Mr. & Mrs. Flat-9 Promo #1

[flat-9]

How about this Ralph....
The instruments have a "Studio" sound and feel to them, rich strings, nice piano/clav/assorted sounds, but the vocals sound like they are "live" in a giant hall.

Your wife has a wonderful voice. I would echo the want for some different material.

I'd love to hear her sing a gospel tune.

BTW..... I listened to almost every note you produced at the jamfest..........your my new hero also!!!

I hope to have the chance to play a few tunes with you at the next one!

Joel

It would be a gas to trade some 4's w/ you @ the next fest!!

I'm hip to the giant hall verb......and you are hip to mention the Gospel style as in my opinion.....she has that stuff flowing from her soul!

hero???????what a nice compliment!!!! Where can I here some of that fest stuff????? There were quite a few nice players there!

Did I read somewhere that Doc recorded the whole thing? I'll check the other threads.

Thanks for the listen & well rec'd words!

 

[flat-9]

'best for last'

Vocals are quite plosive in places. Better mic choice or placement might fix that. They are also very lacking in high end definition, kinda 'muffly' sounding. The kick drum is disproportionately loud in comparison, to what I assume is supposed to be a rimshot.
As for the playing, I'd say it would be hard to avoid the 'mechanical' aspect of this: 1) all sample based 2) the type of song that doesn't lend itself towards a lot of 'feel' anyway.

'black velvet'

I remember when this tune came out, was a great radio hit. Myles has a much heavier/gruffer voice than your wife on this rendition. I can't help but compare the two mentally in my minds eye. Her vocal approach for this style just isn't strong enough, i.e. - This style of music is not something that lends itself very well to her vocal timbre / quality. This has a 'karaoke' quality to the backing tracks, the drum machine brings that out big time. Backup vocals noticeably off pitch in places.

Interesting interpretations, enjoyed listening.

Emeric,

Thanks,
Like I've said previously, It's posts like these that keep me coming back.....direct and with a positive constructive critique. Yeah, I should consider breaking down & getting a condensor mic....or try chrisharris' suggestions of singing sideways into the SM58....

Both these tunes need some serious remixing & humanizing!

Thanks again!

 

[flat-9]

She's a good singer for sure. But I think Middleman and mixmkr nailed the recording/mix issues. If I may be honest, I really wish it was a different song...I really can't stand that one. Good job nonetheless!

Hey friend!

Thanks for the listen!

Yeah, Mid & Mix & a fewothers def gave us the lowdown on how to get these cleaner.....

I'm up for gigs this weekend in your neck of the woods, alas pretty straight out. We'll jam soon..... last time I was up there, you were fly-fishing...catch any good ones?

Peace

 

[flat-9]

On Velvet... I can't add much to what's been said. Nice singing. But mix got it - no high's to it. Some plosives here and there.

I liked the instrumentation. Perfect for a song like this. All sounded smooth and pretty.

The low harmonies kind of dominated the lead just a bit. Honestly, I think if your wife sang the harmonies too it'd sound smoother. Sorry.

My thoughts..

And your thoughts are always appreciated!

Shit....what a great idea....have Mari harmonize herself on some of these.............hmmmnnnn.

peace

 

[flat-9]

I am a doof-uss..........................
I don't know shit..........
but,.................
I liked it.......a little on the cannned sounding side of things but I know Ralph played it.....maybe too perfectly...
Too perfectly....is there such a thing that a human can do??

The missus has a great tone to her voice my friend and the playing is perfect..................ya know?
I always liked the tune too
Joe

Joe,

If you EVER put yourself down like that again.....I've just gonna have to drive across town ..........and bitchsla....er, well... you are pretty tough lookin..... hmnnnnn.

Seriously friend, your studio rocks and you know how to utilize those wonderful toys of yours!

All I know is how to work my 10 fingers.......but I'm learning from cats like you!

Boy, cool playing @ the fest man!

 

[flat-9]

well my review really wasn't much of a review....sorry Ralph...


so I got up early today and will try again....
after several listens and listening while I type...here is what I think my friend...

On both tunes...
There is definitely too much verb on Mari's vox...
your harmony vox on both also is a bit too loud and crowds Mari's lead vox...needs to further away in the stereo field...I don't think your choose of mics works with Mari's voice...
if you like...you can borrow my Rode and/or my new Octava..
I have a pop filter too....your's for the taking man...if ya want them..anytime you like man...Mari's voice is seriously warm....maybe a different mic would be cool...ya know?
concerning the playing and arrangement....spot on timing...
perfect playing......sheesh...you are a monster man.....cool arrangement...I really liked the guitar patches on Velvet....


that's about all I can say with my limited knowledge here man....
Later Ralph,
Joe

Joe,

your first post was fine!

This one rocks!
Yeah , I'm hip to All your comments!!!!I may take you up on the Rode or Octava for a couple of sessions ......I'll Pm you ........I think it may be time to keep my SM-58s in the "gig-bag" and out of the studio .....

Peace my good brother who's only a stones throw away!

 

[rpe]

flat-9,

I'm certainly no expert so all I can do is offer my personal preferences. I loved the first song (Saved) but believe you could really add some drama by adding some tom fills and generally adding some more life to the drums. On Black Velvet I would suggest you tone down your backing vocals a bit. You are certainly both very talented and sound like you love what you're doing.

blessings,

rpe