On this section you can ask Jay about music! E-mail Jay's
PA and I will pass it on and publish your question + Jay's reply on the page. Just bear in mind that he is a busy guy
so he might not be able to answer right away.
After a while these questions/replies will be moved to the archive.
First off we revisit an old Q&A about that special legendary "E" sound from the hits of the 70s and 80s, which
now has been updated big time since the
sample library was released in 2020.
Read all about the sampling project and check out the demos
on this page!
That Special "E" Sound!
Hi Jay,
how did you create that special "bright" Fender Rhodes' sound which is on the Jarreau albums? It is also on
the AIRPLAY album and on Steve Kipner's KNOCK THE WALLS DOWN. Which model did you use? I have a Mark I Stage
Piano 73, probably from '76. I have tried to adjust it to sound more like your Rhodes, but haven't been too
successful as of yet.
Did you use any effects and/or is the piano modified in any way? It sounds like the complete opposite of
Michael McDonald's Rhodes, though I think both pianos sound wonderful.
Thank you so much,
Peppe, drummer/percussionist - Sweden
Yo Peppe,
The Rhodes sound was special and was also on used on many more records. "Leeds rentals" had about 10
Fender Rhodes suitcase models. The best one was labeled "E". This one was even, thick and bright. It was
discovered in a store in Hollywood (Wallach's Music city) in the back room and had not sold for years! It was
like they had forgotten they had the unit until Andy Leeds made the discovery while looking at old stock.
Eddy Reynolds was a local tech/ piano tuner in those days and discovered a way to "voice" the Rhodes in a very
desirable way. He voiced all of LEEDS Rhodes but this one was the best. All the cats knew this was the best
Rhodes, and when doing tracking dates, I reserved this unit way in advance.
George Duke once called me about the sound and I told him that "E" was the one to rent.
Now for the added details. The treble, bass and volume (on the Rhodes) were set to maximum. No vibrato. One
output of the Rhodes was sent to a ROLAND BOSS CHORUS with the chorus "setting" set to about 11 o'clock. The non
effected and chorused signal were sent to direct boxes routed into the console.
It is important to have the piano player play chords as hard as possible when setting the input gain on the "chorus"
so as to eliminate possible distortion. Get the unit to distort and then back off the gain a little.
If I remember correctly, the output on the BOSS CHORUS was the "stereo out" so only the "chorus" was sent and
not mixed with the dry source.
At the recording console, we added a lot of EQ. I do not remember exactly, but I think around 2K and 10 K.
The "Stage model Rhodes" will not give you this sound since it is a "passive unit". The suitcase models have
active electronics. I have a stage model as well and had Eddy or Paul Rivera (I do not remember) add the active
electronics. Eddy voiced this Rhodes but it does not sound as good as "E".
"E" Rhodes was sold to a guy in Santa Barbara when LEEDS sold his business. I would have purchased this Rhodes
but was not aware of the sale.
This Rhodes was used on many records of the era.
Thanks for the question Peppe. I loved this instrument.
Later, Jay
Dear mr Graydon/Sonicthrust Records,
I came across this page Ask Jake, where
is seems Jay Graydon answers fan questions. Or at least did answer fan
questions. There is no indication in the page how long ago this page was
published or updated. So I though I would take my chance and send a
question in. :)
Mr Graydon, I'm working as an engineer going to producer, and I have a
musician's background. I've been learning so much from listening to and
enjoying your records.
On Al Jarreau's albums, particularly on the "Jarreau" album from 83, I've been studying the mixes closely and there seems to be at least one
effect that I have problems pinning down what it is and how you did this.
On the lead vocals, there is a peculiar saturation (or exciting) and stereo widening effect on the top end of the vocals. The way it sounds
makes me think these effects are added after any vocal compression. It is possibly achieved by bleeding the vocal off into a separate channel
with processing on, and then blending the processed sound back with the unprocessed vocals again.
But I'm having problems pinning down what sound processing was done here, what equipment may have been used. What does real smooth exciting
top end of vocals and at the same time stereo widens it? Do you remember? Could it have been the Dolby C trick perhaps?
Hope you're doing well and still enjoying music
Thanks in advance and all the best
Tom K.
Hi Tom,
Unless there is a noticeable delay, I did not do anything to widen the vocal. It's simply panned center and there's most likely some
reverb, which is probably an EMT 140.
It's possible I may have delayed the reverb a slight bit and I would've done my best to match the tempo if I used a delay line in
front of the verb.
In the digital era, basically the same thing meaning I don't use exciter plugs or anything but a compressor. I use the waves RVOX as it
doesn't pump and is very musical sounding.
On the Jarreau albums, the compressor used on the vocal was either a GEORGE MASSENBURG or an LA 2A. It could've been another but I
don't remember the name of it. It was more of a broadcast limiter/compressor.
All best, Jay
The Recording of "A Nightingale Sang..."
Can you tell us how you recorded the song "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" by Manhattan Transfer? The vocal sound
is superb.
Stefan Olofsson, Chania, Crete
Hey Stefan,
Regarding that song, here's how I recorded it. I had a tuning note sustaining for like 10 seconds. The mic
is a U47 in OMNI mode with the singers grouped around. After getting a good blend, the singers marked their
feet with tape as to return to the exact same position after a break. I had Clair Fisher play the changes
on Rhodes (for a pitch reference) while the Transfer sang. After Clair played a pass that was "in the pocket" as
to the Transfers phrasing, I kept those tracks. I muted that vocal track, monitored the Rhodes part and had
the Transfer sing about 18 more passes. I then did a vocal comp. The next night, I had them sing the double
using the same method of recording like 16 tracks and then comped. I then muted the Rhodes track. Major work
but it was worth it.
As to room ambience, my studio in those days was very small and the studio did not have reflective
surfaces. The reverb was a BX20 (I think) and I think made by AKG.
Later Bro, Jay
Question About Amp
Jay,
What amp were you using during the live recording of Pamela on you tube with Bill on Keys? - Anthony Garcia
Hey Anthony,
Not sure what video but easy to figure out. If there are three amps that are blond, that is the RIVERA RAKE
HEAD. If not, a Bogner Ecstasy. - Later Bro, Jay
Sorry Jay, It's this one, the performances are damn Incredible, and your solo's are inspiring even to
the next generation.......My Son Aaron loves it, and turned to me and said you can't as good as that Dude can!
I love that my 20 year old loves music at displays musical talents, and not foul mouth Rap Idiots. He
Loves Fusion Jazz the most.
Here's the Video.......
PAMELA - live in Japan 1994
Anthony
Hey Anthony,
That would have been the Bogner amp with 2 separate bottoms using green backs. - Later Bro, Jay
Subject: Re: Ted Greene Book Editions
Thanks Jay,
I will send your story via e-mail to my webmaster in Russia, at which time he will input your story along
with your web site address. I hope that is ok with you.
Hey Dale,
Go ahead and use.
By the way, I really enjoyed your site.
Kerstin does a great job with the site!
I think of Ted on a daily basis. It was not only his playing but the person he was. Never met any one like him.
I think about Ted often as well and feel the same way you do about him! - Later Bro, Jay
Thanks Again Jay,
Dale Zdenek
Hi Dale,
Nice to hear from you!
Here's a Ted story for you.
When I was taking lessons from Ted, during one lesson, Ted started playing jazz blues chord changes along
with a walking bass line! My jaw
dropped to the floor as he sounded like a jazz trio consisting of guitar, bass, and snare brushes! I could
not believe this was possible!
It is sad he is no longer with us but the good news is his books are still available noting so much important
information. - Jay Graydon
Hello Jay,
Please go to www.msn.com and type in the search field ---Ted Greene Book Editions --- and check out Ted Greene
and Dale Zdenek's new site. This site
is still under construction and new material is being added every day. If you have any questions, or material
that you would like to add to the
site, please feel free to call, or send me an e-mail. Check out "You and Ted Greene Stories." (Which can be
found in the menu bar.) Maybe you
have a story that you would like to share with the world?
We will always love you Ted.
Musically Yours,
Dale Zdenek
P.S. I have not spoke with you since you were taking lessons from Ted at my guitar store. I did see you at
Ted's memorial. I remember after your
lesson's with Ted, you would come to the front of the store and play for us. You were so excited about
playing guitar that you would say
hey, what do you think of this, check this out, or how does this sound?
If you have anything that I can add to the site please contact me. Also check out "You and Ted Greene
Stories" maybe you can share a special
story of you and Ted.
Hope this letter finds you in good health. - D.Z.
Hello Jay,
I would like to add the following on your web site in the comment section. Just Wanted your approval first
since I mention things when you
were very young. If it is to long I can shorten it up. (I thought I saw a comment section the other day,
but can't find it now!) Maybe you
don't have one! If not, I apologize for taking up your time.
Hey Jay,
What a site! I spent hours listening to all you music and live performance. You are truly gifted, but more
importantly, you have the God given
desire. I first met you at my guitar store when you studied from Ted Greene. I think it was in the late
60's or early 70's. What I remembered most about you during that time is the excitement and energy that you had.
( Sure hope you don't mind me mentioning the following).
After your lesson with Ted you would come out of Ted's teaching room and would open your case and pull out
your guitar. You would play some
chords and melody and you would say "What do you think of that? "How does that sound?" "What do you think of
this new song I'm working on?" Your
energy would bring us all up. We loved it. During that time, we never knew that you were going to write and
compose some of the most beautiful melodies and lyrics of our time.
I feel confident in saying that we all know you have a lot more to give this world. Besides your music, you
are a unique and laid back
kind of guy. I can say this because it is evident in your music. I do appreciate the story you wrote for our
new Ted Greene site. Not everyone in your position would have done the same.
Thank you Jay and rock on.
Musically Yours,
Dale Zdenek
Hi,
I'm a big fan of Jay's work, particularly the timeless stuff he did with Al Jarreau back in the
early '80s. I have just one quick question for him (if he remembers), which is this: what were the synthesizers
being used most of the time on those records (This Time, Breakin' Away, Jarreau), particularly the synth that
produced that beautiful string pad? Some 25 years later and I still haven't heard a more rich string sound come
from a machine! thanks in advance.
Phil Boucher
Hi Phil,
The synth is an ARP 2600 and probably an OBERHEIM EXPANDER (just used for two more oscillators as to patch in the
2600 for a total of 5 oscillators).
Very easy to program the patch using sawtooth waveforms with simple filtering and ADSR settings per taste. The
key was playing one part at a time as the synth only allows one note at a time.
Here's a twist. Check out the song FOR YOU on the Dionne Warwick album I produced. I hired Johnny Mandel to arranging
the strings. He did a great job as usual but I did not like the chorus section so I muted and came up with a
violin line I played on the 2600. It works well. That may have been the last time I used the sound. I still have the
synth but I bet it needs major repairs. Maybe someday I will get it in working order and use it again.
All best, Jay
To Jay,
I've spoken to Peppe about the song "The Ending" on Knock down the walls, and we would both like
to know how you did the vocals during the solo (whitch I must say is awesome).
It is just too long to be a "real" take, did you use a Tape loop, or anything similar? Would it have been done today,
I would say you just sampled the vocals and made a loop, but given the date it was recorded and the very good
quality we're both stumped. So we would both like to know.
Thank you very much for all the wonderful music, and all the best to you and your family.
Kindest regards
Magnus Lassila (And I guess peppe too)
Magnus and Peppe,
Your question is very good. There were 4 vocal parts for the vocal pad and I first wrote out the vocal
harmony parts. I then played/recorded a synth (a simple boring sawtooth patch) for the high part. Steve would learn the part
and sing along with the synth line (I had it fairly loud in his headphones) as to keep the pitch as in-tune as possible.
Now for the trick. After he ran out of breath, I will back up the tape a few bars and "punch in" just before
the point where he ran out of breath. The punch point was random since when adding the other parts, I never wanted the
punch point in the same spot. Since analog recording, the punch point can be heard BUT if punching in
randomly, since 4 parts and also a synth pad (I think), you can't hear the punches with all parts in.
If a punch sounded strange (obvious pitch change), I would back up and punch in a beat earlier. This was major
work for Steve and me but the result is cool.
Yea, in this era, no problem punching and fixing.
A joke. The singer sings on pass and asks the PRO TOOLS engineer what he thought about the performance. The
PRO TOOLS engineer said, "It sucked, but you are through singing the vocal".
Later, Jay
Hey Jay,
I've been a fan since the early Dan days, but was totally floored by the Twilight Tone solo for the Transfer. At the
time, I had a Transfer-ish
cover band in New York State and I had the thankless job of trying to
replicate that insane solo every weekend on stage - without harmonizing gear.
I'm sure somewhere on your site you've discussed the solo, but I'll be
darned if I can find it, SO, here are my questions
Yo Gus,
Thanks for the kind words! I will answer your questions.
1 - Did you use a harmonizer or double-track the harmony? (please don't say
you played both parts simultaneously).
For 15 years starting around 1980, Tommy Tedesco and I did a yearly rap
at GIT. One year, I made a mix of the total process of the recording of the
song. It started with the full mix and then I broke it down from the track
and then adding overdubs as they took place. After the guitar solo section,
Tommy shit thinking I played both parts together. Man, I told him that is
impossible! The bends alone can't be played in one pass. The answer is two
passes. I played the solo and worked out the harmony.
2 - What equip was used?
63 335. Early 70s Fender Deluxe amp modified by Paul Rivera. At the
console, the odds are good a harmonizer (set slightly sharp) was bussed from
the mic module and returned to another fader bussed to the recorder solo
track. Also, I might have added in a 45 milliseconds delay from a delay in
the same fashion. I can't remember.
3 - How long did it take to achieve, and how many eyes were on you while you
worked through it?
It probably took about 4 to 6 hours. I probably spent about an hour
shaping the concept and then started recording. Probably a few punches. I do
remember that the last lick took some time to realize. The harmony is always
a time burner as to figure out fingerings. They never lay well in full. That
must have been the major time burner.
4 - What is the Wire Choir?
Typically, three or more harmony guitar parts. The key is to work out the
parts before recording as to not get caught up in intervals that do not make
sense. If just playing down or up a third, following the scales for the
second part, you may find out a 2nd is needed from time to time. So much more
on this for another time. It would take 20 pages to explain in full.
In closing, I just want to say that the Tone solo is one of my all time
favorites - the rare gymnastic solo that fits the song perfectly.
I just played what I thought was good for the song.
Congrats. - Gus Russo
Twilight Tone - (Again) Gus Russo
Forgot to mention - I see where you like Ed Wood etc. FYI, I wrote the scores for low budget horror flicks you may have
heard of "Basket Case" and "Brain Damage." If you like Wood, you should like these; both out in DVD.
Will do! - Later, Jay
hi jay,
Your studio is really really great . I am 17 years old , and i have a little home studio
I just want to know... How do you buy all this stuff !!! It is my dream to have a studio like that !
I play music since I have 8 years old and i will continu all my life
When I see all this stuff, I am very jalous but I say to myself that one
day, i will have this kind of stuff. Im sorry it is not really some
questions , but It is my only interest.
Yo Robert,
When I was around 10 years old, I dreamed of having a professional studio
just like you. Here is the good news. In this era, great sounding recording
gear is not very expensive. Work hard and save your money. Read the trade
magazines reviews as to see which gear they recommend in your price range.
i love music and i have made a lot of compositions. I would like to know
, how do you become popular !? I think that I have a big capacity of succes but i really dont know how
to distribute it
thanks jay
(im sorry , Im quebecer and i speak juste french hehe )
Keep practicing/writing, and recording. Listen to all of the music you
love. Play with all the musicians you can find. All along the way, you will
grow and hopefully, you will achieve success.
Later, Jay
Hi Jay,
You have been my no.1 "guitarhero" and producer ever since the first time I heard Al Jarreau "This time" (20 years ago ?).
Your melodic lines, and also your creative rhythmplaying is, and has been a great inspiration for me as a guitarplayer.
Then the question:
On some records your rhythmsound is VERY clean and "glassy". (with Sheena Easton for instance). How did you
get this "glassy" sound, and
what kind of guitar/pickups did you use.
Greetings from the cold north
Torbjorn Alfsen
Norway
Yo Torbjorn,
Thanks for the compliments! Regarding the clean glassy sound, a few possibilities for the set up.
1. Most likely, it was a 63' 335 with stock humbucking pickups switched to
the middle position (both pickups active) and both volume and tone controls
full up. I most likely recorded direct through an Eddy Reynolds direct box
into the mixer. The mixer EQ would include serious boosts in the 3 to 5 kHz
area and 10 kHz area.
2. In a few cases, the guitar may have been a Valley Arts Strat. I would have
used the front and middle pickups. Again, I must have recorded direct. Less
mixer EQ would be used since the Strat is much brighter sounding.
In some cases, I may have used a Fender deluxe amp instead of recording
direct. If so, the sound would not be as bright and thicker in the upper mid
area.
If the sound included pitch effects, it would be a harmonizer set
slightly sharp. I seem to remember using a delay line from time to time set
to a very short delay (probably around 45 milliseconds).
Hope this helps.
Later, Jay
Dear Jay,
I was the one who wrote you that you were an outstanding musician. Anyway, I would like to
ask you:
1. What does it take to be a studio musician, what "level" does it take?
Yo Mike,
To be an all around studio musician, you need to play all styles of music. You also must have a specialty area. Rock, Pop, etc. You
need to read music. How well you need to read depends upon the area of music played on a
daily basis. If Pop, Rock, etc., in that area, reading can be average. If
playing on film, TV, jingles, etc., where reading lines is important, you must be a good reader.
2. How do you find yourself and your contemporaries: Mike Landau; Dan
Huffs & Steve Lukather, what are their (your) strengths & qualities?
All great players! Regarding strengths, words are useless — listen to the recordings and you will surely realize.
Thanks Jay ( If I could get music lessons from you, I would in an instant!! Hope to see you soon.) - Mike Vigano
I do not teach. If you are in LA, you should study with Ted Greene.
Later, Jay
Hi Jay!
Quick question: From which airport is the picture on the cover of the "AIRPLAY" album ? (Van
Nuys? Burbank? Santa Monica?)
Please keep on making the best music !!!! Magnus - Sweden
Yo Magnus,
The picture was taken at Burbank airport. It was around 100 degrees which is why my hair seemed
to melt. No mirror as to check. The photographer should have realized this fact! After I
looked at the picture, I should have demanded another session but too busy working. Oh well.
Later, Jay
HI JAY
- THIS IS ACTUALLY MY 2ND EMAIL TO YOU FOR A 2ND LOT OF QUESTIONS.
I RECENTLY FOUND YOUR AIRPLAY ALBUM WITH DAVID FOSTER AND TOMMY FUNDERBURK.
WHAT A SUPERB UNDER RATED AND UNDER APPRECIATED PIECE OF WORK IT IS!! CAN
YOU GIVE ME A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND ON THIS ALBUM AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT AND
WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED TO WHY IT WASN'T SUCH A HUGE COMMERCIAL SUCCESS (THERE WERE HITS ALL OVER THAT LP!). IT HAD KIND OF
A CHRISTOPHER CROSS MEETS TOTO
Yo Dan,
I thank you for your kind words! I am very busy so my answers will be short.
David and I got signed quite by accident. We wrote many songs and would
typically demo them up. One such song was "WHY SHOULD WE CARRY ON" and I sang
the vocal. David played the demo for Tommy Mottola and he got us a deal on
RCA. Again, we were not looking for a deal - just trying to get the song
placed with an artist.
Hard to say why the album was not successful - probably because not serious promotion and we did not tour.
ANOTHER QUESTION IS: WHY AREN'T YOU PICTURED ON THE FRONT OR BACK COVER? TOMMY AND DAVID ARE
STANDING IN FRONT OF A PLANE FOR THE FRONT COVER AND THEN FLYING IN A PLANE FOR THE BACK
COVER BUT WHERE ARE YOU?
On the front cover, I am on the left. With that in mind, easy to find me on the back cover.
WAS THIS ALBUM EVER RELEASED ON CD? I THINK IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN IN JAPAN BUT I'M NOT SURE.
It is still available on CD in Japan.
I AM A HUGE TOMMY FUNDERBURK FAN AND HIS VOCALS REALLY SHINE THROUGH ON THAT AIRPLAY RECORD!
I KNOW HE HAS DONE ENDLESS SESSION WORK LIKE YOU! - BUT DO YOU AND TOMMY STILL TALK EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE?
Yes.
BY THE WAY WHAT WERE YOU USING TO GET THAT GREAT TONE FOR YOUR SOLO'S ON THAT ALBUM?
A Gibson 335, Fender Deluxe amp, orange squeezer compressor, and a harmonizer.
WELL, THANKS FOR ANSWERING THESE IF YOU CAN! I KNOW YOU ARE A BUSY GUY! DO YOU EVER GO TO THE NAMM SHOWS?
Yes. I typically just go to a few booths for business reasons meaning no time to hang out with anybody else.
ON A SIDE NOTE - I SIGNED WITH WARNER CHAPPELL PUBLISHING IN NASHVILLE THROUGH TIM WHIPPERMAN
ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND THE TRIO I AM IN ARE ABOUT TO START RECORDING AN ALBUM IN NASHVILLE IN
ABOUT 5 WEEKS WITH ANDY BYRD PRODUCING AND MIKE BRIGNARDELLO ON BASS WITH EDDIE BAYERS ON
DRUMS."LAKOTA STEELE" IS OUR NAME AND I HAVE A TWIN BROTHER WHO IS ALSO IN IT.
ANYWAYS , I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU WERE GOING TO BE IN THE NASHVILLE AREA
AROUND THAT TIME?
I have not been to Nashville for many years and do not have plans to go in the near future.
THANKS ALOT FOR ANY RESPONSE YOU CAN GIVE ME REGARDING THIS EMAIL!! AND THANKS FOR
THE INSPIRATION AND THE SUPERB MUSIC YOU HAVE PUT YOUR SIGNATURE ON OVER THE YEARS. I HOPE
GREAT MUSIC WILL BE "IN" AGAIN SOMEDAY!
ALL THE BEST - DAN MCCASLIN (LAS VEGAS)
Good luck with your album! - Later, Jay
Hi Jay,
I Own your 93 Solo Cd with Bill and Joseph and and 2 guys i never heard of but should have... wow, and this is gonna sound funny but
i never heard of you either till the folks at Thoughtscape mentioned you and Bill in the same sentence, and i know bill doesnt release poor
material so i was curious...
I just want to say that there are only 2 CD's i've ever considered to be Perfect. Brian McKnight's 2nd cd and your Solo 93'. I consider that Cd
to Have 10 winners on it, and i mean, 10 High Quality- Stand the Test of Time Songs that absolutely embodies the Definition of First Class Music.
My Question is... have you heard from Sherwood Lately, the reason i ask is ... i was talking to Danny at Thoughtscape the other day and he has
said that the singer, Sherwood Ball on "Holding onto Love" *the best song IMHO on the album* has 2 solo Cd's but his homepage link where you
can buy them is Dead. I'm Wondering if you are planning to do more work with him in the future and am trying to support that wonderful voice by
buying his solo stuff but to no avail... he is MIA and am wondering if you can track him down for us fans! Thx for your time and lets have
some more "Airplay" Please!!
James Martin
Yo James,
Thanks for the kind words! Regarding Sherwood, the last time I spoke with him he told me he was producing a movie. Regarding recording another pop
album, probably but not sure when.
Later, Jay
Dear Jay,
I think the web-site devoted to your music is wonderful. I have admired your work for so long (my favourite it the 'Friends in Love' album by
Dionne Warwick). Could you tell me how you got the keyboard sound at the beginning of 'A Love So Right'? Also, sorry to sound nerdy, but can I
have a signed photo please?
Thanks!
Jim - England
Yo Jim,
Unfortunately, I do not have promo photos these days.
Regarding the song, "A Love So Right", I do not remember that song on the album - maybe it is under a different name? In
any case, if the song has a FENDER RHODES sound, that is what it is with a BOSS CHORUS on one side of the stereo split.
Later, Jay
Dear Jay,
I own a Neve 1272 Mic Pre and a Summit Compressor and an Apogee A/D going into PT3. I want to
get a vocal sound like SEAL. Do you know what mic and other equipment he records with?
Yo Mike,
I do not have a clue. I guess best to see if there was an interview with the engineer.
How can I try out a bunch of top quality Mics without renting them all.
Set up a mic "shoot out" with all the local studios and engineers.
Hope this helps.
Later, Jay
Hi Jay,
You have been a significant influence on my life (in music), and that includes most of
the musicians associated with you, some of whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
I recently ordered "Future Street" by Pages (import) from amazon.com, but they did not have the other(s)
that you produced. Where can I get them ?, I feel ashamed that it's been nearly 20 yrs since
then, however, music with this class is timeless.
Thanks
Kerry B. Pierce - (Former Drummer)
Yo Kerry,
Thanks for the kind words. Regarding "Future Street", I did not produce this album but I think
it is outstanding! That album was the reason I went after the gig!
Regarding the PAGES album, I have no idea how to find it, my adopted Sister and web master Kerstin may know where to look.
All best, Jay
Hi Jay,
Chris Dimella here I'm going to be in the L.A. area March 7-14 and was wonering if you were playing anywhere. I'm finaly moving out there as you
might rember I moved out to Nashville and my friend it was the biggest mistake of my life but you did try to tell me this and I wish I can
thank you some how. I also wanted to know if you ever played a strat on Al Jerreau or any
other recordings the reason I ask is because you get strat sounds out of your 335 how did you do that.
Thanks for everything you have done for me.
Chris DiMella
Yo Chris,
I rarely play live in LA. If you want to see the hip bands, Check out both Baked Potatoe (Studio City and Hollywood) and LA Va Lee (Studio City).
For the Jarreau records, I seem to remember just using the 335. For the rhythm or single muted note stuff, I used both pickups.
This sound was not enough like a strat meaning I always wanted to come up
with a practical way to pull this off with humbucking pickups but to no avail.
When designing my BOSSA signature guitar, Toshio came up with a way as to pull
this off. When in coil split mode (using both pickups), the neck inside coil
is active and the inside coil of the rear pick is active. This is ass
backwards for the normal way of splitting!
Since the scale is 24 fret, since the pickups are closer together then
with 22 fret scale, since just the inside splits are active, this is like
using the middle and rear pickup on a strat (a great sound)!
Later, Jay
Dear Jay,
I've been a fan of your for many years and I appreciate the opportunity to ask a question about equipment. What did
you use on the wonderful "Peg" solo:
- Guitar and pickup(s)
- Stomp boxes(s)
- Amp
- Speaker Make/Model
- Effects in mix
Thank you very much for you inspiration, your courtesy about sharing your experience, and your huge
ongoing contribution to the world of music.
Sincerely,
Ed. Wool
Yo Ed,
Here the answers to your questions. The guitar was a 1963 335 using the rear pickup. I used an ORANGE SQUEEZER
compressor. The amp was an
early 70's Silver Face Fender Deluxe highly modified by Paul Rivera. The speaker was an Eminence 12". No effects
were used when mixing.
Later, Jay
Can you answer a quick qustion for me what gtr and efx did you use on Al Jarreau's Morrin'.
Thanks,
Chris DiMella
Yo Chris,
I used my main 335 and my fender Deluxe reverb amp for Mornin'. The guitar part is two part harmony. I played
each part separately and doubled each - a total of 4 tracks which I later combined to two recorder tracks. No effect was
used as far as I can remember. - Later, Jay
Subject: The solo no one is talking about!
Okay Jay, here's the thing...
Alot of your music education sounds alot like mine in terms of relative pitch, basic chord structure,
theory, etc. I have been playing guitar since about 1983 and have been a formally trained musician starting in the 5th grade with
a year at Berklee in Boston on alto sax in '84-85. On guitar I mostly play rock and pop right now but I want to take
my guitar practice and playing to a higher level in terms of chord voicings, solo ability, etc. (I graduated H.S.
in '83 to give you a timeline)
NOW! The big question: Everyone on your web site seems to forget your solo in "On The Boulevarde" on "Mecca For
Moderns". ????? I LOVE this solo. (How about the notation for this one?)
The sound was slightly different than other solos, sounding most like the guitar sound you had on the
solo-fills on the "Jarreau" album in "Black and Blues".
What did you use for the "Boulevarde" sound?
Guitar:
Pickup (single or double coil):
Amp(s):
Effects:
Other:
- Guitar: GIBSON 1963 335
- Pickup (single or double coil): Double coil and back pickup
- Amp(s): 1973 Fender Deluxe
- Effects: Orange Squeezer compressor
It has been a few years but I will guess that I used an 949 Eventide Harmonizer set to 105 and a delay line
set to 45 milliseconds. These effects were bussed from the guitar mic signal and added in. The guitar book will show
this set up in full.
In general, this sound was similar to aggressive distortion solos on other albums. Each time I plug in and
play solos, things vary from a "clean sound" (no distortion) to full distortion.
I also appreciate very much how your interact with others here. You make it obvious that whether or not someone
has reached your level of ability or success you treat them as if they had anyway. Very nice. You convey the message very
much that people who play music should just keep on playin' and that first and foremost music should be fun. Work
hard, yes, but have fun.
How about a solo jazz or fusion album soon?! Some tasty intrumentals to let us soak in your cool sound and style?
Thanks tons and keep playing! - James Kusler
P.S. I like your father's story about you at KABC when he did a television show. I am in television as a newscast
director in Boise, ID when I am not messing with my guitars. Did a little TV and plays guitar too! Very cool. :)
I keep thinking of doing a jazz album but have not yet made this a reality. Maybe someday.
Thanks for your questions and kind words James.
Later, Jay
Hi Jay,
Last time I spoke to you was in Sweden/Stockholm 96 at a seminar (the gym where you rehearsed). You told me
how you would trigger the gates via the sync head so that they would not cut the signal.
Lennart Reinander
Yo Lennart,
I remember that day since when doing the seminar, my guitar amp had a blown fuse. Fortunately, I brought
extra fuses. A "road" note: We bring all kinds of spare parts but usually the part you need is missing! The Swedish and
Norwegian people we met on tour were great! All concert audiences were as good as it gets! Most important to say that when
the audience is into the music, the band plays better! This is a human/musical fact!
Regarding your question. For analogue recorders, as you know, the record head is used for a playback head when
overdubbing. This means that the record head can be used as a playback as well. There are three heads on the tape
recorder. From left to right, erase head, record head (sync head for overdubbing), and playback head. Keep in
mind that the record head is positioned before the playback head. What this means is the tape passes over the record
head before passing over the playback head. Since the record head can also be used as a playback head, this allows us to
do a trick meaning we can hear recorded audio in the future. This is the key to the following information.
Unless you have a Studer multi track recorder that offers separate "sync" outputs, you need to wire off the
audio from the sync card as to pick up this audio when in "playback" mode.
Now that you have a hard wire output from the sync card of one track, record an audio signal on this track. A
CD or any random waveform generating source will do. After recording, patch the output of the wired sync output into a
delay line. Patch the output of the delay line into an unused module on the console.
Put the recorder into playback mode. Monitor the normal output of this track in "playback mode" (on the
original track module) as well as the output we patched into another module (patched from the sync head wire to the delay
and then into a console module) and reverse the phase on the this module (delay module). Pan both tracks to full "left
and right".
Now while playing the tape, adjust both levels so they are the same. You will be hearing a "slap back" delay
so do the volume setting by looking that the stereo VU meters meaning even up both sides as to look the same. Now pan
both to both to "center". While playing the tape, move the delay time on the delay line to around 70 milliseconds if
running at 30 IPS.
If 15 IPS, try 140 milliseconds as a starting place.
What we are doing is trying to find the exact distance (in milliseconds) between the record head and the
playback head. As the tape plays, move the delay time until you hear total cancellation. When doing this, while changing the
delay time, if you hear more delay between the two signals, you are adjusting the delay time in the wrong direction.
The Fine Points.
The reason to reverse the phase on the sync head signal is to cancel the audio signal at the point when the delay
setting allows both the playback head and synd head to be sending out sonic information at the exact time.
Note: Whenever two signals are identical and being heard at the exact same
time, reversing the phase of either (inverting hot and neutral (3 wire) or hot and ground (2 wire), will cause cancellation
if the levels are identical. After finishing the test, flip the phase back to normal on that console module.
As mentioned, if the levels are not even for both signals, it will be difficult to know when the cancellation is
happening. Your delay line may not allow for individual millisecond increments as well as 10ths of
milliseconds. For our application (a gate) it is not important to find the exact delay time between the heads. After arriving
at a point you think is perfect or very close, notate the number on a piece of artist tape and place somewhere on the
recorder as to remember when needed.
So now that we know the delay time between the heads, back up the delay time 5 milliseconds. If it was 73
milliseconds, set to 68 milliseconds. This allows the signal to be in the future by 5 milliseconds.
So lets say that we wanted to gate the bass drum when mixing the song. Patch the bass drum tape recorder return
into a gate. Patch the audio output of the gate into the recording console. This covers the audio path of the bass drum.
Now patch the sync head signal that is running through the delay line into the "key" input of the gate. Set the
gate to the "key" mode. The key input is opening up the gate 5 milliseconds early compaired to the playback head. This
process allows the gate to be opened "in the future" which is so much more sonically friendly. If the bass drum signal
was not open in the future, when the bass drum opens the gate on its own, it will chop off the front (transient) of
the signal.
By the way, knowing the distance between the record (sync) and playback head will allow you to perform real phasing
(flanging). Check out the books (when released) for major input on this subject.
When you are using Adats, do you have any cool tricks up your sleeve or should I just give it up and
gate the "normal way"?
This is an easier process if you have two or more ADATS and a BRC. Again, let's use a bass drum
track. This can get complicated since there are a few options but I will explain the easiest way.
You will need one open track on ADAT #2. Offset ADAT #1 machine to be 5 milliseconds in the future. Bounce the
bass drum to ADAT #2 using either analogue or digital. No matter since the in the future signal does not care about hi
fidelity as it will just be used to key a gate.
After bouncing and checking the playback, get rid of the offset meaning both ADATS should be tracking "in time"
meaning no offset time. Now patch the bass drum recorder output (origional) into the gate. Patch the output of the gate
into the console module. Patch the in the future bass drum track on ADAT #2 into "key input" on the gate and set the gate
to key mode.
Regarding gate settings for either application, use a fast attack and fast release in this situation. This is a
guide line since you may want a slightly slower release for a proper cut off time. Most important to set the threshold
to not open the gate when the bass drum is not being hit. Again, so much to say on this subject since the bass drum may
open that gate o account of leakage from other drums. The books will explain in full.
This input is assuming you know at least a fair amount regarding the recording process. The books that Craig
and I are writing will explain this and many other situations in detail. As to run down the basics that go along with
this scenario, it would take 50 pages.
I hope this helps Lennart.
Later, Jay
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