Albums Recently released
Its great when you’ve finished working on an album for a client, but’s what’s even better is when they send you a finished copy of the CD. I know in this digital age, CD sales are down, and digital downloads are on the rise. But think about CD packaging for a minute, it is a form of Artwork that the musicians involved have put time and effort into (in most cases). It is a tangible thing. And although music is being listened to less and less on CD, I think its a viable medium, based on how cheap it is to manufacture them.
Lastly, a Hard Copy CD is really the only way that the Listener would know who is behind the production of the record, Like who the Engineers, assistants, graphic designers are. This is important for people like me, who rely on credits to keep on working.
That being said here are some recently release Albums, that I’ve engineered:
Joel Rubin/Uri Caine Duo- Azoy Tsu Tsveyt
Marla Mase – Speak
Adam Rudolph’s Moving Pictures – Both/And
Joanna Burns – The Green Year
Although, not an offical album yet, I did record/mix an ensemble lead by Cornetist Graham Haynes, for “The Greatest”. This is a Dance Theater performance based on the life of Muhummad Ali, Choreography by Peggy Choy. There is a good chance that this music will be available on CD for purchase in the future.
Noisey Gadgets
I did some recording today with some of my new favorite musical instruments.
Some of these I built or modified myself.
Here is a list of the toys I was using:
1) Gakken SX 150 analog synth kit
2) Homemade Atari Punk Console (no kit, made from scratch using Circuit Board from Radio Shack).
-this is the device housed in the red Swiss army tin.
3) Transistor radio noise synth- Made from taking apart a transistor radio and Orange Tupperware container. This is an example from Nicolas Collins’ book. noise is made by touching resistor points on the circuit board and tweaking the volume pot. the beauty of this instrument is that no 2 transistor radios sound exactly the same. so start hitting garage sales.
4)Stylophone BeatBox (not modded…yet)
5)Modified danelectro Fab Echo- Housed in the Green Tupperware container, removing the delay time resistor and adding a potention gives the unit a lonnnnnnng analog delay. it really sounds awesome!
6) last is my trusty Electrix Filter Queen. This unit is so cool, and sounds great with the APC running through it.
I’m actually using these on my new recordings. That’s right, I’m working on a new record.
More info on that soon. and I’ll post some sounds from these toys, as well.
late,
James
Joanna Burns- In Studio Performance Video
Here’s a Video of my friend, Joanna Burns, gettin’ down at Orange Music Sound Studio.
The Latest CMA News!
Hey Folks,
All is well at CMA. Things have been quite busy for me, on the business and the Personal tip (i’m getting married in 19 days).
I just want to list all the great talented artists that I have had the pleasure of working with lately.
Everything has been going real well, and I hope to continue to work with such fine musicians.
Sally Boyd- Mixing of new Album
Adam Rudolph- Tracking Sessions for the new Moving Pictures Album
Method of Defiance- Mixing sessions for Upcoming albums with Bill Laswell.
Sarah Bernstein- Tracking Sessions for her violin/percussion duo project.
Scorch Trio- mixing for their new record
Diego Allessandro- Drum Tracking with Jimmy Farkas
Joanna Burns- Drums and Bass Tracking session
Dr. Israel – Bass and Keyboard tracking
Living Days- Full Band Tracking Sessions
I’m also in the process of Producing a record for my Band, Pidgin Droppings. I’ll keep you informed about the progress. We just layed down 6 basic rhythm tracks. I’m starting cut guitar my tracks. Its sounds really good, so far! I cant wait for you all to hear it!
I’ll post more soon,
James
CMA News!
Hi!
Just wanted to let you inside CMA and my life a little as we close the summer and enter the new school year!
For one, I recently got engaged to my girlfriend, Kerri. we are both excited and look forward to planning our wedding. I’ll keep you posted.
As far as music is concerned, I’ve been quite busy lately. I welcome new clients (and friends) Guitarist Dave Ross and live sound recordist/label owner Robert O’Haire. I just recently started working with them on 3 records featuring Dave. Robert is starting a label, I believe it is called StratoGold, which will release Free Jazz/Avant Garde performances by many of the top players in this genre. Keep on the look out!
I also went back into the studio to record Chris Padula’s Project, Thunder Bunny. His last EP was fun to work on and came out sounding great, thanks to a stellar mix by Alap at DeadVerse Studios.
We approached this new record almost the same. I recorded all the tracks for him, did some minor edits. He will then bring the sessions to Alap for mixing, then bring the mixes back to me for Mastering.
Last night, I was working with Robert Ryan of Harmonize Most High/Lord Sterling at his great loft space in Asbury Park. We were editing and overdubbing on a new project he recorded while staying at a Tree Farm in Ohio.
Him and I will get back together to record vocals on this in the near future. Also, look forward to a Vinyl release of the new Harmonize Most High record, coming soon. If you remember, I recorded and mixed this project in early 2009.
Thats it for now. Coming up this month, I’ve got some work with Out like Lambs, and Blind Idiot God.
I’m also wrapping the soundtrack for Yoko Shmono. I’ll keep you all informed.
thanks,
James
Dj Butterface Collaborations
I’ve been collaborating with DJ Butterface lately. He’s NYC based producer whom I met through Martin Bisi, fellow audio engineer who has recorded some of the greatest albums to come out of Downtown NY and Brooklyn.
I’ve been recording alot of basslines and guitar parts for DJ Butterface, and it’s been going really well.
It’s giving me the opportunity to experiment with now sounds and styles of playing.
be on the look out for these tunes.
Orange Music Drum Battle!
Here’s a video taken at Orange Music Sound Studio after a guitar tracking session with Singer Phil Bensen.
I’m on the green Yamaha kit, and singer, Joanna Burns is on the black Pearl Mega-Drums.
Amanda Duncan is filming this.
Continued Recording of Out Like Lambs, in an Asbury Park Loft
I am, again, recording the band Out Like Lambs in the Same Cookman Ave. loft apartment.
Michael and Rachel are really creating a dense, yet sparse, collection of tunes. The cast of musicians contributing to this project is increasing, for the Better. each of them are interpreting the tunes in their own way, and then laying it down with their instrument.
Tonight, We plug in, and record the Rock pieces!
Stay Tuned,
James
Out Like Lambs recording Session
Today is the 3rd day (last day) of a Location recording for Asbury Park based psych/ folk ensemble -Out Like Lambs.
So far, everything is great. We are really capturing some magic. The location of this recording is the Cookman Ave loft, that was also the space where I recored the last 2 Harmonize Most High records. Its a great big room, with woodfloors and High Ceilings. Just a great vibe!
Tonight we finish with a few electric rock pieces. I’m looking forward to that.
