Reviews and Quotes

Takács Quartet - Haydn String Quartets Opp 42, 77 & 103 - Hyperion records -

Audio and Performance 5 out of 5 stars - BBC Music Magazine September 2022 Misha Donat

 

Just this month the quartet released its latest recording, featuring works of Joseph Haydn. The CD, of quartets opp. 42, 77 nos. 1 and 2, and 103, was recorded in the Lone Tree, (Colo.) Arts Center. “We had probably the top American producer, Judy Sherman, and a wonderful, wonderful sound engineer, Mike Quam, whom we got to know at the Colorado Music Festival,” Fejér says.

In addition to working for the Colorado Music Festival, Quam lives and has a recording studio in Boulder. “He’s the most wonderful all-around sound man anywhere,” Fejér says. “We never met anyone like him, so we were very happy.” Sharps and Flatirons - Peter Alexander September 2022

 

Takács Quartet - Haydn String Quartets Opp 42, 77 & 103 - Hyperion records -

"It’s the highest quality Haydn... a richness of tone that does nothing to undermine the wit of Haydn’s finales " — BBC Record Review September 2022

 

Takács Quartet - Haydn String Quartets Opp 42, 77 & 103 - Hyperion records - "These impeccable recordings of Haydn’s final string quartets open with an earlier work, Op 42 from 1785...Takács performances as wonderful and sonorous as you could hope for". — Dan Cairns The Sunday Times September 2022

 

Takács Quartet - Haydn String Quartets Opp 42, 77 & 103 - Hyperion records - "could not be more clearly or brightly recorded, with not an ounce of acoustic fat to get in the way". — Colin Anderson colinscolumn.com September 2022

 

"MENDELSSOHN; FANNY MENDELSSOHN String Quartets (Takács Quartet) - "superior presentation" - Gramophone November 2021 - Richard Wigmore

 

Presto Recordings of the Year Winner 2021 - Felix & Fanny Mendelssohn: String Quartets - Takács Quartet - "The balance between all four players is ideal, with motifs and themes thrown from one player to the next with ease, and there's a vibrancy to the recorded sound that is thrilling in the more dramatic moments whilst also allowing for more introspective intimacy in the quieter passages.

As I mentioned earlier, discussions surrounding our Top Ten for this year are yet to be concluded, and so I can't guarantee that the Takács Quartet will make the official list for the second year running, but for me this album is a definite winner". — Presto Classical November 2021 James Longstaffe

 

Felix & Fanny Mendelssohn: String Quartets - Takács Quartet - "it’s a mix of the thoughtful and the exciting, all bracingly recorded". — Jonathan Blumhofer The Arts Fuse, USA

 

"We never have to wonder about the quality of recordings by Michael Quam. They are always first rate." — Charley Samson, Classical Host and Executive Producer of Colorado Spotlight

 

 

"Given the challenges of social distancing, Pro Musica brought in video producer Michael Quam to film and prepare a delayed broadcast of the concert, for those watching a digital version.  Quam’s well-honed skills guided his inobtrusive camera placement, as well as transitions between views, and giving the virtual audience an up-close-and-personal perspective.  Admittedly, being in the concert space for a live performance is most compelling of all, but to have attention focused on a section within the ensemble that is, at that moment, providing a significant element of the music, and to even see the sparkle in Katsarelis’ eye as she cues her performers, brings its own sort of intimacy" - Betsy Schwarm, the SCEN3

 

"While a typical pre-coronavirus concert would have approximately three cameras rolling, Parkinson says they had at least ten cameras shooting from ten different angles. The goal is to use all the available technology to create “the feeling of a live performance through your TV screen,” says Parkinson. She credits the Boulder Phil’s recording engineer, Mike Quam, with doing “amazing work” to create high quality audio and high definition video.

The lighting and the cameras not only engage the audience, but they also enhance the performers’ experience. “Playing for a live audience brings a unique energy that we can’t replicate for the musicians but the lighting and cameras can replicate a similar energy,” explains Parkinson. - Boulder Daily Camera

 

"Michael Quam recorded and engineered my first CD. The process was great - Mike was very helpful and supportive, and left me alone to do what I wanted to do while giving helpful suggestions that made the project successful. Recording with him carries the additional advantage of his extensive training in music. I didn't need to listen to every take to find out if it was good; Mike's ears and feedback were so good I gave him production credit on the CD. I get as many compliments on the sound quality of my CD as I get on my playing. When I am ready for the next CD I'll be giving Mike a call." — Steven Walter, guitarist

 

"You can chalk up one proud effort! The master was great, the recording fabulous... You have done a truly HISTORICAL recording and no other recording engineer will probably ever have a chance like the one you realized and with which you've immortalized your name now with lovers of serious music and especially aficionados of string instruments. I can only wish you continued success in your field. I will promote you whenever and wherever feasible. I'm glad you took pleasure in your encounter with Draeseke, Krug, the Summit Chamber Players and myself, but at this point, the pleasure is really all ours!" — Alan H. Krueck, International Draeseke Society, North America, AK/Coburg CDs

"I really enjoyed working with you, and the quality of the editing and recording was great! " — Stephen Lias, composer

 

"Working with Michael Quam was a professional and easy experience from beginning to end! He knows his craft, how to utilize the space that he’s working in to its best advantage and turns out a high quality product, both with audio and video. No drama, no fuss, no errors. I would trust recommending him to anyone --- it’s a pleasure to work with him!" — Jephta Bernstein, Executive Artistic Director of OFF the HOOK Chamber Music Festival and PYCh, Project Youth and Chamber Music

 

"Michael's work producing a recording of my work's performance at the Colorado Chamber Player's concert was great. He captured everything in great quality from the subtle to the explosive moments." — Petra Hogan, composer

 

"THANK YOU!!! The CD turned out very well. The editing was fantastic!...seamless...thanks again" — Javier Pinell, violinist

 

"BTW, the mixes you did sound freakin awesome man! Thank you. " — Nicolas Kendall, violinist from Time for Three

 

"Jake's latest release is Live, his first full-length CD since 2006's best-selling Gently Weeps. After taping dozens of U.S. and overseas performances Jake chose these tracks as representing "the best of the best" of his live playing. ... Of course there's a live version of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" which might be Jake's best-recorded version yet!" — CD liner notes from Jake Shimabukuro's LIVE CD

"A solo recording involves so much practice and preparation from the performer that when you feel you are ready you want it to go as smooth as possible. I couldn't have made a better choice than Mike Quam as my recording engineer. His expertise of the entire process -selecting appropriate equipment and microphones, choosing an ideal location, actual recording, editing and mastering - proved invaluable. Mike's knowledge and understanding of the performing experience (he's an accomplished performer as well) and his ability to listen even to the slightest details to help me achieve the sound and character I wanted for each different piece helped me to be much more relaxed and confident in each session. His feedback on my playing during the course of the recording sessions was so helpful that I included him in the CD as one of my musical producers. I would (and will) record with him again without hesitation." — Ysmael Reyes, flutist

"I needed an audio engineer who had the experience to record a wide range of music, and the professionalism to interact with the musicians and promoters who gave permission for the recordings to take place. Michael fulfilled each of those requirements. I admired his commitment to quality, evident in the fact that he mastered each recording before submitting it for broadcast. Michael recorded local groups like the Tallahassee Winds, Tallahassee Bach Parley, Baroque Southeast and the Tallahassee Symphony Youth Orchestra. He also recorded nationally and internationally renowned groups like Tashi, Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, The Shanghai String Quartet, Chorovaya Akademia Russian Men’s Choir and the Penderecki String Quartet. His recording of the Penderecki String Quartet was so exceptional, a portion of it was broadcast on NPR’s Performance Today. My experience working with Michael was extremely positive. I could always rely on him to do quality work in a timely fashion." — Aimee Coleman, WFSU-TV/The Florida Channel

"Thanks for your help and your fantastic work recording the Boulder Concert Band." — Will Kinne, conductor

 

"Recording at Quam Audio, I was able to achieve the exact sound I wanted. This was possible for two reasons: the quality of the studio and the setting of the recording sessions. The equipment used at Quam Audio surpassed my expectations, and I was amazed by the richness, clarity, and dynamic possibilities this studio provided. And the setting could not have been better. Mike's recording space is comfortable and peaceful. I was completely relaxed there, and I felt like I was playing in my own home. Most importantly, Mike's direction and suggestions raised the level of my expectations and resulted in a highly satisfying recording. He has a rare talent to assess and determine what a player does best, and he calmly brings those strengths out of the performer." — Jeff Copeland, classical guitarist

"Has the uncanny knack for finding the sweet spot in a hall, auditorium or room...wherever it is...quite an ear too." — Todd Henry, choral director

 

BTW, Mike, the CD is great! You did a fantastic job of miking the soloists! They are really clear! — Marilyn Howard, pianist and music teacher

 

"The clarity of sound on the recording for our chamber music concert at the Broomfield Auditorium was the result of Michael Quam's experience with this particular venue and sensitivity to the individual characteristics of the unusual combination of instruments. Michael's strong musical background contributed to his ability to achieve a well-balanced mix of timbres in this live hall." — Grace Asquith, founder of Chamber Ensemble con Grazia and pianist

"I was very satisfied with the recording quality and the turnaround time was very fast. Also the CD cover and tray liners were very attractive." — John L. Heins, composer and pianist

 

"Thanks so much, Mike - the CD is really, really wonderful. You are terrific!" — Faye Nepon, jazz vocalist

 

"Thanks Michael, I listened to it yesterday. It is good! ... Love your playing and recording. Thanks so much." — Don Campbell, The Mozart Effect Author and Director of Music and Acoustic Services of Aesthetic Audio Systems, Inc.

 

"We're impressed with the quality of the recording. I'm so glad that you were able to record for us. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I'd be happy to do business with you in the future. " — Bill Elliott, pianist

 

"You did a fantasitc job on the sound on that CD!!! Whoa! I am overwhelmed at the quality! Professional level all the way!!!" — Chris Henson, Author & Motivational Speaker of LayoffShield, Inc.

"Thanks for the Spirituals CDs. I thought you did an outstanding job of recording. They sound great. Thanks!" — Ronald J. Williams, composer and conductor

 

"Over the last few years as I have played with different musical groups in Colorado, Michael Quam has repeatedly been the chosen recording engineer for groups wishing to archive performances or have fine quality recordings to use for publicity and grants. Working quietly in the background he has achieved a wonderful recorded sound that captures the the energy of live performances with the sound that comes from being a fine musician himself. Bravo Michael!" — Bruce Barrie, Associate Professor of Trumpet at Seoul National University

"Thanks for all of the expert help. The section I especially was pleased with was the one with Larry Graham at the piano. Beautiful sound obtained for one of Charles Eakin's best works. Look forward to working with you on future projects. You're easy to work with and certainly have the technical down." Hobart Bell, Flat Nine Films

"Mike of Quam studios did a great job capturing our live show and then editing it down to a very nice sounding CD." — Rayleigh Rask, folk musician

 

"Beautiful recording! Thank you again, Mike!" — Alexandra Eddy, composer

 

"Thanks for great recording! ... Thank you for all your work on my recital CD! It sounds great, and is nicely packaged too:)" — Seth Houston, choral director

 

"Thanks, Mike, for your work in recording our recent concert. Sure appreciate your professional attitude and work! — G. Randall Coleman, Boulder Concert Band conductor