Mr. & Mrs. Flat-9 Promo #1

[flat-9]

Gotta post my reply here........I was a bit breif in the e-mail. I think Mari could sing opera if she wanted to. She has very good control and a very strong voice. Actually, I didn't realize you two gigged together............ I couldn't do that with my uh..... better half. You get EXTRA points just for that! Of course, the keys are flawless as usual. Mix comments have already been covered by others who are far more qualified than me. Damn.... all that from a $100 Yamaha?


bd

EXCUSE ME MARK!!!!!!!

$129.95 for that Yamahahahahahahhahhahahahahahhaha

I'll PM U real soon re: your beautiful song, "Long Time Dry" that I am thrilled to collab w/ you! Thank you for your patience as this has been an extremely busy year.

Peace,
Ralph

 

[flat-9]

The vocal really bothers me.

Can you say pop filter. That would eliminate the boominess. Also a light limiter on the vocal to control the transients. You need to push the 3K area a couple of db.

Run a 2nd vocal track push the 4K area about 5 db very narrow Q. Put this through a compress at 6:1 -10db threshold attack fast, release longer. Bring this whole track up slightly under the original.

The vocal would pop out more.

There are some other issues but this should keep you busy. I liked her voice very much but it sounds like the headphones for tracking were too low in volume for her voice and she went flat in a couple of place as a result.

VERY INFORMATIVE & Well REC'D!!!!!!!

This kind of response is what keeps me coming back to this board!! Back in 2002, prior to coming here, I knew "jack" about recording! Still don't....... but because of "keepers" like this.....I'm a good student!

Thanks 'M'man!

 

[mixmkr]

the vocals, albeit sung well, are dark and muddy sounding and sound like they are cut off at 5kHz. Needs some air to them. They are lacking in high end so much, her breaths are even filtered out.

The music does sound mechanically generated, and I can appreciate the comment that said so. I think the whole music production could benefit from a wider stereo image and just more 'punch' to the instruments. The dynamics are gone, but I relate that to the recording and not the playing....and electronic keyboards too.

Think "smack...in your face" kinda sound...especially with those drums in "Velvet" to get your ass up and moving to the beat....especially that 'canned' snare. Maybe that's not your goal, but I think that's what I'D like to hear!!

no problem with the musicianship, other than the very strict metronomish quality that seems to be.... Just needs the boost in the sonic side of things.

 

[joro]

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

 

[TripleM]

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..

 

[SLuiCe]

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!

 

[Emeric]

'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.

 

[jcmm]

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

 

[Village Idiot]

Hey Ralphie Boy:

I am trying to download this, but it is moving slower than Barbara Walters in a house of ill repute.

There must be a prob with Nowhere Radio, as I have a Cable fast line. A few probs getting the Nowhereradio site to connect, too.

I love you, Waldo..And I know you are working on NWR4, so no need to apologise.

I'll give it a listen when the download works!!!

You are a serrrious playa!


VI

 

[Village Idiot]

Got IT!


I'll start out by being one of those guys who echos the sentiment about not liking these two songs....But as a musician I can easily seperate that from a subjective review.

I had the privledge of jammin with Ralphie at the Jamfest, so I can tell you that this guy does not "sample" stuff.

He is a true musician, even down to his cocky tude!

Now...On to the tunes...

Mari's vocals are clean, and her voice very good.
I don't think these songs are for her vocal stylings...I bet she can sing Folk or Light Jazz tunes much better. But a nice voice nonetheless...

Excellent phrasings on the keyboards..Not too heavy-handed, and well-placed chords.

My beef?.....That "pulsating" noise that is constant through both songs (Compressor?) would have killed me had I worn a pacemaker. Very distracting.

Am looking forward to hearing you & Mari do a tune together, more in a "Jazzier" vein.

Bet it would smoke.


VI

 

[skids]

flat-
Composition and playing on both are very nice of course. Mix comments from others have covered the concerns, plus they know more than me.

My only complaint/comment is I think your wifes voice/style is not really suited to these songs (especially Black Velvet). I would like to hear some light jazz/contemporary songs from the two of you. Even though I really don't like that style, I think you guys would nail it.

I mainly just wanted to jump in a say nice work!

 

[flat-9]

A New Life... very inspirational, and from a very cool wholesome perspective.

Hey Ken,

I missed that statement 1st time 'round.. Thanks friend.

I never posted that tune @ the clinic as it's an old analogue recording that I put up on nowhere for a couple of my parish members that wanted copies..

Thanks again & peace to you and yours!

 

[flat-9]

perhaps I failed to mention as well, as it`s almost a usual given thing with Dr Funaro , "the tracking of the parts is wickedly fukkin awesomely amazing".

That's WFAA ........hmnnnn....I Likey!!!!!

Thanks, man

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Ok! That's it! You convinced me.

Tomorrow, I sell my business and throw myself into studying that no'tation jazz!

If I become half as good as you, I'll consider myself blessed!

Peace!

 

[flat-9]

the vocals, albeit sung well, are dark and muddy sounding and sound like they are cut off at 5kHz. Needs some air to them. They are lacking in high end so much, her breaths are even filtered out.

The music does sound mechanically generated, and I can appreciate the comment that said so. I think the whole music production could benefit from a wider stereo image and just more 'punch' to the instruments. The dynamics are gone, but I relate that to the recording and not the playing....and electronic keyboards too.

Think "smack...in your face" kinda sound...especially with those drums in "Velvet" to get your ass up and moving to the beat....especially that 'canned' snare. Maybe that's not your goal, but I think that's what I'D like to hear!!

no problem with the musicianship, other than the very strict metronomish quality that seems to be.... Just needs the boost in the sonic side of things.

Ya Mix,

All your reviews of my stuff go into a special "mixmkr" folder and all specific suggestions are followed.......

You are the potter.....I am the clay!

Thanks dude!

 

[flat-9]

Ok! That's it! You convinced me.

Tomorrow, I sell my business and throw myself into studying that no'tation jazz!

If I become half as good as you, I'll consider myself blessed!

Peace!

LMAO!!!!

Peace to you also! Welcome to the clinic!

Ralph Funaro

 

[flat-9]

flat-
Composition and playing on both are very nice of course. Mix comments from others have covered the concerns, plus they know more than me.

My only complaint/comment is I think your wifes voice/style is not really suited to these songs (especially Black Velvet). I would like to hear some light jazz/contemporary songs from the two of you. Even though I really don't like that style, I think you guys would nail it.

I mainly just wanted to jump in a say nice work!

Thanks Skids,

I agree w/ you 100%, Mari DOES nail the light jazz/ softer contemporary genres ..........she's got a real sweet gospel / contemporary Christian thing happening too.

Peace

 

[flat-9]

I had the privledge of jammin with Ralphie at the Jamfest, so I can tell you that this guy does not "sample" stuff.

He is a true musician, even down to his cocky tude!
Now...On to the tunes...

Mari's vocals are clean, and her voice very good.
I don't think these songs are for her vocal stylings...I bet she can sing Folk or Light Jazz tunes much better. But a nice voice nonetheless...

Excellent phrasings on the keyboards..Not too heavy-handed, and well-placed chords.

My beef?.....That "pulsating" noise that is constant through both songs (Compressor?) would have killed me had I worn a pacemaker. Very distracting.

Am looking forward to hearing you & Mari do a tune together, more in a "Jazzier" vein.

Bet it would smoke.

VI

VI,
What cocky tude?????Just shittin ya! LMAO!

Yeah, Mari's def got it happening in the light jazz genre!

But.....we gotta do some other stuff on this promo to keep the clients & agents happy...... on a live gig , the pulsating constant distraction is not there as the compession is not neccessary. She usually does the Faith Hill, Norah Jones style and I belt out the blues and rock stuff...................Boy do I have ALOT to learn about this recording shit!

Peace VI.......what a pleasuse to play w/ you @ the fest!!!!

 

[flat-9]

I had the privledge of jammin with Ralphie at the Jamfest, so I can tell you that this guy does not "sample" stuff.

He is a true musician, even down to his cocky tude!
Now...On to the tunes...

Mari's vocals are clean, and her voice very good.
I don't think these songs are for her vocal stylings...I bet she can sing Folk or Light Jazz tunes much better. But a nice voice nonetheless...

Excellent phrasings on the keyboards..Not too heavy-handed, and well-placed chords.

My beef?.....That "pulsating" noise that is constant through both songs (Compressor?) would have killed me had I worn a pacemaker. Very distracting.

Am looking forward to hearing you & Mari do a tune together, more in a "Jazzier" vein.

Bet it would smoke.

VI

VI,
What cocky tude?????Just shittin ya! LMAO!

Yeah, Mari's def got it happening in the light jazz genre!

But.....we gotta do some other stuff on this promo to keep the clients & agents happy...... on a live gig , the pulsating constant distraction is not there as the compession is not neccessary. She usually does the Faith Hill, Norah Jones style and I belt out the blues and rock stuff...................Boy do I have ALOT to learn about this recording shit!

Peace VI.......what a pleasuse to play w/ you @ the fest!!!!

 

[flat-9]

I had the privledge of jammin with Ralphie at the Jamfest, so I can tell you that this guy does not "sample" stuff.

He is a true musician, even down to his cocky tude!
Now...On to the tunes...

Mari's vocals are clean, and her voice very good.
I don't think these songs are for her vocal stylings...I bet she can sing Folk or Light Jazz tunes much better. But a nice voice nonetheless...

Excellent phrasings on the keyboards..Not too heavy-handed, and well-placed chords.

My beef?.....That "pulsating" noise that is constant through both songs (Compressor?) would have killed me had I worn a pacemaker. Very distracting.

Am looking forward to hearing you & Mari do a tune together, more in a "Jazzier" vein.

Bet it would smoke.

VI

VI,
What cocky tude?????Just shittin ya! LMAO!

Yeah, Mari's def got it happening in the light jazz genre!

But.....we gotta do some other stuff on this promo to keep the clients & agents happy...... on a live gig , the pulsating constant distraction is not there as the compession is not neccessary. She usually does the Faith Hill, Norah Jones style and I belt out the blues and rock stuff...................Boy do I have ALOT to learn about this recording shit!

Peace VI.......what a pleasuse to play w/ you @ the fest!!!!