There is a growl to the low end that is not there on the DVD-A and a sharpness to the attack on the guitar that is also missing on the DVD-A. I have held the DVD-A in high regard over the years and still do, yet I find this SACD to be an improvement. I have had the DVD-A in my collection for a long time and it has been a disc that has had plenty of spin time over the years.
Anyone reading this has most likely heard this album many time.
Review by Audio Ed Septem(3 of 3 found this review helpful) This 5.1 SACD is a fine release of one of the most successful jazz albums of all time, and should be regarded as highly recommended (with the caveat in regards to the slightly sub-optimal vocal track). Though only a minor criticism, the vocal reproduction on this 5.1 mix could have benefitted from a slightly more forward presentation. In regards to the lone vocal performance ("This Masquerade"), the sonic reproduction is certainly good, though not optimal. This is consistent, throughout the 6 tracks. The 5.1 multi-channel mix is excellent on this SACD, in regards to the musical instruments. The remaining 4 tracks on this 6-track album are also fine, though overshadowed by the aforementioned opening two tracks. There is no debate, however, regarding this album's outstanding musicianship (notably, George Benson's outstanding performance on guitar), the widespread appeal of the title track, and Benson's surprisingly strong vocal performance on the album's most acclaimed track ("This Masquerade"). Widely regarded as marking the birth of "smooth jazz", the musicality of the material has been praised and criticized, largely according to each reviewer's opinion of smooth jazz. This award-winning 1976 recording earned multiple Grammys (including Record Of The Year for "This Masquerade"), triple-platinum certification (sales), and the general distinction of being regarded as one of the most successful jazz albums of all time. The audio equipment used for this review included an Oppo BDP-105 (connected for multichannel play), PSB Synchrony One speakers (7 speakers, no subwoofer), and a Denon 7.1 channel receiver.
This is a review of the 5.1 channel SACD of Breezin', by George Benson (the new release, issued 5 days before this review).