Like ships passing in the fog, fellow Busker Paul & I unknowingly had back to back recording sessions the other day at Matt Marcil's studio in Concord, NH (tweeksound.com)..
Matt has been slowly compiling tunes for a Christmas album. Paul recorded a version of Little Drummer Boy. I found an obscure minor key gospel tune from Louisiana called Poor Little Jesus ("yeah, Lord!") and in four hours gave this two and a half minute song bass drum; tambourine (what else did you expect?); shakers; Hammond organ (with a mic'd Leslie); piano; rhythm guitar; lead (a Danelectro borrowed form the studio; I was surprised it was already in tune, but Matt explained Paul had just used it); my Azola baby bass; lead and harmony vocals; and...
I came back yesterday morning with a snare to lay a driving back beat with brushes. And redid the lead vocals, which is pretty typical: scratch vocal first to keep track of the form, then redo it after the rhythm tracks are set--but at the end when the whole thing starts to come into sharp focus, I've listened to myself so many times that I just have to dive back in with another take to try to correct some of the things I hate most about my earlier performance. Besides, vocals take no time to set up; a take only takes a few minutes.
What I love about recording--the opportunity you have to listen closely and to better yourself... right then and there, for once--something you have to let go of completely in live performance, of course. Water flows under the bridge so fast.
It was fun working with Matt. He may have a cramped damp basement studio, but he is professional, affable, responsive, quick and has a good ear. He was quietly putting together a nice rough mix as we worked. I'll post a link as soon as the album is available this Fall.
Comments