trying to become a better producer

[backtalkunlimited]

REPLY TO MAZZ: So, I listened to your beautiful ballad. First, I listened with a composer/musician's ears rather than those of an audio engineer; what impresses me most is your chording conception. Then, with producer's ears: The Boesendofer does a splendid job. The drum loops are very realistic. Only the bass could stand some improvement; I actually prefer the sound of GM acoustic bass over that which you derived from Kontakt2, but I'll be the first to admit that it's a matter of personal preference - chacun à son goût, as they say.In return (that'll teach ya!), I have posted another arrangement on http://thorpe.bravehost.com entitled "Llewellyn's Lleap" (mp3 file, 320 kbps), a simple 12-bar blues that features an extended bari sax solo backed by acoustic piano, bass, and drum with added clap-track (hadda do it - just couldn't help myself!). Piano and bass utilize GM soundfonts. Pursuant to your suggestion, I was careful to avoid overloading the sax track. Indeed, I'll be interested to receive your comments concerning distortion (or, hopefully, absence thereof) on "Llewellyn".On a related topic: Space restrictions dictate that FantomX7 must occupy a room other than my studio, i. e., the room in which my desktop computer is located. To circumvent this problem, I believe that I can connect Fantom to my laptop computer if I attach an external sound card, like my inexpensive Creative SoundBlaster Audio 2NX, that will accept "line in" (my laptop only accepts a microphone input at present). If this works, then I'll start exploring Fantom's sounds, hopefully in a productive manner. Then our motto will become: ABGM (Anything But General Midi!).Meanwhile, I'll google some of the software that you mentioned - the ever popular Boesendorfer 290 (don't forget the umlaut!) and also Jazzistic. I'm still thinking hard about Colossus. Other suggestions?? - always welcomed!Next, I'll need to investigate ways in which I might submit my offerings with the objective of "landing a deal with a music library". But, first things first.Thanks again for continuing advice and succor.Alan (backtalkunlimited)

[mazz]

Alan, I finally got to your piece, sorry it took so long.I think this is the best sounding piece of yours I've heard so far. I wasn't enamored of the clap track but that's probably a matter or personal taste.This piece is pretty submittable in my opinion. I would suggest editing the intro so you get to the sax quicker and maybe shortening the sax solo and adding a piano solo. Most pro listeners (potential clients) would probably want to hear the melody and sax quicker. In a club, one or two choruses before the head is cool but for library pitching, get righ to the point.Keep up the good work!Mazz