Xlson's Chuck Israel's Mic In The Studio

THANK YOU, PETER AXELSON !! I LOVE your Chuck Israels Microphone.

I have called myself a 'Gear Junkie', but, truth be told, it's all in the service of Sound.

While many bassists are concerned with their technique and their ability to execute stunning virtuoso performances, I am far more concerned 'Just with the Sound'.

If I can play simply, yet tastefully (and in tune) I am a very happy camper.

With all that said, I have been doing some 'home' recordings with a fabulous pianist, Jonathan Markow, and two different singers, Meghan Causey and Amy Hancock. Both vocalists are very talented and a treat to work with and enough different from each other that they don't step on each other's toes.

Here are a couple of tunes we recorded this week with Amy in Jonathan's home studio. As I've mentioned before, he has a wonderful Yamaha Grand and records directly into his computer using quality mics, INCLUDING THE CHUCK ISRAELS MIC ON THE BASS.

And BTW, you'd have to pry those Obligatos out of my cold, dead hands.

 

Thanks, Ric. Does that mean my 'Gear Junkie' days are over? I think maybe so, but last time I tried that (rather prematurely) Chris Fitzgerald called me out on it.

But yes, I am finally really happy with the sound I am getting. I'm still really happy with my bass - especially since I put Oblis on it. And the Xlson Chuck Israels mic has been a 'game changer' for me.

 

Don't know why that would be, but try these links:

Never Say Yes | CITY LIGHTS JAZZ (and MORE) ..... with Meghan Causey

I tried sending you an audio file in a PM. Let me know if that works. Otherwise I'll try something else.

Thx.

 

Or try this:

 

Thanks! Now we just have to find a few more cocktail lounges that will hire us. We have a couple but sure could use more. Meanwhile, I'll continue to enjoy the studio.

 

If I ever forget why I play Double Bass (not likely to happen) I just need to listen to a recording like this.

It's the Sound!

Thanks Peter Axelson. I love the sound I get using the Chuck Israel's mic.

 

Thank you, Ric. I really find myself drawn to this kind of music and, as you point out, the sound of my bass is a big part of what I enjoy about it. I learned a little trick years ago that is almost subconscious by now: when I play a low note I often like to pause and let it sound over a half-note. It really allows the note to swell. In this tune there are lots of half-notes and I think it makes the moving parts more.....'moving', by being played only occasionally - if that makes sense. Maybe a case of 'less is more', or 'the music is the space between the notes.

 

Up

The space between notes allows them to resonate, reverberate, and reach their full measure of expression. Without this space, noise and cacophony would result.

from: The Space Between the Notes

 

Hi Fran, thank you.

This was done before I got the Perpetuals' so this would be the Obligatos.

I have to admit I really like the way they sound and record. I had gone to the Oblis after hearing Charlie Haden and Keith Jarrett on Jasmine. I loved the sound of Charlie's bass and was trying for that kind of vibe.

Now that I'm back from vacation (I should say 'trip' since retirement is one long vacation) I'm going to do some duo recordings with Jonathan, the pianist on this clip.