WHAT GIVES HERE DADDIO? &mdash 11/02/07 - 10:56:09 AM
Hey Tobin sounds very cool ... live.... what's shakin' here... you didn't even list a genre... I'm sitting here hoping this is all software instruments so that i can go out and buy them... I can tell these are real instruments and a live recording though... Your composition? [ Reply to This ]
Jazz Ensemble Instrumental &mdash 11/02/07 - 10:57:58 AM
Yes, all real players and an original composition. I think the file actually posted before the genre and description were fully formed - it posted about 45 seconds before it was totally uploaded (before the spinning thingy on my browser stopped spinning). This is a jazz chart based on the Overture to my Broadway show, "Creature." [ Reply to This ]
wow! wow! wow! &mdash 11/02/07 - 11:51:12 AM
The atmosphere of the song (especially the drums) reminds me immediately of Dave Holland's earlier work on ECM. I'm fond of this kind of live recordings, with the little imperfections in timing. The organised chaos, like you call it yourself. That's all the charm and magic of it. Loads of energy, and the recording is so pro that it hurts ;-) The trumpet is quite loud, but it doesn't bother me at all. The sharpness of the instrument adds a lot to the total energy of the song and even gives it an aggressive edge. Thanks for inviting me, Tobin. Much appreciated.
Walt [ Reply to This ]
little imperfections &mdash 11/02/07 - 01:05:27 PM
Thanks for being a fan of little imperfections. Everyone is playing on the edge on this one, and the trumpet was tiring by this time in the session and we couldn't go back and redo much. Its so rushed, listening to takes, that you can't put really your ears into it until afterward. I love the energy tho, like you say. I was going to start the album with this track, but I think I will place it around track 3 or 4, putting more evenly mixed tunes before it. Thanks for taking the time to critique. (With all the encouraging comments, I will definitely keep the track on the album!) [ Reply to This ]
start with it &mdash 11/02/07 - 02:20:30 PM
Were you seriously considering leaving this track out of the album? That would be a shame. But of course I don't know the other tracks... And I would even suggest to start the album with this track. It's so catchy, and puts the listener in the right mood immediately. I can hear the track following this one be much more downtempo, with a bluesy edge... Haha, now I already start producing your album... where's my humbleness ;-)
Walt [ Reply to This ]
Made the cut &mdash 11/12/07 - 08:21:23 AM
This track has definitely made the cut, don't worry. My worries are behind me. I am thinking it either is Track 1 or Track 4. In either case, it will be followed by something mellow. Thanks for the endorsement, by the way. [ Reply to This ]
Blown Away &mdash 11/02/07 - 11:58:18 AM
This is a great classic sounding chart. Great energy and good playing all around. It's a wonderful balance of a Big Band sound with the structure of a combo. Very cool. Do I dare say...WE WANT MORE!
--Graham [ Reply to This ]
MORE! &mdash 11/02/07 - 01:08:26 PM
I will be posting more as they get recorded/fixed. Thanks for noticing the blend of Big Band smaller combo styles. Its whats cool about this size ensemble, you can have the best of both worlds. Personalities all come thru, which is part of what makes it so much fun. [ Reply to This ]
Top jazz &mdash 11/02/07 - 12:08:20 PM
This is a fantastic music . Energy , melodies , breaks , changes , improvisations, it's all very well built and played .
I'd love to see this band live .
No problem for me with the trumpet .
When the drummer plays softly he is (maybe ?) a bit hidden in the mix .
Thank you very much for sharing .
[ Reply to This ]
Top jazz &mdash 11/02/07 - 01:14:12 PM
Thanks. I'm glad people are not bothered by the trumpet level. I used to play sax and was always bugged when the trumpets drowned me out.
I know what you mean about the drums, how the subtle stuff jazz drummers do in a small combo gets lost in a larger setting, so hard to compress them and mic them right. We had him behind a glass partition (about 5 feet high), but it still isn't enough to really bring up his levels right. Thanks for endorsing the writing/arranging, it was an experiment. [ Reply to This ]
my take &mdash 11/02/07 - 12:25:28 PM
ok, first off, thanks for asking me over. i am floored by the talent shown here. if i were insecure, i would be crying in my milk right now...sniff..
the mix is, IMHO very alive. i lost the bass once, and then found it again. i lost the piano a couple of times, then i got it back. for me, the thing i love about music is finding the instruments. i do not mind at all taking the time to look for individual performances. the trouble with alot of mixes now-days, is they try to pull everything up into your face the whole time. this mix is an example of how to do it right. the horns are so well played, they need to stand out, in my mind. i do not think they are too loud, in fact it really brought me back in time. loved it. of course, i wont vote, cause i think voting is crap, but i will DL, FAV, and listen to this in the car. fantastic work, Tobin. you constantly show me what musical expression and potential is all about
Allen [ Reply to This ]
Finding the instruments &mdash 11/02/07 - 01:20:06 PM
Cool comment about finding the instruments, makes me feel better. Man, the bass was really flying, wasn't he? Tough to mic an acoustic bass with a larger band, and he goes high on the board sometimes. The piano was hardest of all, tho, and not only is too soft for my taste, it has a room sound on it that makes it seem like too much reverb. One of the reasons is that some of the other instruments bled so badly into his mics that we couldn't turn him up without adding room to the band sound. Trade offs. Glad you can hunt thru it all and find the highlights. [ Reply to This ]
Great ! &mdash 11/02/07 - 01:02:43 PM
WOW MAN ... this is just a great song, live with real instruments .. just perfect sir Tobin.
The compositin sounds very fine, and yes, the trumpet is a little high but not that much. sounds perfect from all sides ! Loved the work here
Thanks for sharing ... [ Reply to This ]
This... &mdash 11/02/07 - 01:26:54 PM
...moves and kicks serious, serious ass. I love it, Tobin...
On my second listen, now...didn't read the description 'till after the first.
After the second listen:
No problem with the trumpet from here...but I LOVE trumpet...so don't ask me.
About half way through there's a bit of a tough spot when it goes into the bluesy shuffle, as far as balance...but it's a live performance and that went away pretty quickly once the horns came in. And the playing was great in that spot, too...so, IMHO, that's cool...
Overall a very tight, inspired performance. Awesome stuff, Tobin. I'm with Henri: love to see you guys live...let me know if you're coming to NYC... [ Reply to This ]
Hello again... &mdash 11/02/07 - 04:17:21 PM
...sorry; I meant the walking blues around the middle...it's not a shuffle. And, btw: that's a REALLY nice touch, putting that in there.
This is a really fine piece, Tobin! Made even better, for me, by knowing that it's live... [ Reply to This ]
Comments &mdash 11/02/07 - 02:29:49 PM
On the downside, after 2 listens, I would agree that since it was pointed out, yes, trumpet is a tad on the loud side.
That said, that shouldn't detract from the overall recording.
My gut feeling is that even in MP3 format that the live ensemble recording (I don't have a good set of headphones anymore but a good amp/speaker set up) and the sound landscape was captured in perfect shape and was extremely vivid and lost none of the ambiance of the studio.
Thanks for the VERY early preview Sir T !!! [ Reply to This ]
ENDING &mdash 11/02/07 - 02:33:44 PM
Tobin &mdash 11/02/07 - 04:35:34 PM
Great music-don't think the trumpet is too loud.I don't mind slight imperfections in the mix when the playing is this good.Listen to "Live at Massey Hall" with Gillespie,Parker,Powell,Roach,and Mingus on Bass.The mix is really weird in places but who cares?
Those are some great charts.I am amazed at your versatility and sheer talent.Thanks for cluing me in to this-I love it! [ Reply to This ]
The recording &mdash 11/02/07 - 04:34:35 PM
balances are less important to me than the overall energy and sheer musicianship of it. The slight imperfections are what make it real. Loved it.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Lightning Strikes &mdash 11/02/07 - 04:40:35 PM
Just so fine ...Hot and alive ..Fugue ? ..it wasnt
that long but it shows how cool this ensemble is..
"a blast" thnx for sharin it !! [ Reply to This ]
Live energy &mdash 11/02/07 - 05:00:23 PM
There's a very real energy and drive here that I think is almost always lacking in studio session recordings; I'm immediately put in mind of early, live Hat Hut recordings. I know what you mean about the trumpet and the piano, but they're not imperfections at all: they're the perfectly acceptable sonic changes any audience would hear at so vigorous a performance. You can practically hear the musicians jostling for space. A spectacular job. I haven't heard the others, but this immediately grabs the listener by the collar; reconsider the decision to place this later in the disc. [ Reply to This ]
cool tunage! &mdash 11/02/07 - 05:24:21 PM
very cool &mdash 11/02/07 - 05:42:28 PM
it swells, it washes. its very original. quite the ensemble piece. just some outstanding performances here. i esp like the horns. hard to beleive you only ran this 2-3 times. i simply can not discern any weak spot. i know you had concerns as to the mix, but for a live performance its exceptional. bravo [ Reply to This ]
There's &mdash 11/02/07 - 05:43:38 PM
great clarity of all the instruments on this number. The trumpet is fine for me as are all the other instruments... as we all know MP3 always seems to thin sound down, but all is fine at this end and a great composition too, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Impressive post Tobin! &mdash 11/02/07 - 06:54:04 PM
I agree about the horns, but also think the drums, B3 and piano could be brought up more (maybe dropping the trumpet back might achieve this to a certain extent). This isn't a style I'm very familiar with, but the sheer energy, timing and musicianship is a joy to the ears. For a live recording, this is quite amazing.
Thanks Tobin,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Nice B3 work ! &mdash 11/02/07 - 07:15:03 PM
WOW just listened to it Thrice in a row and incredible Tobin ...im a huge fan of Mingus and well of jazz in general ..I lean toward the Free jazz side way more than the smooth jazz side for sure ....this piece has tons of energy and made me close my eyes to think ...First how kool is it that you get to play with your nephew sweetness ! Love the fact that it wasnt polished that was my favorite thing about it ...so much recorded jazz is spit shined and it takes all the soul out of the music ...this is raw and emotional and soulful ...your right about the horns bein alittle loud but man that adds to it there not killin the red line their just lettin you know that they are there . Loved the playfulness of the tune as well it felt like you guys were playin a good game of not-it ...or tag ....The over all feel of the song was awesome and well recorded ...thanx for making and sharing music man ! [ Reply to This ]
Exquisite! &mdash 11/02/07 - 07:59:25 PM
Great jazz ensemble, the recording sounds fine, I don't have a problem with the trumpet. The last break sounds a bit chaotic, you may want to simplify the overcrowded feeling, (only on the last break). (Just my opinion) Other than that I really like it. [ Reply to This ]
Fast and Quick &mdash 11/02/07 - 08:29:08 PM
I feel up tempo.
And Quick.
And thanks for your letter to me.
You play alone?
or with team mate?
And feel running.
swiming and smiling.
Yes it sports music , I feel.
If ending is more atractive,
It is best! [ Reply to This ]
Be bop &mdash 11/02/07 - 09:08:04 PM
Yeah - great mix - ow - how it picks up from a previous mighty vibe in the 3rd quarter... I don't understand the finale but who gives a fuck.
Boss tune. Be Lucky. [ Reply to This ]
Very nice! &mdash 11/02/07 - 09:31:31 PM
To me, the horns only sounded a "tad" too loud at times, but otherwise seemed to fit OK. This is a great piece that moves along nicely. I'd really like to see this played live- lots of energy here! [ Reply to This ]
Tobin &mdash 11/02/07 - 09:54:24 PM
I am astounded by your abundant talents. Your band sounds great. The mix is tough thing with all the live performers. I can only imagine. There are people who spend a life time micing live music. I use to work with a man in 'Atoria Studios'(Kaufman Astoria Studios,NYC) who was an expert. He miced gigs like the grammys and classical music for great opera singers.
Perhaps he could lend some advice in the future.
Are you near NYC?
This tune is great and i look forward to hearing more from this session.
The improv ending is outstanding.
tim
[ Reply to This ]
Great Live Session Piece &mdash 11/02/07 - 10:07:16 PM
Yeah! This has a great live feel to it... Big Band Jazz... Hotcha!
The horns are a bit overwhelming in the mix, but there's not much to be done about that unless you record them a few rooms down the hall. ;)
Still, perhaps it's that audio dominance that gives this take additional energy. In some ways, it's almost like a brass curtain... and when it opens, the other instruments seem to emerge and step up for their solos.
A very cool composition, well-played... and captured.
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
O my God!!! &mdash 11/02/07 - 11:01:01 PM
It's been a while since I have visited the MJ. I am so glad the first thing I hit upon was was you. I knew you wouldn't let me down. All i can say is PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [ Reply to This ]
fantasmic &mdash 11/02/07 - 11:26:47 PM
This is one "take you and shake you around the room" piece of work! Or, maybe "jerk about with a pack of wild (but friendly) animals" kind of jazz. I totally agree with moorlandt... the trumpet (and horns) give this a nice edge. I don't think it is too loud. Great teaser for the album, this is. [ Reply to This ]
No problems &mdash 11/03/07 - 06:10:17 AM
I hear no reall problems in the mix. it sounds like a live recording, which of course it is, but in live recording you expect to hear slight balance issues, and as long as they are slight, for me this is not a problem at all. I wouldn't have said the trumpet is too loud... it's a loud, in-your-face instrument, played accordingly here by a very good trumpeter. The piano, on the other hand, can't really compete very well with the rest of the band in terms of volume, and while my personal preference would be to have the piano a little more prominent in the mix, it sounds to me about as loud as pianos tend to be in live jazz band performances. Ditto for the bass.
So, no real balance problems, and a very fine performance of a very good piece. [ Reply to This ]
top shout &mdash 11/03/07 - 01:03:56 PM
Wow &mdash 11/03/07 - 10:53:09 AM
You Mr tobin are pushin it love this. So many part to this arrangement and you guys are flawless. What a great talented group of musicians the build to the end is amazing! Whew you just cant listen to this once! downloaded thanks for sharing! [ Reply to This ]
Big &mdash 11/03/07 - 03:05:34 PM
Love the modern big band sound. The fugue effect does work very well. Think I'll be following this project.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
A real tobin &mdash 11/03/07 - 05:54:31 PM
treat !
The mix seems to be done quite nice. Great variations indeed. Love that stop with the bass going "bong" like an elastic rubber band. End was very cool indeed. Lots of changes to really satisfy the jazz enthusiast as well as any Tobin musical enthusiast which are many I'm sure.
Way to go Tobin! Thanks so much for sending the guitar maker website. What a treat ! [ Reply to This ]
great job &mdash 11/04/07 - 10:25:35 AM
really pro work... This traack has a lot of energy and motion... I love it [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 11/04/07 - 10:26:15 AM
Very impressed. Real instruments, original composition etc all sounds very good and live. The energy in the track is electric. Fair play this is an amazing track. Well done. [ Reply to This ]
I'm STRUCK! &mdash 11/04/07 - 10:13:38 PM
Awesome, T!
I can see it now. The Tobin Mueller Big Band, with TB chevrons on the front of the band stands.
The piano and B3 sound great together. The bass line is luscious and the horn arrangement is killin!'
I love the tempo change from double-timing to swinging.
Top-notch!
Can't wait to hear more!
10s all the way!
[ Reply to This ]
The Edge &mdash 11/04/07 - 10:36:50 PM
What I know about Jazz, could fit in a thimble. But from what I've heard. This reminds me of Miles Davis. Really Cool to hear a live performance. This is a Jam what is a Jam. [ Reply to This ]
Jaazzzy &mdash 11/05/07 - 01:02:55 PM
Wow, the sound is great. I agree that the trumpet is a tad too loud, especially at the beginning, but You might try putting a compressor on it, it's really just the very sharp notes that stands out. I really love the swing part at the middle where the drums keeps-a-rollin'. Not as fond of the more atonal part that follows, though. But since I'm more of a Herb Alpert person than a Wynton Marsalis one, I think I should maybe shut up ;-) Love the sound of that bass. Nothing beats real instruments. Very energetic.
Very good, I'm really impressed. Sounds like a true live recording. Especially the piano is excellent and I love the organ sneaking in. Close Your eyes and You're there!
/ Algabatz [ Reply to This ]
Swinging! &mdash 11/05/07 - 04:16:53 PM
Wow! You never cease to amaze me. It must of been a huge thrill to work with so many talented people at once.
I really enjoyed the swinging in the middle of the piece.
I think the mix is fine. The horns are a bit loud at certain parts for me, but overall, an outstanding piece
of musicianship. Well done and a hats off to everyone who was involved.
What an enjoyable listen. Thanks for the download.
Chris [ Reply to This ]
wowziers!! &mdash 11/05/07 - 04:20:49 PM
Holy smokes Tobin &mdash 11/06/07 - 07:04:52 AM
is there nothing you can't do. This is great. How about taking the LSP challenge? [ Reply to This ]
mix &mdash 11/06/07 - 09:09:04 AM
Its ALIVE! &mdash 11/06/07 - 09:17:36 AM
The ending is the best! That fugue is boss,and you're telling is that's the part that is partially improvised? Wow. Intellectual chaos, the best kind of oxymoron. Yes, could use more organ in that middle bluesy section. The trumpet blares, reminds me of high school pep band when the lead trumpet stands up. But all is more than forgiven in the end. I can see the lightning striking the tower, making its way down to the monster as it animates... The future will never be the same. [ Reply to This ]
Hey! &mdash 11/08/07 - 04:04:06 PM
Struck by lightning indeed &mdash 11/09/07 - 05:38:03 PM
First - I am very impressed with the performances of every one involved here. The piano, the bass, the drums, the horns... and I think I notice a very cool sound in there that must be a B3 organ;)
Is this played after sheet music or just jammed after a rough sketch? I never get how you guys do this kind of very advanced stuff. All of those fast soloing runs going on and at some places what might seem like a chaotic place to be, and bam, suddenly you all meet up and agree on some common notes. I feel a little Frank Zappa resemblance in the way he controlled his musicians in a similar way.
Bottom line - as I said, I'm very impressed.
The recording sounds great on my stuff. Fantastic job getting this live session to sound as tight and good as this. Getting each part to show up in the transparent mix is proof of a good job. I especially dig how the bass has its space in here. And I've noticed his playing in your songs before. He is a brilliant bass player with fantastic timing. Please tell him he has a fan in Norway:) I think I agree about the trumpet being a bit up front in the mix, but not annoying.
What a thrill it must be playing with these great musicians. And you are up in the league with the very best your self Mr. Mueller. The composition and arrangement shows what you're able to pull of.
[ Reply to This ]
Quite a cast &mdash 11/10/07 - 10:02:42 AM
of characters you have here. Obviously all have a wonderful command of their instruments. Great live recording if you ask me. [ Reply to This ]
Oh I don't know ! &mdash 11/12/07 - 03:02:35 PM
Hi Tobin,
It's really nitpicking, but here is what my untrained ears detected:
I like the organ in version 2 better up to the "bluesy" section where I feel it is too noticeably louder and distorted and covers the piano a bit too much. But that might just be the effect of me reading what you have changed and having to pick between the two versions.
So - if I understood you correctly - I would keep the EQ changes you made in version 2 (which seems to bring out the organ a bit more anyway) but without the noticeably louder organ in the bluesy section.
Then again I might just be hearing things from the simple power of your suggestions !
[ Reply to This ]
Oh dear ! &mdash 11/12/07 - 03:04:34 PM
Jeepers &mdash 11/13/07 - 02:35:59 PM
Tobin, guess I didn't know this side of you. Listen to much Toshiko_Akiyoshi ?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshiko_Akiyoshi)
Nice job here. [ Reply to This ]
Call me lame, &mdash 11/18/07 - 12:00:00 PM
but, Tobin, I f'in love this! I wish you did more of this stuff...you must have a natural feel for it when combined with your other musical endeavors. This track is just fantastic and so very well done. I wouldn't change anything and, while I know your ear is extremely precise, relaxing it on the nuances in this tunes makes it sound spectacular. Great stuff man!! [ Reply to This ]
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