Volume
1
Issue
10
April, 1998
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Table of Contents
Richard Bienvenu, Artist of the Month
FOCUS ARTICLE: Personal Studio Equipment
Interview, Lentine's Music Inc.
Around the World in April
Mainstream
Top Five Albums
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE VIEWING, PLEASE TRY RELOADING THE
PAGE
Richard Bienvenu
Artist of the Month
Richard Bienvenu is our first Artist of the Month
with an instrumental album. Tone Poems is a bold debut filled with
improvisational pieces. When asked about his unconventional style, Richard
stated that he believes rules of theory in music only end up confining
musicians in their musical expression. When he sits down to improvise a
song, he says "it's like being on a road in uncharted territory in which the
road appears the instant you put your foot down." Apt description when
you consider the fact that when it comes to his improvisational pieces,
he never plays the same tune twice.
There is only one song on the entire
CD that was not improvised. Web was composed for the stage play,
Caught in the Villain's Web, an old-time melodrama parody in which
Richard played...the piano player, what else? The
rest of the CD, however, is all improvisations, some with a preconceived theme.
The first cut, Al Lado el Lago, which translates to By the Lake,
stands out boldly. It has a sense about it that evokes emotional responses.
If you were to close your eyes while listening to this
first cut, you would be transported to the bottom of a mountain, by a lake at dusk
when a hush falls over the valley just before, during and after the night
creatures erupt in their hustle and bustle.
Not a lot of songs have that quality. Even though Richard states that he's not
"feeling" anything when he's improvising, he does believe his music is
born from emotions.
He has some very strong songs like Quiet Mountain
where the title says it all. It's a quiet song with a soft melody, just as
you would expect. The titles also say it all for Afternoon,
Midnight Moon, and Sundown. Richard states that naming his
songs was the most difficult part of the CD making process. He would listen
to the album and "try to define what the music evoked." A native of New
Orleans, to whom he attributes some of his musical style,
he now makes his home in Vancouver, Washington. But, you can
feel the New Orleans' modern jazz influences in pieces like
Southern Improv, and Irish. There's a trace
of classical in each tune, and maybe even a touch of ragtime in
Web. Richard loves The Beatles and They Might Be Giants,
but you won't find a hint of their sound in his. In fact, if you're
looking for structure, you're in the wrong place entirely. "I play
from the heart rather than from the head" he says in his biography,
explaining why you won't find chord structure, or style based on theory in
his tunes. There is a strong nature theme in Tone Poems, and the
unstructured sound goes right along with that theme. Richard draws his
inspiration from musicians like Scott Joplin and Keith Jarret, who improvises
his live concerts.
Richard has the ability to not only write
melodic tunes, but to just sit down and improvise them on a moment's
notice, and still manage to lay down tranquil melodies against a backdrop
of pure serenity. Richard, with his unique style and
charismatic flair, has the potential to exceed the current market of
solo pianists. His improvisations could be the wave of the future, and
he is not lacking for work. Richard is involved with many projects,
including additional volumes of Tone Poems, and three other CDs.
One CD will be piano, percussion and some electronic music, the
second will be guitar and voice. A few years ago, Richard was
involved with a project that encouraged school children to write
nature poems, he'll be releasing a third CD about that experience in
the near future. It's called Child of Wonder, which is also
the title of a book containing the children's poetry.
For more information on Richard Bienvenu, you can check out his
homepage. To be considered for Shock Value's "Artist of the Month" section, please
send a press kit and CD to: Shock Value, P.O. Box 303, North Bend, Ohio 45052
Richard Bienvenu's
Tone Poems is now available
To order, send e-mail to:
RBienvenu@aol.com
Check out Richard's
Website
FOCUS
ARTICLE: Personal Studio Equipment
Personal studio equipment is not meant as a
means to record your demo, but rather to be used more
like a notepad. You should really tune your sound before
going into a studio and paying by the hour to make your demo.
A great way to do this is
to record and re-record over and over again until you know exactly the
way you want it. It will save you big bucks in the studio. Personal
studio equipment is sometimes even used to lay down a few tracks
before you get into the studio. You will lose a generation, and
the sound isn't going to be as great, but for things like drums and
bass that are laid into the background, it's sufficient.
You can also keep track of your changing sound, and
let's face it, we all
love to hear ourselves. In addition, it's great practice if you have ideas of
owning your own studio someday. Every not-so-
rich-and-famous music maker should have a personal studio.
Four-tracks are the most common piece
of personal studio equipment on the market today. If you are not
familiar with them, they
are called four-tracks because they record on just that, four tracks. A
regular cassette tape contains four tracks all together, two for each
"side", a four-track recorder utilizes all four for recording songs.
A four-track is like a cassette recorder than can play and record
at the same time (multi-tracking). A recording studio usually has
between 16 and 48 tracks, so you have less to play with, but if
you utilize your space wisely, you can get a terrific sound. There
is a common practice called sub-mixing, also referred to as "bouncing,"
that can free up some space for extra instruments or vocals. For
instance, you could record the drums on track one, bass on track two,
and guitar on track three, then transfer all three to track four,
leaving three empty tracks. Again, you get into the generation loss,
but since this isn't your actual demo, you should be fine. Just make
sure you have your drums, bass and guitar exactly the way you
want them because they cannot be changed once they are mixed together.
The big five companies in four-tracks are
Fostex, Tascam, Sony, Yamaha, and Akai, with Fostex and Tascam being the most
common. In this article, we're trying to make you aware of the latest
equipment out there, we are not necessarily making any recommendations.
See the interview section of Shock Value for
a vendor's point of view from Lentine's Music, Inc.
The top of the line for Tascam is the 644 MIDIstudio. The 644
has sixteen inputs to eight channels, with MIDI and remote control.
It also has a DBX noise reduction system, three band EQ, switchable tape
speed, and a multi-function dual mix system. The Tascam 644 MIDIstudio
is a great choice for computer geeks that know what they're doing. For
those not-so-in-the-know, there is the Yamaha MT120. The MT120 is
great for first-time four-track owners. It contains a five-band Stereo
Graphics Equalizer, dual speed controls, and DBX noise reduction system.
It has the added bonus of being able to record on all four tracks at the
same time. Not a lot of units have that feature. The EQ output also
includes Aux send and return.
If you're looking for something more
compact that you can take on the road with you, Tascam's Porta 05 or
Porta 02 ministudios, or
the Fostex X-14 Multitracker will be your best bets. The Tascam Porta 05
features a two-channel, two-band equalizer, four inputs, and built-in
DBX system noise reduction. The Porta 05HS is also available, it contains
high speed recording. The Porta 02 and X-14 have slightly less features.
The Porta 02 has two inputs with adjustable Trim and operates at standard
speed. The Fostex X-14 Multitracker has an internal
omni-directional condenser microphone and LED meters, however, it has
only one input and it also runs at normal speed. The next size up in
compact, portable four-tracks are the
Fostex XR-3 Multitrack, and the Tascam 414 Portastudio. Though slightly
larger than the compacts, they make up for their bulk in features. The XR-3 is
easy to operate with two inputs, dual speeds, Dolby B noise reduction,
auto bounce circuit, and tape out terminals. It also has the internal
omni-directional condenser microphone like the X-14. The 414 has that
terrific feature of being able to record on all four tracks at once, mic
or line. It also has a sync out, linear faders, high and low EQ, and two
stereo effects returns.
If you're looking for middle-of-the-road
stuff that is still portable, but a bit larger than the
others, there are a lot of options out there. Some of the best are the
X-77, XR-5, and XR-7 from Fostex, and the Tascam 424. With a six channel
mixer, two switchable aux sends per channel, and a bi-alternate mix
mode, the X-77 is noted for it's diversity and quality. It also has
an assignable parametric equalizer, alternative aux send, and a
MIDI/tape multi-mix mode. Fostex's XR-5 and XR-7 both have two aux
sends, and two stereo aux returns, plus their own unique features.
The XR-5, which I own and am very happy with, has a four channel input
mixer, EQ on every channel, four direct tape outputs, and it records at
high speed. The XR-7 is step up with six channel input mixer, rehearsal
mode, logic control transport, and 2 and 3 band sweep EQ. The XR-5 has
Dolby B® NR, while the XR-7 has Dolby C® NR. Both are great machines, as
is the Tascam 424 with it's three-band EQ, auto punch in/out, and the
return-to-zero feature that makes recording so much easier. This four
input machine also has two additional stereo ins. All four of these
machines are reasonably priced and will get the job done more than
efficiently.
Finally, there are the big boys,
as I mentioned before, the Tascam 644 MIDIstudio is top of the line in
four tracks, however, in this age of technological advances, there are
more options out there. The future of four-track technology is turning
toward MiniDiscs®, or MDs. A mini-disc
is a magneto-optical format that is rewritable. MiniDiscs® have many
advantages over cassette four-tracks, in much the same way that CDs are
superior to cassette tapes. Bouncing is a lot clearer with minidiscs, the
editing process is a big step up, and the signal is much cleaner. MiniDiscs®
are more expensive than most four-tracks, but new technology is always more
expensive and will eventually lower in price.
Tascam's 564 Digital
Portastudio, Sony's MDM-X4 Mark II, and Yamaha's MD4 are three good examples
of this new technology. The 564 features an S/PDIF output, auto-punch
overdubbing with rehearse, two stereo
aux returns, and a top-of-the-line "bounce forward" feature.
The bounce forward feature is used to cut, move, copy, and assemble your
songs. The MDM-X4 has four mono mic/line ins, two aux sends, two stereo
returns, and some great editing features including track and song based
editing, allowing you to erase, copy, move, and exchange. Other
editing features are Undo/Redo, Virtual Mix, and Mix Write. The Virtual Mix feature
allows you to record up to 16 virtual tracks, which can be combined down to
two or four tracks, and the Mix Write feature allows you to add a track
to an already-recorded track. Yamaha's MD4 uses Sony's MiniDisc Data discs,
it features an integrated four-channel analog mixer, 3-band EQ, search and
locate functions, song and track editing and MIDI output. The MD4 also
boasts "Lossless digital bouncing". This process allows you to bounce all four tracks
down to one or two tracks as many times as is needed without losing fidelity.
The features we've highlighted here are not the only features on these machines, please contact Lentine's Music Inc., or another musical equipment vendor for more details on these products. Work with your vendor, take their suggestions to heart, but do your own research, and talk to people who own a four-track, get their opinion. To a lot of us, the dollar amount involved is considerable and our decision on what to purchase should be made with care and consideration. Also keep in mind that we couldn't possibly cover every four-track on the market, there are a lot of machines to choose from. We would have liked to have included the Akai DR4d, and the Fostex X-55 and XR3, among others. Also keep in mind that a four-track needs a lot of accessories to complete your personal studio. Most personal studios consist of a reverb unit, drum machine, microphone, headphones, and your various instruments, along with the four-track. A lot of people also prefer to purchase a DAT (Digital Audio Tape) recorder or CD recorder to record on rather than a cassette, and that adds to the bill considerably. It's no small change, but it also doesn't have to cost a small fortune. Make sure you really shop and compare, especially on the internet. With musical items, there can be a huge price difference from one vendor to another. Two other tips: ALWAYS clean your heads before starting a new session, and NEVER use metal cassette tapes. Good luck, and happy hunting!
If you'd like to suggest a focus article
subject, or would like to write one yourself, please send your submission
to us via e-mail: SVwebzine@aol.com
Interview, Lentine's Music, Inc.
We recently conducted an interview with Terri of Lentine's Music Inc. Lentine's is a musical equipment vendor that you can access on the web at: www.lentine.com. They carry four-tracks and MiniDiscs. You can join Lentine's mailing list by following this link: http://www.lentine.com/subscrib.htm.
1. Can you give us your picks for top-of-the-line four tracks?
Lentine: Our picks for top-of-the-line four tracks include the Tascam 424MKII and Marantz PMD740. If you are looking for minidisk as well, look at the Yamaha MD4.
2. What about compact, portable four-tracks?
Lentine: Our picks would be the Fostex X14 and the Tascam Porta 02.
3. What is your top selling model in four-tracks?
Lentine: (Tascam's 424MKII and the Marantz PMD740)
4. How are MiniDiscs selling, do you think they'll catch on?
Lentine: They are selling fair. Manufacturer's price needs to come down a little, but it will catch on.
5. What is the best selling MiniDisc?
Lentine: We only work with one at this time, the Yamaha MD4.
6. What is the price range for your four-tracks and MiniDiscs?
Lentine: From $149 to $759.
7. What should a consumer look for, in your opinion, to find the best 4-track?
Lentine: What a consumer should look for in a quality 4-track is all based on
that person's application. It would be easy to be "oversold" or "undersold".
Make sure you are dealing with a professional salesperson who knows his or
her stuff. Describe in detail the applications for which you would like a
4-track.
We'd like to thank Terri of
Lentine's Music Inc. for taking the time
to answer our questions. If you have any other questions about equipment, you
can visit their website.
AROUND
THE WORLD IN APRIL
Not-So-Rich-And-Famous Music
Makers
This section of previous concert dates has been deleted. For current concert dates for unsigned/independent music makers, please visit the latest issue of
Shock Value Music Webzine. If you'd
like to know about mainstream tour dates, visit
POLLSTAR. Please send us your concert dates: SVwebzine@aol.com
MAINSTREAM
Tidbits on Mainstream Performers
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope tour dates have
been announced. A portion of the revenues will be donated to 'America's
Promise', a youth action group. Jackson will be performing throughout
Europe from April through June, and her U.S. tour starts in July:
7/9 - Washington, DC @ MCI Center
7/13 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
7/15 - Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
7/17 - Detroit, MI @ Joe Louis Arena
7/18 - Cleveland, OH @ Gund Arena
7/20 - Cincinnati, OH @ Crown
7/22 - Camden, NJ @ Blockbuster-Sony Center
7/24 - Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Horizon
7/25 - Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Horizon
7/29 - Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
7/31 - St. Louis, MO @ Kiel Center
8/1 - Kansas City, MO @ Kemper Arena
8/3 - Denver, CO @ McNichols Arena
8/5 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center
8/8 - Vancouver, BC @ General Motors Place
8/10 - Portland, OR @ Rose Garden Arena
8/14 - Sacramento, CA @ ARCO Arena
8/15 - Oakland, CA @ Oakland Coliseum
8/16 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/20 - Inglewood, CA @ Great Western Forum
8/21 - Inglewood, CA @ Great Western Forum
8/23 - Anaheim, CA @ Arrowhead Pond
8/28 - San Diego, CA @ TBA
8/29 - Las Vegas, CA @ MGM Grand Arena
8/30 - Phoenix, AZ @ America West Arena
9/2 - Dallas, TX @ TBA
9/3 - Woodlands, TX @ C.W. Mitchell Pavilion
9/5 - Nashville, TN @ Nashville Arena
9/11 - Miami, FL @ TBA
9/12 - Tampa, FL @ Ice Palace
9/14 - Orlando, FL @ Orlando Arena
9/16 - Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
9/18 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Trump Taj Mahal
9/20 - Worcester, MA @ Centrum
9/23 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Pittsburgh Civic Arena
9/24 - Columbus, OH @ Polaris Amphitheatre
9/26 - Buffalo, NY @ Marine Midland Arena
9/27 - Albany, NY @ Pepsi Arena
10/4 - Hartford, CT @ Hartford Civic
10/7 - Providence, RI @ Providence Civic
10/10 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
10/11 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Cammy Awards
Cincinnati, home to Shock Value Music
Webzine, held their annual Cammy Awards Last month. During the
highlight of the ceremony, Legendary blues/rock performer Lonny
Mack was honored with the Michael W. Chany Lifetime Achievement
Award. Mack has inspired many talented performers including Eric
Clapton and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. Twenty-nine other awards
were handed out to Cincinnati musicians and singers. Stagger Lee
won for best band, and Rob Fetters won the songwriter of the year
award. For a complete list of the 1998 Cammy Award Winners, visit:
http://enquirer.com/editions/1998/03/16/loc_cammylist16.html
Ahhh, Oscar
Another, slightly larger, awards program
was also held last month, The Academy Awards. Surprising everyone, was
Anne Dudley. In a category rarely honoring women, Anne captured her
first Oscar for Original Musical or Comedy Score for the Full Monty.
A slightly less surprising win, as presenter Madonna pointed out when
she announced the winner for Original Song, was "My Heart Will Go On,"
written by James Horner (music) and Will Jennings (lyrics). James Horner
had a big win to capture his sixth oscar for Original Dramatic Score for,
what else...Titanic. For a complete list of Oscar winners, visit
Oscar's homepage.
For more mainstream music news, check out these sites:
MTV Online
VH1 Online
AOL members: Entertainment
News
AOL members: MTV On AOL
TOP FIVE
ALBUMS
(Last week of March)
For more chart information, follow this link: Billboard
AOL members can visit Top of the
Charts
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DATES:
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©1998 Shock Value Publishing All Rights Reserved. C.J. Cauley, Shock Value Publishing, P.O. Box 303, North Bend, Ohio, 45052.
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