[Yardstick]

It is definitely a wicked sound. It’s chesty and woody and just has a great thrummm to it. He must be playing those bass notes on the open strings because he’s playing a melody line at the same time. At least that’s how I’d have to do it on guitar.

Do you know of any particularly good cello recordings that can be found on LP?

[Dysart]

Well, I am partial to Steven Isserlis, try Bach: The Cello Suites recording at Amazon.

Here's another sample from youtube: Steven Isserlis- J.S. Bach Cello Suite No. 2 in d minor; Prelude

I think you're right about his playing style on that first piece...I'v been looking for a video to confirm but not found it.

[Dysart]

You'll really like this, I think: Steven Isserlis-Nocturne Op.19-4_P.I.Tchaikovsky