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Venus Records: Pure Audiophile Jazz Excellence from Japan

Established in 1992 by jazz record producer Tetsuo Hara, Venus Records has acquired worldwide respect for its sophisticated, high-fidelity jazz recordings. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company has emerged as a destination for both audiophiles and jazz enthusiasts alike who demand uncompromising recording quality and an unambiguously warm listening experience. Venus Records is particularly renowned for its distinctive Hyper Magnum Sound, stunningly beautiful cover art, and authoritative catalog that encompasses both Japanese jazz masters and legendary international jazz icons.

A Vision Born from Pure Jazz

Venus Records was founded through Hara's enduring love of classic jazz and his desire to establish a company capable of capturing the emotional and acoustic depth of golden-era jazz recordings from the 1950s and 1960s. His approach was based on warmth, depth of space, and an alive soundstage. Far from the norms of mass production, Hara insisted on mastering and pressing with meticulous devotion, and each release was treated as a work of art. Over the past three decades, hundreds of albums have been released that have stood the test of time, both artistically and sonically.

The Signature Hyper Magnum Sound

At the center of Venus Records' attraction is its Hyper Magnum Sound technology, the company's proprietary mastering procedure for highlighting a robust sonic presence. The sound ideology of Hyper Magnum Sound enhances the emotional energy of live jazz performances by heightening clarity, warmth, and detail in every note.

Every recording is enhanced by 24-bit digital mastering, precise microphone placement, exact analog-to-digital conversion, and superior vinyl pressing. Listened to either through headphones or on a highly sophisticated turntable system, the Hyper Magnum Sound presents each session in remarkable realism.

Venus recordings are released on heavyweight 180g vinyl and are often limited editions, making them highly sought after by vinyl record collectors. Venus releases are also available on CD and SACD for those who prefer listening digitally.

Venus Records on Elusive Disc: Featured Releases

1. Nicki Parrott - Fly Me to the Moon

One of the best-selling acts on the Venus label is jazz singer and double bassist Nicki Parrott, whose warm voice and suave swing have won over fans. Fly Me to the Moon is one of her most accessible and appealing albums, featuring favorites such as "Moon River," "Do It Again," and its title track.

Supported by lush piano trio accompaniment, Nicki's voice is recorded in warm and clear tones thanks to Venus mastering. The simplicity of her arrangements remains expressive and makes for a great choice for a peaceful evening or newcomers to jazz singing.

2. Eddie Higgins Trio - When Dreams Come True

The late pianist Eddie Higgins has a dedicated audience among jazz traditionalists, and his recordings for Venus are among the best from that company. If Dreams Come True is Higgins in top form, offering beautifully arranged performances of ageless classics like “Skylark,” “I Remember You,” and “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.”

The release displays Higgins's lyrical phrasing ability, perfect touch, and profound comprehension of jazz vocabulary. The record is an exercise in restraint and subtlety, and the Venus edition provides exquisite audio definition that reveals every aspect of his piano playing and his trio dynamic relationship.

3. Misty by Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio

One of the jewels in the catalog of Venus Records, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto's Misty is a live double LP from the cozy Jazz Is club in Yokohama. Yamamoto is renowned for his rich musicianship and dynamic live performances, and this live recording is no different. It features an electrifying rendition of "Misty," among other jazz repertoire played with tender feeling and passion.

The warmth of the piano is captured by the Venus mastering, as are the nuances in dynamics of the upright bass and the snap of the drum kit in stunning detail. It's a live recording that brings a private concert to your living room.

4. Simone - Romance.With Romantic Latin

Providing some international flair for the catalog is Simone's Romance with Romantic Latin, a sizzling and sophisticated collection of Latin-infused jazz singing. With grace and warmth in delivery, this album weaves together bossa nova, samba, and balladry in lush acoustic settings. Tracks such as "Besame Mucho" and "Perfidia" stand out.

Venus Records' production skills mean that every percussion brushstroke, guitar strum, and vocal inflection is captured in rich detail.

5. Bill Charlap Trio - 

This highly acclaimed recording has Bill Charlap in a tasteful and reflective arrangements. The release, available on Venus on CD in an expanded form, is enhanced by the label treatments, providing a first-rate listening experience for those who appreciate showtunes rearranged in a jazz mode.

With sophisticated dynamic control and masterful trio interaction, the CD showcases Venus Records' commitment to both jazz tradition and innovation.

Presentation Aesthetics: Cover Art as an Area of Art

Aside from its clean sound, Venus Records is also famous for its striking and oftentimes provocative cover art. Tetsuo Hara employs a design-oriented approach, often featuring sensual photos, abstract images, and minimalist design. The striking LP covers are showpieces in any vinyl record collection and capture the emotional vibe of what's contained within their grooves.

Whether it's a black-and-white photograph of a singer in mid-phrase or a design inspired by mid-century Blue Note covers, every cover of Venus is hand-selected to complement the audio depth of the record that it houses.

Genres and Themes

Venus is deeply grounded in jazz but is differentiated in its catalog into diverse subgenres and themes that include:

• Vocal jazz (Nicki Parrott, Marilyn Scott, Alexis Cole)
• Piano Trio jazz (Eddie Higgins, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Steve Kuhn
• Latin jazz and bossa nova (Simone, Claudio Roditi)
• Bebop and swing
• Standards reinterpretation
• Live performances in small nightclub venues

The emotional resonance and virtuosic musicianship are highlighted in everything released under the label, irrespective of style or guest artist.

Why Audiophiles Trust Venustas Records

Record collectors and audiophiles worldwide are attracted to Venus for a variety of different reasons:

1. Best-in-Class Sound Quality

Venus's Hyper Magnum Sound technology ensures that the warmth and dynamic range of analog recording are maintained and maximized.

2. Outstanding Musicianship

The imprint consistently showcases renowned jazz musicians, both veteran and lesser-known figures who contribute decades of expertise and heart in every recording.

3. High-Quality Packaging

Every LP comes in high-quality jackets and protective inner sleeves. A significant number are limited edition releases pressed in small quantities with an eye for audiophile quality.

4. Commitment towards Analog Warmth

Even when it is recorded digitally, Venus values sound warmth, depth, and presence characteristics usually missing from mass-produced jazz reissues.

Venus Records on Elusive Disc

Elusive Disc is delighted to provide a high-end collection of Venus Records' best vinyl, CD, and SACD releases. Whether in need of jazz favorites, vocal jazz, or adventurous piano trios, Elusive Disc's Venus catalog features a masterfully curated selection perfect for collectors, audiophiles, and jazz enthusiasts alike.

Shoppers who buy Venus through Elusive Disc benefit from:

• Availability of difficult-to-find issues
• Informed customer service provided by music professionals
• Secure packaging for collectors
• Fast, reliable shipping

Last Words: An Enduring Moniker for Authentic Jazz Aficionados

Venus Records is not just a jazz label but an aural celebration of style and soul. Each release is a testament to founder Tetsuo Hara's faith in the timelessness of acoustic music, delivered by top-flight engineering and offered in polished artistry. Whether it's a Nicki Parrott vocal performance, a solo piano from Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, or a subtle swing from Eddie Higgins' trio, a Venus LP welcomes you into a lush soundworld in which jazz exists in vibrant, living color and is richly rewarding to no end.

For collectors, audiophiles, and those who love exquisite music, Venus Records remains a haven for jazz enthusiasts.

Browse the entire inventory today at Elusive Disc and see why Venus continues to be a gold standard for high-fidelity jazz recordings.