TONE

Drum Micing 101 - Rock N Roll!

2012-01-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

This is a straight forward micing technique for rock that I have been using for a while. Yields great TONE!

D112 and M88 in the Kick

View of the inside of the kick - Note: The D112 is very happy with out a mic stand

Um 70 (omni) front of kit - down low

451 on Hat with a pop filter

451 on Ride Cymbal

Neumann TLM 103's for Overheads (or any large diaphragm condensers)

57 on Snare top and bottom

View of the kit - Gobos on the sides

Chicago Sessions: AARON KOPPEL QUARTET • Multiverse

2012-01-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Aaron Koppel – guitar; Matt Nelson – piano, Hammond B-3, Rhodes; Graham Czach – upright & electric bass; Robert Tucker – drums. Recorded 6/19 & 6/26/2011

The follow-up to their critically-acclaimed 2009 album "Falling Together Falling Apart" - #7 in Neil Tesser’s Top Ten Chicago Jazz Discs of 2009, #12 in JazzChicago.net’s Top Chicago Recordings of 2009, 3 ½ Stars! (3=Good, 4=Excellent) – Downbeat Magazine, "Recommended" by Cadence Magazine, "Easily Recommended" - Chicago Jazz Magazine.

AARON KOPPEL QUARTET • Multiverse www.chicagosessions.com/koppel2.html

www.chicagosessions.com

Chickpea Burgers & Sauteed Sage Sweet Potatoes with Bulgur Salad

2012-01-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

All Fiber!

Edwin Jagger DE Razor

2011-12-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

My New Edwin Jagger DE87 Razor. I think the Merkur will be retired!

421 for Bass cab still wins!

2011-12-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

421 along with a DI on a Fender Jazz - nothing beats it!

Cannellini with Shredded Brussels Sprouts and Sausage over Bulgur

2011-12-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

Another Recipe from Mark Bittman- Lots of Fiber!

"The Blissters" Drum Tracking

2011-12-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

D122 & 664 in the kick
57 on Snare
421's on Toms
81 on hat (with pop filter) & ride
414 EB (Silver) on Oheads

Tracked to 2 inch

Grilled Steak with Shreaded Sweet Potatos and Brussels Sprouts

2011-12-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

Chickpea Tagine With Chicken

2011-12-08T22:23:00.001-08:00

Recipe from Mark Bittman

C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream

2011-11-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would switch from mug soap - but this stuff is amazing! It produces a very thick lather with eucalyptus overtones! Best shave to date...

Electric Bass Overdubs on The Duece Record - Continued

2011-10-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

SWR 350 Head with Audiophile Cabinet
421 on the Cab along with an Avalon U5 DI on the Bass

From The Archives - Getting TONE in the 90's

2011-10-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

From The Archives - A Picture of me getting Tone in the early 90's - Star Trax Recording

Steinway at Gallery Of Carpet Recording Studio

2011-10-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

"Nude Sunrise" - Recent Tracking Session

2011-09-30T04:33:00.000-07:00

Drums:
Kick - D112 and Beyer M88
Snare - Sm 57 Top and Bottom
Floor Tom - MD 421
Hat - Sm 81
Overheads - 414XLS's

Kick: D112 on the pillow and M88 on the beater

Keys and Effects - Gepco DI and MD 421 on Amp

Guitar Amps: 121 and 57

Tracked on a Neve Console to Protools H.D.

PAISLEY PARK STUDIOS - MINNEAPOLIS, MN

2011-09-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

History:

Paisley Park Studios was opened in 1987 by PRINCE, the legendary musician and entertainer. Paisley Park fame has grown around the world throughout the 80’s and 90’s and continues today.

Since its inception, many of the world’s top artists have used Paisley Park Studios to create chart-topping music, full-length feature films, commercials and music videos.

Chicken and Pork Jambalaya

2011-09-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

Kick Drum Micing

2011-09-09T07:03:00.001-07:00

D112 to capture the lows and 664 for the attack. A perfect combination....

Hi Hat Micing - Side!

2011-09-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

Small diaphragm condenser with a pop filter. Sounds "Crisp" and "Detailed" with less snare bleed. The mic is also completely out of the drummer's way.

AKG 414 - Last Attempt - on Vocals....

2011-08-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

This 414 is a silver "EB." Fans of the 414 speak of this model as one of the best. Tried it on vocals recently - again with the same results....No Tone!!!!

Trident Console at the Carpet

2011-08-26T22:18:00.001-07:00

Flank Steak with a Garlic-Chili Fish Sauce Marinade over Roasted Vegetables

2011-08-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Gallery of Carpet - Live Room Tour

2011-08-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

Olivia - Born July 1st - 2011

2011-08-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

She prefers the Sennheiser 770's over the AKG 240's... I am not sure that this is my kid!

Neotek Elite - Great Picture

2011-07-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Great Picture of the Neotek Elite that was part Star Trax Recording.

Sometimes the light is just right!

Star Trax - R.I.P. January 2007

**

Chicago Sessions: SHAWN MAXWELL • URBAN VIGILANTE

2011-06-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Shawn Maxwell – alto saxophone;
Matt Nelson – piano; Bob Lovecchio – bass;
Brandon Dickert – drums.
Recorded 3/13 & 3/20/2011.
Produced by Nick Eipers and Shawn Maxwell. Engineered by Nick Eipers.

“... the noticeable new wrinkles in Maxwell’s studio persona lift his already distinctive playing to another level. You hear this most immediately in the unusual, even striking articulation Maxwell applies to phrase after phrase of his solos on Urban Vigilante... you’ll find that these devices have purpose; they disturb the lines in small but important ways, and it makes a world of difference. “It emphasizes things in a way you don’t usually hear them,” Maxwell explains of his approach to articulation. And when added to his timbre – with its keening bittersweet urgency and swirling overtones and nearly physical presence – these devices help mold an edgy and powerful improvisatory style.

Maxwell’s decision to reveal his real musical self in his solos dovetails with the more adventurous and challenging compositions he unveils on Urban Vigilante... So we get to see the writer, as well as the player, behind the mask.”
- Neil Tesser (from the liner notes)

To Purchase CD: www.chicagosessions.com

Inside The American Mobile Truck

2011-06-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

96 Channels of True Systems Mic Pre[s]
Sync I/O
2qty - Protools 64 Input HD Systems [128 inputs]
D-Command ES Control Surface
Genelec and Adam monitoring
Sony LCD
Radial Stage Spliter

Owned by Chris Shepard

http://www.americanmobilestudio.com/American_Mobile/Home_Page.html

Blumlein - Royer 121's with Console Tape = Tone!

2011-05-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Royer 121's on a Stereo Bar with Console Tape = "Perfect Blumlein"

Stereo Micing Never Sounded So Good!

Recording Magazine Online - The Compleat Recording Musician Part 21 - How to Get a Great Vocal Sound

2011-05-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

"Special thanks to Bernie Mack at Flashpoint for supplying the raw female vocal tracks to create these examples as well as to Claire Stalienbacker for lending her enviable talents on both voice and guitar. Thanks also to Bernie for supplying the last two mixes comparing the R 121 and the U87 on the same tracks."

Consulted for the above article on Recording Vocals:
http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/367.html

Guitar Amp Micing

2011-04-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Guitar Split with a STD box into a Fender Combo and Orange Combo miced with 57's

Fender Combo miced with a U89 and 57

Vox Combo Miced with a Coles 4038 and 57

57 - still wins

Current Favorite - 421 for Bass Cab - Rock!

2011-04-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

SWR Head with an Acoustic 2x 15 Bass Cabinet

421 into a John Hardy M1 with 1176 Compression = Tone!

Chicago Sessions : LARRY GRAY TRIO• THREE EQUALS ONE

2011-04-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2011

Larry Gray– double bass;
John Moulder – electric & acoustic guitar;
Charles Heath – drums.
Recorded 2/20/2011.
Produced by Nick Eipers and Larry Gray. Engineered by Nick Eipers.

Reviews:

“Gray’s trio has found a separate identity of its own, the product of an ongoing conversation among its three members... Moulder’s musicianship is matched by his protean versatility. His work runs a gamut that includes starlit jazz balladry, gothic romance (as on his own recent album Bïfrost), bebop coruscations, and slashing fusion (as a member of drummer Paul Wertico’s bands). In Gray’s trio, his improvisations marry ravishing melodies to relaxed propulsion, staking his claim within the modern guitar mainstream... Heath, a precision-tuned dynamo at the drums, leaves Gray shaking his head at “his openness to different musical idioms, but also the openness – the wideness – of his beat...” Heath is also among the most melodic drummers in modern music, giving tuneful shape to each rhythmic phrase, and he has an arranger’s ear for tone and shading ... Such qualities perfectly complement a bassist whose sensational technique, unerring taste, and seamless comp work made him a first-call sideman and invaluable soloist for the first three decades of his career – and that was before he spent a dozen years touring and recording with pianist Ramsey Lewis (from 1999-2010). The bassist left Lewis’s trio last year to concentrate on his own; as this recording suggests, that decision rests on sound logic. Streaming three crisply delineated instrumental lines into one river of sound, the album captures one of contemporary jazz’s great guitar trios, in full force and gorgeous glory.”
- Neil Tesser (from the liner notes)

To Purchase CD: www.chicagosessions.com

Apricot Stuffed Pork Chop with Smashed Potatoes and Oven Roasted Carrots

2011-04-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Working on "Plating"... Let Me know What you Think...

57!

2011-04-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

DAMN!!! - Nothing beats a 57 for Snare Top!

Royer Ribbon For Guitar Solos - Still Wins!

2011-04-02T17:58:00.001-07:00

Royer faced at the speaker, back a few feet - no science involved, just TONE!

"Pillow Talk" Records at Flashpoint

2011-03-18T21:45:00.001-07:00

Acoustic Double Bass
Telecaster with Fender Twin Amp
Snare Drum
Vocals

Great Session!

Recording Mag Online Article on Dynamics

2011-03-03T15:16:00.000-08:00

By John Shirley

"Special thanks also to recording engineer Bernie Mack and the band Deuce for the use of the guitar track from the demo for “Baby Baby” which was used for examples 29 and 30."

http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/359.html

I still hate this Microphone - The 414 is Worthless!

2011-01-29T08:38:00.001-08:00

414 and 57 on Guitar

I tried it again, but got the same lame results...The 414 is a completely WORTHLESS microphone. Maybe a good doorstop? I hate this microphone, it has no TONE! I guess it works if you want a muddy mid range and a distorted top end. Complete garbage.

Kick Drum Microphone Combination - Still a Favorite

2011-01-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

D112 & Ev 664

D112 on pillow to capture the low end only
EV664 towards the beater for attack only

Recent Vocal Preference FET 47

2011-01-15T22:27:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been using a FET 47 with a John Hardy M1 & 1176 compressor for lead vocals. Man or Women - it sounds amazing!

Chicago Sessions -MATT NELSON TRIO• NOSTALGIAMANIAC

2011-01-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

Matt Nelson – piano
Graham Czach – bass
Matt Nischan – drums

To Purchase:
www.chicagosessions.com

New Aftershave by Adventurous Gentlepersons

2011-01-07T23:31:00.000-08:00

Excellent aftershave! Made the old school way, like it should be!

Highly Recommended! Bay Rum - Amazing Results!

Meet the maker: http://www.adventurousgentlepersons.com/

Haslinger Shaving Soap

2010-12-29T23:26:00.000-08:00

Recently purchased through a pharmacy in Boston. Haslinger Seifen & Kosmetik GmbH., Austria. Excellent lather and sent! Highly recommended.

To Purchase:
http://www.colonialdrug.com

Gallery Of Carpet Recording Studio Installs Barefoot MicroMain 35's

2010-11-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

Check them out!
www.galleryofcarpet.com
630.649.9705

Recording Mag Online Article on Equalization

2010-11-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

"With that being said, there are lots of common uses for each basic type of eq. I will outline some below, as gathered from professional engineers and personal experience. (Special thanks to Bernie Mack of Flashpoint in Chicago)"

Consulted for the following article on EQ topics and practice:

http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/356.html

Microphones for Sale

2010-11-14T19:41:00.001-08:00

Electro Voice 644 Sound Spot:

644 pick up pattern:

644 HZ Response Chart:

Eicor Vintage Microphone:

Please contact me directly if interested

Tribeca Flashpoint Recording Arts Department welcomes Sennheiser & Neumann

2010-11-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

Chris Spahr

Nick Eipers

Chris Sphar, a representative from Sennheiser & Neumann microphones, led a workshop at Tribeca Flashpoint as part of the company’s educational division, “Sound Academy.”

Chris Spahr was joined by Nick Eipers, the president and recording engineer of “Chicago Sessions” – a local Chicago jazz music label. The workshop was intended to expose our students the process of managing and executing a recording session from the perspective of a microphone manufacturer and a Jazz music recording engineer.

The Jazz combo, lead by pianist Matt Nelson, was recorded with using only Sennheiser and Neumann microphones.

Matt Nelson

During the workshop, Chris demonstrated Neumann’s new digital studio microphones “Solution-D” and the new Sennheiser MK4 [below]. These microphones were placed along side other industry standard microphones for the recording session so students could compare by listening to the results first hand.

Solution D

Sennheiser MK4

EARS Welcomes special guest Jim Gaines at Uptown Recording Studio

2010-10-02T09:52:00.001-07:00

(via Skype), a multi-platinum, Grammy winning, iconic producer/engineer and a true Southern gentleman, MR. JIM GAINES.

"FLY LIKE AN EAGLE" (Steve Miller Band) "THE HEART OF ROCK N' ROLL" (Huey Lewis), or "THE GAME OF LOVE" (Carlos Santana and Michelle Branch).

New Gear At Flashpoint

2010-09-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Universal Audio 610x2 Mic Pre's

A Pair of Neumann TLM 67's

Fender 65 Reissue Twin Reverb

Ampeg SVT 4x10 Bass Amp

Items For Sale

2010-09-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF INTERESTED -

LINE 6 AMP:

DANELECTRO DADDY O:

LINE 6 POD XT:

ALESIS MICROVERB IV:

MARSHALL JACK HAMMER:

Cabin Recording in Hillsboro Wisconsin

2010-07-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

This past week I executed a recording in Hillsboro Wisconsin. We spent 5 days multi-tracking, and overdubbing in the middle of nowhere. The place was amazing! - A lot of great tone was recorded - most of it between 1 and 2 am!

The Cabin

View from the back deck

View from the side deck

X/Y on Acoustic Guitar - KM 184's and Millennia Pre's

The Control Room - NS-10's/Halfler P400 Amp for monitoring - John Hardy M1's and Millennia Pre's

Mic Pre's, compressors and psu's

Acoustic Overdubs with a Beyerdynamic and Millennia Pre

Acoustic Overdubs with a KM 184 and Millennia Pre

UKE overdubs with KM184 and M1 pre

A few of the guitars

Marshall 5 Watt Tube Amp with a 57 and M1 pre

Fender Princeton Amp with a 57 and M1 pre

Talkback mic - Sennheiser MD 412

Blacklodge Recording - Eudora, Kansas

2010-07-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

Famous facility...housed in a 150 year old building

Drum Micing - Blackbird Style

2010-06-18T08:50:00.001-07:00

Drum Micing at Blackbird Studios in Nashville.

http://www.blackbirdstudio.com

"Thunk" Tracks at Flashpoint For the Studio Recording II Course:

2010-05-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Flay's Chicken Cacciatore

2010-05-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Amazing!

414's Used For Overheads

2010-04-03T22:20:00.001-07:00

Okay - okay - okay - okay..... So I used 414's for overheads last week, and...they didn't sound, well... too bad........

Mesa Grill "Blue and Yellow Corn Muffins"

2010-04-03T22:16:00.001-07:00

Amazing!

Tascam PB 32 H Patchbay For Sale

2010-04-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Contact Me if Interested

"Derby" Double Edge Blades

2010-03-19T21:12:00.001-07:00

These might possibly be the best blades I have used to date. Quick, Close, Clean with very little drag. Imported from Turkey. Based on the initial results, they perform better than the "Lord" platnium blades from egypt.

Mackie 1202 For Sale

2010-03-12T22:26:00.001-08:00

Contact me if interested

Vintage Item For Sale: Electro Voice 502B Matching Transformer

2010-03-12T22:01:00.001-08:00

Electro Voice Matching Transformer 502B

Lo-Z to Hi-Z

Includes matching transformer, original box and manual/instructions

Box states "Electro Voice INC - Buchanan, Michigan"

Contact me if interested

New - Merkur 15C DE Safety Razor:

2010-03-06T23:09:00.001-08:00

Open Comb design which offers a more aggressive shave

SSL 4000 Plug-ins Installed at Flashpoint

2010-02-20T20:07:00.001-08:00

SSL E-Channel, the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, the SSL G-Equalizer and the G-Channel

Special Thanks to Dan Scalpone at GCpro.

John Hardy Speaks at Flashpoint

2010-02-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

John Hardy talks about his M1 Mic Preamp design

Just Added To Collection: Shure SM7B

2010-02-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Mics for sale:

2010-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

Please contact me if interested

bernie.mack@flashpointacademy.com

New Recipe: Red Chili-Honey Glazed Salmon with Black Bean Sauce and Jalapeno Crema with Green Chile-Toasted Pine Nut Couscous

2010-01-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

Recipe from Mesa Grill

Dee Alexander Recording Session:

2010-01-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

Dee Alexander - Vocals

Ernie Adams - Drums and Percussion

New Recipe: Pork Tenderloin in Cilantro Oil with Pineapple-Tomatillo Salsa and Smashed Potato

2010-01-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Modified recipe from Mesa Grill

New "Butterfly" Double Edge Safety Razor:

2009-12-29T10:17:00.000-08:00

Top load - then twist....

Just Added To My Collection - Beyer M201

2009-12-06T21:32:00.001-08:00

2 Channels of John Hardy M1's Installed in Music Control at Flashpoint

2009-11-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

Chicago Sessions - VOLUME 12: SHAWN MAXWELL QUARTET • MAXWELL’S HOUSE

2009-11-04T07:51:00.001-08:00

Shawn Maxwell - alto saxophone; Matt Nelson - piano; Kevin Martinez - double bass; Brandon Dickert - drums. Recorded 9/20 and 9/27/2009 at Studiomedia Recording Company, Evanston, IL.

To Purchase:
www.chicagosessions.com

127th AES Convention - New York

2009-10-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Flashpoint at AES:

Chicago Sessions - VOLUME 11: PAT MALLINGER- DRAGON FISH

2009-10-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Pat Mallinger - tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, flute; Dan Trudell - piano. Recorded 8/19 and 8/20/2009 at Studiomedia Recording Company, Evanston, IL.

To Purchase:

www.chicagosessions.com

Steely Dan Stage Set Up at Chicago Theater:

2009-09-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

Mics:
Cascade Fat Heads on Guitar amps
AEA Ribbons and Shure KSMs on Horns

Chicago Sessions: VOLUME 10- PAUL WERTICO’S MID-EAST/MID-WEST ALLIANCE • IMPRESSIONS OF A CITY

2009-09-01T20:57:00.001-07:00

Paul Wertico, John Moulder, Brian Peters, Dani Rabin, Danny Markovitch.

To purchase:
www.chicagosessions.com

Recording Session - Artist: Claire Stahlecker

2009-08-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

414XLS in Blum on acoustic guitar:

121 and MA200 on Vocals:

Artist: Claire Stahlecker

www.myspace.com/clairestahlecker

Chicago Sessions: VOLUME 9 - HOWARD LEVY - TONIGHT AND TOMORROW

2009-08-06T13:37:00.001-07:00

Howard Levy – piano, harmonica; Larry Gray – double bass; Ernie Adams – drums. Recorded 6/1 and 6/2/2009.

To purchase:
www.chicagosessions.com

Jazz Institute of Chicago Recording Session[s]

2009-07-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

My Custom JBL 350A's

2009-07-24T23:40:00.001-07:00

Dual 10" Drivers, 5" Mid and a Tweeter
Manufactured by JBL in NorthRidge California - 1981:

Gary Meier Visits Flashpoint

2009-06-28T21:34:00.001-07:00

"Sugar Pusher" Records at Flashpoint

2009-06-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Matt Kerr and Lauren Ritchie:

Ms. Lauren Ritchie:

The Class, Myself, Lauren Ritchie, Matt Kerr and Anthony Capers:

www.sugarpusher.net

Chicago Sessions: Volume 8 - Darwin Noguera's Evolution Quintet - The Gardener

2009-06-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Darwin Noguera – piano; Victor Garcia – trumpet, flugelhorn; Greg Ward – alto saxophone; Joshua Ramos – double bass; Juan Daniel Pastor – drums, cajón, bongo cajón; Special Guests : Ernie Adams - drums; Howard Levy - harmonica; Rocky Yera - tenor saxophone. Recorded 4/26 and 5/3/2009.

”Noguera delights in combining traditional Latin forms and hard-hitting jazz, to the benefit of both idioms… From the very beginning of this irresistible recording – the spiky piano intro to ‘Señor del Pozo’, a Peruvian festejo – Noguera’s dizzying command of both Latin and jazz idioms comes into focus. (So does his partnership with trumpeter Victor Garcia… Garcia has a unique affinity for Noguera’s writing, and even after repeated hearings, it remains one of this music’s indelible strengths.)… Noguera’s work with the Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble explains one more gift he brings to this musical banquet – his ability to condense his voluptuous and detailed big-band writing down to just these few horns, while still suggesting the depth and variety of the larger format.” - Neil Tesser (from the liner notes)

www.chicagosessions.com

Old Town School of Folk Music - Recording Sessions

2009-05-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Michael O'Toole

Laura Doherty and "The Swing Sets"

Tisa and The Glowworms:

FLASHPOINT ACADEMY FACULTY AND STAFF CONDUCT 3 DAYS OF WORKSHOPS AT HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL - FOCUS ON THE ARTS

2009-05-02T21:25:00.001-07:00

Current Pic of My 1994 Buick Roadmaster: 5.7 liter LT1

2009-05-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

Chicago Sessions Volume 7 - ZVONIMIR TOT - ELOQUENT SILENCE

2009-04-24T21:50:00.006-07:00

Zvonimir Tot – guitar; Larry Gray – double bass; Ernie Adams – drums; Orbert Davis – trumpet, flugelhorn; Mark Colby – tenor saxophone; Julie Koidin – alto flute; Stefan Milenkovich - violin.

Zvonimir Tot is a jazz guitarist, composer, and arranger with a style deeply rooted in the jazz tradition but flavored by his European origin. He holds way too many university degrees. Tot is the Assistant Director of Jazz Studies at University of Illinois at Chicago. As a jazz musician, Zvonimir Tot has performed and/or recorded in The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Croatia. He has performed with many world-renowned artists, including saxophonists Scott Hamilton, Billy Harper and Peter King, organist Joey DeFrancesco, violinists Johnny Frigo and Stefan Milenkovich, drummers Ernie Adams, Paul Wertico and Byron Landham, bassists Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, John Clayton and Hein Van de Geyn, trumpeter Orbert Davis, pianists Larry Novak and Larry Vuckovich, guitarists Philip Catherine, Henry Johnson and Paulinho Garcia, vocalists Jackie Allen, Carmen Lundy and Deborah Carter, and Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.

To subscribe go to:
www.chicagosessions.com

The Blissters - Vocal Overdubs - Part of a Music Focused Study Course at Flashpoint Academy held at Wall 2 Wall Recording

2009-04-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Recorded through a Neve V51 Console to a Studer 2-inch 24 track

http://www.myspace.com/theblissters

Chicago Sessions Volume 6 - AARON KOPPEL QUARTET - FALLING TOGETHER FALLING APART

2009-04-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

Aaron Koppel – electric guitar; Matt Nelson – piano; Graham Czach – bass; Robert Tucker – drums; Greg Ward – alto saxophone; Geof Bradfield – tenor saxophone.

“You may have heard small-group compositions as strong and flavorful as the ones on this album, but if you can’t remember exactly when, you should again not worry: it’s probably been a while… Koppel serves more as bandleader and composer/arranger, guiding his small yet versatile ensemble and letting his writing speak louder than his guitar… [Pianist Matt] Nelson’s suave command of his material matches up neatly with his fertile imagination and his knowledge of jazz history; Koppel gives him the majority of the solo space on this disc, and Nelson transforms it into his personal debutante’s ball, emerging as an impressive new voice well worth tracking. He kicks it off with a rangy concerto of a solo on the opening track and doesn’t flag, with a series of improvisations that illuminate (and at times deconstruct) the underlying compositions… All in all, Aaron Koppel and company – most of whom you’ve never heard of – have produced a lovely, lively collection marked by intelligent writing, emotional depth, and sterling musicianship.” – Neil Tesser (from the liner notes)

The Aaron Koppel Quartet is a unique bop driven force that can only be described as what it is: another new exit off the highway of jazz. Founded by Aaron Koppel in 2002, the Aaron Koppel Quartet is made up of Chicago natives: guitarist Aaron Koppel, pianist Matt Nelson (Matthew Santos), Robert Tucker (Matthew Santos), and bassist Graham Czach (Chicago Afrobeat Project). Their debut album released in 2007 "The Wild Call of the Multitasker" received a lot of attention in Chicago, being featured on WXRT's Jazz Transfusion, Chicago's 93.1 FM, XM radio's Beyond Jazz, New Mexico's KSFR 101.1 FM Santa Fe Public Radio, WDCB 90.9 FM College of DuPage Public Radio, PBS 106.7 FM Melbourne, Australia, and several internet radio sites. With the addition of Geof Bradfield (tenor), Greg Ward (alto) and Johanna Mahmud (trombone) the Aaron Koppel Quartet received two nominations for the Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards, Best International Jazz Group and Best International Jazz Song with Koppel's arrangement of Radiohead's "Myxomatosis (Judge, Jury, Executioner)."

www.chicagosessions.com

"The Blissters" Record at Flashpoint as part of an Analog Recording Focus Study

2009-04-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Chicago Sessions Volume 5 - TONY DO RASARIO

2009-04-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

VOLUME 5: TONY DO ROSARIO’S NEW CHICAGO JAZZ QUARTET • NEW BEGINNINGS

Tony do Rosario – electric & acoustic guitar; Geof Bradfield – tenor saxophone; Nathan Kawaller – acoustic bass; Greg Wyser-Pratte – drums.

“Brazilian/American guitarist Tony Do Rosario delivers an energetic and engaging performance with his sophomore album New Beginnings… The four musicians come together to produce an album of original modern jazz that is mentally engaging and possesses broad appeal… All of the compositions were written by Do Rosario, and each track brings to light his varied background as a musician. Leading off with the title track, which is very reminiscent of '70s-style ECM, “On This Day” follows as a hard-driving bossa nova that can be directly traced to Do Rosario's ethnic heritage. Do Rosario also enters the funk-jazz realm with “Don't Get Fresh With Me,” and tips his hat to the pop world with the Andy Summers-esque “K.” This diversity of influences only helps to strengthen the appeal of New Beginnings, as each new tune occupies a different corner of the modern jazz world… Far from being simply a vehicle to show off Do Rosario's improvisational technique, the disc comes together because of the total effort from the band as a whole. The ability of the musicians to solo and bring their own voice to each tune only acts to contrast the moments when the group dynamic is so tight that it feels as if they are a single instrument… New Beginnings is a strong sophomore album for Do Rosario and his new quartet. With a seamlessly never-ending supply of creativity at his fingertips, Do Rosario should be a leading voice on the Chicago jazz scene for some time to come.” - Matthew Warnock, All About Jazz, March 2009.

“The sheen draws you in; the depth keeps you from leaving. Do Rosario does this with his guitar, offering a plummy tone and gracious attack as initial enticements; only then does he reveal the sturdy, enveloping improvisations that continue to expand with repeated listenings. He also does this with his compositions, almost all of which sound attractively familiar, and then turn out to be richer and more rewarding than the initial impression… what is beyond dispute is that Bradfield and do Rosario have formed a mutually conducive partnership. You hear it in the way that Bradfield immerses himself in do Rosario’s compositions, but also in the way that their individual styles as improvisers – Bradfield, the busy but cogent deconstructionist; do Rosario, the simpler yet equally analytical melodist – complement each other. You hear it especially in the moments of simultaneous soloing that dot this album… such moments sparkle.” – Neil Tesser (from the liner notes)

Jazz guitar’s elder statesman John Pisano described Tony Do Rosario as “one of the most promising young jazz guitarists on the L.A. jazz scene today." The L.A. Times Jazz Review said of Tony "...he is a hard-core traditionalist, solidly tapped into his roots in the styles of guitarists such as Jim Hall and Joe Pass." Similar impressions were no doubt left with those who’ve heard him at L.A.’s top jazz clubs, including the Baked Potato and Catalina's, as well as New York's world-famous Birdland, Chris’s Jazz Café in Philadelphia, and Fascing in Stockholm, Sweden. Along the way, Tony has shared the stage with the likes of Pisano, Ron Echete, Jimmy Bruno, Paul Bollenback, Mundell Lowe, Jack Wilkins and Howard Alden. It’s no surprise that Brad Walseth of jazzchicago.net ranks Tony “among the very best jazz guitarists of the current generation."

Born to a musical Brazilian family in Atlantic City, NJ, where he took up the guitar at the tender age of twelve, Tony has since left both coasts for Chicago, were he now resides, performs, and teaches. He can be heard at venues such as Pops for Champagne, Katerina’s, Cuatro and other clubs around the Chicago area, but still ventures occasionally to his east-coast roots to play Chris’ Jazz club in Philadelphia and Smalls in New York City.

www.chicagosessions.com

Gallery of Carpet Recording- Additional Isolation Booth added:

2009-03-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Iso Booth # 2:

Iso Booth # 1:

Main Room:

Control Room:

More Double Edge Safety Razor Blades:

2009-03-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

1st - Vidyut Super-Max, India - Fast, sharp, no drag or cuts - blade lasts - good shave.
2nd - Gillette 7 O'Clock Permasharp, India - Slight Drag, no cuts - does dull quickly.

* Lord Platinum Class from Egypt still by far yields the best shave.

Nathan Tenebaum From "The Next Big Sound" Tracks for Flashpoint's Music Focused Study on 2 inch Analog Recording Techniques

2009-02-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Neumann U89's in Blumlein on Acoustic Guitar/ 414 EB Silver on Vocals:

Another Pic of the Neumann U89's in Blumlein on Acoustic Guitar
Calrec Condenser (Just for a Safety):

Control Room at Wall 2 Wall Recording:

Music Focus Study Class - Nathan Tenebaum and Myself:

The Neve V51 at Wall 2 Wall Recording:

Joe and the 2 inch:

The Class and Myself in the control room:

www.thenextbigsound.com

Music Focused Study at Wall 2 Wall Recording Continues - Analog Tape Machines

2009-02-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Studer A820 - 24 track:

Double Edge Safety Blades - Results

2009-02-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

After the purchase of my new double edge safety razor (Merkur - Open Comb), I decided to sample a variety of blades. I have learned that the perfect shave is a result of finding the correct blade to match your beard. Below is my feedback on the blades pictured above - remember this is based on my beard.

In Order of Preference:
1st - Lord Blades from Egypt - Very Fast, sharp, no drag or cuts -blade lasts - the best shave.
2nd - Dorco Blades from Korea - Very Fast, sharp, no drag or cuts - does dull quickly.
3rd - Merkur Blades from Germany - Fast, slight drag, no cuts - does dull quickly.
4th - Gillette Blades from America - Fast, slight drag, caused one razor cut.
5th - Fan Blades from America/Swedish Steel - Lots of drag, no cuts - very dull -not platinum.
6th - Feather from Japan - Very Fast, no drag, multiple razor cuts - 45 minutes of constant bleeding - the blades are not pictured because I gave them to a fellow wet shaver, maybe he will have some luck with them!

*Lord Blades from Egypt run $4.95 plus $2.00 shipping for 5 blades. I picked up the Dorco's from Korea for $9.89, free shipping for 100 blades!

Keep shaving!

Pic of my Merkur Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor (Made in Germany):

Chicago Sessions Volume 4 - Paulinho Garcia

2009-02-13T07:32:00.000-08:00

Chicago Sessions Volume 4 - Paulinho Garcia - My Very Life

Paulinho Garcia - guitar, vocals; Heitor Garcia - percussion; Geraldo de Oliveira - percussion; Brett Benteler - double bass; Grazyna Auguscik - vocals; Steve Eisen - saxophone, flute; Julie Koidin - flute; Michael Allemana - electric guitar; Ernie Denov - electric guitar; Don Stiernberg - mandolin.

“Singer-guitarist Garcia always caresses the ear, but this disc offers an impressive collection of original compositions steeped in Brazilian musical culture. Each is a revelation.” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune, March 2009.

“Alone with his guitar, his voice conjures a romantic figure balancing serenity and saudade (the Brazilian word for “that happy sadness” which has no easy equivalency in English) – a soundtrack for the famous Picasso portrait “The Old Guitarist.” And working with a broad range of Chicago musicians – reflecting relationships forged over 30 years in America – Paulinho’s voice becomes the sunlit jewel at the center of the various small ensembles heard here… The real surprise of this album lies in the fact that so fine a modern exponent of bossa nova as Paulinho Garcia emerges as so effective an interpreter, and so accomplished a composer, of the bossa’s many cousins.” – Neil Tesser (from the liner notes)

Born in Belo Horizonte, Paulinho composed, arranged, produced, and performed in Brazil until his arrival in the U.S. in 1979, where he joined and made two recordings with the band Made in Brazil. In 1991, he founded his own band, Jazzmineiro, whose eponymous 1996 CD received excellent reviews in the Chicago Tribune, Jazziz Magazine, the Brazilian Music Review and many others. Paulinho was the recipient of the 2001 Best Jazz Entertainer Award at the Chicago Music Awards. He tours the world extensively and has a musical partnership with some of Chicago's best musicians including saxophonist Greg Fishman (Two for Brazil), flutist Julie Koidin (Dois no Choro) and singer Grazyna Auguscik.

Paulinho has performed at some of the most renowned jazz festivals in the world such as The North Sea Jazz Festival of Nederland, Singapore Jazz Festival, the Elite and Concord Fazz Festivals of Japan, and the Jazz nadOdra Festival of Poland. His appearance on July 24, 2008 at Millennium Park in Chicago drew 11,000 people, the largest audience for a jazz concert at that venue. With 15 CDs of his own recorded, and extensive participation in other musicians’ projects, Paulinho has established himself as a master of Brazilian jazz.

www.chicagosessions.com

Pure Badger Shaving Brush

2009-02-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

Hand Made in England - Pure Badger Hair - "Old Original" Pictured with Stand:

Keep Shaving!

Music Focused Study at Wall 2 Wall Recording

2009-02-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

Current Tracking Sessions - Recording I - Flashpoint Academy

2009-02-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

Session 2:

414's on Piano - 195 on Vox:

EV 868 on Tuba:

Session 1 :

Beyer M160's on Hat and Ride:

DI - Shadow Hills Pre - 1176 Compression on Bass:

Royer 121 and 57 on Electric Guitar:

414 XLS with Pacifica Pre on Flute: