Craftsmanship

Wrensilva Sound: Listening Sessions with Joe Harley

When Blue Note Records producer Joe Harley met us at our San Diego workshop, he was carrying a stack of his favorite jazz records, including a few from the label’s audiophile reissues that bear his nickname – Tone Poet Series. Between wood cuttings and workstations, Wrensilva Co-Founder and head of audio Scott Salyer sat down with Joe for a final tuning session of the next generation Wrensilva Record Console Collection.

Joe Harley holds up a Tone Poet series Audiophile reissue during our listening session.

Blue Note Records Producer Joe Harley, nicknamed the Tone Poet, understands the art of creating audiophile records like few others. That rare perceptiveness now guides the Wrensilva Sound towards a delivery that is faithful to the original recording. Earlier in his career, Joe served as Vice President for a leading HiFi audio cable and accessory company. He then spearheaded the company to form the record label AudioQuest Music with the express goal of creating leading audiophile records. This launched him into a production career with renowned jazz and blues musicians, using the most cutting-edge technology. Nearly 20 years later, President of Blue Note Records Don Was, asked Joe to join the label for an audiophile reissue series of their iconic master tapes — now known as the celebrated Tone Poet Series.

The crackle of vinyl has the power to elevate even the simplest of moments—morning coffee, a slow evening by the fire, or the gentle rhythm of snowfall outside your window. With this in mind, we’ve handpicked a collection of albums designed to complement the season, each offering a distinct kind of coziness when played through a Wrensilva.

Miles Davis – In a Silent Way (1969)
Envelops listeners in a warm, hypnotic blend of ambient jazz fusion.
FKJ - Just Piano (2021)
A minimalist masterpiece of gentle, improvised piano compositions that flows calmly. Ideal backdrop for slow evenings spent curled up indoors.

Junip - Fields (2010)
Earthy folk melodies with dreamy, synth-infused textures, carried by José González's serene vocals.
Arthur Verocai – Arthur Verocai (1972)
Lazy morning jazz out of Brazil. A legendary album that deeply influenced hip-hop sampling.

Bon Iver – Bon Iver (2011)
A sonic tapestry, layered with intricate harmonies and lush instrumentation, that is both intimate and expansive, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia.
Weyes Blood - And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow (2022)
Creates an atmosphere of wonder with its blended genres and soothing vocals.

Each of these selections was chosen for its ability to transport, soothe, and enrich your winter rituals. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the luxury of slowing down.

Joe Harley listens as a Blue Note record spins on the next-generation M1 record console.

Joe’s expert input, along with that of our entire Wrensilva Creator Team, is a crucial step in achieving our sound — as heard from the new Wrensilva Record Console Collection. For us, it’s really about celebrating music in its purest form. That means crystal clear imaging combined with warm tones. You know the quality is good when it sounds like you’re in the recording studio as the band recorded their original performance.“I think you got the tonal balance spot on,” Joe said. “I really do. I noticed, and I’m sure you noticed, that everyone sounds like themselves. Guys that have a softer tone, have a softer tone. Guys that have a harder tone, have a harder tone. Where HiFi gets boring is when it sounds all the same to you. You might like chocolate, but you don’t want chocolate on your steak, right? Then it gets not so good. You don’t have one coloration poured over everything — which is how it should be.”