Carmen Gomes Inc. - Up Jumped The Devil (2020) [DSD128]

Up Jumped The Devil is a Blues Jazz-tinged affair featuring songs by Robert Johnson. Rather than having clean breaks between tracks, the spaces normally between tracks are filled with what I can best describe as atmospherics, featuring drummer Bert Kampsteeg using his brushes on the snare and the bowing and plucking of the bass along with the clanging of the guitar. As a result, the songs almost blend all having a similar vibe and tempo, except for the penultimate track, Stop Breaking Down, which is much more upbeat.
The specialness of the sound of this recording is evident from the first few notes which feature the drums. The metallic sound of the cymbals and high hat is strikingly real as is the natural decaying of the notes. The kick drum is rock solid. This is some of the best sounding drum sound I have ever heard on a recording. Very dynamic and not reserved. The sound of the double bass is full, rich, and powerful where needed but with no hint of bloat. And the guitar…. It is clear and reverberant. Naturally, not with added reverb.
Of course, the vocals are captured beautifully. Carmen Gomes is right there in front of you. This recording doesn’t take you to the recording studio. Even better, it brings the recording studio to your listening room. Very few studio recordings do this. The drums to the left, Carmen in the middle in front of the instruments and the bass just to the right of her and the guitar to the right side of the soundstage. The sound is totally three dimensional. You almost feel like you can reach out and touch everyone. The sound is totally open with natural decay and depth. It is stunning. It really is. No hyperbole.
In addition to finding the sound of this recording to be superb, I also found the music to be really satisfying as well. That, of course, is always a matter of individual taste. I can state without question, that if you have enjoyed the other Carmen Gomes, Inc. releases by Sound Liaison, you will enjoy this release as well. Sonically, I believe this to be the best released by Sound Liaison. Well done, very well done. ~Audiophile Style


Tracks:

1. Tunica 01:20
2. Hellhound On My Trail 05:05
3. Rosedale 00:44
4. Up Jumped The Devil 05:31
5. Dark Corner Cemetery 00:49
6. Come On In My Kitchen 04:46
7. Penton 00:46
8. When You Got A Good Friend 06:19
9. Robinsonville 00:38
10. Ease The Pain 04:30
11. Hazlehurst 00:51
12. Love In Vain 05:48
13. Clarksdale 61-49 02:02
14. Stop Breaking Down 04:07
15. Martinsville 02:03

Personnel:

Carmen Gomes – Vocals
Folker Tettero – Guitar
Peter Bjørnild – Double Bass
Bert Kamsteeg – Drums