Tribute CD Recording Log

In case you haven’t heard, we are recording a new CD.

I’ve been playing music for 14yrs and thought it was time to take a break from my own compositions and do a tribute to the blues artists that have influenced me over the years.

The plan was as follows:
Thursday - scratch guitar/vocals
Friday - drums/bass
Saturday - guitar/vocals
Sunday - pedal steel

Day 1 – 3/11

Day 1 was scratch tracking. I recorded guitar and vocals for all the songs which are used as the blueprint for the rest of the guys to work from and than I go back and do the guitar and vocals for real after the drums and bass are done.

All went smooth. Arrived at 7p, was out by 11:30. Most of that time was spent clearing our old record off the tape, dumping it to Protools for storage, and than erasing the tape.

Paul had to wait outside for 25min cause I didn’t have my phone on while tracking…

Day 2 – 3/12

 Jed arrived at 1p. It was rumored Paul was arriving at 1:30 but showed up at 3:30. Which was good cause in that time Jed nailed the majority of the tracks. Mark and I were impressed to say the least. He recorded his 7 songs in under 4hrs allowing for 1hr of set up time. It used to take us a few sessions to get the drums completed.

Paul started around 5ish. Also an impressive run, he was finished by 9!

It was my turn to wait outside…I went for pizza. At least I could eat while I waited!!

Day 3 – 3/13

My optimism outran my ability. The plan was to record guitar/vocal for all 10 songs on Day 3.

I record guitar and vocals separate only because we’ve had to re-record entire albums in the past where I recorded both at the same time. It makes it is way easier to adjust volume if the tracks are separate.

We auditioned a few different mics, which took about an hour and than dove right in. I was going strong for the first 4 songs, 1 takes each, but than we hit a snag. 1 song just didn’t sit right. It felt like everyone was driving in a different direction and after about 5 takes Mark and I decided that a re-work for the guitar part was the only solution. So I spent the next 3hrs coming up with a new guitar part!!!

The rest of the tracks went smooth but it was 10p and I spent 8hrs-playing guitar and it was time to be done. Vocals would have to wait until Day 4.

Day 4 – 3/14

I had a tickle in my throat, was a bit nervous that I wouldn’t be able to sing. But I went to church as usual on a Sunday AM sang through praise and worship just fine so I gave myself the green light to record.

I never thought that my voice would be the easiest instrument for me to play on this record. I’ve sung these songs for 2yrs so it was super easy to get the tracks done. I usually take days to record my vocals, and than re-record them, and sometimes re-record them. But we had all the vocals done in 5hrs.

I can definitely say it’s my best vocal effort and I’m super proud of what was accomplished.

Closing

Jed Germond has to lay down pedal steel for 3-4 songs and than Mark and I will begin mixing.

We came super close to the original plan and I’m super proud of the guys and the work we did. I’m also super proud to say that this is my tribute to the blues artists that inspired me.

I’m exited for people to hear it because even though it’s other people’s songs we ran it through our filter and I think you’ll be pleased.

2nd Closing...

We recorded at Underwood Studios in Minneapolis run by Mark Stockert and I’ve worked with Mark for 7years now and I really can’t tell you how much I enjoy working with him…heck just hanging out with him.

Looking at late May for possible release.  Stay tuned....