WeEks fifteEn and siXteen
Week Fifteen
On Friday, Justin had to leave for the East Coast for seven weeks. So we focused our sessions on him and his magic because by the time he gets back the record will be in the mixing stage. He laid down two killer bass tracks for Shooken Up and Crack My Eyes. At the end of the last session we even managed to get a mandolin part down for Wonder Full! I am incredibly grateful for the shapes and colours that Justin added to “From the Outskirts.”
Week Sixteen
Dave entertained an idea he had for some percussion on Queen for most of the day, with some tech help from Broady. When I got to the studio we took a listen back. After a couple of listens, the part really grew on me. We needed to get some decent mixes done so the out Friday guests had something to play along with. So, the rest of Monday and Thursday night we finished the mixes for trumpetess Rebecca Hennessy and vibraphonist Michael Davidson. Rebecca and Michael are new friends of mine. They are both in this amazingly unique band called Hobson’s Choice. I have mentioned them before because I have a shared a bill with them several times this year. The track that Dave and I had been planning to have them play on was Beach Ballad – which they did grace. Michael also created a delicate layer for Queen. I had an idea to have Rebecca play a part in Nowhere Near My Heart and she kicked it.
I noticed the most remarkable thing about Michael and Rebecca. When Michael played, Rebecca listened to every note – with all of her ears. When Rebecca played, Michael sat on the couch and listened so intently, it was as if he was living in every note. These two are as good as you get – both as musicians and people. I am so happy they are a part of this record.
Dave had never recorded a vibraphone before. And like every time he is making stuff up on the spot – you would have no clue that this was the case. He is a sonic buccaneer. The vibes sounded so wicked when we played them back. The microphone he chose to record Rebecca’s trumpet sounded so organic, it was perfect.