The Recording Process.......

The recording are done in many stages.  All piano tracks are recorded at my home studio on my Kawai baby grand.  Reid Rejsa (audio engineer) brought his recording equipment to my home and set up a temporary recording station by my piano.  Reid uses a 16 channel Yamaha mixing board, and the tracks are recorded onto ADATs. All piano tracks were recorded in one afternoon, and the rest of the instruments were added on track by track at various recording sessions at Reid's studio. 

Prior to recording, I had one short rehearsal with each of the musicians (except Tim).  The musician were given the music during rehearsal and the next time I saw them was the time to record at the studio.  Tim and I never got a chance to rehearse.  Not only that, Tim was never given any music scores.... so he basically just played by ear through recording.  :)

Reid's recording equipment

This is my 3rd year working with Reid.  For those who have experienced studio recording understand the benefits of working with an engineer who is familiar with your recording style and needs.  Reid has been extremely helpful in many aspects and If anyone is looking for a good audio engineer, I strongly recommend contacting Reid at  Rejsa Audio Services.

Reid Rejsa

Once all the tracks have been recorded, the mixing began.  Chuck (assistant producer for this album) and I spent many hours cooped up in Reid's studio listening to the tracks over and over again to make sure we get the sounds we like.   And when we needed an extra pair of ears, Taylor (Reid's dog)  was always anxious to help....  :)

Chuck and I don't always agree on everything of course. Reid will be the tie breaker occasionally, but most of the times, I think they just let me get my way...... (which may or may not a good thing :)).
Chuck's thinking there's way too much reverb......
When all mixing is completed, Reid does the finishing touch and I normally get to have a copy of the master recording within a day or two. Then the graphics design and replication process begins.....

Taylor thinks the reverb level is just right......

Reid at work.....