Brubeck's Time Out Session

[tony_tomlinson]

I used to make a monthly run up the coast to a great record store called Lou's Records in Encinitas, California. It was one of those places where it was immediately obvious that musicians helped shape the inventory as you could find obscure titles in almost every genre. Lou's is still there and, despite the fact that it isn't what it used to be, there are still gems to be had.

Two weeks ago I made the trek to Lou's to fill a void in my music collection. I decided I needed more jazz and knew that Time Out was high on my list. I hadn't listened to the record (cd) in years but was absolutely floored by the sound when I finally did hear it in the car on the way home from Lou's. I was particularly moved by the sound of Joe Morello's drums on Take 5 - especially the kick drum bombs in the solo.

In recent days, I have become obsessed with the record. I was pleased to learn that the engineer used only 4 microphones - one for each instrument. If you are into minimal micing techniques, jazz, or just plain cool music check out Time Out. After you listen, read this cool article which features a diagram of how the engineers at Columbia approached the recording. http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/remastering_three_jazz_classics_the_dave_brubeck_quartet_art_pepper_and_son/P1/

I hope someone else out there in TapeOp land hears the record and has the sense of wonderment that I had. In the end, it's that sort of magic that makes music such an amazing form of expression.

Tony

[markjazzbassist]

first off i love brubeck, time out is a masterpiece. what a wonderful article, thanks so much!! I track to 4 track so i really can appreciate the 3 track perspective here, what a cool idea with the far micing technique as well. i'll have to try that to get more air moving.

side note: paul desmond's saxophone tone as "dry as a martini" is simply amazing, i just love the way he plays.

there's an album called "jazz goes to college" and on the first track titled "balcony rock" paul plays this amazing solo where it literally sounds like 2 different saxes soloing, i love that song.
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[vvv]

Somewhat OT, but when certain friends get into legal trouble and are called to testify, they been known to "play Dave Brubeck" (take the fifth).

That babbled, wonderful record, thanks for the link.
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[themagicmanmdt]

awesome!

thanks for sharing the link. had no clue. 4 mics?!? shit.
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[tonewoods]

[blungo2]

Cool stuff! Thanks for the link!

[percussion boy]

Of course the four mics were a c12, a u47, and two m49s, probably into some kind of very pricey hand-wired tube mixer.

But still.
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[Brett Siler]

I love that album! The recording (the drums sounds in particular) is sick. Great band in an awesome sounding room, recorded with amazing mics into a nice console and tape machine by good engineers= phenomenal sounding record!
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[JeroenRansijn]

Hi,

I am new to the forum, but I thought it is nice to share my experience as a engineer in spec.
I am a student in The Hague , Netherlands.

Tomorrow I will be doing a session recording like Brubeck.
It consists of a Trio: Piano, electric guitar and Double bass.

My goal is to have the same sound, at least try to come close to it with a couple of different mics. 1 set of tube mics, 1 non tube and 1 set all neumanns (87/89).
Trying to pick the best sunning ones, but also the best microphone placement.
It will be in a theater hall, and I can control the reverb with curtains all around the hall.

Meybey its fun too post my result of this session here?

Let me know.

[losthighway]

Welcome to Tapeop.

It's always great to share what you're working on. I would like to hear it.
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[Gregg Juke]

Please do post some clips from your session...

Random Joe Morello tip of the day: Find a half-dollar coin, and spin it on your floor tom.

GJ

[JeroenRansijn]

Cool, I will post some results soon

[Int'l Feel]

Brubeck. He's an artist, a pioneer.

[dwlb]