McIntosh Releases Sessions Volume 1

A vinyl album featuring the Peter Erskine Quartet  Original Compositions Recorded Exclusively for McIntosh, the New Jazz Album Marries the Power of McIntosh-Quality Audio with the Authenticity of Recording Live to Tape.

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. proudly announces the release of SESSIONS Volume 1, a jazz album featuring eight original compositions by The Peter Erskine Quartet. Produced with iconic mastering studio Sterling Sound, this unique collaboration results in an album worthy of the world’s most discerning listeners – McIntosh customers – with the goal of creating the best sounding record possible, while retaining the artistry and passion from the studio session. At the heart of this captured performance is a vibrant intimacy that speaks volumes about the singular power of jazz and pure, reproduced sound.

Recorded live at Studio A at the famous Henson Recording Studio in Los Angeles and mastered at Sterling Sound in Nashville, McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1 is an album crafted with attention to every detail in pursuit of sonic excellence. Recorded and mastered with utmost precision on analog tape, it promises a high-fidelity vinyl listening experience, transporting audiences into the studio to hear The Peter Erskine Quartet’s captivating performance and original sound. Every aspect of making this album – from recording and mixing in legendary studios, to mastering and cutting, to test playbacks on McIntosh systems – was meticulously managed by an expert team of producers and engineers to recreate the richness of a live performance.

“This reference-level analog recording lets audiences discover the brilliance of vinyl, making it the perfect medium to coincide with McIntosh’s 75th anniversary this year,” said McIntosh President Charlie Randall. “Each SESSIONS album will be produced and mixed to capture the essence of live music with the premium sound quality McIntosh is known for – and Volume 1 with The Peter Erskine Quartet is no exception. We’re delighted to have worked with such a well-respected and talented group, along with industry leader Sterling Sound, to introduce original compositions recorded exclusively for the album.”

After playing together for decades, drummer Peter Erskine, pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Darek Oles find themselves at the top of their game with a 2022 Grammy nomination for their “Live In Italy” recording. McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1 marks the addition of saxophonist Bob Mintzer, acclaimed composer, arranger, and founding member of the Yellowjackets, to transform the trio into a quartet.

“We’re thrilled to partner with McIntosh on the release of SESSIONS Volume 1,” said Murat Aktar, Sterling Sound President and McIntosh SESSIONS Co-Producer. “Bringing together two leaders in the audio category – from equipment to mastering – this album is the ultimate example of how live recordings can translate into authentic at-home listening experiences.”

“McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1 transports us to a time when artists recorded live in analog with the intention of releasing on the warm, rich sound of vinyl,” explained Scott Burnett, Co-Producer of McIntosh SESSIONS. “Together with two iconic engineering powerhouses of McIntosh and Sterling Sound, we’re pushing the boundaries of a AAA, high-fidelity recording, evoking deep emotions and fostering a genuine connection to the artists in studio.”

McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 1 will be available worldwide starting July 1, 2024. In the U.S., it will be available on McIntoshLabs.com, as well as through authorized McIntosh dealers with an MSRP of $150. Outside the U.S., it will be available exclusively through authorized McIntosh dealers and distributors with an MSRP of $210 CAD / £200 including VAT / €225 including VAT (other countries please check with your local distributor for price).