Premonition Records

20/09/2013

September 18, 2013: The Absolute Sound has just issued a wonderful review of our new LP, Von Freeman, THE GREAT DIVIDE. They gave it 4 stars (out of 5) for MUSIC and 5 stars for SONICS. It's not online so I can't link to it but here's what they said. Thanks Von Freeman and thanks Absolute Sound.

"When tenor saxophonist Von Freeman released his 1972 debut Doin’ It Right Now, he revealed a unique blend of influences tracing back as far as the seemingly bygone age of swing. He continued to play in an authentic, unstudied manner throughout his career, and the inspiration he derived from previous masters, Hawk and Pres in particular, is still evident on 2004’s The Great Divide, a previously CD-only release reissued now on vinyl. This gorgeous set includes the stellar accompaniment of pianist Richard Wyands (whose discography extends back to some classic Gene Ammons sides on Prestige), bassist John Webber, and drummer Jimmy Cobb, who recorded with Miles, Trane, and Cannonball—and on Doin’ It Right Now. Mastered for vinyl by Doug Sax and pressed at RTI, the 180-gram LP boasts a lucid sound that perfectly complements the intimate performance, the bass and piano crystal clear while the closely-miked sax is free to employ the utmost subtlety, a strategy that’s particularly effective on the remarkable solo performance of “Violets For Your Furs.” However, top honors go to “Blue Pres,” a Lester Young tribute that’s a must for straight-ahead jazz lovers who appreciate one master paying homage to another." JW

18/06/2013

Premonition's new Von Freeman LP just got a great review in CNET's Audiophiliac column. It's gratifying to see such nice reviews come through for Von, an artist with whom we are very proud to be associated.

The grooviest remastered LPs for analog connoisseurs. Read this article by Steve Guttenberg on CNET News.

09/06/2013

GREAT REVIEW OF CAFE BLUE-REEL TO REEL

The Absolute Sound, the widely respected audiophile publication celebrating its 40th anniversary in print this month, has a story on Reel to Reel (r2r) in their current issue wherein they lavish praise on our one and only r2r release, Patricia Barber's cafe blue. We'll post the link when it goes online - but here's what they said:

"So far Premonition has only issued one r2r, but it's a doozie -- Patricia Barber's cafe blue in the recent Capitol Studios remix! Wait 'til you hear "Too Rich For My Blood" on 15 ips tape! (An interesting note: this album was originally recorded 48kHz/16-bit digital -- the only title on this list that wasn't recorded on analog tape. And yet ... it has always sounded great on LP and now even greater on r2r. Go figure."

We worked really hard to make our first r2r release something special. It's really great to get this type of recognition for our efforts.

18/05/2013

Here's the new cover art for The Great Divide on LP. Chicago artist Tim Anderson, who did portraits of Bird, Prez and Hawk for the original release, created this Von portrait for this release.

18/05/2013

First review for our new LP release of The Great Divide. We're off to a great start. FYI, the new album art is way cooler.

Premonition Records has re-released tenor man Von Freeman’s 2003 release, The Great Divide.

11/04/2013

Somehow, we missed THIS. A beautiful, heartfelt tribute from son to father.

I first met Von Freeman on July 17, 1949 in Chicago. At first glance I didn’t know who he was, what he had accomplished or, more important, what he would eventually mean to so many people. In the years to come I would listen to him practice for hours upon hours, still not realizing how original his…

08/04/2013

The Village Voice said of this track, "Freeman is wrong - but wrong like Monk and Lester Young were, with the peculiar logic of genius." High praise indeed but we here at Premonition can't say we disagree. This track is on "The Great Divide," which we are releasing on vinyl next week. Re-mastered by the legendary Doug Sax with new cover art by Tim Anderson, this is sure to be one of our best of this year. Featuring Von Freeman, Jimmy Cobb, Richard Wyands and John Webber.

Von Freeman, This is Always

11/03/2013

20 YEAR LOOK BACK ... PATRICIA BARBER

March 10, 2013 ... With five albums on Premonition, there are many terrific Patricia Barber tracks to choose from as we once again re-visit Premonition's 20 years of putting out records. I chose this one for two reasons. First, it is a killer: Patricia in great voice, playing beautifully and the band, IMHO her best group, providing the kind of support found only at the highest levels. And second, because it was one take. Patricia counted it off and eight minutes later, we had this. No editing. No fancy production. Just pure, unforgettable music making straight from the heart. It's what I envisioned Premonition to stand for and then it happened. Thanks Patricia, Michael, John and Mark.

Patricia Barber, You & The Night & The Music

04/03/2013

5 stars in DownBeat and Grammy Winner. Say no more.
"Modern Cool"
http://www.premonitionrecords.com/productdetail.php?p=77

This one earned 5 stars in DownBeat. Say no more. Another strong, blending of material as on cafe blue but heavier on the originals. Features the same band as on cafe blue with the addition of trumpet star Dave Douglas. Highlights include Barber's originals "Touch of Trash," "Company," and "Winter,"...

26/02/2013

John McLean is such a great musician. This tune, from his one (unfortunately) Premonition release, encapsulates John's thing: beautiful composition, searing guitar, flawless performance. Looking back on 20 years is pretty cool.

16/02/2013

"Café Blue" Now available on 1/4" tape, 15 ips.

12/02/2013

Grammy Pre Show Festivities at the Nokia Theater, LA.