Studio Perfectionists

The band "Steely Dan" fills in that void between popular music, R&B, blues and jazz. Their lyrics are unique, their tunes are interesting without being pedantic, and they rock. Additionally, they are famous (at times infamous), for their perfectionism in the studio. Watch this clip, you'll get a pretty clear picture of a pair of musicians searching for a sound they've preconceived in their heads on some level.

Every musician they work with is at the highest level of performance, and most are what you would call "studio musicians." A studio musician is a musician who can come into any musical situation, read what's written, solo if needed, and play consummately for the client with a short number of "takes." Generally studio musicians play the music perfectly the first time. If you are interested in a career in Music Production or Engineering, this clip is for you. Read about Steely Dan HERE.

Sir, can I see your drivers license and music collection please?

Check out this very funny link right HERE. Maybe you should stick to talk radio on the way to jazz band rehearsal. Try NPR (National Public Radio) at 93.9 on your FM dial on your next trip to the JV mall. If nothing else it will make you smarter. It may even help to balance out the IQ points you will lose from cologne asphyxiation at Hollister.

Back in action!

At last, a long-awaited new post that will hopefully not disappoint. This little ditty here is nice because it shows you what a real studio session looks like. All the guys in this band are what they call "session players" or "studio musicians" and are on a combined bazillion or so albums. Notice all the good habits...feet tapping the beat, excellent postures, great embouchures and hand positions. Also take note of the fact that they are all wearing headphones (they are generally called "cans" at a session) to get a rough mix of the sound of the group as a whole because some of the musicians are isolated in different rooms (like tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker) or behind clear sound barriers (like bass player John Pattitucci). Interesting eh?