MUSIC PRODUCTION
Mixing
“A good mix is the transparent glue that holds music together. This is achieved through careful consideration, a solid sense of balance, and above all, an open mind.”
Gabe has engineered numerous groups in a variety of genres ranging from classical string quartets to modern rock, pop, country, progressive, to contemporary world beat music. He has mixed several recordings for various record labels including Universal, Blackground Records and Cuneiform Records to name a few. His client’s work has been featured by radio programs such as NPR’s “Fresh Air”, ABC (Australian National Public Radio) as well as aired on national T.V. broadcast network and cable channels such as NBC and MTV.
Gabe has taught specialized classes on mixdown at Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts as well as at the Hartt School of Music.
If you would like a quote or consultation regarding a current or future mix project, please contact Gabe directly by emailing him at gabe@gabeherman.com.
Here are some featured projects from the past couple of years...
"Orly" Music by Orly Foreman and Yagel Sulchiner
Released 2011
Click on Photo to sample this CDIn the winter of 2011, with the help of producer and engineer Gabe Herman, Orly and Yagel recorded their first E.P. at the Powerstation in New England. It snowed the entire three days that they were there, and as they watched the world turn white from the studio windows, they felt they were in a cozy world of their own.
“During those magical days, we felt that the recording captured not only the sound of our music, but also the essence of our relationship and our journey together.” --Orly
Review of the track – “Options” from Bostonbandcrush.com:
"Keeping your options open is a fairly easy-going thing to do. Hey, you wanna go out tonight? Ehhhh I’ll keep my options open. See? Orly & Yagel’s “Options” captures that easy-going essence in style, presenting the listener with a go-with-the-flow attitude that is as infectious as it is carefree sounding. This track sort of lopes along the road at its own pace, lending out a hand for anyone to join for however long. This song takes ‘er easy via its mix of reassuring rhythm and the calm sunshine of the vocal melody.
The vocals do keep “Options” open; Orly Foreman has a pleasant voice; as if she sings every line through a shy half-smile. Her voice is reminiscent of Zooey Deschanel’s, in that it is timeless-sound. You hear her sing, and you forget what year it is. The arrangement doesn’t help with this temporal displacement – it sounds like Burt Bacharach is situated somewhere nearby, grinning effervescently, despite the fact that raindrops might keep fallin’ on his head. This track dances through the raindrops – not between them. “Options” somehow manages to sound very, very satisfied with itself, without ever seeming smug. How do you pull that one off, song?
The entire arrangement manages to sound like it came from somewhere old timey, yet right around the block. Like somewhere, women in fancy gowns are still singing into bullet-head microphones in front of tiered horn sections. But that somewhere doesn’t sound as if it is too far away, either – Orly & Yagel are definitely children of the modern world. They just have this particular essence about them – “easy listening” has such a stigma to it, yet it is very, very easy to listen to “Options.” Go figure." ~ C.D. Di Guiardia of BostonBandCrush.org
---------------------------
"Who Knew Charlie Shoe?" Music by Guitarist Richard Leo Johnson, and Drummer Gregg Bendian
Released 2007 on Cuneiform Records.
http://www.amazon.com/Knew-Charlie-Shoe-Gregg-Bendian/dp/B000UPCDQO
Recently, I completed the mix of Who Knew Charlie Shoe, an amazing record by my friend Richard Leo Johnson and Gregg Bendian. This is the second record I've done for Richard, the first record was called "The Legend of Vernon McAlister"(also on Cuneiform).So far, Charlie has been met with rave reviews, and the project was a total pleasure to work on. Read some of what the critics are saying:
"Richard Leo Johnson's style on the acoustic guitar is marked by emotional depth, complexity and hauntingly unfamiliar harmonies. Percussionist Gregg Bendian is the leader of The Mahavishnu Project and Interzone. They have toured together in the past, opening for King Crimson, among others, but this is their first recording together."
This record is an extension of the music and story of Vernon McAlister and his music's influence on the people he encountered, which started on Richard's last record, The Legend of Vernon McAlister. As on that album, Richard has taken on a character's role in order to 'get inside' of the music. Charlie is a self-taught guitarist from Marked Tree, Arkansas who has developed his own way of playing the guitar, after a chance encounter with Vernon. "Junk Fish" was a successful drummer in the 1970s, but was eventually a casuality of the rock and roll lifestyle. He sold his drums, moved to Marked Tree and works in the salvage yard where he and Charlie met. Richard and Gregg work with "junk" percussion, cheap guitars purchased off eBay, field recordings and simple tape effects to make a kaleidoscopic, down-home, psychedelic experience. In a few spots, Gregg's non-standared percussion instruments are reminscent of the Harry Partch instruments, and the music that resembles the imaginary meeting of Harry Partch and John Fahey!
"...an arsenal of unusual playing and production techniques...filled with strong melodies..." - All About Jazz
"You can hear jazz, blues, folk and classical at times, but the lasting impression is how meaningful and heartfelt every note sounds; this is endless invention in the service of a private yet compelling beauty." - JazzTimes
"Johnson is perhaps the real heir to the throne left empty when John Fahey died. His acoustic guitar playing is subtly virtuosic, and his music is informed by everything from Stravinsky to folk music to acid rock. Drummer Bendian reveals another side of his colorful, experimental nature." - John Schaefer /WNYC
--------------------------------
"Bounce" Music by pianist, Bill Champitto
Released in 2009. www.billchampitto.com
At the beginning of this summer, I had a chance to work with the very talented and extremely musical Bill Champitto on his solo record, "Bounce". We're very pleased with the way the record turned out and so far, it's been getting a lot of great attention. Please, take a minute, and check out Bill's site and give the record a try...I think you'll love it!
Some Reviews:
".. I can speak to passion and commitment - picking one thing and doing it better than anyone else. I pick up on Bill Champitto’s passion through a couple of quick listens, I think it is safe to say Bill knows what he is doing."-The Verve
"“Masterful.…. well crafted and excellent... Bill has a soulful voice filled with a great ebb and flow. His vocals are tight and thoughtful. Its a great R&B … may be the best I have heard.“"-The J, GarageBand.com, Sept 2008
"I love the music, Bill is a classic. In the long run his efforts will take him a long way."-Jason (Airomee Wind), The Que 98.2 FM Online Smooth Jazz Radio
"Bill's music is excellent, crossing a lot of stylistic boundaries, a little like Les McCann without copying him or anyone else. I think he will do well. "-Scott Yanow, Jazz Critique/Contributor, Jazziz, Jazz Times (the Archivist column), Coda, the Los Angeles Jazz Scene, etc...
"A Better Way" Wonderfully funky vibe, this has a great feel indeed. Thoughtful lyrics and arrangement. Excellent work. -16th Annual Billboard Magazine Song Contest (2009), Billboard Magazine
___________________________
"Wisdom" Music by The Max Klau Band
Released, 2009. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/maxklau
"I am so proud of what TMKB accomplished on this record. Truly, the songwriting is excellent, and the studio performances were outstanding. The record is wonderful, and I'm proud to have worked with these guys on this project!" ~Gabe
About the Group: The Max Klau Band plays smart, soulful folk music that rocks. "Wisdom" is the band’s first full album, and it captures Max’s thoughtful lyrics and the improvisational energy of the band’s live shows.
Many artists today sing about brotherhood and unity with a false sense of honesty. Max, however, has tried his best to walk the talk. A true man of the world, his commitment to making the world a better place has taken him to Israel, Ghana, Honduras, Ukraine, Egypt, Greece and elsewhere. These real-life adventures have inspired and influenced his music for over 15 years.
Klau spent many years playing saxophone in rock bands (he’s still known as “Max on Sax” in some circles). It was during college that he grew weary of playing horn solos over other people’s songs. Rather than quit, he picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play the riff’s he heard in his head. He continued practicing as he travelled the globe.
In 2007, Klau, now settled in Boston, sat down with bassist Andrew Berne for the first rehearsals of what would become the Max Klau Band. The duo soon added violinist Katie Quann, keyboardist Bill Champitto and drummer Marcus Stewart to create The Max Klau Band.
In just over two years of playing the clubs of Boston, MKB has built an enthusiastic base of fans who appreciate great musicianship, quality songwriting and energetic live shows. Fans love their Dave Matthews Band Alternative/Folk via Van Morrison style. The band has a rare combination of catchy, intelligent hooks, soulful lyrics and musical sophistication that’s too good to pass up.
The new album is now available at Digstation and CD Baby!
___________________________
"Zee Lee Mee Seek"Music by Zili Misik
Released, 2009. www.zilimisik.com
"It's been another year in the making, but the new Zili Misik Album is finally here! To date, I think this is their best work, and the band is quick to agree. These women make strong music that you can feel down in your bones is honest, true, powerful and positively charged. I have yet to go out to see them perform where people aren't shakin their butts and submitting to the power of their groove. You definitely should check out their website, and I encourage everyone to take this new work of art for a spin!" ~Gabe H.
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 | Zili has been nominated for Boston Phoenix's 2009 Best Music Poll! Please VOTE!
Zili has been nominated for Boston's Best World Music. Please help us win again this year by voting now! Thanks!!
Thursday, May 28th, 2009 | New CD!
Thanks to everyone who came out to our CD release show on May 15!! We had a great time and were so excited to see you there!! Check back for updates on where to buy our new CD "Zee'lee Mee'seek" online and on iTunes.