Quote:

Dan,

A couple of things to try to get a more authentic sound out of this tune:

1. Don't put the piano solo in the left channel while comping is going on that is in the center. Sounds like two piano players which is almost certainly never going to happen in a jazz combo.

2. To rescue the vocal track - comp the best parts of your two tracks into a single track. Doubling is almost never part of a jazz combo recording. In fact, I can't say I've ever heard it before in a jazz combo. Also, high pass that vocal at around 250 Hz or so and much of the popping will disappear.

3. Delete the count-in.

4. When you track the vox next time, step back away from the mic - after getting your pop-filter or making one yourself with the classic women's nylons over a needlepoint hoop/bent coat hanger, etc.

D does seem to be better for you. Try sliding into and out of the notes somewhat; relax. Dance a little while you're recording - feel the song while you are singing it - it will show up in the recording as feeling less stiff.

-Scott



As a “music critic” you certainly have a well tuned ear . And didn’t you once hail from Flint?

You are correct I did have dual pianos in the mix. At first I wanted to replace the “comping” piano and just do this myself on guitar. But the guy is so good I hated to lose him. And I definitely wanted the “soloist” piano because I love what he does. So I just mixed it all up. This is exactly what I meant when I first described the piece as busy. Your suggestion is good. I will move both pianos to one side and then not have them playing at the same time. Then during the solo section I’ll have only my guitar comping. It will be more real!

I have had a lot of suggestions on the EQ of the vocal. Unfortunately I am somewhat at a loss for doing this since I have no real knowledge of how all that works. I have lots of tools, just don’t have a good enough ear to “hear” the subtle differences working with things like verb-compression-EQ filters.

No more pops - $24 at Sam Ash Music down on the corner.

Scott, thanks for the suggestions.