Misc recording Constructive comments, please!

[mpjbiker]

Hi all, please have a listen if you have the time and inclination, and feel free to make any comments short of actual abuse! We did it just cos we could, and as an experiment. The video was done on a digital camera (Sony SLT A37), and the audio was recorded on an H4 stuck on a mike stand in front of the band. The audio was then synced using Windows movie maker. Apologies for the various bum notes and cock-ups, but there's nothing like hearing yourself as a learning experience! I have to say that they all sound dreadful through laptop speakers-headphones or external speakers is the best way. I was a bit disappointed with my performance (tenor), and some of the tuning is a bit approximate! Hey ho, see what you think!
Cheers!
zabuljazz - YouTube

 

[rhysonsax]

Nice sounds ! And a good singer.

My only comment, which is intended to be constructive, is that it is so much nicer to see singers and players looking upwards and outwards than looking down into music on stands. I know this isn't a performance for a live audience but it gives an idea of the impression the band will make on an audience.

Rhys

 

[ellinas]

Really nice stuff. Get rid of the stands. Let loose and have fun. Try to record again as if there's no recorder 🙂

Bravo!

 

[Jeanette]

Thought the singer was great and loved your tone. Agree about the stands but I couldn't play without reading so I'm one to talk.....

Jx

 

[jbtsax]

I would have liked to hear the sax a bit more. Closer to the mic perhaps.

 

[Colin the Bear]

The recording is muddy so it's hard to tell. Having said that it doesn't offend the ear. Nice room. I've heard a lot worse getting paid quite well. Keep at it. Strange name . You're going to have to sort out the lack of hand claps on "Tainted Love" what would Gloria make of it?

 

[llamedos]

The sort of music I like - played well and going together to make an enjoyable listen. Given the set-up - no individual mikes (apart from the singer's) and a static camera - it all comes across very well. Might have been interesting to use the stage and see how a closer proximity affects the balance in a "public performance" situation, but that is not a criticism - merely an observation. Personally I look forward to further postings and many thanks for this selection.

Dave

 

[trimmy]

Like the vibe but agree with other comments about the stands and looking to the audience (when the time arises) !
Nice sounds

 

[Rob Pealing]

I enjoyed your music, it may be to do with the recording quality but I felt the singer , who has a nice voice, could have articulated the words better.

 

[mpjbiker]

Thanks for all replies-keep them coming! All valid points-I agree that the stands tend to act as a barrier between the band and the audience (although that was just a rehearsal), but I think at our present level we don't know the numbers well enough to risk not having the security of the chords to refer to. Perhaps we'll try picking a number we know reasonably well and try without the dots. I think the recording would have been better had we used the two mic inputs on the zoom, and positioned the mics either side of the band. We do instrumentals as well,Clair the singer plays alto/clarinet so that would free up a mic-we'll give that a go and see how that goes. Thaks again for all your time and replies !

 

[mpjbiker]

Forgot to say, interesting that JBT thought the sax could be more prominent, cos generally I'm holding back a bit, not wanting to be too loud and outblow everybody. Perhaps I should give it some beans!

 

[Nick Wyver]

Here's a criticism that I have about most of the local bands round here too: try to look like you're enjoying it.

 

[Colin the Bear]

It's quite acceptable, I find, to be reading from stands sitting down.

Stood up you have to know it. Dunno why that is.

Alto/clarinet and tenor can make a nice sound together. It's well worth exploring more.

 

[Jeanette]

Here's a criticism that I have about most of the local bands round here too: try to look like you're enjoying it.

That does make a huge difference to the audience, I love to see a band interacting with the audience (obviously not poss in rehearsal) and between themselves it gives the whole gig a good vibe and makes you feel like you are part of the party 🙂

 

[mpjbiker]

Just put a couple of instrumentals up for your perusal-a couple of standards, Another you and Autumn leaves from the same session. I think therese were done with just the camera mike-surprisingly little difference in sound quality, really!

 

[Colin the Bear]

Lovely singing voice. Not sure about the alto. What's the clarinet like?

 

[trimmy]

Liked the alto on Another you