Abbey Road Studios, Angel Studios, Sphere Studios and Soundtree studios in London, UK. My recording credits include orchestral, Jazz, Pop and Latin recording sessions for film, television and commercials in the UK, Canada and the USA. Contracts included work for BBC Films, Miramax, BBC Television and Radio, Nike and Stella Artois.
www.robhutchinson.ca - visit my website to hear more clips of my playing.
Bassist Rob Hutchinson lives in Calgary, Canada and London, UK. Recording credits include multiple orchestral, Jazz and Pop and Latin recording sessions for film, television and commercials. Contracts included work for BBC Films, Miramax, BBC Television and Radio, Nike and Stella Artois in London UK.
Rob’s unique professional skillset includes fluency as an Orchestral and Jazz double bassist, and as a fretted and fretless electric bassist. Additionally, Rob plays Baby Bass and bass guitar with the Calgary Latin Orchestra led by Juno award nominated pianist Esteban Herrera.
Rob’s London West End work includes; Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Secret Garden, Kiss Me Kate, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Urinetown, Damsels in Distress, Sinatra, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and The Last Tango. Since relocating to Calgary, Rob’s theatre work has included several projects for Stage West Calgary. Rob has also performed with both symphony and chamber orchestras in the UK, Spain, and Canada.
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Interview with Rob Hutchinson
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Fluent: As a musician with a lot of musical theatre and recording session experience in the studios of London, UK, I have had to cover a broad range of musical styles with a high level of competence and fluency.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: As a musician, I try to achieve what I perceive to be MY sound when I record, and try to get this as naturally as possible. I will experiment with mic choices and placement rather than reaching for the EQ or compressor.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Orchestral music, Jazz, Pop, a variety of Latin music styles.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: As a bassist I do my best to choose the correct instrument, sound, and feel for a given song.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a number of large and medium diaphragm condensers, as well as dynamic microphones. I have a few different DI boxes, speaker cabinet and amplifier configurations as well. I use Logic Pro when recording, as well as Yamaha monitors and headphones when listening back and mixing.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: In August 2022 I played bass on an album by Esteban Herrera entitled "Colibri de Papel". Really great original music in the Latin Jazz and Pop styles. Available on all platforms Oct 14 2022.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Orchestral music scores for TV and Film and advertising. I have recorded 5 full albums of Jazz and Latin music with different vocal and instrumental artists the past 2 years.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: After discussing what the client is wanting, and having listened to the provided track, I will record a couple of takes and send these to the client for approval. We can then discuss any changes they would like.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: There is no way I could pick just one!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My versatility and commitment to playing each style authentically.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I am inspired in many ways, by many people. In particular, I really enjoy working with and supporting singers. Working with orchestral film composers is also a source of inspiration for me.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: This month I am getting ready to do an album launch of Latin Jazz music, and am getting ready to head into Bell Studios here in Calgary to record with another artist.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: My friend and excellent percussion playing colleague Matt Hodge.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. Not a single person has sent me a reel 2 inch tape to put in my Studer reel-to-reel, to be recorded on, potentially edited with razor blades, taped, then packaged up and mailed back to them halfway across the planet at the risk of the international mail service. This is convenient as I don't own a Studer reel-to-reel. There are so many variables in recording, not to mention great plug-ins, that in a blind comparison you would be hard pressed to identify the analog recording.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will deliver high quality professional double bass and electric bass playing on time and on budget. I am very responsive through email, text and phone.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Using my creativity and musicianship to serve the music.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have guide and click tracks? Do you have a sound, artist, feel, or mood in mind? Do you have a chart or written part? When do you need it done?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: No advice - you've come to the right place!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Whatever I would need to make and listen to music!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been playing professionally for 28 years. I started as a bass guitarist, and ended up going to school as a classical double bassist. All of my training is as a classical player. I ended up working in London studios and West End theatre pits as a doubler on upright and electric due to my broad skill set. I continue to do a wide range of work from chamber music, to Jazz and many types of Latin music.
I was the bassist in this production
- Bass UprightAverage price - $200 per song
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $200 per song
- Bass FretlessAverage price - $200 per song
Turn-around time as quick as 1 or 2 days depending on size of project. Pricing depends on time commitment, and is negotiable. I'm very reasonable! I am happy to make edits and changes as needed.
- Fine double basses and bows
- vintage and modern Fender basses
- Ampeg Baby Bass.
