Tracking KUMONgA. 16 track 2″ to 1/2″. Reels of tape, buckets of Neves, no Pro Tools, no digital.

I’ve finally jumped off the Fire Escape! Or more exactly, after fifteen years at my Toronto west-end studio, I’ve made a significant upgrade, moving my production home to the stunningly beautiful Noble Street Studios. Noble Street is a world-class recording and mix facility located at Queen and Dufferin, where I will continue to serve my clients with passion, vision and a dedication to the highest standards of sonic excellence.

A few of the reasons for this move include more analog options (2″ and 1/2″ tape machines, buckets of Neve pre-amps, classic compressors and EQs, a larger mic locker), a lower noise floor [you can watch the Air Show, and never hear it] and more space for my growing instrument collection. My mixing options have increased as well, with both Studio A and B available depending on delivery requirements for each project. There are comfortable lounges and parking supplied, as well as great hotels and restaurants within walking distance.

As many of you know, I love the sound of live bands, string ensembles and horn sections. Noble Street is wonderfully equipped to capture these acoustic instruments. Sweetening productions in this way has always been a passion of mine, and I’m thrilled to have direct access to facilities that capture these performances with style.

At Noble Street, I also have a dedicated production suite for writing, programming and admin, and preferred rates in all spaces for each level of project. So I hope you’ll come alongside and jump off the Fire Escape with me – come grab a coffee with me at Noble Street!

I think it’s important to draw inspiration from numerous sources.  Travel does this for me, as does working in different studio environments.  A shout out to Brian Harrison at The Rendering Plant in Nashville for great sessions and high-octane screwdrivers.

A highlight for me was arranging the musical tribute to Michelle Wright, who was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.  I arranged a medley of “Take It Like A Man,”Safe In The Arms of Love,” and “Nobody’s Girl.”  Featured vocalists were Terri Clark, Katie Love Hess and Victoria Banks, respectively and wow, did they knock it out of the park!  Thanks to Kevin Fox and string players for sweetening the band so much.  And thanks to my core band, Jeff [Mackie] MacPherson, John Dymond, Darren Savard, Tony Lind, Burke Carroll, Linsey Beckett and Dallas James for stellar performances.

Here’s Pear performing at the Industry Awards.

It was great fun to play B3 with Jimmy Rankin and his band and arrange strings for his song, “Here In My Heart.”  Our friend, Patricia Conroy, [who co-wrote this song with Jimmy] was a featured performer that night too.

Well, it got BUSY again! Here’s what the last few months have been for me…

Michelle Owen: I just produced and mixed Michelle’s glossy new pop CD, which I’m proud to say, has retro 60s and 70s horn and string elements all over it. We had a great time writing together and she is a dynamo vocalist with a great future ahead of her. I enjoyed the day in Nashville mastering the project with Hank Williams at Mastermix in Nashville.

Santa Clara: Congrats for the upcoming placement of The Fool in DeGrassi.  More coming from this great band in 2011, including a tour of Ontario and performance at Canadian Music Week.

Nick Perreault: I’ve begun pre-production with Nick Perreault for his upcoming CD. Nick calls himself a ‘reluctant songwriter,’ which I find hilarious, since his songs are so carefully crafted and articulate. Bedtracks will take place in Toronto and overdubs will happen in Nashville. Nick is also, by the way, a passionate graphic designer, who’s work can be seen on the New Nobles CD, Michelle Owen’s CD and my website. www.nickperreault.com

Matt Morgan: Matt and I worked on two songs [Jack Johnson with James Brown testosterone?] along with Davide Direnzo, Marc Rogers and Justin Abedin and look forward to collaborating on his full-length project. www.mattmorgan.ca

Candelora: I just mastered this record with Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering. An elegant and exciting experience. Looking forward to this record being released early in 2011!

Sora: Calgary’s Celtic Nymph wrote the theme song for the 100th anniversary for Calgary Family Services, a piece entitled, “Legacy.” The recording is a string section and piano ensemble – a joy to write and record. With special thanks to Lenny and Wendy Solomon who always show up with a great string ensemble and attack every one of my arrangements with enthusiasm and attention to detail. www.soramusic.ca

Ann Chaplin: Ann and I have completed 3 songs which were mastered by Hank Williams. Expect to hear “Underneath the Christmas Tree” [a co-write between me and David Leask] on your local Canadian country stations.

Michael Rule: Mixing “For Loving You” for Mike’s CMT video release. Old school heartbreakin’ country.  www.michaelrule.ca

http://www.musicrow.com/2010/09/appraising-the-strategic-value-of-airplay-for-indie-artists/

Here’s an interesting article on the merits for independent artists of chasing radio play.

Final tracking for Michelle Owen’s CD is happening this summer – mixes being in September.  Great songs and amazing vocals on this record!

It may be a forgotten truth, but great studios are significant contributors to making great records.  Aside from my humble Fire Escape digs in Toronto, I’m having fun at these great locations:

Ocean Way Studios:

Blackbird Studios:

Playground Recording: