Making Music

I'm loving my new Zoom R16 digital multitrack recorder! Given that my last multitrack was a second-hand Tascam cassette 4-track I bought back in 1995 (and loved dearly), this new digital wonder is a real treat. 16 tracks, loads of on-board effects and tools, easy hook-up to the PC, and it can also serve as an 8 channel in / 2 channel out external audio interface. It even has a pair of built-in mics, so you really can just sit down and start recording with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and a brief flip through the manual.

I've put a couple of my first attempts on http://www.myspace.com/jimthebassistmusic. "Windy Afternoon" was recorded with the on-board mics (apart from the bass, which I plugged in). The background noise in that track is actually the wind in the trees outside my open window.

For me, the best part about the R16 is it's simplicity and the fact that it's so easy to use, but not at the expense of features or sound quality. It's a piece of technology that enables the creative process, rather than being a challenge. I think I'm going to get a lot out of it!

Apple iPad Launches in the UK

Playin' The Blues

Played the Charlotte Street Blues jam last Wednesday - great jam hosted by Sam Hare, and well attended by a huge range of musos, from die-hard old-timers to youngsters not quite old enough to buy a drink. All keen and sharing a passion for playin' the blues. It's a regular event that takes place most Wednesdays from 8pm. Check it out.

http://www.charlottestblues.com/

Go Animate YouTube

With reference to my last post, GoAnimate now allows you to download a hi-res video of the animations you create on their site. They have also added a bunch of other cool features... I will have to go back and play when I have some time.