Vintage
Jerome Sabbagh, Kenny Barron, Joe Martin & Johnathan Blake
1/4" 15 ips (IEC/CCIR) First Generation Reel to Reel Tapes
Stereophile Recording of the Month for February 2024
Analog Tone Factory is proud to work with Jason Smith and Grey Matter Audio to make great sounding tape copies of all of our records. Each tape copy is dubbed directly from the master tape, as opposed to being dubbed from a copy. By offering tapes made directly from the master, we are able to get as close as possible to the sound of the master tape itself and avoid generational loss. 
We are using a Sony APR-5002 as a transport to play back the master tape, but the sound is going through a Doshi Audio tube tape preamp, completely bypassing the stock Sony electronics. The recording tape machines are a bank of Otari tape recorders with a custom distribution amp system. We are using SM 468 tape stock, as we are fortunate to still have some. 
The regular format of our tape copies is 1/4 inch 15 ips IEC/CCIR but other formats are available upon request. Please enquire if interested. At 15 ips, each record fits on two 10.5 inches metal reels, each tape corresponding to a side of the LP. Each set of tapes includes three test tones to calibrate your machine. A high resolution download is also included. Any questions, please ask!
[Reel 1]
1. Vintage (Jerome Sabbagh) 5:22
2. On A Misty Night (Tadd Dameron) 7:26
3. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing (Billy Strayhorn) 5:40
[Reel 2]
1. Elson’s Energy (Jerome Sabbagh) 4:39
2. Slay The Giant (Jerome Sabbagh) 5:29
3. We See (Thelonious Monk) 5:14
4. Ask Me Now (Thelonious Monk) 7:04
Total Time 41:26
Jerome Sabbagh (tenor saxophone), Kenny Barron (piano), Joe Martin (bass),
Johnathan Blake (drums)

About Vintage
With the empathetic support of NEA jazz master pianist Kenny Barron, saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh alternates between original compositions and standards for this quartet outing featuring the stellar rhythm section of Joe Martin and Johnathan Blake. The album’s three saxophone piano duets highlight the connection between the veteran pianist and the younger saxophonist.
Read Press Release

Album Reviews
“This whole album documents a stunning performance, and is a gorgeous recording. It has such a 1950s feel – the tonality and authenticity, yet coupled with a 21st century resolution and fidelity […] On tape, compared to the vinyl, the image placement is now set in stone. It’s rock solid, holographic, tangibly tactile. The dynamic range – both in an overall sense and in the subtler micro dynamics that so define the reality of natural sounds – is far superior. Perhaps the most notable difference of them all is how the gaps between notes seem clearer, more defined. As a result, the sense of timing, of real musicians with real feel, is more present and ‘live’ […] I bought the tape after this review as I didn’t want to return it!”
- Dave Denyer, The Reel-to-Reel Rambler
“With Vintage, Sabbagh is le son. The beauty, breadth and clarity of his tone is just stunning […] This is an important album by four masters of this American art form.”
- Keith Hoffman, The New York City Jazz Record
“Demo quality AAA sound and equally great music with Kenny Barron, Johnathan Blake and Joe Martin backing Sabbagh's lovely saxophone. Would be at home amongst your 'Tone Poet' collection.”
- Michael Fremer, Tracking Angle (Music = 10, Sound = 11)
“Jerome Sabbagh’s Vintage was one of the best jazz albums of 2023.”
- Jeff Wilson, The Absolute Sound
“This is a superb quartet. Each player brings an equal amount to the table, a daunting task for all involved when playing with someone like Kenny Barron, who was Stan Getz’s pianist for many years. […] The recording is from Audiophile Demo Land. Warm, detailed, great bass from Barron’s left hand, plucky string bass and splashy-as-hell cymbals all with a focused Van Gelder-style recording. No higher praise from me.”
- Anthony Kershaw, Audiophilia (Audiophilia Dream List)
“This is an album with serious audiophile cred. […] But in contrast to most new audiophile LPs—I'm intentionally excluding audiophile reissues of classic records—this one features frontline musicians.”
- Jim Austin, Stereophile (Recording of the month, Performance ****, Sonics ****½)
“Interactive and playful on the quartet songs, and with adventurous playing from Sabbagh and Barron both, on the duets “We See” and “Ask Me Now” (Monk), this is an exquisitely balanced record.”
- Sylvain Siclier, Le Monde
“Less is more … This is an album that invigorates the jazz tradition, without forcing things, but without mothballs either. A real jazz record.”
- Jazz News
“Jerome brings sensitivity and intelligence to his playing and composing, and with Barron, Vintage has enormous maturity and grace. Spring for the vinyl if you can. Jerome is an audiophile, and meticulously oversaw the mastering and production.”
- Marc Myers, Jazzwax