Tarzan tracking session
Here’s some bits from recent projects. Each project had it’s own set of challenges and each was uniquely gratifying.
Miking the bass section
Once again, fall has proven to be a very busy time here at DRR&P. Since the first week of October I have produced 2 shows for Disney Theatrical, a junior version of Peter Pan and a definitive recording of Tarzan (great music by Phil Collins), SeaWorld Orlando’s new Christmas spectacular, “O Wondrous Night”, recorded and mixed an album for vocal trio, The Marshalls, and tracked an album for up and coming Ecudoran singer, James Febris. All tracking was done at The Tracking Room, Nashville and at my studio, My Space Recording. Read the rest of this entry »
Recording the Equinox Jazz Orchestra with members of the Nashville Jazz Orchestra
Last week, I recorded two very different, very exciting projects. First, Equinox Jazz Orchestra leader Jeremy Davis came to town with conductor Tommy Brinson, arranger/co-producer Bach Norwood, and singers Clay Johnson and Adam Jones. Recording for their new CD took place at Sound Emporium Studio A with members of the Nashville Jazz Orchestra filling the chairs. Read the rest of this entry »
How to make useful tempo maps for recording sessions, Part 2
Click tracks are often used in music recording, keeping ensembles playing tightly together and helping ensure that specific musical events happen exactly when they need to, as when scoring to picture. As discussed in part 1, a good tempo map will generate an audio click track that leads musicians easily and musically through performing a piece of music. Read the rest of this entry »
Tracking San Luis at Myspace Recording, Nashville
Recently, Producer Iker Gastaminza came in from Miami with two of the founding members of Venezuelan pop sensation Voz Vies. Santiago and Luis Castillo are finishing production of their first release under the new group name San Luis. Part of the new sound they were looking for was the synergy of great musicians tracking live, something done less and less often in latin pop music. Toward this end Iker suggested coming to Nashville to work with myself and arranger Chris McDonald. Read the rest of this entry »
I thought I’d share a bit of our production music for Royal Caribbean’s Saturday Night Fever. This project was very fun to record and it looks like the full theatrical production will be really spectacular. Enjoy!
RCL’s preview video
Preparing and using midi files and tempo maps for live recording
If you’re a composer today, you’re often tasked with twice the work you once were. Not only are you composing a score, but also creating an elaborate virtual instrument mock-up (or even final master recording) of the composition at the same time. When you add all of the hybrid musical styles used in scoring for games or picture, you end up with an almost infinite number of combinations of work-flow, software, and virtual/live instrumentation to manage – all within the allotted time and budget.
If only there was a tool that could allow you to successfully manage all these tasks, from composition to final audio master.
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Orchestral Recording at Ocean Way Nashville
Wow, what a month. In just four weeks I’ve recorded orchestral scores for 4 productions I’m doing. Two great projects for Disney, The Little Mermaid and an adaptation of Winnie The Pooh, an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, and a new Christmas show for Busch Gardens Williamsburg featuring scoring from the Vancouver Olympic opening ceremony. All told, 129 pieces of music.
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Orchestra recording for MTI's Miss Saigon
I am currently working on a new recording of Miss Saigon for MTI (in conjunction with Cameron Mackintosh). David Weinstein did the modified orchestration and conducted the orchestra during recording last week. Because of the pit-sized orchestra, I elected to record this on here at my studio tracking Drum kit, electric bass and guitars separately from the Strings, winds and brass.
In the studio with The Pursuits
I’ve been working with Nashville based Alt Rock band, The Pursuits. Good songs, interesting guitar textures, thoughtful vocal performances…. Read the rest of this entry »
