Seasoned Multi-instrumentalist

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A solo voice recording, as well as a suite of songs inspired by current world events, which I am composing on my arsenal of instruments. I am also working on a commission to create a soundscore for a modern dance work called 'Great Again', which will premiere soon. In June I will play bass on a recording of some excellent rock songs. I play sax and clarinet and tour internationally with Kultur Shock and with the Tiptons Sax Quartet. In addition, I transcribe songs for singer songwriters using Sibelius software.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a variety of excellent microphones, and use a Lexicon I-Onix interface to record with Reaper music software. I also work with Sibelius, for score notation.

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

A: Candy Dulfer, Carla Kihlstedt, Carla Bley, Ersilia Prosperi, Fred Frith, Sinead O'Connor, Adrian Sherwood, Steve Fisk

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

A: I compose and produce audio recordings of saxophone, clarinet, accordion, bass, rhythm guitar and back up vocals according to clients' specifications. I am an audio engineer and love to mix tracks as well.

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

A: Americana, Country, Jazz, Pop, Metal, Rap, Rock, Latin, Balkan.

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I was commissioned to produce two recordings by Italian/Sardinian group OU; I oversaw the sessions, wrote one song, played on some of the material, mixed and mastered the project with excellent engineers, and released both recordings on my record label, Spoot Music. https://oumusic.org/

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Orville Johnson, guitar, dobro & voice. Wonderful musician!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I have been creating audio digitally for many years, and seek to make the sound as warm and 'human' as possible.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: You will be completely satisfied, or get your money back.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love to create in collaboration with others, and I am proud of my accomplishments as studio musician.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Will I accompany a song to help the chord changes make more sense? Gladly!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: I am internationally renowned as a jazz artist, but I play many genres!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Which instrument do you need recorded? If you want a solo, where in the song? Do you want me to create a horn section? If you want background vocals, please specify words to be sung (or not).

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: You will love what I create! I am a seasoned professional with perfect pitch and have recorded in collaboration with artists from many genres ~ Country, Americana, Jazz, Ambient, Rap, Rock, Metal, Balkan, Latin, and Classical.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Alto sax, clarinet, guitar, bass and a glockenspiel!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I published my first solo cassette in 1986, first LP in 1987, and my first CD with Tone Dogs was nominated to be nominated for a Grammy Award in 1990. I have been a professional recording and touring musician since 1990.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am a musical chameleon since I love playing many styles; 'soul' would be the best description. I grew up listening to Motown.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Drummer Matt Cameron, because he has an excellent sense of groove, rhythm and musicality.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more! Tracks that breathe easily and are not cluttered are pleasing to more listeners.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ear is incredibly strong; I am proud of the tone I get from all of my instruments in my studio.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring soul to the song! My excellent ear and sense of rhythm helps me create the perfect solo or accompaniment for all styles of music. I have been a professional multi-instrumentalist for over 25 years, and have collaborated with folks all over the world.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I listen to the song, create overdubs, and send the client a rough mix including my creations. I am willing to do 2 revisions. Once the client approves of my work, I send the track(s) as stereo .wav files, according to their specifications.