I’ve been pretty quiet on here recently. That’s mainly because I’ve been lucky enough to have landed a job at Abbey Road as a Technical Engineer. I’ve got plenty of projects in the pipeline though so expect many more posts in the coming months…
musings, noises, and ramblings...
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I’ve been pretty quiet on here recently. That’s mainly because I’ve been lucky enough to have landed a job at Abbey Road as a Technical Engineer. I’ve got plenty of projects in the pipeline though so expect many more posts in the coming months…
Sally’s debut EP ‘Wonder’ has finally been released. This has been an ongoing project with Sally at various studios and bedrooms over the past couple of months. I’ve had a part in writing the title track ‘Wonder’ as well as early demo ‘So Much More’ and all tracks were recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by me. Follow the link to get a ‘pay what you like’ (including free!) download.
As well as Sally, special credit should be given to: Matt Withers - Drums, Ben Price - Guitar, Jadan Reeves-Bassett - Piano, Grace Archer - Backing Vocals.
Bill Holcombe Concerto - I ‘Allegro’
Here is one of three tracks I recorded with Harry Smith (alto saxophone) and Jackie Bevan (piano). Harry is currently studying at Conservatoire de Paris and performing a real variety of genres. The Coles 4038 was the major contributor to Harry’s sound in this recording - I picked it up for £300 in mint condition. An absolute steal, it ends up on nearly every session!
I’ve recently finished a 5 track EP with The Luke Richardson Trio…here’s an original called ‘Crushed’. From a calming laid back vibe in the intro, the song gradually builds towards a ending of chaotic volume with all three musicians hammering the shit out of their instruments! Listen on some big speakers, LOUD.
The session was live and had no edits, C12’s and a D12 providing most of the kit sound, which was a beautiful sounding Gretsch wondefully played by James Ashdown. Robin Pearkes provided the a groove filled bottom end and Luke Richardson led the way on the Steinway, which was recorded using a blend of a C24 and DPA 4011.
Expect to find the rest of the tunes in a couple of weeks at…
Dreamless Sleep
The guys from Hang On Look John, have changed things up a bit. They’re now called Old Hearts and along with their new sound they have a whole host of plans set for the summer, including several festivals and the release of an EP with a song I recorded and mixed…Take a listen and check out their page.
Source: oldheartsmusic
A few months back I recorded an EP with Southampton based VITA. Here’s a track called “The Decision”. Their live loop-driven grooves provide the perfect basis for some astonishing pop/soul vocals from singer Sarah Sheldrake. They’ve got big plans for this summer so keep your eyes out for news through their page and to here the second track “Simple Things”…www.facebook.com/wearevita
It’s been a while since the last post…Loads of stuff has been happening and in the next few weeks I’ll be sticking lots of it up here! Meanwhile here’s a cool stop motion video taken by Ben Price during a session for Sally Archer’s new EP with Jadan Reeves-Bassett putting down some sweet Steinway sounds.
Banksy’s ‘Exit Through The Gift Shop’ is up for an Oscar this Sunday, I did some work mastering part of the cinema soundtrack last year. If you get the chance, give the film a watch! There’s been a bit of controversy about whether Banksy should be allowed to protect his anonymity at the awards, should he win. Either way he’s been sharing some of his masterpieces with the people of LA.
This is another track I recorded with Sally Archer, it’s called Gold’s Fool and is one of two demos (see my 1st post) that I produced with Sally a few weeks back. Come April we’ll be heading into the studio with a full band…keep your eyes out for lots of upcoming gigs at… www.myspace.com/sallyarchermusic

An extract from Southampton University Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Concert
The piece is Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto; renowned as one of the most technically challenging works for the violin, soloist Savitri Grier performs it to an exceptional standard. Tumblr will only let me upload a 10MB MP3, but I’ll try and post some more another day…I’m sure a CD quality copy of the entire concert can be sourced directly from the orchestra (see below link).
www.suso.org.uk
http://www.thegriertrio.co.uk/savitrigrier.html
Some snaps from the live Abbey Road session below…
(courtesy of Matt Withers - http://www.mattwithers.co.uk/)
Just received the master of a cover of Estelle’s American Boy played by my function/wedding band “The Soul Shakers”. This was recorded earlier last year at Abbey Road Studios by the absolute king that is Stanley Gabriel. YES STAN!
I’ve been working with Hang On Look John on their new EP, they’ve stepped up their game once again and the new tracks are a bit darker and atmospheric than than their first 2 releases…Here’s a little sneak preview from one of the mix sessions. Look out for the EP in the next few weeks. (apologies for the camera phone quality…)
This week James Cameron announced that Avatar 2 and 3 will be released in 2014 and 2015. I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I was with Dolby setting up for the world premiere at the Empire Leicester Square. Without ranting, I think it’s a shame that 3D is being used more as a marketing device than to improve the audience’s experience. Nothing has come close to Avatar in terms of technical achievement, but there has been countless 3D films that just seem to be a gimmick. James knows what I mean. Bring on 2014.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jan/25/james-cameron-avatar-2-3
Harry Smith and Jackie Bevan in session. I recorded some of Harry’s favourite repertoire just before he left to go the ‘Conservatoire de Paris’. He got mad skills. The final mix should be done in the next few weeks…