Recording El Porro — Angus Neil

Removing a buzzing string end

The microphones were so sensitive that every little vibration from the guitar was recorded.

Angus pretends to be cool

Peter the producer for this endeavour, just had to take a picture of me trying to look cool.

Always tuning

Guitars are so sensitive to moisture and temperature that they are always going out of tune. I had to constantly tune the guitar.

Peter smiles while the engineer works hard

Peter is great, as a producer, musician and photographer. He ensures that we have a record of the event. I tend to be a bit camera shy.

This looks interesting

I am always fascinated by all the gear in a studio. We each have a part to play when recording, and it takes many years and hours to hone our skills.

Miguel brings the house down

Miguel Valdes is an amazing horn player, and we are so lucky to have him. His creativity and improvisation skills are incredible.

Miguel flirts with the melody

The piece El Marabino is a wonderful showcase for what Miguel can do! It was arranged to use his creativity.

Peter is working it

Peter is so dedicated to this project, I don't know what I will do without him. He is so detail oriented, and he pushes me to my limit, and is super positive.

Shall we use that cap thing?

We are deciding what is the best tone to use with the trumpet, should it be muted or left open. Hmmmm

Recording Session

I am trying to get ready for recording, calm my nerves and to play a few chords. I have practiced 1,000 times but it never seems enough.

Instructions from the producer

Ok, so the melody is not standing out, so I have to emphasize that. It is sounding to forced, like I am struggling. OMG! Give me a break.

Practicing before the session

I am running through the pieces slowly to ensure that I have everything good, and that my brain is primed for it.

Miguel is giving it some horn

The more I hear Miguel play the more I want to hear him play. He is so amazing, and has a great sense of humour and very humble.

Focusing on playing expressively

I took in all the suggestions from the producer and now I am trying to integrate them while playing.

Many, many microphones

So I have never seen so many different types of microphones, it made me nervous, knowing that they will even pick up my heart beat!

Miguel's turn

Miguel is look at the chart and trying to figure out what the hell I wrote.

What are all those buttons for

A recording studio is like a spaceship to me.

More and more recording

These are very exhausting sessions that go on and on.