Seeking Suggestions for Well Recorded Steel Guitar Jazz

Daniel Jones · Post by **Daniel Jones** » 12 Aug 2016 4:45 am

Hello,

My group, Standard Deviations, is currently working on a CD. The engineer for the project has asked for some reference recordings to guide his ear in mixing. So, I'm seeking suggestions for well-recorded/mixed steel guitar jazz. Any suggestions?

If it helps, you can sample SD's music here: http://www.standarddeviationsjazz.com/S ... Frame.html

Many thanks in advance.

Daniel Jones

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 16 Aug 2016 5:30 am

Great work Daniel ! Band sounds awesome. I'm not sure I would look at steel guitar instrumental recordings for examples of sonic excelence. Maybe Robbie Turners CDs. Bill Frizell,s recordings ar as good as it gets also. The placement and tone of Greg Leisz on those recordings is perfect.

The problem with most steel CDs is that the steel sounds good because it is the loudest thing in the mix. Not the way to go for an ensemble recording.

Keep in mind that a great mix of for one group of musicians and form of music won't nessisarily work for another.

Also if the engineer spends more than 10 minutes on the kick drum sound he has rock damage and will probably screw up your recording !

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 17 Aug 2016 1:27 am

Daniel, I agree with Bob. The tracks sound great, really nice . If it was me I wouldn't use any other recordings as a reference other than maybe one of Buddy's early recordings.

To me everything is bright and clear, the way I like it. As long as the instruments are pretty much in a similar matching "EQ range" , meaning one isn't bright and the others are dark, I would sit with the engineer and talk him thru it the way you like it.

It's pretty darn close to my ears !

Great playing by all.

t

Daniel Jones · Post by **Daniel Jones** » 17 Aug 2016 5:06 am

Thanks for the thoughtful responses, all. Jim's CD was both terrific to listen to in its own right and instructive re: production.

And I really appreciate Bob's comments re: relative volumes (I also think ensemble) and different production approaches for different styles (we have some variety on our CD project).

Again, thanks for the help and will announce our product on the SGF when it's completed.

Daniel

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 17 Aug 2016 6:55 am

I look forward to hearing it in due course!

~ Jim

Dale Rottacker · Post by **Dale Rottacker** » 17 Aug 2016 8:01 am

Daniel, I wouldn’t have any suggestions for you, but am really pleased that you’ll be doing another album... If its anything like your last one, then it will be REALLY GOOD... However that was done, I thought it was great.

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 20 Aug 2016 11:20 am

Hi Daniel... I have some free audio samples on my website from my "A Work In Progress" CD... just click on the link below. The CD is a mixed bag with some Jazz tunes sprinkled throughout... in particular check out "The Waiting Room", "Donna Lee", "Eastern Swing" and "Scrapple From The Apple". Maybe you'll find something helpful... good luck with your new project!

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 31 Aug 2016 8:55 am

Buck's album is stellar! Most of the greats have some very tasty, well recorded jazz tracks mixed in with country on their recordings, John Hughey comes to mind. While not all jazz, and a live recording, I would definitely suggest Buddy Emmons live at Scotty's ISGC in 1977. (double album) fantastic arrangements, beautiful tones and execution. Just ear candy.