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Montrose area residents record third CD
FOR MVM News Network
MONTROSE - Most people purchase a music CD without thinking of all that goes into its making. However, some Montrose area people are thinking differently about this after spending a recent weekend recording music to be featured on a new Montrose Riverfront, Inc. CD.
Adam Long, a professional sound recording engineer from St. Louis, once again made the trip to Montrose to do the recording.
As a child he came to Montrose to visit his great- grandparents and later his grandparents. They are gone now, but he is still coming to Montrose.
The trip to Montrose and the recording are a labor of love for Long, who volunteers his time and energy for this project.
In addition to the recording of various artists and mixing done in his St. Louis studio, Long travels to New York City to record Broadway shows including “Sherri,” “Evil Dead,” “Ring of Fire,” “Annie” and “Gypsy.”
In the printed booklet for the “Gypsy” CD, Long is listed as chief recording and mixing engineer. Once the recording part of the project was completed, the mixing was done in St. Louis by Robert Sher and Long.
In September, Long returned to New York City to record “Ain't Misbehavin',” and is working with producer/creator Richard Maltby on the CD to be released this month.
His Montrose trip begins with the tearing down of the studio located in his St. Louis home. All the equipment is then stowed away in his Toyota for the trip to Iowa.
Upon arrival, several hours are spent unloading his car, transferring the equipment into the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church, and setting it all up in preparation for recording.
As soon as the stream of local artists begin arriving, the work begins in earnest. Over the course of the three- day weekend, close to 70 local singers and musicians are recorded.
The groups range from soloists to 20-plus member choirs, from one as young as 8 years old to several in their 80s, from students to professionals to retirees, and from those who make music for a living to others whose musical outlet is singing in a church or school choir.
A common love of music is the thread that binds them together, said Mary Sue Chatfield, MRI member.
“Whether recording Patti LuPone of ‘Gypsy' fame or a singer from Montrose, Long works tirelessly to get the best possible recording from each person,” she said. “One time through a song is rarely enough, as Long gently encourages and makes suggestions to improve the performance.”
Each time, Long is making mental notes about which parts of which recording he can mix together to produce the best possible result. He has a way of putting a singer at ease, all the while working to get the best out of him/her, Chatfield said.
“A dollar amount cannot be put on value of this recording,” she said. “Not only are local artists being given the opportunity to participate, but this also is a way of recording the musical history of Montrose.”
Each artist has a connection to the Montrose community and are common, ordinary, everyday people. One may hear them sing in church on Sunday, or at a St. Barnabas concert, or at a school music program, or maybe we've never known of their talent.
“The bringing together of these talented people and giving them the vehicle to share their music with others is a monumental accomplishment,” Chatfield said. “Over the course of the weekend a true spirit of camaraderie builds.”
Many of the artists are involved in more than one group. The two pianists each played for several selections. Long would suggest the addition of a bass track, or drums, or mandolin or banjo. Each person playing those instruments was more than willing to help out a fellow performer.
Many people have been involved in this production, with each playing an important role.
In addition to the singers, instrumentalists, and choir directors, there were church members willing to open the church, even holding Sunday service in the church basement to avoid disturbing the equipment set up in the sanctuary. Volunteers also provided food. Central Lee school officials gave permission for some sixth graders to come sing for the CD, the opportunity of a life time for these young people.
Church yard mowing was even postponed to avoid making noise, which would disturb the recording, Chatfield said.
This is the third CD Long has done for MRI. The first one, “Christmas From the Riverfront,” was released in 2006. Last year's second CD was titled “Songs of Praise.” Limited copies of these CDs are still available.
This year's CD features songs about the river and is titled “By the Bend of the River.”
A release date has yet to be announced, as Long is still working on the mixing. Becky Brandenberger of KBC Music is working on the actual production.
When released, it will be available through MRI and in local businesses.
“We hope the public will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it,” Chatfield said.
MONTROSE - Most people purchase a music CD without thinking of all that goes into its making. However, some Montrose area people are thinking differently about this after spending a recent weekend recording music to be featured on a new Montrose Riverfront, Inc. CD.
Adam Long, a professional sound recording engineer from St. Louis, once again made the trip to Montrose to do the recording.
As a child he came to Montrose to visit his great- grandparents and later his grandparents. They are gone now, but he is still coming to Montrose.
The trip to Montrose and the recording are a labor of love for Long, who volunteers his time and energy for this project.
In addition to the recording of various artists and mixing done in his St. Louis studio, Long travels to New York City to record Broadway shows including “Sherri,” “Evil Dead,” “Ring of Fire,” “Annie” and “Gypsy.”
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In September, Long returned to New York City to record “Ain't Misbehavin',” and is working with producer/creator Richard Maltby on the CD to be released this month.
His Montrose trip begins with the tearing down of the studio located in his St. Louis home. All the equipment is then stowed away in his Toyota for the trip to Iowa.
Upon arrival, several hours are spent unloading his car, transferring the equipment into the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church, and setting it all up in preparation for recording.
As soon as the stream of local artists begin arriving, the work begins in earnest. Over the course of the three- day weekend, close to 70 local singers and musicians are recorded.
The groups range from soloists to 20-plus member choirs, from one as young as 8 years old to several in their 80s, from students to professionals to retirees, and from those who make music for a living to others whose musical outlet is singing in a church or school choir.
A common love of music is the thread that binds them together, said Mary Sue Chatfield, MRI member.
“Whether recording Patti LuPone of ‘Gypsy' fame or a singer from Montrose, Long works tirelessly to get the best possible recording from each person,” she said. “One time through a song is rarely enough, as Long gently encourages and makes suggestions to improve the performance.”
Each time, Long is making mental notes about which parts of which recording he can mix together to produce the best possible result. He has a way of putting a singer at ease, all the while working to get the best out of him/her, Chatfield said.
“A dollar amount cannot be put on value of this recording,” she said. “Not only are local artists being given the opportunity to participate, but this also is a way of recording the musical history of Montrose.”
Each artist has a connection to the Montrose community and are common, ordinary, everyday people. One may hear them sing in church on Sunday, or at a St. Barnabas concert, or at a school music program, or maybe we've never known of their talent.
“The bringing together of these talented people and giving them the vehicle to share their music with others is a monumental accomplishment,” Chatfield said. “Over the course of the weekend a true spirit of camaraderie builds.”
Many of the artists are involved in more than one group. The two pianists each played for several selections. Long would suggest the addition of a bass track, or drums, or mandolin or banjo. Each person playing those instruments was more than willing to help out a fellow performer.
Many people have been involved in this production, with each playing an important role.
In addition to the singers, instrumentalists, and choir directors, there were church members willing to open the church, even holding Sunday service in the church basement to avoid disturbing the equipment set up in the sanctuary. Volunteers also provided food. Central Lee school officials gave permission for some sixth graders to come sing for the CD, the opportunity of a life time for these young people.
Church yard mowing was even postponed to avoid making noise, which would disturb the recording, Chatfield said.
This is the third CD Long has done for MRI. The first one, “Christmas From the Riverfront,” was released in 2006. Last year's second CD was titled “Songs of Praise.” Limited copies of these CDs are still available.
This year's CD features songs about the river and is titled “By the Bend of the River.”
A release date has yet to be announced, as Long is still working on the mixing. Becky Brandenberger of KBC Music is working on the actual production.
When released, it will be available through MRI and in local businesses.
“We hope the public will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it,” Chatfield said.
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Nancy Miner wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:21 AM: