Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song [Stereo] (Definitive Sound Series One-Step Box Set Edition)

(AAA) — Lacquers cut from the original analog master tapes by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering.

The Definitive Sound Series (DSS) meticulous One-Step process creates the definitive sounding audiophile version of all-time classic albums.

Nat King Cole The Christmas Song was mastered from the original Analog 3 track masters to ensure The Christmas Song has never sounded better.

This DSS version is limited to a one-time pressing of 3,000 numbered copies with Certificate of Authenticity. Uniquely designed slipcase houses heavyweight tip on gatefold jacket.

The One-Step process is highly regarded among audiophiles and collectors for its unparalleled sound fidelity and represents the pinnacle of vinyl manufacturing and the listening experience.

Audio Source: Original Analog 3 track masters
Vinyl Compound: Neotech VR900-D2 180g High-Definition Vinyl
Vinyl Mastering: Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
One-Step Process: Dorin Sauerbier at Record technology, Inc.
Pressing: Record Technology, Inc.
Print & Packaging: ASG / Spark

Tracklist:

Side A
1. The Christmas Song
2. Deck The Hall
3. Adeste Fideles
4. O Tannenbaum
5. O, Little House of Bethlehem
6. I Saw Three Ships
7. O Holy Night
8. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Side B
1. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
2. A Cradle In Bethlehem
3. Away In A Manger
4. Joy To The World
5. The First Noel
6. Caroling, Caroling
7. Silent Night
8. O Come All Ye Faithful

Notes from Tom ‘Grover’ Biery (Definitive Sound Series reissue producer)
All Analog

Includes two songs not on the original album, “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”. We had to assemble the cutting reel for this All-Analog One-Step from three separate 3 track analog tapes. Most of the songs were on one reel but not in the order of the 1962 album… that meant engineer Chris Bellman had to splice the tape in order to get the songs in the correct order.

This is a painstaking process of going back n forth between the reels but well worth the time and effort to use the true original analog masters for this version. In the case with Nat King Cole, the 3-track master has the music on 2 tracks (left and right) with Nat’s vocal on the third track in the middle, isolated. The moment we heard his voice it was literally like he was in the room. The goal was to create that sound, that voice, that feeling for fans to hear.

We had several sources to use as guides… from original vinyl to compilations and a hi-res transfer of some tape – but based on the sound, that transfer wasn’t from the original 3-track masters were lucky enough to have. It was going down a rabbit hole for over an hour, just deciding how to proceed. In the end, all the extra time and care needed to use the 3-track very original master tapes to create the Definitive Sound Series One Step of Nat King Cole “The Christmas Song” was well worth it. We think you will agree.

(Above description from CapitolMusic.com)