It's the release of the new Gateway Worship recording, Great Great God.  I'm playing a bunch of percussion on this album!

See if you can find me in the video...and then go add this recording to your collection http://tinyurl.com/3bgcadu !

The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace

Last weekend, I played percussion on The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace by the Welsh composer, Karl Jenkins.   The performance took place at First United Methodist Church in Coppell, TX with Mark Andrew Pope conducting.   This multi-movement work required four percussionists and an array of instruments.   The tambourine part in the final movement required more that a bit of practice.  Here's a photo of the "ruggedly handsome" percussion section:













Left to Right:  Jamey Reed, David Elias, Mark Shelton, and Charles (Chaz) Robitaille

Advice For A Recording Session

Preparation and attitude are certainly key ingredients in the musician world (including the recording world!).
Producer, engineer, and owner of Brilliant Recording (www.brilliantrecording.com ), Aaron Brown offers some suggestions for your first (or any) recording session:

An Engineer's Advice For Your First Studio Session

Having worked in studios for the past 15 years, I have picked up a few things that will help your very first studio session go smoothly.

1. Preparation

Ask the producer if they have a demo of the song(s) you are going to play. Doing some homework ahead of time shows initiative and a willingness to work hard, even if you are not extremely experienced in the studio. Try to get a feel for the style that you will be playing so that you can make the right choices on instruments to bring. In addition to your instruments, add these items to your list of things to bring:

-Pencil and paper

-In-ear monitors

-Tuner

-Metronome

2. Arrive early to set up

This demonstrates a professional attitude to the client from the very beginning of the session. There is nothing like the feeling of running late, having to set up in a hurry and then trying to keep it calm, cool, and collected once the recording begins. Avoid all of that and show up early.

3. Attitude (It's your sound, not mine)

You will start getting callbacks the quicker you realize that you are playing on the project of someone else...and not your own. Attitude is key. No one wants to work with a know-it-all, no matter how talented they are. Be there ready and willing to help them convey THEIR message in the music.

4. Simple is always better

If you have a hard time pulling a lick off while you are practicing on your own, more than likely you will not be able to make it happen when recording it. Stick to things you are comfortable with and if the producer wants the bombastic, he will ask.

5. Have fun

Music is fun.  You should always try to keep the atmosphere laid-back and stress-free.  If you are having fun, more than likely everyone else in the session will as well.