Thursday, June 18, 2009

Glo's Week in Review - Vol. 12

Welcome to my weekly newsletter providing you with a little glimpse into the world of Gloria Miller Music!

I’m baaaaaaaaack! Did you miss me?

I apologize for being so silent over the past several weeks. My absence has been for good reason though. As you know, I’m releasing a CD this year and I officially started recording it on May 19th. My band and I started with recording the basic tracks … keys, bass and drums … recording everything live with me doing “reference” vocals. I am blessed to have some of Milwaukee’s finest musicians playing on my CD. Scott “Buttermilk” Currier on keys as well as assisting with arrangements; Chris Mell on drums and Jon Matelski on three different types of bass (electric, fretless and upright) … Awesome!

Once the basic tracks were recorded, I had Jeff “Mush Mouth” Kuliga come in and record percussion. I wasn’t there for his session and when I finally got a chance to hear what he did, I was floored. Jeff has an arsenal or over 100 instruments from around the world, so I’m not quite sure what he was using to make the magic he made, but I love it! That’s why it’s so fun playing gigs with him … I never know what new toy he’s gonna pull out of his bag of tricks!

I’ve had three sessions where I recorded background vocals. I’m doing all the background vocal parts and let me tell you, sometimes it gets quite confusing trying remember what part you’re recording. Glen, my engineer, can attest to that! There were times when I was supposed to be recording the alto part and ended up singing the tenor part … LOL! I had an awesome time arranging the background vocals, which I do in my head … yeah, it’s scary in there! The weird thing about arranging in your head is that in theory, everything sounds awesome, perfect even … however, when you start actually singing parts out loud, things can get a little tricky. Glen has done an amazing job creating a relaxed environment where you can test out your theories to create something magical. The vocals we ended up with sound great!

There’s still lots to do on the project, and my hope is to be done by the end of June, mid-July at the very latest. On my way to the studio this past Tuesday I had a pep talk with myself giving myself permission to relax and to take whatever time is necessary to make the best CD possible. I realized that I was imposing these “deadlines” on myself which was stressing me out. Now, I’m cool …

So, 7 songs are recorded and I have 2 more to do, maybe 3. I’m thinking about recording a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Scott and I have developed a killer version of this song which has evolved over the past year or so that we have been working together. Now, every time we perform it we look at each other with that “we need to record this song” grin on our faces. What do you think? Should I include it? Your input would be greatly appreciated here … hopefully, you’ll help me make up my mind!

Next steps will be to get Mark Rattner in to record guitar; Janet Schiff will lay cello parts; Glen Quarrie is adding alto and tenor sax, and Scott has a few finishing touches to add. This Saturday I’m going to start recording “real” lead vocals which will take us into the home stretch!

So, that’s why you haven’t heard from me in so long. I’m back on track now and will keep you updated with “Glo’s Week in Review” every week! Stay tuned … Follow this link to view a slideshow of my studio antics ... http://www.slide.com/r/wlomjedf6D-4RKlmWZufuOlQnwpTZfqD?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original.


MAMN

The Milwaukee Area Musician’s Network is hosting our 4th monthly networking meeting and we have a wonderful evening planned for our members and guests. For more details about this organization, please visit: http://www.milwaukeemusician.com/.
Here are the details of the meeting:
Tuesday, June 23rd – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Baby Grand Piano Bar
11302 W. Bluemound Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226-4030
P: (414) 778-1577

If you are involved in any capacity with the Milwaukee area music scene, please plan on attending and learning more about MAMN. RSVP BY: Monday, June 22nd. Email or call Stephanie at 262.293.3527 or http://www.steph@o2mproductions.com/.

Well, that's it for this week! Thank you so much for your continued support. As always, I welcome your comments, thoughts and rants.
Join in the conversation!

Glo.