mastering engineer Bernie Grundman have formed Straight Ahead Records (323/465-6264), which plans to offer audiophile-quality recordings using the co-owners’ areas of expertise. According to Grundman, “Our signal path uses a unique shared electronic circuitry that enables us to use multiple microphones, but with less overall electronics. The signal goes direct to separate computers for high-resolution and standard CD formats, and to our analog tape machines for making vinyl.”
The first album offered by the new label is Hugh Masekela’s Almost Like Being in Jazz, which was recorded at Grundman’s mastering studios (Hollywood). An accompanying live album (produced by Levine) was recorded to 2-track at 24-bit/96k. The album will be available as a two-LP set and as a Dual Disc containing CD-quality audio on one side and high-res 24/96 quality on the flip side.
