An Alternate session

The other day I had what I thought was a great idea. What if I set up a session in one of Purchase's recording studios without a set list of things to record, what if I invited people to play, to show up at any point during a certain time frame, and leave when they felt like it? What if some of the most talented musicians in the school played together for the purpose of enjoying themselves and making authentic music?

Well, I did it. Signed out a studio, miced up the room, started Pro Tools and didn't stop for six hours. I ignored stupid things like the door to the studio opening, people walking in and out, talking, setting up instruments, etc. The session revolved around capturing a moment in time where people gathered together and just made music without worrying about playing perfectly or wondering if the vibe was "right" for the song.

The experience was thoroughly enjoyable, at any given time three to eight jazz majors jammed together in the live room, while I sat behind the desk and enjoyed the sound. Occasionally, I would get up and move mics to capture the changing instrumentation more effectively.

What came out of this experience was an eleven gig PT session with enough great takes to make a double album. A double album which was truly a live album. An album that went back to what music, especially jazz, is all about - musical discourse and mutual enjoyment and creativity.

So what that there were errors? So what that the recording has noises interfering and could be clearer or better balanced? This is about as close to sitting in the room with the musicians as we can get after the fact. What better way to remember a great time? Yeah, ok, maybe your recording has more definition, and has no errors - my recording has more soul.

The Co-op

Now really, although it is kinda my assignment to talk up the Co-op I'm happy because I really do like it there. The Co-op serves as a great music venue, it's smaller than Whitson's and more intimate. Basically, it's a small coffee house complete with low lighting, couches, tea, and great music.

Tonight, Matt Levy is playing at 5, the Purchase College Blues Band (which includes Jim McElwaine and Jim Koeppel) is playing at 6, and Leila is playing at 7.

Everyone should be there. All three acts are phenomenal. Really this isn't just a "I have to write this" thing, this is a these people are great and it will be an amazing time thing.

First Post

This is my first post. I have to do this for my marketing class. I cannot imagine any reason why anyone would want to read about what I'm doing, so I'll try and fill this with slightly more interesting information about music, music industry, music business, perhaps some web design, and techno-babble.

First off, you should check out the page for Elephant Tree Records, a artist's collective/pseudo-label which I'm a member of.

http://virb.com/elephanttreerecords

Also, check out virb simply as a social networking site - it has some awesome features, and is customizable beyond belief.