Saxophones, Woodwind, Arranger

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: It's a very simple tip that I'm sure everyone has heard - just use your ears. If it doesn't sound right, try something different. If it sounds right, then all is good!

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I specialise in a few different styles, including big band swing, latin, dance band and ragtime. I am also passionate about more contemporary pop saxophone, and of course I have a deep love of orchestral music, which inspires my flute and clarinet playing.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Versatility.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The first step is obviously to listen to the track. This allows me to get a feel for the music as well as noting specifically structure, tonality, time-feel etc. I then proceed to record the necessary parts, whether they be improvised, notated or somewhere in between. I try to do one or two complete passes at first, followed by any drop-ins that may be required. Sometimes it is important to take a break to refresh the ears, before listening back to the parts I have recorded. For improvised parts, I like to send over at least two versions, and await feedback. I am always open to any suggestions from the writer/producer - after all, it's my job to provide exactly what the client wants.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a Neumann U87 microphone and a Universal Apollo interface. I frequently make use of UAD virtual pre-amps such as Neve 1073, API vision channel strip and Ocean Way studios reverb. The DAW I prefer is Logic, although I have used Cubase and Pro Tools previously.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I am constantly inspired by my frequent collaborators Louis Dowdeswell & Callum Au. They have a work ethic that matches their innate musical skill and expertise. I am also inspired by musicians and producers such as Quincy Jones, Michael Brecker, David Foster and so many others who have contributed so much to the advancement of music, instrumental technique and music production.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I spend most of my time tracking up multiple saxophones & woodwind (flutes, clarinets) for a wide variety of projects. I also arrange horn lines, string lines and for full orchestra, big band, dance band, sackbut quartet etc.