Right now it is 2:30 am and I can't sleep, because I am still processing yesterday afternoon. We were in the most beautiful, newly built studio, recording the 20-piece orchestra for my record.
The players were all from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and some of the best ones in the world. Being in that control room, hearing my songs playing through the speakers, and then that beautiful orchestra – it had a definite dreamlike quality to the experience. Because the players were so amazing, and also thanks to the genius of the composer/arranger Joel McNeely, the orchestra actually sounded bigger than it was – at times it was more like a 40-piece.
When I walked in there, and there were 20 people about to perform my songs – plus Greg Wells and Joel McNeely, who I admire so much – and then all the studio people, the orchestra contractor… Probably around 26 people there, just working to make this happen. It was such an incredible experience. I had to sit there, through the first song, and although I did not pinch myself, it was a little bit difficult to believe it was real.
But once we got into it, there was work to be done, comments to be made and we had to keep moving and get it done.
So we are almost there. A few more bits and pieces, mixing and then mastering.
Oh and another piece of news: I am opening for Seth MacFarlane and his 40-piece orchestra March 26th at the Club Nokia. The event will be filmed to be televised, as he is launching his big band/orchestra record. He has Sara Bareilles performing with him as a special guest. I will post a link to buy tickets shortly.
What a month!
OK, starting to get sleepy now… There are plenty of photos of the orchestra session coming, plus some footage!
Joel McNeely & the orchestra at The Bridge, February 26th.
