John Gillespie Project Day 4

I realize that I've missed a post for day 3 of this project. Both days 3 and 4 were very similar, though.

As we finish up the early stages of tracking (basic rhythm tracks and main vocals), we have arrived at that fun stage of the recording process. I like to call it the "finishing touches" part. It's in this phase that we add things that we either love or love at the time and then regret loving a few weeks later.

I introduced the idea of adding a "hi-string" guitar to some of the songs. It only really worked well on one of the tunes, "Wondering Why." A hi-string guitar is a guitar that is strung with the upper order of a 12-string set, but only with six strings. That way, you get the sound of a 12 string with the picked accuracy of a regular guitar. Anyone who's played a 12 string knows that it's not exactly a walk in the park to play.

John sang main vocals for three songs and cut bass on two songs. There is only one more song that needs bass. Everything else is about finished. The next session will involve harmony singing and minor overdubs. It seems that everytime I pull out the Reason software, it gets put away. The record is anchored in organic, believable production, which, by modern standards, is both a surprise and a relief. To think that people actually play their instruments now-a-days...