Author Topic: Making the Record  (Read 1144 times)

Offline Noel

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Making the Record
« on: February 03, 2015, 09:12:48 am »
Hello everyone!

When Walt Stagner asked me if I’d like to try to make a record of the Beach Boys music we played at the 2014 Ventures Fan Fest, I said, “Yes!” Now what?

Most participants in The Ventures Play The Beach Boys Jam indicated they were interested in being on the recording, depending on when and where. Everyone agreed there was no way to accomplish this by year’s end, so we decided to aim for the first half of 2015.

Tentative timing has moved from April to no earlier than June. Before I invest in suitable recording equipment for producing a really good-sounding CD, I need to know if there is still sufficient interest. Based on an April to May time-frame, at least 10 of us wanted to participate if they could. To ensure we are able to make the most of this opportunity, I’d like to propose inviting any and all who want to play on this record to come and be part of it. Is this acceptable? I believe it is the only way to ensure we have enough players. As everyone may remember, not everyone has to play on every song. That’s part of the fun of it, but anyone can play along to as many songs as you want to.

If a primary date of June 20 or 21 is set in Cleveland, Ohio, with a backup date of June 27 or 28 if necessary, who is willing to commit to be there ready to play and record? Participation will decide if Saturdays or Sundays are chosen. The more people willing and able to participate, the more likely we will be able to have a very enjoyable and successful recording session. Assuming we all play the songs we played before, extra musicians can fill in gaps and add to the ensemble sound we had that night.

I am prepared to acquire all the necessary recording gear to ensure we sound terrific, as long as enough people commit to participate. But if you have a favorite mic for recording your instrument, please feel free to bring it along with your mic stand; just let me know. So, given the location and date(s) who really wants to do this? Are we gonna make a record?

Happy Trails!
Noel

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Offline Noel

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2015, 10:22:48 am »
If you're unfamiliar with The Ventures Play The Beach Boys from the 2014 Ventures East Coast Fan Fest, here's a sample.



or here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHeE2YcuxBE&list=PLkBe9XRqc5RmfsQKn0wOVap7O5Ixa9oU7&index=9
« Last Edit: February 03, 2015, 01:39:00 pm by wstagner »

Offline wstagner

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2015, 01:37:04 pm »
Drivin to Cleveland for BS is doable.  I think we can get at least 3 out of 4 of us to doit.


Offline ComputerDoctor

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2015, 02:07:42 pm »
I'll have you know that after the show, last FanFest, I found and bought a very loud flowery button up shirt to have and wear for the next gig!

Offline wstagner

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2015, 02:39:20 pm »
Your COVER CHARGE for '015 just DOUBLED but
Lucia's rate won't change & we're even tempted
to reduce that at least $1.00!
« Last Edit: February 03, 2015, 02:55:24 pm by tabalt11 »

Offline Noel

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2015, 10:27:33 am »
Hello everyone,

I've conveyed this idea to a couple of us but think it's something that we all need to discuss, or at least think about. The question is, just how much time and effort will it take to make this record? The answer depends on just what benchmark we are aiming for.

The idea I have is to go back to the early days of instrumental and surf music, when the new groups were literally garage bands; just a bunch of enthusiastic kids playing and recording in their parents garages or basements. The musicianship varied, but the enthusiasm was off the charts. Not musical perfection, but a whole lot of fun.

My goal is to recapture the fun we had back in October, with the added benefit of rehearsing together all our songs' intros and outros before we play, rehearsing each song once or twice, and ensuring that everyone is heard in the mix. We couldn't fix these things back then, but we can now. I'd even like to record some of the conversation that takes place, false starts, laughter and all, and put the best of everything on the CD.

Anyway, that's my vision. Not to produce a perfect record, but to have the most fun we can, making a record we'll all enjoy listening to again and again, just because it's so much fun.

I'm eager to get feedback, and find out who wants to be part of it.

Happy Trails!
Noel

Offline wstagner

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #6 on: February 05, 2015, 03:43:32 pm »
Speaking for Bongo Straits, fun is certainly important (we don't need another "job") but we would treat this recording project as seriously as any other studio project that we would undertake.

Using the 2014 Fan Fest as a reference, I'm certain we could record 8-10 toons near perfectly in one 8 hr recording session, provided that those participating rehearse prior to the recording.

I think we also need to ask what will be done with the end result, other than just giving a copy to all who participate.
« Last Edit: February 05, 2015, 03:48:03 pm by wstagner »

Offline ComputerDoctor

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2015, 01:11:41 pm »
You could certainly put up a site and sell the digital tracks!  Income could offset the Fanfest costs or go towards a deserving charity or towards a door prize (including a raffel).  Free is no good, free is never appreciated.

Offline Noel

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2015, 11:39:29 am »
Hello everyone,

It is now time for everyone who is willing and able to commit to being in Cleveland on June 21 and possibly June 28 (only if necessary to finish) to post here and say you will. I don't see us needing a second day, but it's best to be prepared.

So just reply with a Yes or No, and what songs you want to play. If you played in October and will be playing the same songs/instruments again, just say so. If you're new to this project, just indicate where you want to fit in. I have to know with certainty who will actually be there to make this record.

Here's the list of songs from the Fan Fest.

Surfin’ Safari
409
Surfin’ USA
Surfer Girl
Little Deuce Coupe
Fun, Fun, Fun
I Get Around
Don’t Worry Baby
Help Me Rhonda
California Girls
Sloop John B
Good Vibrations
Do It Again

I hope everyone who can, will be part of this. It ought to be a lot of fun. Thanks!

Happy Trails!
Noel

Offline tabalt11

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2015, 11:57:39 am »
Noel so happy you're 'still' on board with this project.

As noted before, I will certainly make the drive out to
give moral support & would also have no problem
being a second drummer for SURFER GIRL & HELP ME
RHONDA.   

I understand Dennis Cote from Newark, Del would be
tagging along & helping out with the driving.   That
way we'd have some driving labeled 'superior' & some
labeled 'pathetic.' 

Offline wstagner

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2015, 12:08:04 pm »
One or more of Bongo Straits is in. Just need confirmation of specific time and recording location.

Offline Noel

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2015, 12:44:37 pm »
"One or more of Bongo Straits is in. Just need confirmation of specific time and recording location."

I understand your point completely. I also see it's dropped from 3 out 4 Bongos. I understand that, too. It becomes a chicken and egg problem. I can't commit to where and when without knowing if enough people are committing to participate.

I assume the day will start early with setup and sound check, followed immediately by making a quick test recording to verify setup and levels at the recorder for everyone. Then, one by one, we rehearse each song's intros and outros prior to recording, so we know how to start and end it, play it a couple of times to solve problems and tighten up, and then we record the performance. Maybe best of three, max. Then on to the next song.

Done like this, very close to the jam in October but adding in some run-throughs and replays, each songs ought to take no more than one hour on the long side. Probably less. It's a live jam we're performing, not a perfect studio session. Unless everyone wants to come back the next Sunday, we ought to be able to finish in twelve hours from when we finish the sound check. The worst case is a day about as long as the entire Fan Fest.

But planning on the following Sunday in case there are problems and delays is a good idea, because not planning for it means we won't be able to finish, if we need the extra time.

Offline wstagner

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2015, 09:28:25 pm »
We need more than just the bongos and Noel to make this a "go".

Offline Noel

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #13 on: March 19, 2015, 09:02:41 am »
I'll be updating the song list with the names of everyone who commits to taking part. Look for the first update shortly.

Offline Noel

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Re: Making the Record
« Reply #14 on: March 19, 2015, 09:08:37 am »
Here's where we stand as of now.

Surfin’ Safari: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

409: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

Surfin’ USA: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

Surfer Girl: Druns - Tom B., Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

Little Deuce Coupe: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

Fun, Fun, Fun: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

I Get Around: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

Don’t Worry Baby

Help Me Rhonda: Drums - Tom B., Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

California Girls: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel

Sloop John B

Good Vibrations: Acoustic bass & cello parts - Noel

Do It Again: Acoustic rhythm guitar - Noel