Dig it &mdash 08/27/08 - 08:28:42 AM
Great piece, Tobin. I'm not any good at jazz analysis but this is really lively and dynamic and conveys wonderful communication between all the players, speaking as one very complex voice.
Everything sounds good to me. If I search for something to pick out I guess the organ does seem a tad loud in the section at about 3:12-3:20 where it first steps forward. Just a little. The rest of the time it seems to be a just the right level.
I really like those breaks and time jumps and slips. The break at 4:56 is a little jarring but only because it sounds like you guys didn't hit it as together as you did in the others. Minor, but that was the only one that put me off balance at all.
Dig it much. [ Reply to This ]
! &mdash 08/27/08 - 09:17:59 AM
Can see why you want to put this one out there...wonderful take, Tobin.
1) Listened on speakers and phones. To my ear, the organ needs to come up during the solos. More noticeable on speakers...but on the phones, too. Not a lot...but enough to be equal to the solo sound of the piano. I noticed it right away, just after the intro. Was waiting for another instrument to come over it and play a solo. That's to my ear, at least...
Seems just right when playing as part of the full ensemble, but a bit subdued on it's own. Interestingly, though: I thought the beginning of the second solo was nice, coming in a bit soft. After that I missed the extra kick. Maybe find the spots where you want to have the dynamics lower/higher and work from there, instead of making a blanket change throughout?
You know you'll get it right in the end...
(Incidentally: the band's smoking and I love what Chris is doing on the piano).
2) Time signature: you're asking the wrong guy. I loved Yes, Monk, Stockhausen, etc. Been playing a lot in 5, lately, with a very good trumpeter/composer. The changes in this piece have a great deal to do with what it is. I'd be afraid of getting too much into the stock "Latin" feel if you pared it down. This is perfect as is...a very, very cool jam. Lots of feeling and variations to keep it fresh.
Looking forward to the CD, man. [ Reply to This ]
This stuff is really great &mdash 08/27/08 - 09:28:55 AM
but what I am about to say is probably not that important because this stuff is of high caliber.
Ya in in places you could use thicker coating with the organ, maybe tweak a bit of (Logic's) Fat EQ in place were it is competing a bit with the piano. As I get older, i am not so much into any kind of percussion. I always look for more depth in the metal section of drums. So any time you can get some fat eq in anything that is too trebly is fine by me. Remember I am an acoustic fanatic and treble stuff like in the high pitch tones of cymbals, crashes is always a bonus when there is more depth, (more bass, spread < logics delay designer etc.
I am not listening is speakers but earphones. CAuse of the situation I am in so take it for what it's worth.
But please understand, again your stuff is always of very high caliber, at least it seems to me.
Way to Go! When I spotted your email I was already on your page. With the intriguing title I just had to take a listen!
Thanks for sharing tobin and being such a GREAT part of MJ! [ Reply to This ]
I suppose &mdash 08/27/08 - 09:50:46 AM
the organ could be louder, but it's such a little nit and on speakers it sounds fine. I might be wrong, but it seems like the piano is the real lead instrument in this and the organ is mostly playing supporting lines. When I think of it that way, I think the organ is just right level-wise(even in headphones); but that said, I feel like the piano should be more centered in the mix and the organ panned to the side, perhaps. Is that a real B3 or a virtual one? I like the stop combinations. Great playing, of course, and I love the drum solo; well, really, all the solos. I thought at first the piano might have a bit too much reverb on it, as it sounds like it's in a different space than the drums.
Multiple timing? What's that?
I only play in one time, Jim-time. LOL [ Reply to This ]
jazz &mdash 08/27/08 - 10:50:10 AM
I don't have much to add to the others who've already weighed in on this. I agree that the organ can come up on solos. The timing worked for me (though I am far from an expert on this. I have a feel for the vocal side of things in a mainstream kinda way as opposed to instrumental). [ Reply to This ]
No complaints here &mdash 08/27/08 - 11:29:10 AM
The organ sounds just right to me (in headphones). It's soft, but it cuts through because it's tonally different from the other instruments. But I know how it is when you start wondering about tiny details of a mix and can't hear whether it's too loud or too soft no matter how many times you listen to it!
I don't hear any timing issues either, everything holds together as it should. Again I think it's one of those things that only bugs you because you're too close to it to hear it as others do.
Really accomplished bit of jamming all round and superb crisp production. The triumphant melodic bit towards the end leads in beautifully to the (very tightly played) final notes. Beautiful work. [ Reply to This ]
alive, bold, splashy &mdash 08/27/08 - 11:39:47 AM
I like the fluid complexity and the organ sounds fine at the present level, except from 6:40-7:30 where it needs to come up considerably. I know Peak 4 has a feature called "ducking" which brings down the level of the background instrumentation when a lead voice (or instrument) is sounding. I wonder if you could do that with organ. I haven't learned yet how to do ducking.
This is very fine music -- alive, bold, splashy. [ Reply to This ]
Well &mdash 08/27/08 - 12:41:07 PM
I listen for feel more than anything- this sounds fantastic! The 1st few chords reminded me of "Meeting of the Spirits" by the Mahavishnu Orchestra but then it went in a totally different direction- more like the song "Little Flamenco" by Chick Corea and Origin.I don't think the time sounds weird.Really 1st rate music! [ Reply to This ]
Finding No Path &mdash 08/27/08 - 03:07:09 PM
Wow - the synergy of the musicians here is just palpable. Who needs strict timing when y'all were SO on the same page? This is fabulous. Really love the stop gaps, building anticipation. Solos all exceptional. I think I'd agree that except for the organ solos, piano feels like the main instrument to me and wanted to be a little more center in my headphones. Just after the 7:00 mark, organ felt like it could be a little louder there for me, as it opened up that transition into the next section of the piece. But then around 8:00 I felt like maybe the piano could come up a touch as the ending builds.
Really, overall just an incredible piece of music and amazing performances by all of you. Totally engaging - did NOT feel like 8 and a half minutes at all. Great piece to add to the album, Tobin. [ Reply to This ]
Finding No Path &mdash 08/27/08 - 03:15:20 PM
Theatrical as ever ...as I let this piece of music
grow with time with me I didnt judge much more than
sence it ...the B3 just in time and right there on
my humble headphone ..on the very beginning the bass
was too high ..but it was the main anyhoo ..the live
feeling here is just a killer ..real a warm feelin
all around this song ...great great job thnx alot for
sharin such gem !!!!! [ Reply to This ]
Here's the deal Tobin, &mdash 08/27/08 - 03:20:29 PM
I may have somehow missed the point of it all because I kept waiting for one instrument to step out and put down a melody line of some kind. Maybe a really hot sax part or a great horn player doing his thing. Maybe the Hammond should stand up and take a solo loud and hot while the rest of the band supports the B3. I'm not sure what, but to me it needs something to solidify the piece into a complete work.
I love what you've got here so far, it's a great jam with some very fine musicians doing excellent work. But there doesn't seem to be anyone telling the story (musically that is) it's just one hell of a great jam session. There's nothing wrong with that mind you as it can be the most fun for the musicians and sometimes the audience too.
As for the organ part, I feel it was a little too low in the first 1/2 of the song, but about right during the last 1/3 to 1/2 of it. The Bass and Drum solos are very good indeed
Never noticed any timing errors that mattered as the piece just jammed along fine.
Don't misunderstand, I think what you've got here is fantastic in all respects. It's just not done yet.
Be well and be cool,
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Pushing the solos &mdash 08/29/08 - 08:31:07 AM
After reading most of the early comments, the general consensus was that I needed to up the organ in several spots, which I then did, creating a new mix. Then several guys weighed in saying don't mess with the balance and a few saying the organ was burying the piano in spots and should be lowered. I truly think the level depends on the EQ curve of whatever speakers or headphones one is using, so it is a losing battle perhaps.
But then I read your comment - "I may have somehow missed the point of it all because I kept waiting for one instrument to step out and put down a melody line of some kind" - and thought perhaps the main problem is identifying the melody. Yes, there is a lot of noodling going on, but in my mind the melody we are noodling around in jam-like variations is always in my head and the organ needs to be pushed to identify that.
So I pushed the organ in spots where it needs to be identified as the lead voice to avoid the sense that this is merely a jam piece, which, in my mind, it certainly isn't. I also push it i other places. What I ended up doing is not really burying the piano (maybe because it is separated so clearly panned left), but instead covering the hi end of the drums. So, not I am going back to do another mix in which I find some sort of compromise between what I hear in headphones and what I want people like you to hear: a lead voice.
Thank you all for your input. I continue to monitor comments as I try and find enough satisfaction with the mix to let go and move on to the next track... [ Reply to This ]
Jamming &mdash 08/27/08 - 04:46:20 PM
I would push in front each soloing instrument a little .
When the piano or the organ are comping they could be lower , especialy the piano left hand.
Few people will mind the timing issues , but it would be great
if you could work on this some more (Easy to say :-)).
Great music anyway .
[ Reply to This ]
Low end on piano &mdash 08/29/08 - 09:31:02 AM
One of the annoying things when listening on tape is the gathering of low end sounds as Chris fails to lift his foot off the hold pedal in the opening section. I have rolled off the low end in the opening and it helps make it less oppressive. Thanks.
This was recorded in a choir room at a university, tons of bleed. It was bussed down to a few tracks and I have limited ability to change much besides EQ and compression. [ Reply to This ]
Low end piano &mdash 09/01/08 - 04:05:14 AM
I'm glad it helped .
It's nice to have the infos about how and where it was recorded.
I listened to the song "Dressing For Death" , I think your organ playing has kept the great vocal feeling and expression of this song in
this version.
[ Reply to This ]
Dressing For Death &mdash 09/01/08 - 09:46:12 AM
Thanks for listening to the original stage tune. It opens the show, Creature. (The woman kills herself in the opening scene and then her eyes are used by Frankenstein for his creature...) I am glad you can hear the vocal aspects to what I was trying to do on the organ. [ Reply to This ]
Tobin &mdash 08/27/08 - 05:08:09 PM
Before I start, I see "B3 Organ" and I know I'm going to love this.
Re your specific questions: The B3 sounds softer generally than I'd like to hear - even in the solo section it sounds like a background instrument compared to the piano. Having said that, I'm not sure how much more gain it could take - probably a very marginal amount. Maybe the piano could drop off slightly when the B3 is "on".
"Multiple timing " - I have absolutely no problem with anything in the timing department - it all sounds planned to me. I certainly wouldn't attempt to jump in and change anything in that department.
Tobin, the recording here - especially the piano and percussion/kit - is probably the best I've heard here at MJ. I'm listening on 'phones, and the sound is simply amazing.
I don't really think it is essential to do anything here - sounds awesome to me.
Love the playing - what a bunch of pros!
Thanks for posting this one - possibly my fav of yours so far.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Sounds good &mdash 08/27/08 - 06:10:35 PM
to me, although I would agree with the organ coming up a tad in the first half, it sounds a bit under the mix up to 1:45 after that it might need a touch more only when everybody is playing, you can still hear it nicely though. It gets a little lost in the mix sometimes, between 4:10 till 5:33 just before the drum solo. Just previous to the solo it sounds like the organ is fighting a losing battle with the drums almost like the drummer was anticipating the solo and the dynamics went up as a result. The organ is perfectly in the mix after the drum solo, but when the drums and bass come back in it gets lost a little again around 7:40. This is after 3 listens, first on the Imac speakers, then on phones,and lastly on studio monitors, all telling the same story more or less. The timing is interesting to me because, I am one of those straight bpm from beginning to end kind of guy's. I'm gonna change that one day though. Thanks for the free bee
Peace
Guy [ Reply to This ]
can never &mdash 08/27/08 - 07:13:08 PM
have too much B3. And the way you play it I'd say it double. however, in the spirit of your request somewhere around the 4:40 mark I thought the organ just a tad on top of the piano solo. I agree with Jim on the verb for the piano, just a little wetter than the rest. Still a remarkable comp and just outstanding performances. In awe cuz i completely fall apart in odd time signatures. [ Reply to This ]
Whew!! &mdash 08/27/08 - 07:48:38 PM
Wow... this is really amazing. I tried to listen with a critical ear, but honestly I just enjoyed the ride and found myself loving every little thing. There were a few spots--mostly near the beginning and the end--where, yes, I thought the organ could be louder. There was nothing at all about the timings/mis-timings that bothered me; it all fit in well with the shape and character of the beautiful monster you created. You guys all sound great, really great performances. [ Reply to This ]
Organ &mdash 08/27/08 - 08:01:40 PM
Great tune. I did listen before reading over some of the comments on my second time around. My initial feeling is still holding, the solo play up to about 4 min needs to be louder. The organ in the middle of the piece seems to be right on. And the organ in the last minute or so needs just a little when you are playing more melodic. The timing seems natural enough that anything you might hear as a miss timing is not noticeable to me or anyone else who wasn't looking right at the chart.
Thanks
Bill [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 08/27/08 - 09:06:49 PM
"Communication between excited players is one of those things that's hard to separate from more objective musical decisions."
What would be the music for if not for that?
I must say I REALLY LOVE THIS!
This is my first day in here... and you made it a great place for me to come back for more!
Congrats to all the band!
macoco.
[ Reply to This ]
ahhhh yesssss &mdash 08/27/08 - 09:11:17 PM
the organ sounds good on my monitors. swingin jam. has a bit of a latin feel to it. then straighter. props to all musicians involved.
love the changes from section to section. love the interplay between piano and organ. sometimes i feel like they compete a bit, but whenever that happens it resolves itself quite nicely.
I love the multiple timing. not bothersome at all. the force of the song just takes the listener along for the ride. great.
wow. [ Reply to This ]
You've got... &mdash 08/27/08 - 09:41:35 PM
...a lot of pretty sophisticated commentary already before I chimed in, Tobin. I'm just thinking that this is a complex number that feels "right" in so many ways. I wouldn't mess with levels. Organ is fine...I am not much of a fan of this particular sound, but you play in the style beautifully and the volume is not in the slightest painful. You have kept it very much under control. If there are glitches in tempo here and there, I didn't notice at all. It all sounds so natural. ... No doubt you will have a hit on your hands with your CD because of such high production values and creativity. You continue to push the envelope and inspire the rest of us with your work.
Peace.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
Hey Tobin &mdash 08/28/08 - 12:03:10 AM
The organ sounded fine playing quietly on my so-so speakers... and the timing issues didn't bother me... in fact, I liked the looseness of it all. I love how it got so energetic near the end. Overall a delight, through and through.
Eric (Stun Nutz) [ Reply to This ]
intuitive timing &mdash 08/28/08 - 07:58:54 AM
Chris is just excellent, so are you and the others, of course.
Really Pro Quality stuff.
I saw mention that the organ was too low in the mix. Don't agree. I think people were listening for you too much. If that's the case, yeah too low.
But, this is balanced and sounds simply excellent.
Sorry, I don't visit you much, but sometimes genres don't cross worlds. Here it did. Always appreciate jazz artist.
Great stuff, once again,
Dave [ Reply to This ]
coolio! &mdash 08/28/08 - 09:05:21 AM
I dig the symbol and high hat hits and what ever else your banging on! fantastic piece Tobin! [ Reply to This ]
One of the best &mdash 08/28/08 - 10:17:20 AM
Outstanding! &mdash 08/28/08 - 11:55:34 AM
Man, There is no better feeling than being in the middle of some really great music making - and this track really shines. I really love the feel of this tune and the poly-rhythms/multi timing just add to the tune for me. I have to say that I would like more organ in the beginning solo, up to around 4 min. It sounds great after that, under the piano solo - which kicks some serious #$&*^@. (Listening again through headphones, and seems right in the thick of things, around 4:55 ish, the piano and organ seem to be fighting each other a little.)
The kit sounds really great, although may be just a bit too strong.
I just love the stops. Very cool and just really clues you in to what a group of great musicians can do when you put them in the same room. I don't think the middle is too long at all. Maybe if I heard the other takes, but it really moves along and doesn't seem to stall anywhere. I like the way you bring it down and build it back up after the drum solo. And i love the way the piano hints at the groove before really getting back into it.
fantastic work - [ Reply to This ]
wow. &mdash 08/28/08 - 12:56:03 PM
this IS musicianship. wow again, tobin. 3rd listen and still enjoyed every minute of it. great performances all around (though i especially like the drumming... but please don't let that detract from my earlier statement... really top notch playing by everyone.) ok, on to your technical questions.
1) the organ level sounds ok in the headphones and on the genelecs (even outside the room, as i put my coffee cup in the dishwasher)... but maybe a little thin or piercing. i fiddled on my board and i think the frequency on the organ that could use some reduction is around 1800 Hz. or maybe the organ could just use some more bottom, but careful not to step on the basses toes.
2) the timing issues don't bother me at all. if all of you think this is the best take with the best feel, run with it! i think it feels very live and jazz clubby. i totally dig it.
ok, something you weren't asking about, but i'll mention anyway. i noticed (mostly in the headphones) that the drums are very wide. i'm not sure how the kit was mic'd, but if you have both overhead and room tracks to play with - leave the room panned wide and make the overheads less wide. it sounds like the cymbals and toms are placed all the way around the room - all the way around the piano and organ even. :) great sounding room, btw! i listened to some of the track mono, and it doesn't sound like there are any phase issues.
of course, if changing the panning on the drums breaks the continuity of the album, don't bother. everything else sits really well. the limiter you have on the entire track gets a little crunchy at times, but not offensive. (of course, this is probably just interim mastering.)
again, great track! when's the cd coming out? [ Reply to This ]
LA-2A &mdash 08/28/08 - 01:01:51 PM
you also mentioned the varying organ levels. you may have to automate, i suppose. otherwise, do you have an LA-2A (real or plugin) you can throw on it? just have it pushing down the peaks maybe 3dB in the loud parts. i donnow, just an idea. [ Reply to This ]
When is CD coming out? &mdash 08/29/08 - 12:01:32 PM
I hope to have it out before December, but my art director is going blind (Alimar) and I am not sure how long it will take to get the art ready. The music master will be done around September 15. I will undoubtedly make an announcement when the CD is ready for sale and appreciate your support! [ Reply to This ]
latin influenced? &mdash 08/28/08 - 09:46:07 PM
a fun listen! i liked the full stops sprinkled throughout. impressive coordination among the performers to pull that off so many times.
thanks
1. the organ seemed low on set of my speakers. then i brought up my alternate pair - those are more mid-rangey - and then the organ sounded great. I don't know if that helps any? Maybe there's an EQ issue lurking there.
2. being a fan of Yes, where some songs had different time sigs on each measure, the rhythmic changes don't bug me: I like them. maybe it's prog-jazz? perhap something is hinky around 4:50 - I'm not sure.
[ Reply to This ]
Hi Tobin &mdash 08/29/08 - 02:17:45 AM
What an excellent piece ! And some sterling musicianship !
Since you ask, I would say that the organ feels just slightly in the background. I'm not sure if it's the organ, or the fact that maybe the piano is a bit to prominent throughout.
For example, I feel that in the staccato sections where the rhythm is sort of syncopated, the organ's short accentuated chords could be more prominent.
But really it's only because you asked for an opinion. I wonder if I really would have noticed it otherwise.
[ Reply to This ]
to be precise &mdash 08/29/08 - 02:26:30 AM
stellar musicianship &mdash 08/29/08 - 06:24:42 AM
what strikes me is the drama... sometimes jazz seems like a tonal exercise to me, with no intent or direction (not all).... but this dramatic and dynamic... ALL the musicianship is killer, but that drummer Dane (great name) is off the charts... and I love how the drums were recorded.. they sound so natural... impressive interaction and capturing of those moments... [ Reply to This ]
All sounds &mdash 08/29/08 - 06:35:21 AM
good to me, though I think the organ could be a smidgin' higher. I did find the drum sticks alone (separate from the kit which is fine) a bit loud (jarring?) in various parts and for me that was distracting from the rest. I agree with what Jim says about the piano being the lead and the organ supporting.... and in that role all is well, though it does come a little more into it's own later about 7.03 after that terrific drum break. Great music though as always, like a jazz concerto, cheers M. [ Reply to This ]
like a jazz concerto &mdash 08/29/08 - 09:36:50 AM
Thanks, cool comment. Everything I do ends up verging on overly dramatic, so I'm glad you liked it. This album runs near to 80 minutes... lots of mini-concertos going on. Altho I try and play accompanist most of the time. [ Reply to This ]
Live ! &mdash 08/29/08 - 08:47:32 AM
This was terrific, had much the same feelings a if I was at live performance at an outdoor jazz festival.
Here are my short of impressions:
Nice changes to stretch out on
Attention Grabbing intro
Bass recorded nicely
Liked the combo sound of organ and piano (organ levels are fine)
Flows organically (no pun intended).
Take it on the road! [ Reply to This ]
Sounds great &mdash 08/30/08 - 11:49:20 AM
Excellent piece. The balance of the instrumentation is fine although I would bring out.....noticed I said out...the organ a bit when it is not comping.....the level is ok but it does not cut through the mix....makes sense given its tonal characteristics.....on the other hand it does dominate during the piano solo.....again obviously due to your attack, and the space your chording occupies in the mix during that section. things are much more balanced after the break. Really cool piece....kind of Return To Forever with killer organ playing....dont ever recall Chick Corea playing organ....btw i wouldnt sweat any timing issues everything resolves and it adds a little tension and excitement.
All in all exceptional.....from the perspective of a general listen ( I have listened several times ) the song flows well and there really is nothing that HAS to be fixed. enjoyed the listens! [ Reply to This ]
Tobe no smoke &mdash 08/31/08 - 08:04:19 PM
I wouldnt change a thing . I like the mix I like the organ I like the drums and the bass rocks . Well mixed and a great listen . listened on both my Grado headphones and my monitors and they both sounded awesome . I listen to alot of jazz . I didnt find any element off putting .Good stuff man . [ Reply to This ]
and-ah-one and-ah-two &mdash 09/01/08 - 07:30:23 AM
I must admit, I've never been able to feel the underlying pulse in drum solos, so I can't really be bothered by a couple of counts extra here and there. I'm just grooving along.
Nice piece. Somewhere in between jazz fusion and prog rock? Or maybe I'm only having prog associations because of that organ. Speaking of which, on my headphones it's indeed just a db too soft. Also, on headphones that drum set is panned rather unrealistically wide.
Other than that, great playing. A pleasure listening to this. Very impressive to consider that this was played live. [ Reply to This ]
Somewhere between jazz fusion and prog rock &mdash 10/02/08 - 08:07:16 AM
Yes, that's me. Thanks for noticing the prog influence. It was even more a pleasure to play, I dare say. Thanks. [ Reply to This ]
I've been beaten to it &mdash 09/01/08 - 08:43:43 AM
by everybody else...
Amazing work. Accomplished, funky, endlessly entertaining. You could tweak it here and there but I'm not sure it will really make it significantly better.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Lives! &mdash 09/02/08 - 02:54:14 PM
This music LIVES! There are interesting things happening all the time. Really dynamic.
Secondly it is musically very special. Brilliant. I don't know if I've heard anything close to it. There are strong themes %u2014 harmonius yet not predictable.
Thirdly the emotional undercurrents are really interesting and catching. And this is for me a most important factor in music. And maybe for that reason no timing issues bothered me. It is living! It is also love, hope that doesn't sound too high-flown for you, but I mean that I hear something down there under it all which I want to desctibe as love.
Finally the recording is really well done. I am listening in AKG K240 headphones and it all sounds really well made. Even here very LIVE.
Alltogether, this makes me a tenbomber. [ Reply to This ]
Love &mdash 09/03/08 - 09:38:57 AM
I appreciate more than you can know that you identify LOVE at the core of this rhythmic, vibrant work. Emotion pours out of me (when everything is working correctly) when I write/play, and I nearly always have love at the core of what I am doing, love as some fundamental aspect, not that I love the music or the sound, but love as integral to the living that is at the creative foundation of the musical concept. Thank you very much for feeling this and expressing it so thoughtfully. [ Reply to This ]
Finding No Path &mdash 09/04/08 - 03:30:28 PM
Ambitious &mdash 09/06/08 - 04:41:18 PM
I first want to say that the performance level of all musicians is inspiring. Nothing like live ensemble jazz recording happening in a room.
The organ concept for this piece is great. I think the piano definitely weighs heavier in the mix than the organ. The piano feels right in the mix so maybe the organ just needs to be a little more powerful in volume at the front part of the tune before the drum solo.
I think the percussion can actually be faded down a bit. It is such great playing, the rudiments on cymbals and the stops are so energetic.
You guys are monsters on this recording and the recording quality is great. [ Reply to This ]
The organ concept &mdash 10/02/08 - 08:05:55 AM
I have raised the organ in several places to maintain what you call the "organ concept" across the tracks. Altho in my mind it is always a duet, I am trying to keep the overall concept in mind as I remix. Thanks. [ Reply to This ]
Tobin! &mdash 09/09/08 - 02:10:29 AM
Thank you for being on Macjams. Your home page is a bit intimidating my friend! Jimminy Crickets, you have a ton of material. I can only aspire to be so productive. Like the ideas in this piece.
Love the piano solo. The little breaks are cool. A few of the kicks during the piano solo sound a bit un-together, but hey that's what gives it humanity, yes? Some comment mentioned the organ sound;something sounds not quite as thick as it could be with that organ sound. Sounds like a patch. I mostly don't dig organ patches on synths... mostly. Nit-picky stuff however. Great work and great energy. Thank you for the comments on my MJ submissions. You da' man.
[ Reply to This ]
Thick &mdash 10/02/08 - 08:10:03 AM
It's a tough call to thicken the organ, cuz doing so interferes with other instruments. In my first mixes, the organ had a much wider pan, to capture the fabulous Leslie feel, but I found that it ruined the visual sense of where players are seated and made the space taken up by the piano too small. A trade off to maintain a sense of player balance. I'm hoping the mastering process brings a larger sense of depth to every instrument. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 09/23/08 - 07:11:28 PM
Tobin, you probably already know I'm a fan of your work. This is another stunning piece which I had started downloading before I had finished listening to it in it's entirety. Great work, as always. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for checking in &mdash 10/30/08 - 12:04:11 PM
Its so great to see you checking in, you were such a cornerstone member for those first years. And thanks again for all your help on the podcasts in the summer of 2007 - they ended up going into several blog postings (see Blog in the upper menu). Glad you enjoyed this piece. Even tho it is the 11th track on the RAIN BATHER CD, it is one of my favorites, especially among the breakout quartet tracks (as opposed to the larger ensemble octet tunes). Again, thanks for stopping by. [ Reply to This ]
Oh, the humanity &mdash 09/24/08 - 03:13:15 PM
That's fine, thank you for this hit of live studio inspiration. Quickly because others are smarter studio heads, I'll say that I thought the Organ might have been soft in the beginning but seems to come up well in the middle (using over-ear lower-end Sennheisers).
To my listener's ears, timing is absolutely no issue. It's good to hear humans play.
[ Reply to This ]
I wish I could play like that!! &mdash 09/26/08 - 11:27:34 AM
Jazz, Rock, everything!! &mdash 10/02/08 - 07:48:44 AM
Thanks. I was tapping the kitchen sink with my elbow the whole while, as well! [ Reply to This ]
Myself not being a professional musician... &mdash 09/27/08 - 01:39:42 AM
I am afraid I can not give you useful input. The recording and your composition are excellent. The performance is just awsome.
The organ would sound better (to my ears) if it were a little fuller.
As far as the rythm goes, it sounds perfect to my ears. Very engaging.
Wow!
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Amazing! &mdash 10/01/08 - 11:01:49 AM
In my phones, the only little part that I here the organ a "tad" bit loud is at around 4:30 over the piano for just a moment. Besides that I think its fits just fine.
As far as timing, I love it. I feel that "live" energy of everyone working off of each other.
Overall, its wonderful in all aspects. I think this would make a great addition to your album as is.
Awed.
BTW: Thanks for the DL. [ Reply to This ]
arriving a bit late... &mdash 10/01/08 - 04:34:13 PM
Man this was a treat to have tonight. I've just listened to some Stan Getz music, and I sense a relation. This has much more uncontrolled energy floating between the ones involved though, and it must be the bonus from the live recording. Its kept alive all the way, never a dull moment. Just pure art:) BRAVO!
I have no fingers to point on the technical areas here. It all sounds perfect in my ears. I'll take it - just wrap it up! [ Reply to This ]
Wrap it up! &mdash 10/02/08 - 07:51:41 AM
I have sent the final mix in for mastering, since I am unable to equalize all the tracks to each other on my own. I hope to have something to share in 6 weeks. Thanks for your encouraging comments. [ Reply to This ]
Tobin, Great song writing &mdash 10/04/08 - 12:17:47 AM
I have finally mad it over to your tune. I think the organ is cool. Any louder and it will be a lead sounding instrument. I think you blend it in well.
My first thoughts of this during the intro was that it sounded like Eberhard Weber and Jack Dejohnette backing you up with the fine cymbals keeping time and the slipery bass solo. Cool Stuff.
Your drummer here is a very hot performer. Great playing.
On the timing issue, I think if the music took you to a place with different timing, then, that was how it felt to the players at the time. When I listen it all workes for me. The structure is sound with the tight rhythm section and great playing from all.
What a really great freekin song
I like the feel that it was spontaneous and from the hip.
All music at one time was an inspired moment, an improvisation. To me all music should be salt n peppered with this reality.
great listen
thanks my friend
peace out
tm
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All music at one time was an inspired moment, an improvisation &mdash 10/21/08 - 07:20:49 AM
What a great, true comment. And to let go in performance as everyone tries to recapture, or create anew, this moment is a joy. So different from performing musical theatre that needs to be the same every night. Thanks for your comments. [ Reply to This ]
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Everything sounds good to me. If I search for something to pick out I guess the organ does seem a tad loud in the section at about 3:12-3:20 where it first steps forward. Just a little. The rest of the time it seems to be a just the right level.
I really like those breaks and time jumps and slips. The break at 4:56 is a little jarring but only because it sounds like you guys didn't hit it as together as you did in the others. Minor, but that was the only one that put me off balance at all.
Dig it much.
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