My version of the George Gershwin Classic
Summertime
This tune is is taken from a collection of jazz guitar improvisations
which I did over existing backing tracks.
The album is called My Jazz Guitar Moments
When I put this collection together, the start point was simply a list of titles. Tunes I fancied trying to play over. My task was then to source the backings to use. Some of the final choices came from midi files. Some were wav format files. Most were free, some were purchased
The backing for this particular tune was originally a midi file. The problem was it sounded like it. I imported the midi file into a sequencer and converted the midi format into audio which gave me a fairly realistic sound. I also changed the key from Bb minor
to G minor which made the improv slightly easier to work over.
After a lot of practice I managed to get the guitar line down. It took several attempts, and what you hear is a single take.
The next issue was mixing, I wanted the guitar line to come out
from the backing. But also wanted the backing to have a fuller sound.To accomplish this I placed two guitar
tracks at about 25 on both sides of the stereo field.
Three tracks of the backing were also used.
One in the center and two others at around 55 in the left and
right sides of the stereo field.
This gave me the thickness in sound I was looking for.
My recording procedure is simple. I record using either a PC or mixing desk facilities depending on the project.
For this particular tune the only recording was the guitar line
However under normal conditions my sequence of recording
goes more or less along the route of rhythm guitar guide track.
Percussion track. Bass line, rhythm guitar tracks. Vocals,
then final lead guitar tracks.
Once that stage has been completed I use software based editing
facilities to clean up my recorded tracks.
Any extraneous noises are cleared and
removed to give me a clean track
Mixing and Sequencing software is used to refine my mixes.
I place my cleaned tracks in various places on the stereo field
and listen to the results via headphones.
This process tends to run over several days.
I come back to each one
with a fresh ear so to speak. When I’m satisfied with the mix
I move on to the mastering stage.
For this process a software based mastering suite is employed, which enables me to tweak levels and eq’s with ease. It also offers a series of presets which can be used for specific music styles. This helps me get a clean sounding mix very quickly.
Once the piece had been produced, I will leave it for several days and once again come back to it with a fresh ear. If I like what I have the tune will be published via my website
Hope that explains some of what I do, and a little more
about this tune.
To play the tune click the link below
Summertime
All the best
