It was only a couple years ago were you had to wait 15 minutes for a 30 second sound sample to download. One could only imagine when it would be possible to download CD-Quality audio in a reasonable time frame. With today's remarkable advances in technology the future is here today. Thanks to a company located in Redwood City, California you are able to download CD quality audio file in the same amount of time it took to download a low fi sound sample 4 years ago. The technology is called Liquid Audio.

As a music lover you are able to download the free Liquid Music Player. This is software similar to real audio however it allows you to view an album cover, linear notes, credit information, links back to the artists or labels website, and the best feature of all is that it sounds a whole lot better than any other software even on those slower connection speeds. Now you are able to sample a designated clip and determine if you like the song. If you like it and you want the full song you are able to hit a buy download button. This allows you to legally purchase the track and download a CD-Quality "Liquid Track". The "Liquid Track" can be played back off your hard drive as many times as you like and if you have a CD-burner you can record the track once to a CD-R and play it in any CD player. You now have the capability to preview music you, determine if you like it, purchase it, and create your own CD compilations. Even if you don't have a CD burner you can create track lists and play back the tracks off your hard drive while you are surfing the net, working on that homework project, or just chillin' in your pajama's.

This technology benefits everyone from the artist to the record label to the consumer. For Jazz this technology is blessing. Wouldn't it be nice to listen and purchase every show off an artists tour. With traditional formats it is not financially feasible to release every live show however with this new technology new doors have been opened. Certain labels have already taken advantage of this remarkable software and All About Jazz has been kind enough to provide some real estate to display the labels and artists that are using Liquid Audio. I encourage you to become involved by listening and purchasing the weekly samples and picks that are published on the site. http://www.allaboutjazz.com/liquidaudio.html

I will be updating the site with information about the technology and tips on how to use the player. I will showcase labels and introduce you to artists that I think should be heard.

For all you Liquid Virgins (first timers) go download the player -- it's free and it's only a 1.4 MB file http://www.liquidaudio.com/downloads

After you have the player check out the excellent sound quality by downloading this free track from the fine folks at Telarc Records. Ray Brown Trio: Summertime

To listen to Liquid Audio tracks at All About Jazz, click here.