Today I mixed a record for a wonderful singer/songwriter pal who cut a song with a few of the famous players and backup singers who've recorded with folks like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, etc. You've heard them on a zillion records for many years.
The tracks are great - truly great - yet the feel is laid back like a comfortable pair of slippers. In every respect, most importantly in dynamics and feel, getting a basic mix together with them was child's play. There was some creative stuff I got to do, and I had a lot of fun with that, but once I got the idea of what to do with the song, and did a few subtle creative things, it came together in a few hours.
I've set this before, but I'll repeat it (because I must!):
If you want to cut a great sounding song, bring in the best players. It ain't about the gear - although knowing how to use the gear is a good thing - it's about the musicians. Nobody ever says, 'Wow, that's a Thingamajog Compressor on that track'. They say, 'That playing is great'.
It was a delight to mix these tracks.
The tracks are great - truly great - yet the feel is laid back like a comfortable pair of slippers. In every respect, most importantly in dynamics and feel, getting a basic mix together with them was child's play. There was some creative stuff I got to do, and I had a lot of fun with that, but once I got the idea of what to do with the song, and did a few subtle creative things, it came together in a few hours.
I've set this before, but I'll repeat it (because I must!):
If you want to cut a great sounding song, bring in the best players. It ain't about the gear - although knowing how to use the gear is a good thing - it's about the musicians. Nobody ever says, 'Wow, that's a Thingamajog Compressor on that track'. They say, 'That playing is great'.
It was a delight to mix these tracks.
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