My first album... finally!

[Felken]

Wow, amazing! Did you have access to an actual recording studio? Sounds so good, and your bass tone is especially cool. Haha yeah I used to be a BIG Holdsworth fan - his album with Jean-Luc Ponty is brilliant.

I guess you could consider the guitarist’s studio to be an actual recording studio. He’s got a fully micd up drumkit, running into an interface which goes into a computer. Same goes for electric guitar and bass, which run from a DI. We also have microphones to record acoustic guitar and upright bass.
Everything was recorded in Logic Pro X.

Now that I think of it, we actually made a short vid showing some of that. Gives you a bit of an idea how everything goes:

Usually the guitars were recorded first a few days prior, then drums and bass were recorded in that order in the same day.

 

[VolverseLoco]

Thanks for the kind words man! I have indeed been playing for 5 years. I took a few lessons around my second year but dropped them because of the cost.
I started off playing prog rock for the most part. I just learned as many songs as I could by ear, and didn’t worry too much about theory. Rush, porcupine tree, Opeth, DT, that’s where I stayed. I think the key is really just intense practice, and listening to a lot of music. That’s what I did at least. You mentioned you can read sheet music? That’s a huge advantage right there. I used to be able to read when I was in my high-school jazz band, but I forgot after not using it for a while.

However, nowadays I’m focusing a lot more on theory, because I think that’s what is still holding me back in my playing. I’m learning from books, learning to read sheet music. I’d like to take more lessons now that I’m a more experienced player than when I first took lessons. They’re all online unfortunately, so we’ll see where that leads.

We played originals in the metal band, but composing was extremely difficult because none of the guys knew an ounce of theory, which made communicating musical ideas very hard. In the span of 6 months we wrote 1 and a half songs, whereas in my current band we did 10 in that span.

You’ve been playing for 4 years, the best thing you can do is start playing with other musicians. It doesn’t have to be a serious band or anything, doesn’t even need to be the type of music you like, but it’ll really develop your playing.

I find my playing stagnated during the 4 year, but what rejuvenated my interest was when I started seriously getting into jazz. It introduced me to a different way of playing, a different way to feel rhythm, and it’s been a great discovery as a musician.

Hey, thanks for all the honest answers! I hear ya loud and clear about getting together with other players, something I seriously need to get moving on and playing different music with them, just to play, I am totally up for that. I also know what that 'stagnant' business is all about. I am constantly on the hunt for new stuff to learn, to keep it fresh. Man, I am a metal head at heart but I have been diving off the deep end and playing country just to learn new different things.I purposely took Jazz style lessons from a teacher because I remember clearly when I was 20 in 1990 with my Bon Jovi hair, I wanted to be in a hair metal band so bad. When I first started drum lessons it was at a mom and pop music store on the rubber pad, you know, the rudiments and all that. When my teacher there said he could teach me no more, and because they didn't even have a drum kit there, he sent me to his buddy's house to continue my lessons. I show up with all the long hair and my new teacher was into swing and big band. So I gave it a chance and stuck with him learning all these swing style beats and jazz beats and I was able to EASILY figure out my 80's metal beats on my own. It was there and then I realized what was happening so I stuck with him. I didn't need him to teach me how to play Motley Crue or Ratt, that stuff was so simple. It was all the Buddy Rich and Jim Chapin and Gene Krupa that was kickin my arse, in a good way. So that is why I chose a Jazz teacher for bass, same principal. Thats funny stuff, one song in 6+ months with those guys. Now I am totally into the prog metal thing, you know, DT, Fates Warning, Rush of course..My girlfriend of 2+ years is Mexican, and I am not, so I have been learning Spanish and learning all about 'her' music, mostly tuba and accordion stuff, but I have been playing the reggatone stuff she listens to, just to keep making left turns into uncharted territory. She did turn me on to one little known (here) Mexican prog rock metal band, called Agora. Its DT and Queensrych combined, you should check out the one song by them called "Refugio Vital". I dont understand a damn word they are singing, but the prog metal melody's and keyboards, its Mexican DT...Maybe if you have a free moment, turn me on to some other prog melodic metal bands, your much younger so I probably would lear something about new bands.. Thanks!!!

 

[pcake]

wow, that's a very tasty song, and the bass growl is awesome!

 

[Felken]

Hey, thanks for all the honest answers! I hear ya loud and clear about getting together with other players, something I seriously need to get moving on and playing different music with them, just to play, I am totally up for that. I also know what that 'stagnant' business is all about. I am constantly on the hunt for new stuff to learn, to keep it fresh. Man, I am a metal head at heart but I have been diving off the deep end and playing country just to learn new different things.I purposely took Jazz style lessons from a teacher because I remember clearly when I was 20 in 1990 with my Bon Jovi hair, I wanted to be in a hair metal band so bad. When I first started drum lessons it was at a mom and pop music store on the rubber pad, you know, the rudiments and all that. When my teacher there said he could teach me no more, and because they didn't even have a drum kit there, he sent me to his buddy's house to continue my lessons. I show up with all the long hair and my new teacher was into swing and big band. So I gave it a chance and stuck with him learning all these swing style beats and jazz beats and I was able to EASILY figure out my 80's metal beats on my own. It was there and then I realized what was happening so I stuck with him. I didn't need him to teach me how to play Motley Crue or Ratt, that stuff was so simple. It was all the Buddy Rich and Jim Chapin and Gene Krupa that was kickin my arse, in a good way. So that is why I chose a Jazz teacher for bass, same principal. Thats funny stuff, one song in 6+ months with those guys. Now I am totally into the prog metal thing, you know, DT, Fates Warning, Rush of course..My girlfriend of 2+ years is Mexican, and I am not, so I have been learning Spanish and learning all about 'her' music, mostly tuba and accordion stuff, but I have been playing the reggatone stuff she listens to, just to keep making left turns into uncharted territory. She did turn me on to one little known (here) Mexican prog rock metal band, called Agora. Its DT and Queensrych combined, you should check out the one song by them called "Refugio Vital". I dont understand a damn word they are singing, but the prog metal melody's and keyboards, its Mexican DT...Maybe if you have a free moment, turn me on to some other prog melodic metal bands, your much younger so I probably would lear something about new bands.. Thanks!!!

Mexican DT... sounds like something I could get into

 

[JPK_DK]

We’re thinking of moving into a jazzier, more bebop-esque direction on the next record.

Might want to check out the Jeff Sipe Trio for some inspiration (if you don't know them already)!

 

[keyboardguy]

Boy oh boy, when I joined TB 4 years ago I was a teenager that just started playing a year ago. Since then I've had plenty of jam sessions that led nowhere, one unsuccessful metal band, many a cancelled gigs, and finally found two great guys that I shared a vision with.

Basically I found these guys miraculously through kijiji. After getting kicked from the metal band for being "socially awkward" (understandably so), I had come to the conclusion that metal, although great to listen to, was not for me.

So I decided to pursue my second musical interest, which is jazz. So I hopped on to kijiji with the intention of posting an ad to find two guys to start a jazz fusion trio together.
I didn't even have to post that ad, there was literally an ad on the front page with the title "LF bassist for jazz fusion trio"

Duuuude. You can't make this up. I contacted them, set up a jam time, and boy was the chemistry there.

We've been together for a year now and everything is going amazingly. We've finished our first album, which has had some very positive feedback so far (from people that aren't mommy and daddy mind you ), we have gigs lined up, posters, CDs, and a small but growing following.

So what's the point of this thread? I guess I just want to talk about how it feels to finally accomplish your goals after a long time. I've always wanted to be in a trio, making the type of music I love. I've always had to make compromises before. The guys didn't like the same music, we were a 5-piece band, didn't have any place to practice, stuff like that. The guys are incredible, they are legitimate competent musicians that can discuss theory, have a good sense of musicality, and have a drive to make good music. Also I want to promote my band.

If you guys are interested in listening, I've included one of the songs that will be on the album. [This invalid link has been removed]

We're also on FB if anyone actually wants to follow us.

So that's all. Crazy how much life changes in a few years.

Congrats on the album!

The mix should sound great anywhere; With my cheap-ass computer speakers I was able to hear everything clearly and balanced. Can only imagine the sound through good speakers.. (As he walks to his home studio for a listen)

 

[Yonni]

I just listened to the album straight through while driving. Really liked it. I think my favourite was the last track. You’re displaying some serious chops there!

 

[JPK_DK]

Yes, totally agree! Some really good playing on this album! While "Hip to the Bone" is still my favorite, some of the other tunes are also growing on me. And... totally old school with a several minute long drum solo, LOL!!

Two questions, if I may: a) what fretless did you play? and b) how do you guys envision playing some of these tunes live given that there are a number of overdubs and extra instruments etc?