The Recording Thread

[Will Kirk]

Will... that was very pretty. I liked how you made a piece almost entirely of harmonics, it sounded really dreamy. Nice to see good guitarists on the scene. ;)

Thanks Enigmus, I appreciate you listening and commenting, I should have more music up in the future too.

Again, I really apprecaite it :D

[Alan]

... I posted something a while ago... I wonder if anyone's going to comment on it...? I'll post it again, just in case. :)

Hang on- Esnips won't let me upload it...

EDIT- AHA! I finally got it into Box.net! Here it is-

Box.net - Free Online File Storage, Internet File Sharing, Online Storage, Access Documents & Files Anywhere, Backup Data, Send Files

[Alan]

Thanks for the comments...? :ermm:

How about this- me playing Bach! This is BWV 952. Enjoy!

Box.net - Free Online File Storage, Internet File Sharing, Online Storage, Access Documents & Files Anywhere, Backup Data, Send Files

[James H.]

Because I'm very conservative and didn't feel like wasting a whole thread on the topic... I just got an alto clarinet and an alto sax not very long ago. About two weeks ago, I decided to make a recording to see how I sounded on them. About the time of this recording I had the alto clarinet for a couple weeks, and for the sax I was recording me playing it the very first day. The clarinet playing was horrible... absolutely horrible. But all the better for comments and advice.

Alto clarinet: altclar1.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

Alto sax: altsax1.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

Taking into consideration that was my first day on sax ever and now I've had it for two weeks, any comments on my beginning tone and playing habits are welcome, especially whether it *sounds* like a sax is supposed to sound like. I'm using the alto clarinet mouthpiece on the sax, with a regular sax reed, I don't have a sax mouthpiece yet. Both instruments are very old and took a little coercing to get them playing.

In particular, I would like to know how to get rid of the obnoxious squeeking in the lowest register on the alto clarinet. This might be a great question for flint. Problem only happens below C, and happens without warning. I haven't found it to depend on my embouchure, or the state of my reed. I could be playing it and it will be fine then set the instrument down for 2 minutes, pick it up again, and the squeeking is back. It's particularly bad in the recording here. Any advice? Using an alto sax reed (a Rico 2, might be a Royale, doesn't say. Just pawned it new off a freshman sax player in school.)

[Guest VisitingCellist]

Hmm...

Forgot about this thread.

'Guess I should post my most recent recording of a really cool 20th-century macho cello solo piece here, too.

Here's a link to the thread I already made for the Ginastera Pampeana No. 2.

http://www.youngcomposers.com/forum/ginastera-pampeana-no-2-live-cellist-16936.html

[Flint]

Because I'm very conservative and didn't feel like wasting a whole thread on the topic... I just got an alto clarinet and an alto sax not very long ago. About two weeks ago, I decided to make a recording to see how I sounded on them. About the time of this recording I had the alto clarinet for a couple weeks, and for the sax I was recording me playing it the very first day. The clarinet playing was horrible... absolutely horrible. But all the better for comments and advice.

Alto clarinet: altclar1.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

Alto sax: altsax1.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

Taking into consideration that was my first day on sax ever and now I've had it for two weeks, any comments on my beginning tone and playing habits are welcome, especially whether it *sounds* like a sax is supposed to sound like. I'm using the alto clarinet mouthpiece on the sax, with a regular sax reed, I don't have a sax mouthpiece yet. Both instruments are very old and took a little coercing to get them playing.

In particular, I would like to know how to get rid of the obnoxious squeeking in the lowest register on the alto clarinet. This might be a great question for flint. Problem only happens below C, and happens without warning. I haven't found it to depend on my embouchure, or the state of my reed. I could be playing it and it will be fine then set the instrument down for 2 minutes, pick it up again, and the squeeking is back. It's particularly bad in the recording here. Any advice? Using an alto sax reed (a Rico 2, might be a Royale, doesn't say. Just pawned it new off a freshman sax player in school.)

Hi James, listening now; it sounds like the saxophone itself is in okay condition, though since you're using an alto clarinet mouthpiece the tonal characteristics are a bit odd. It's most noticeable when you attempt to go into the lower register, though older saxophones are notorious for going out of adjustment below written D4. I'm betting it's the mouthpiece. Try firming up the corners of your mouth and be sure that you're not choking the reed off by having your lower lip covering your teeth too much, or pressing too hard against the reed itself.

Your alto clarinet most likely has a bad pad or two from the sounds I'm hearing - the alto clarinet's lower register should speak a bit easier than a Bb clarinet. The "squelching" sound is from you choking off the reed with the lower lip. I'm assuming that you are biting a little hard to get the notes to speak? It sounds like your reed/mouthpiece isn't working together. Though alto sax and alto clarinet reeds look about the same size, they really don't work correctly on the other instrument (the rails/tip are designed differently). It sounds like you need a just slightly softer reed on the alto clarinet. On the larger clarinets, use a little less tongue than you would on a Bb clarinet. Also, the corners of your embouchure should be firm but not choking off the reed. You should have more of the mouthpiece in your mouth than you would with a Bb clarinet or on a saxophone.

Make sure that your altissimo alto clarinet notes use the correct fingerings - everything from C#6 to F#6 should use the left first finger on the half-hole (if your clarinet has the half-hole key, that is... otherwise if I has just an open ring, you'll actually need to half-hole like on a bassoon).

[Franzman]

Damn, I forgot about this thread.

Oh well, here's me playing bass:

http://www.youngcomposers.com/forum/good-bye-pork-pie-hat-solo-electric-bass-new-post-17105.html

[James H.]

I just made these recordings hurriedly in the past week to pass a preliminary audition for a 1,000 $ scholarship... I was informed about it by my piano teacher the DAY of the deadline, so myself and some other were allowed an extension. Hopefully I'll be allowed to move onto the live audition. *crosses fingers* Anyways, here's the recordings of the two pieces I sent in. I was pretty much unprepared, so the playing is ... eh, but I don't think it's ==bad== . So, let me know what you think and where you see room for improvement. These are probably the pieces I'll use for college auditions, plus Bach WTK no.2, the c minor prelude and fugue.

Beety, Sonata Op.31/2 "Tempest" (Mvt.III) - Beety-tempest.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

Debussy, Passepied from Bergamasque - Debby-passepied.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

Note: I recorded everything... ... everything ... una corda, since one out of tune string per note sounded better than 2 or 3 twanging dissonantly. :veryunsure: :happy:

[JairCrawford]

Chopin - Fantasy Impromptu Op. 66.

:thumbsup:

[James H.]

Well, here's some more messing around.

Bassoon: Bassoon.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

start out playing a couple measures of a little Schumann piano piece. I also play an excerpt from the band piece "Bayou Breakdown", and the first four measures of Mozart bassoon concerto - but that's all I can ever remember by ear. The rest is all improvisation.

Bass clarinet and bassoon: BassClar_Bassoon.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

Start out playing random notes on bass clarinet. Then I play that same tune from "Bayou Breakdown" then more random attempts, including altissimo attempts, and a last try at low Eb, which doesn't speak on my clarinet, I have to close the pad on the bell with my foot. Also, I'm playing using an alto clarinet mouthpiece lined with a ton of tissue paper to make it seal -- I don't have a bass clarinet mouthpiece yet. The next part is bassoon, which I recorded for TYLER'S RUDDY PLEASURE. He insists constantly that I record Rite of Spring solo at the beginning... so I did. It's not pretty. I HOPE YOU'RE BLOODY HAPPY.

Clarinet, alto sax, alto clarinet: Clarinet_Sax_AltoClar.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

I start out playing an excerpt from the first page of QcCowboy's clarinet sonata. I just kinda flub the fast descending run at the end, excuse me. Then I just play random notes on the alto sax. Is my sound classical? That's what I'm striving for, let me know what you think. I get a little "looser" as I play. And I play that same "Bayou Breakdown" theme again. Then I play the same excerpt from Qc's clarinet sonata... only this time as written on alto clarinet instead - just to see if I could. Then I play immediately another excerpt from Bayou, then play some random notes.

Guitar: Guitar.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

I just play this little spanish tune I learned about 6 years ago. It's still the only tune I can play that isn't JUST chords. Then I fail at playing some barre chords and promptly give up. I'm just playing with my fingers, no pick. Could never learn to use a pick.

My voice: voice.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

For those that care. I've already posted this in two other appropriate threads. I just sing some random stuff that comes to my head. Yes, I even sing Bayou Breakdown, shuddap. There's no burping... it's just a sad attempt at vocal fry. Second half I'm attempting overtone singing. Learned about it here: http://www.youngcomposers.com/forum/throat-singing-17001.html

[Berlioz]

My Barbaric Scherzo too fast and full of mistakes (worst ones at the scales in the middle part >.<).

scrafty rendition of Kuhlau's Sonatine No. 1 I'm practicing for class.

I suck. xD

[KDMAnderson]

Here's a video of me playing one of my original guitar pieces. It's old now. I've advanced technically since posting this, so recent playings are much more refined. I've also reworked and expanded the section between 2:21 and 2:35 to be a much grander exposition. :D Overall this performance is good, some minor rhythm troubles, though.

This piece is called "Harmonnaissance", combining the word Harmony with the French word for Birth. It makes use of an altered Tuning (C#G#EF#BD#) and heavy use of extended technique.

This is a Magnum Opus of sorts, as I haven't written anything new since this piece, over six months ago. I just can't seem to work myself out of this compositional rut! :( I'm going to try starting on paper and adapting to the guitar later, and hopefully that will help, but if anyone has any advice on working out of dry spells, I'd love to hear your suggestions.

[Jazzooo]

Some very nice stuff here, guys. Robin, are you familiar with the bebop-era trombonist Frank Rehak? You should check him out. He was my mentor and good friend for the last 15 years of his life.

Here is me playing Horace Silver's CATA with my Latin Jazz band, Medianoche. I'm on electric piano. I dig my solo, but the bassist kept going to the four chord early, which bugged me. ;)

Doug

[Jazzooo]

And one of my playing straight jazz--I'll Be Seeing You. I'm not a chops player at all--I love playing odd groupings (5s, 7s mostly) that don't sound smooth and yet stay in the pocket. My favorite parts are when it sounds like I'm falling apart, actually. I rarely do. ;)

[Muzic]

Lucky for me one of my music profs records all our juries and recitals and emails us the music file. So i should have some thing up soon (juries are in a week :D).

[robinjessome]

... Robin, are you familiar with the bebop-era trombonist Frank Rehak? You should check him out. He was my mentor and good friend for the last 15 years of his life

....

And one of my playing straight jazz--I'll Be Seeing You. I'm not a chops player at all--I love playing odd groupings (5s, 7s mostly) that don't sound smooth and yet stay in the pocket. My favorite parts are when it sounds like I'm falling apart, actually. I rarely do. ;)

[Re: Frank Rehak]

I've run into the name often enough - mostly with the Miles/Gil stuff, but don't think heard him blow some jazz. He seems to be an unsung hero and, I'm sure, well worth further investigation. Can you recommend a good album to pick up? Does he have much output as a leader?

...

Also, you sound fantastic Doug! Your phrasing and feel is SOLID and grooves hard! Great tune too, I'll Be Seeing You ... *adds it to his ever-growing list of tunes to learn* ...

[rautavaara]

Here is a recording of me playing a Flute sonata that was written for me.

We rehearsed and recorded it all in about an hour, so it's not my best playing.

The 'wrong notes' in the Scherzo section are actually quarter-tones.

Free File Hosting Made Simple - MediaFire

[Jazzooo]

Even though Frank Rehak was a top call studio guy in the late '50s and early '60s, it's impossible to find too many decent recordings of him improvising for some reason. Cannonball's Struttin with some BarBQue, some Dizzy State Department recordings, Woody Herman recordings, Charlie Barnett's band, and of course lead trombone on many of the Gil/Miles sessions. I actually met him when he came to Synanon to clean up after 20+ years of heroin addiction (I was a volunteer there). He had calls from Miles, Dizzy, Quincy Jones, Sinatra and others to go back out on the road once he cleaned up, but he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to helping other addicts. He continued to grow as a player, though, and I was fortunate enough to make some amateur recordings of him.

I'll give you a link to something REALLY rare--he and I doing a home recording from 1978 with him on 7 trombones and me on bass, drums and piano--my first ever multi-track experiment, and it sounds like it! But check out the variety of ideas he has as an improvisor, and of course the amazing technique and intonation:

Doug Robinson - Rare Trax #1

Before he passed away in 1987 from throat cancer, he asked me to take care of his horn. Today it sits on top of an urn with his ashes. A great man, loved by even those he let down earlier in life.

[Jazzooo]

By the way, thanks for the kind words about my playing, Robin!

[The J]

yo jazzoo its nice to hear that swing feel, and a comrade to the swing as well, here are some of my stuff, me on guitar

Jazz band on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

they are all for background music, so no coltrane post bop energies this time, sorry.

good solo jazzoo! just finished listening to it, well done!(on i'll be seeing you)

kick you drummer on the donkey(dont let him read this) he's abit sleepy!!!teach him swing beat him with it! but i know its hard to find players.

[Jazzooo]

Hola, The J--thanks for listening/watching. Yes your clips are background-ish but well-played. I'd probably enjoy playing with you a great deal.

That drummer on my clips is actually a terrific player who played with Dexter Gordon in the '60s, but in more of a free style than I wanted in that setting, so I wasn't really feeling him that night.

[James H.]

Recorded two things yesterday for the hell of it. First, a short clarinet duet I ran across on 8notes.com and decided to record. Second a Clementi piano sonatina (Op.36, no.3) that I recorded as a clarinet quartet (3 Bb clarinets, and one doubling alto and bass). It came out pretty well - I'm starting to notice my bad counting habits and intonation problems here and there. My clarinets all need repadded ... badly, but I won't use that as an excuse - a lot of slurred scale passages crossing the break didn't speak. I also noticed I use WAY too much tongue. I squeak more when I use the more just the tip - maybe it's just that I haven't practiced clarinet in 3 years, but I have to work on that. Cheers and comments appreciated!

Mozart duet (G major) - Box.net

Clementi Sonatina (C major) - Box.net

My next mission - a Kuhlau piano sonatina, once I scratch up on my rapid scale up to Bb clarinet's high high C. Yes, that one. I don't think I've ever been able to PLAY it in my life - I can play the same (written) note on alto and bass though, thanks to the vented keys.

Edit: two notes I forgot: for bass clarinet I'm using an alto clarinet mouthpiece because I don't have a bass clarinet mouthpiece right now. Also, when I converted to mp3, it seems that I lost a bit of the bass sound, it went a bit treble heavy on me, so sorry about that.

[xiii1408]

Here is a clip of my performance of E Minor by Heinze.

Link here.

Please comment.

[James H.]

Soprano sax? My favourite sax, yet it still takes me a good half a minute or so of "what the hell is making that sound..." before I figure it out. :laugh:

Not a bad tone, could probably be more open. Could the throat be the culprit? Nice playing too, but I didn't get much of a sense of linear motion - you didn't really shape the phrases much. Good job in fighting the intonation of the sax - keep that ear in shape! :happy:

Hey, feel free to add yourself to the [[Performance Network]].

[xiii1408]

So sorry, I forgot to mention the type of saxophone. I'm playing an alto saxophone in this recording.