It’s been almost a year since my last Studio Notes update, but there’s been a lot happening at MPM Studio. I’ll skip the expected commentary on the effects of the virus on the music scene, suffice it to say that I think we’re in for a long, slow recovery. A bunch of musicians, songwriters and… Continue reading What a Year!!
Tag: DADGAD guitar
NH’s Lynda Nelson ‘Forever in a Song’: New England to Nashville and back!
What a blast making this music was! When Lynda Nelson of Concord NH came to my studio to start working on recordings of her songs, it became immediately apparent that putting her music in the hands of the legendary ‘Nashville Cats’ would be the way to go. I knew Lynda’s exuberant positivity would bring out… Continue reading NH’s Lynda Nelson ‘Forever in a Song’: New England to Nashville and back!
Josephine County- Celtic/American fusion
Those who know me and my eclectic and far-ranging musical tastes know that there’s usually one bridge I rarely cross: the fusion of idioms and styles. All of that conservatism is shattered with this new project from 4 of my absolute favorite musicians/singers: Hanz Araki, Colleen Raney, Matt Shipman and Erica Brown. I must say… Continue reading Josephine County- Celtic/American fusion
Liz and Dan Faiella
These are two of the finest young New England Celtic musicians I know, and it’s been an absolute delight to work with them on what was essentially a ‘live in the studio’ project. Liz’s fiddle tone posed absolutely no challenges to the microphone, Dan’s guitar is so good it almost makes this aging guitar player… Continue reading Liz and Dan Faiella
Cathy Wilson: Celtic-flavored folk/country from Tennessee
My latest trip to Nashville yielded some more beautiful tracks from Cookeville Tennessee singer-songwriter Cathy Wilson, with further overdubs and mixing back here in (cooler?-not so much, lately) Portsmouth. Bill Verdier on fiddle, John Mock on mando/banjo/whistle/drum, Jeff Taylor this time back on his first instrument, piano.
Catching up, May 2017
Here’s a problem with a blog-type website: I get so busy making music with all the wonderful people who come through my studio doors that I have no time to chronicle it all. I promise I’ll catch up soon with more formal postings with pics and clips, but here’s a brief look at what’s been… Continue reading Catching up, May 2017
Lindsay Straw: Traditional Folk with fresh expertise!
Superb instrumental skills on guitar and bouzouki, a keen ear for repertoire selection, new takes on centuries-old stories and a clear, sparkling voice make this project everything a folk audience can hope for. Music from the past has a bright future! Lindsay‘s thoughtful preparation prior to the recording dates ensured an efficient use of time, keeping… Continue reading Lindsay Straw: Traditional Folk with fresh expertise!
Chris Vaughan: Portsmouth’s ‘Great Scot’!
One of the first projects that came to me at Mill Pond Music about five years ago involved my adding a few guitar parts to and mixing the Dave Hallowell-produced CD by Portsmouth’s Scot-about-town, bon vivant Chris Vaughan. There’s now a new collection of his songs, ‘Americana 1974’. The production is in a folk-country vein, yours truly playing… Continue reading Chris Vaughan: Portsmouth’s ‘Great Scot’!
Erica Brown and Matt Shipman: Darlin’ Corey
A couple more great musicians from Portland’s happening music scene, Matt and Erica, are releasing this month a collection of duo recordings featuring their plaintive, evocative vocals, Erica’s wonderful old-timey, country and celtic fiddle, Matt’s rich and nimble guitar, bouzouki and banjo. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matt when I’ve subbed with High Range,… Continue reading Erica Brown and Matt Shipman: Darlin’ Corey
Carrigan & Blair
Full disclosure: I know Mike Blair and Steve Carrigan well, having played many a gig and concert with them as a part of Portsmouth’s Maritime/Celtic Folk ensemble Great Bay Sailor. Great fun it was to blast through some of the songs we love on this new collection entitled O Chroi. Thanks, Mike for giving me free… Continue reading Carrigan & Blair