DGK has a recording session later this month; and currently time is being spent trying to finalise the original pieces that will be recorded on said date. There is a process by which such pieces come to fruition that takes time and effort – to see pieces that start with the germ of an idea eventually develop into something credible: an evolutionary process! And it is not always the case that a developing piece wants to bear the weight of a ‘big band’ (for want of an accurate term) arrangement. When we think of big bands, we think of the history and some of their characteristics: Jazzy harmony, perhaps a swing feel (but not always), shout choruses, sectional solis, individual solos and horn figures backed up by drums. And so on. Well each piece and whether or not it can bear the weight of expectation must be judged on its own merits.
Consideration is also being given to the best approach to recording such pieces. Fundamentally the choice is between recording ‘all at once’ in capturing a live performance (so to speak) – a moment in time; or to record in sections (with overdubs). On this occasion, the first option has been chosen; bearing in mind that there are implications for needing more microphones, more recording channels and tracks; and the fact that spillage/lack of isolation (and therefore control) are risk factors. Still a live performance is a unique thing with its own energy and that certainly has some appeal.
Hopefully six originals will be recorded on this occasion; and then another six in the months ahead. That just about constitutes an album in traditional terms. We’ll take it from there…
