Top of the Hill Music

10/16/2024

It was a big deal when Chuck Mangione came out with "Feels So Good". So I really enjoyed today's session with Dan Hensley to record his flugelhorn solo for "Apollo's Reel" for the Jazz Underground album.

10/16/2024

It's the spooky time of year when we put on "Jeff Walker and Mr. B.". It's an entertaining "radio drama" (much more than a podcast) written and produced by Pat Haines Ainsworth.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeff-walker-mr-b-a-cautionary-tale/id1592857683?i=1000540249548 (Recorded here. I also had a lot of fun with the Foley)

Podcast Episode · Tales in the Air · 10/21/2021 · 55m

10/14/2024

Spencer Trujillo showing Reiny Baer what he has in mind for one of the songs on his solo album.

10/12/2024

Yay, scissor lift

10/12/2024

Once a year I need to use the scissor lift to change the battery in the live room. It's about 23 feet up and too far from the wall to use an extension ladder.

10/12/2024

I'm really enjoying the variety of acts coming through the studio.
Today was a flute duet.
Glad that I have Reaper (what my client uses) so I can just copy the project folder to DropBox.

10/09/2024

Finally built out my front of stage lights for Studio Concerts. Can't wait to see how much better the stills and videos come out.

10/09/2024

Only one month until The Tri-Tones at Top of the Hill Studios - https://mailchi.mp/4c1908cfd339/first-studio-concert-since-2019-4-20-blackbirds-13971690

10/06/2024

Tracking drums for Spencer Trujillo's solo project. I'm loving the new Warm Audio WA87's for overheads.

10/04/2024

Months after recording the basic tracks for a new song Polydendron got started on overdubs. Here's Jack.

10/04/2024

Every big band I record I learn a little bit more. And Jazz Underground is the biggest so far. Used 31 of my 32 input channels (kept one as a spare). A great experience!

10/03/2024

I finally put together the video for a flute/microphone shootout I captured back in 2021 for flautist Rose V Johnson Flute Performance Studio . She already published the flute comparison (links are in my video description). I found the exercise enlightening and I hope you do too!

A comparison of three microphones tested against four sections of the first movement of "Two For Two" by Katherine Hoover performed by Rose Johnson. Recorde...

09/22/2024

More details for the session

09/21/2024

So grateful for the opportunity to work with Lori Shepherd again.
She brought in a string quintet and wind trio.
Trio de Bois sounds wonderful!
Also grateful for the folks in the Classical Recording group for their guidance.

09/08/2024

Tri-Tones Tickets On Sale Now - https://mailchi.mp/494746f74bd7/first-studio-concert-since-2019-4-20-blackbirds-13971340

09/03/2024

It's a rare opportunity to work with another producer engineer, so I responded, "Yes, please" when 4 & 20 Blackbirds - Stacy Powell asked if she could bring her vocal coach to our session yesterday. What a treat (and educational). Thank you, Keith!

08/29/2024

The entryway and load-in were both due for a little beautification.

08/25/2024

Finally framed and hung up the 4 & 20 Blackbirds concert poster.
Stacy did a beautiful job creating it.

08/13/2024

Studio Concert Featuring The Tri-Tones
Friday November 8th, 2024
Save the Date!

08/12/2024

It's fun to compare microphones to find the one that best suits the artist. Left to right/far to near: Rode NTK, AKG 414 XLS, AT 4047, AT 4050, Neumann TLM 49. I didn't put up a TLM 103 because I know we don't want bright. Also planning to try Omni to see if we like the lack of proximity effect.

08/11/2024

Maren Van Nostrand in between video takes for Pat Brougham's rendition of "I'd Rather Go Blind".

08/07/2024

Very productive couple of days tracking Fuzzy Horrible. Great guys to work with!

08/05/2024

Day 1 of tracking Fuzzy Horrible.
Tight band with some interesting songs. Can't believe I haven't seen them before.
Lead vocals are in the darkened isolation room.

07/27/2024

It's always hard to get a photo of the drummer. Dane Estepa did a fantastic job last night. Glad to have this shot by Lisa.

07/27/2024

Nice photo of Bill Roman by my friend and neighbor Lisa.