Solstice/equinox is an exquisitely crafted jewel of an album whose multiple facets enchant the listener. As Diana's pristine voice lures us to follow her through the changing seasons, she takes us on a journey through time and space echoing both the ephemeral and enduring qualities of the cycles of love and life. Once again, Diana's repertoire selection is masterful and Don Thompson's superior arrangements provide luxurious wrapping for Diana's jeweled tones. What makes Panton special is that she's herself. You feel her relaxed, playfully personality throughout, and the quality of her voice is remarkable. A voice that's as gentle as a doe but smart as a fox.

初の2管編成をバックに、四季折々の情景・情感を織り込んだ珠玉ナンバーを，軽やかに呟くように歌い上げる
　前作『アイ・ビリーブ～』（愛おしさ溢れる小品），その前の『レッド』（“ルージュの溜息”に相応しい佳品）と、2作続けてカナダのグラミー賞＝ジュノ賞を獲得するなど、その好調さを印象付けるカナダのキュートな歌姫、ダイアナ・パントンの2年振りの新作。初の2管編成をバックに、四季折々の情景・情感を織り込んだ珠玉ナンバーの数々を、軽やかに呟くように歌い上げ、心震わせる密やかな興奮を呼び起こす。彼女の魅力はやはり少しの無理もない自然体そのものとも言える歌い口。更にあのシーラ・ジョーダンに「今までに聞いたことのないスイートさ」と言わしめた蠱惑ボイス。そのソフトな表情で優しげに唄い掛けられると、グラッと来てしまうこと間違いなし。全体には⑧に象徴される様に，かつて一世を風靡したジョージ・シアリング・サウンドと、彼女のエレガントさ・ナチュラルさをブレンド…と言った趣きで、これが見事にはまっている。ボッサの代表曲⑤等のお馴染み曲以上に、フランス語でため息交じりに囁かれる、洒脱者アンリ・サルバドールの⑦，名花バルバラの⑩が心に沁みる。（小西啓一）---「JAZZ JAPAN 86号」

　ダイアナ・クラールやホリー・コールら世界的なジャズ・ヴォーカル大国カナダにあって、同国のグラミー賞と言われるJUNO賞の常連となっている若きディーヴァ、ダイアナ・パントン。そのスウィートな歌声と、陰影豊かなアーティキュレーションで多くのファンを魅了する彼女の最新作のテーマは、四季折々の情景。命の芽吹く春、陽光溢れる夏、樹々の色づく秋、静寂の冬などの季節の変化に寄せる思いを爽やかな歌声で綴った本作は、聴く者の心をそっとなごませてくれる。（早田和音）---「CDジャーナル 2017年10月号」

　カナダからは毎年のように素敵なヴォーカリストが紹介されているけれど、パントンもデビューして早12年、すっかり中堅として日本のファンにも受け入れられた印象がある。自身9作目となる本盤は、曲を追うごとに四季の移ろいを聴かせていく演出。ドラムレスでゆったりと、幸せな出来事を独りつぶやくような彼女の歌声はもちろんのこと、静かに寄り添うドン・トンプソンのピアノ、ベースの美しいこと。こちらも耳を傾けるうち、童心に返ったような心持ちになってくる。夏の終わりに取り出して(5)～(8)だけ聴いてみる、そんな楽しみ方もアリだろう。今秋、本作を携えての来日を心待ちにしたい。（御子柴亮輔）---「ジャズライフ 2017年10月号」

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

The 2xHD proprietary mastering provides a unique listening experience as the process digs deep in original recordings to bring out all hidden information, without altering the music in any way, uncovering and bringing out nuances, warmth, depth of field and even the air around the musicians.

The 2xHD logo on an album cover indicates that the recording was carefully selected and the high-resolution mastering was done using the 2xHD process. Created by producer/studio owner Andre Perry and prize-winning audiophile sound engineer Rene Laflamme in collaboration with several high-end audio equipment manufacturers, the 2xHD music remastering system combines the best of vintage analog with state-of-the-art DSD and DXD digital technology - a ‘Back to the Future’ approach. Each musical project is treated with individual attention to the selection of equipment.
Some of the top flight gear used in the process includes a selection of cutting-edge A/D and D/A converters to obtain the most natural DSD or PCM sound, such as a NAGRA-T tape recorder - modified with all tubes playback electronics (With its four direct drive motors and the tape sensor head, The NAGRA-T is one of the best transports ever made), a modified vacuum tube NAGRA HD dac (DSD) to make it possible to obtain real analog sound from a digital master and in some cases even battery power is used so as to benefit from the cleanest power source possible. The 2XHD FUSION mastering system is powered by super capacitor power supplies with new technology that lowers the digital noise which is heard in the lowest levels, something that was not possible before. The resulting signal is then transformed to high resolution formats by recording it in DSD 256 kHz using the Merging Technologies’ Horus A to D converter - which is also powered by a super capacitor power supply. All analog and digital cables are the finest state of the art available today. Also used in the process are Pyramix Masscore (records all high-resolution formats, allowing for great flexibility), an Atomic Clock for re-clocking, and Siltech & Shunyata cables (all digital and analog cables are reduced to a minimum optimal length in the digital conversion and mastering system).
The particular open sound and feeling of having no ceiling to the music are obtained through the 2xHD high resolution transfer. In the case of an original analog master tapes, transfer to DSD 256. In the case of an original 96/24 or DXD/DSD master, transfer is made to analogue using cutting edge D/A converters.

2xHD is an accurate and musical mastering system, earning recognition from peers and from the specialized trade publications around the world.