in-akustik presents Great Women of Song, Vol. 2, the latest Reference Sound Edition release Sixteen singers, sixteen distinctive musical voices, and one common thread: the expressive power of great singing. With Great Women of Song, Vol. 2, in-akustik adds a new title to its Reference Sound Edition. The album is available as a double LP and UHQCD.
The compilation features 16 tracks by female vocalists working across jazz, blues, folk and pop, each bringing her own distinctive style and artistic perspective. The selection ranges from celebrated artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Lucinda Williams and Eva Cassidy to distinctive voices including Awa Ly, Ntjam Rosie and Aisyah Aziz.
The album moves between a wide range of musical styles and sonic textures. Cassandra Wilson opens with “Fragile”, followed by Dominique Fils-Aimé’s “Love Will Grow Back” and Lucinda Williams’ “Born to Be Loved”. Other highlights include Musica Nuda’s take on “Fever”, Youn Sun Nah’s interpretation of “Calypso Blues” and “E Du Nord” by Norwegian singer Kari Bremnes. The duo Friend ’n Fellow contributes “My Baby Just Cares for Me”. Eva Cassidy’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Macy Gray’s “The Heart” round off the album.
Sound Refinement with RESO Mastering 2.0
For the Reference Sound Edition, the recordings have been processed using RESO Mastering 2.0, a technique that combines digital and analogue approaches to sound refinement. The process incorporates specialised analogue studio equipment and carefully considered adjustments to the tonal balance.
Particular attention is paid to spatial imaging, dynamics, transparency and bass reproduction. The aim is to bring out the musical detail and individual character of each recording with greater clarity, while preserving its distinctive sonic identity.
Two Formats, Two Distinct Manufacturing Processes
Great Women of Song, Vol. 2 is available as a double LP pressed on 180-gram virgin vinyl. The records are produced using Direct Metal Mastering (DMM), a process in which the audio signal is cut directly into a metal master, which then serves as the basis for pressing the records.
The album is also available as a UHQCD (Ultimate High Quality CD). In this process, the information layer is formed from a photopolymer and cured using ultraviolet light. The material allows the tiny pits and lands that encode the digital information to be reproduced with great precision. This results in sharply defined edges, making it easier for the laser to read the data. An additional protective layer of high-purity polycarbonate safeguards the photopolymer layer. The UHQCD is fully compatible with standard CD players and comes in a mediabook with an accompanying booklet.
With Great Women of Song, Vol. 2, in-akustik adds another genre-spanning collection to its Reference Sound Edition, celebrating the diversity of female voices alongside a meticulous approach to sound refinement.
Album Details
- Title: Great Women of Song, Vol. 2
- Series: Reference Sound Edition
- Label: in-akustik
- Formats: Double LP (180 g virgin vinyl, DMM) and UHQCD
- Mastering: RESO-Mastering 2.0
