In a continuation of the Dot Goes to Indy saga, we're going to move on to the next part in Nashville in Studio B at Blackbird Studio this weekend.

I've got a day blocked out in Studio B to find the right vocal chain for a client. We'll be auditioning a lot of the high-end mics from Blackbird's coveted mic "closet". When we zero in on mics, then we'll audition some pres. And then I'll run the takes we like best through some of the compressors and limiters available in the studio.

I'm taking along a few preamps. My Millennia HV-3D, which has been the main reference preamp for The Listening Sessions since we began four years ago. I'm also taking along two LaChapell Audio 992's - one Standard version here for review, and my souped up 992 EG with Telefunken and Bugle Boy tubes. I'll also be bringing a collection of tubes sent to me by Scott LaChapell. I had a 992 EG identical to mine flown out to the Indy gig, and after hearing it the client bought it on the spot for the main studio. But these auditions are for the vocal chain in their other studio. And I think it's worth trying both LaChapell's on his vocals. We'll see how it goes... And we'll obviously be trying out the Neve, Telefunken, and other mic preamps in Studio B.

Since Nashville's only about 10 hours away from where I am in South Carolina, I've decided to drive, and take the wife and kiddo along for a mini-vacation. I've never been to Nashville, so I'm looking forward to the trip and the session. I'll also meet up with Popmann for a little hang time.

Blackbird Studio B with API Legacy Plus console, ATC and NS10 monitors.

Yeah...and if you wanted to see a trainwreck on stage, I'd invite you out to a gig of a band I'm playing guitar for...10 songs. 6 days prep. Everyone with full time jobs. Apparently, there's still one we've never played. You do the math.

I'm just kinda noodling along by ear.

Anyway...call/email me with the intenerary.

Pop, I do the same thing once a year for a benefit. This last year we had one practice. Luckily the drummer is good at holding it all together. It can be a lot of fun. Good luck!

Dot and Pop, let me know if you discover/know of anything "must see" in Nashville. I'm going to meet my dad there for a couple days in December. Its mid way between us and we're trying to keep his driving time down.

Pop, know of any nice lodges or nice (but not too pricey) hotels. It'd be nice to have a little holiday atmosphere.

quote:

Originally posted by Popmann:
Yeah...and if you wanted to see a trainwreck on stage, I'd invite you out to a gig of a band I'm playing guitar for...10 songs. 6 days prep. Everyone with full time jobs. Apparently, there's still one we've never played. You do the math.

I'm just kinda noodling along by ear.

Anyway...call/email me with the intenerary.

Man, that's lots of time Jamie... I once had to learn 30 songs in 3 days .. I didn't have a day job at the time though...but 10 in 6 - piece of cake...unless you have a wife and kids

But, you had records right? Maybe charts?

This is a duo...I got a CD from him Monday with arrangements based around a B3 and piano...and there won't be a keyboard player.

And the girl's demos are her and either her guitar or piano (which she's apparently not gonna play)...no band.

And not to complain...but, singer songwriter tunes...refining how many ways to combine the same 4 chords. "You know...this is the one that goes 1-4-5 in the verse...then 6-4-5-1 in the chorus...then 1-4 in the second verse...then 5-6-4-1 in the middle eight..." And it's the same key as the other one that goes 5-4-1...then the second time holds the 4 twice as long...

It's not like there are riffs I have to learn off a record...I've got to come up with voicing and fills that replace the keys.

And to boot...apparently he's got some guy showing up to play pedal steel who won't be at any rehearsals!

We're gonna "run the set" once more...Sat night before the show. He says last night, "Well, there's this one that we haven't played yet..." ??

Enough whining.back to vocal comping. I guess I'm just used to not letting things go until they're tight.

I'm not as worried about me...I can just noodle through whatever...but, the bass/drums have literally played some of these tunes 2 or 3 times max.

My only personal worry is that they're counting on me to do som long noodly outros to fill time. I've always been better at short solos--get in, establish theme, breathe a bit of fire--and out. Long repeated solos just find me noodling and repeating myself. But, what do I care, right?

It's all good. Even when it's not.

I see you're point...yes, that would be a pain

On the Blues circuit up here this is the norm.
Just get up and play. Sit in with whoever. Do a gig with whoever. No rehearsals. Wing it.
Blues formats are pretty standard, but everyone still plays different tunes, and differently.
Watch the leader like a hawk!

My most memorable and somewhat terrifying experience was doing a blues fest in western Ontario where we did our set, and then I had to play with the headliner too, because their drummer couldn't get across the border into Canada.

Canadian prairie farm boy sits in with Detroit blues band. I looked really pale.
Luckily it went pretty well.

Good luck and have fun Popmann!

Hey dudge...I am in Edmonton...I did the country-rock A-circuit from BC to Manitoba for a few years in the late '90's. I guess the big difference here (other than the music) is that a guy could actually make a decent dollar playing that circuit ... Go to Nashville, play for free ... of course, the pay-off could be that much better there if one is good, gets lucky and spends enough time over there...

quote:

Yeah...and if you wanted to see a trainwreck on stage, I'd invite you out to a gig of a band I'm playing guitar for...10 songs. 6 days prep. Everyone with full time jobs. Apparently, there's still one we've never played. You do the math.

WHAT?!?!? you mean ... IT'S ALIVE!!! Popmann emerges from his music dungeon, wiping his eyes against the harsh glare of the Klieg lights and takes it out in public? I thought you HATE that live playing shit?

Of course, that IS why music was invented, no? To be performed ... for people ... in public, or private.

Way to go, Jamie! Break a leg!!



mud

This is for another band. Totally different thing. Not my stuff.

Kinda like a little hottie at the office versus the wife. Yeah...sure, they're both sex...lotsa the same rules--very different implications.

good luck on yer trip Dot, look forward to reading about the process

Dan,

I've heard that Blackbird's a really nice studio. Man, that should be alot of fun trying all that equipment out (although you're used to using highend stuff anyway). Enjoy!!!

Lucio

I gotta get to Nashville someday--go to Gruhns--and drool a bit.

as soon as i started reading i knew you were taking the LaChapel with you..

Nice! Sounds like a lot of fun
What kind of entertainment are you bringing for your boy on the 10 hour trip? lol...
Kid entertainment in cars has gone a long way since I was a kid. I got to just sing to the radio and look at the trees out the window.

evt

Oooooom Na Mooooo Guru Deeeeev Na Moooooo...

Have a nice one Dan!

-Kaapo-

Knocked back a few with Mr Dan last night. (Don't tell my nutritionist...)

Played my gig tonight. Not a trainwreck...but, I wouldn't call it tight. The audience of 10 really seemed to like it!

quote:

The audience of 10 really seemed to like it!

and...at the end of the day, that's what counts!



T

quote:

and...at the end of the day, that's what counts!

Well, it's ONE of the things that counts.

quote:

Originally posted by Popmann:

quote:

and...at the end of the day, that's what counts!

Well, it's ONE of the things that counts.

One of the more important things, I might add.


...though if all 10 are friends and relatives of the band....well, it's still important.