Essential Sound Masteirng

2008 HPMA Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:44:00 +0000

As the crowds died down and the party came to a stop, this year's Houston Press Music Awards was a huge success for many of our clients! Here are some of the results!

Best New Act: The Tontons
Best Neo-Folk: Sideshow Tramps
Best Miscellaneous Instrument: Geoffrey Muller
Best Bassist: Nick Gaitan
Best Drummer: Shane Lauder
Best Experimental: Studemont Project
Best Cover Band: Molly & the Ringwalds
Best Unclassifiable Band: Black Math Experiment

Congratulations to all the winners! Click here for full results!

Houston Press Music Awards 2008 Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:15:00 +0000

The Houston Press Music Awards are back and ready for action! This year, a good handful of our clients are up for awards! Here's who was nominated and what category they're in!

Best Local Album: "All You Need Is Blood" - Black Math Experiment, "Sea and Stars EP" - The Tontons
Best Local Song: "Everyone Is Gay" - Black Math Experiment
Best Songwriter: Arthur Yoria ,Calvin Stanley (Pale)
Best New Act: The Tontons
Local Musician of the Year: Arthur Yoria
Best Drummer: Shane Lauder (Born Liars, Sideshow Tramps, Gun Crazy)
Best Miscellaneous Instrumentalist: Geoffrey Muller
Best Bassist: Nick Gaitan (Umbrella Man and Billy Joe Shaver)
Best Experimental: Studemont Project
Best Cover Band: Molly & the Ringwalds
Best Unclassifiable Band: The Small Sounds, Black Math Experiment, and Two Star Symphony
Best Alt-Rock Band: Chrome44
Best Country: Honky Tonk Heroes
Best Traditional Folk Act: Glenna Bell and Sugar Bayou
Best Neo-Folk Act: Sideshow Tramps
Best Jazz: Kristine Mills
Best Male Vocalist: Arthur Yoria

That's it! Good luck to everyone! You can cast your votes for your favorite artist/band at HoustonPress.com! Voting ends Sunday, July 27th so get those votes in quick! The awards showcase is going to be a 10 different venues hosting 60 different bands! Please see HoustonPress.com for more information!

Congratulations!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:44:00 +0000

We at Essential Sound Mastering would like to congratulate our very own Allen Corneau for mastering this week's number one R&B/Hip-Hop Single on Billboard.com!

Every week, Billboard.com posts up the hottest musicians from all genres. With different categories and different artists fighting for the number one spot, we're pleased to announce that Houston's very own Solange Knowles' single "I Decided", mastered right here at Essential Sound by Allen, received the number one spot in the "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales" category.

Congratulations to both Solange and Allen for all their hard work!

Summer Here We Come!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:03:00 +0000

Spring has sprung and what a wet one it was! As the ESM family survived the storms and stayed dry in the process, we were able to celebrate Christmas, bring in the New Year, and get some mastering done in the meantime! Here’s what has been going on since the last time you heard from us…

November 2007

After mixing with SugarHill’s very own Andy Bradley, Jonovan returned to our studio to master his contemporary single “Lost In My Memories”.

There were no kiddie games played when Peekaboo Theory came in to master their 12 song album entitled Sy3nc3 & ,>r0gr@m5.

Ken Valentino dropped by to have two of his albums mastered. One 10 song album called Three-Ours and an 8 song album called Three-Thirs.

JJ Worthen came in to master his 6 song rock album called Devotee. JJ had worked with Dan Workman and Steve Christensen prior to his mastering session.

With recording and mixing sessions finalized with Andy Bradley, Mickey Mosely came in to master her 14 song album Ever Yours.

Cody Kouba was in this month to master 3 country songs after he recorded and mixed with Andy Bradley at SugarHill.

Singer-Songwriter Liza Linney came in the studio to master 4 of her songs after working with Jaymes “Jimmi Jaymes” Garlington.

Chet Daniels came back with his latest single “Infectious”.

The ESM family was able to show some of our moves when Tye Roberson came in with her R&B/Hip hop single “The Way I Move”.

We had some exciting clients from Germany this month. That’s right! Frantic Dwarf recorded and mixed a 6 song album called Fast Foward with Jimmi Jaymes and mastered with us afterward!

December 2007

Shades of Blue came in to add more color to the red and green season. They mastered their 8 song album called Set Sail after working with John Griffin.

After working with Andy Bradley at SugarHill, IdolHand came in to master their 14 song self-entitled album.

January 2008

The new year was brought in with Billy Bourbon’s 16 song album called Trained Professionals.

There was no hiding done when Flowers to Hide came in to master 4 of their songs after mixing with Steve Christensen.

The Allen Oldies Band came in this year to master their 17 song album entitled Ride the Wild Surf.

February 2008

After working at Steve Christensen’s home studio, Craig Kinsey joined us to master his 15 song album called The Burdener.

Studemont Project mastered Warmth of the Midnight Sun, their 10 song album with Allen this month.

Trystan Lane was also in our studio mastering their 13 song album.

We were able to master some classical music this month when Adam Tendler brought in a 5 song classical CD after he mixed with Josh Applebee.

We did a little two step when Hill Country Jane brought in their 10 song Texas Country album The Great Charade.

Alan Lett from Letthead Productions pointed Robin Leigh in our direction as we mastered 2 of her acoustic rock songs.

Maybe they weren’t royalty, but Subversa came in to master their 7 song hard rock album entitled Between Kings.

A 17 song compilation was done for Ramon Rabaza’s live recording.

March 2008

Juan Ruiz was in our studio mastering his 15 song Latin rock and Hip hop album called Green Card Special after mixing with Jimmi Jaymes.

Jimmi Jaymes once again mixed another project for us to master. It was Anthony Sanders’ 4 song R&B album.

Shooting to release his album last year, which in the Chinese calendar was the year of the dog, Aubrey “Bluesdog” Dunham mastered his 13 song blues/rap album called The Year of the Bluesdog this year after recording and mixing with And Bradley.

April 2008

No hatred went down here as The Hates came in to master 30 Years of Hate 1978 – 2008, a 20 song punk rock album that was mixed by Steve Christensen.

ESM was able to master and do a compilation for SPM (South Park Mexican) this month. Shadow from Dopehouse Records brought in 16 songs for Allen to compile into an album entitled SPM’s Most Addictive Vol. I.

It may not have been the Fantastic Four, but 3 Fantastic came in to master Life Just Keeps Getting Better & Better, a 13 song album that was mixed by Steve Christensen.

Johnny Bush teamed up with Ray Price, the legendary Willie Nelson, and SugarHill’s Andy Bradley to bring us a 12 song album called Young At Heart.

So that’s all for now folks! What could the summer possibly bring for the ESM family? Stay tuned and find out!

The holidays are rapidly approaching!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:44:00 +0000

After staying dry the rest of the summer, the Essential Sound Mastering family has been hard at work getting some music mastered for our friends! See what we have been up to before the carving of turkey, serving of the mashed potatoes, and other Thanksgiving Day treats!

July 2007:
Parts Per Million came in and rocked out with us as Allen mastered their 12 song punk rock album entitled "Stop Motion"!

The Neutral Sisters were in our studio again with their latest single "Together".

Music World Entertainment started the Christmas season early as they sent us some "Hip Hop Holiday Cheer" by the Krazy Kousins to add a little flavor to prepare us for the upcoming holidays.

Allen also mastered bible verses for spoken word artist Ruth Stuart from the Salem Lutheran Church.

August 2007:
The Honkytonk Heroes were in the studio with their 11 song country album that was mixed by Andy Bradley from SugarHill Studios.

A five song rock EP was experimented by The Black Math Experiment as they made their hypothesis in our studios. Our conclusion... the album rocked!

July Alive came in to master their 5 song rock demo that really came alive after they were done!

Music World Entertainment brought in their very own Solange Knowles as we mastered her single "Champagne Chronic Nightcap". Cheers to that!

Counsel brought in their 12 song modern rock album after they recorded at Big Door Studios.

Paul Cox came in to master his eight song Christian rock album.

September 2007:
Loreta Kovacic came in with 16 songs to have mastered after she worked with from Andy Bradley from SugarHill Studios.

Truth, Love, Music sent over two of their artists this month. Jennifer Grassman recorded some traditional ancient carols and created a double piano/vocal CD to have mastered. Also coming in from TLM was Thread Atlas with six rock songs, we didn't need a map to tell us that this was going to be a hit!

October 2007:
After working at SugarHill Studios with Andy Bradley, Sister Sister's "Mimi" Hernandez came in with a nine song album entitled "Latino Rocks!".

The Tontons came in to master their 5 song demo that had a very psychadelic blues feel. This was mastered after they recorded with John Griffin at SugarHill.

Sound Sculptor Studios sent over Michael Arnet after he recorded his 13 song album called "Prodigal Son".

Back in the studio again was Curtis Nickelson as he brought in his 20 song album entitled "That Chapel Feeling".

We all felt like a kid again when Leah White had Allen master her 11 song, songwriter styled album of children's songs.

Vic Gilmore came in with his one neo-soul song that was mixed by Jaymes Garlington from SugarHill Studios.

After being mixed by Mark Towns, Suzette Fears came in to have us master her 11 song album "Healing, God's Gift For You".

Andy Bradley passed over One Accord after they mixed with him at SugarHill Studios. One Accord had Allen master their 18 song album that consisted a variety of choirs singing Christmas music!

Jeff Chance also came in with his 10 song country album "Lonesome's My Friend".

That's all for now! Check in again and see what else is brewing inside our studio! The ESM family would also like to wish everyone a safe and warm holiday season! Happy Holidays!

New Promotional Offers!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:32:00 +0000

We now have two new promotional offers:

For First-Time Clients: get your first hour of mastering time for $45.

For our Returning Clients: we have our "Refer a Friend" program. Refer a friend/band to ESM and for every hour of mastering time they use we will give you a $5 credit towards the mastering time of your next session!

For further details, contact us directly.

Thanks!

Houston Press Music Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:38:00 +0000

Congratulations to all the winners of the Houston Press Music Awards!

Special honors go to the friends of ESM:

The Dimes: Best New Act, Best Indie Rock, Song of the Year
Chrome 44: Best Metal
Southern Backtones: Best Traditional Rock
Peekaboo Theory: Best Experimental/ Avant Garde
Drop Trio: Best Jazz
Molly and the Ringwalds: Best Cover Band
Geoffrey Muller: Best Multi-instrumentalist

Congratulations!

What a wet summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 20:34:00 +0000

Even with the rain pouring down on us here, the Essential Sound Mastering team has been cranking out projects to help heat up the summer! Check out just a sampling of what's been going on since our last update!

February 2007
Noel Aleman visited the ESM family bringing in the rest of Grinch Rodriguez's project.

Kevin Baker also came in to have Allen work his magic on Baker's hip hop album.

March 2007
After recording with James "Jimmi Jaymes" Garlington and Steve Christensen from SugarHill Studios, Origino mastered a 6 song hip hop album. His hit single "What Do You Get" was remixed with G-Reg and none other than Houston's very own Paul Wall. He was also very fortunate enough to get to appear on the Rep Yo' City DVD hosted by DJ Battle.

Milton Hollins also came by to have Allen master a 2 song demo that was a mix of contemporary gospel and hip hop.

Local jazz crooner, Kristine Mills had us master her first album that consisted of 9 classic jazz standards.

Texas Heat came in to help the ESM family heat up as they brought in their 10 song album to be mastered after working with Jimmi Jaymes at SugarHill Studios. Congratulations to Guitar Shorty for his award at the Blues Music Awards. His album entitled "We the People" received an award for Contemporary Blues Album of the Year.

James Bolden, band leader for the BB King band, came in and had Allen master his 11 song album after recording with Andy Bradley.

Also coming in this month was Lost 2gether. They brought in their album after recording at SugarHill Studios.

May 2007
Julia Elowetz came in to have us master an 11 song album that consisted of mainly Christian music, but with a combination of many different styles.

Also spotted in the mastering studio this month was DeCarlos "C-Los" Harper as he brought in a 2 song hip hop demo after he recorded with Steve Christensen.

June 2007
Bringing us an island beat was Skilly Bongo with his 19 song reggae album.

Also coming in this month was The Kimonos where our very own Gina Miller brought in her band's 5 song album.

Icon came in with a 5 song hip hop demo that was recorded with Jimmi Jaymes at SugarHill Studios.

So that's the update for now! Keep in eye for more projects from the ESM family! Until next time, stay dry, stay cool, and have a great summer!

Happy 2007 Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:06:00 +0000

Wow, what a crazy ride this past year has been! But we all know what a new year brings right? A new year means new changes, new resolutions, and definitely new ideas. Here's what has been going on in the ESM studio to bring in the new years besides champagne and fireworks!

January 2007:
Josh Duffy came in to rock out with us while we mastered his 12 song pop/electronica/punk album.

Adam Lett watches carefully over Allen's shoulder as Josh Duffy contemplates on what's going on

Back in the mastering studio is Ronnie Hall as he finished up his 13 song album.

Terry Westbrook, Leo O'Niel, and Ronnie Hall relax as Allen does his thing!

Luckily it wasn't Christmas when Noel Aleman brought in his new upcoming artist Grinch Rodriguez to master his 15 song album!

Also new to the mastering studio is a band called Medicine Show. They brought in their 15 song blue grass, gypsy, rock and roll influenced album after recording at SugarHill Studios with Leigh Crain.

(L-R) Geoffrey Muller, Scott McNeil, and Craig Kinsey sit back as Allen masters their new project!

And finally, how can we forget Brittany Wortham. She brought in her 10 song compilation for us to master after recording with Andy Bradley at SugarHill.

So there you have it! After reading this what more great projects can 2007 bring us? I can't wait to find out! Are you ready? I know the ESM family is!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:14:00 +0000

The turkey was stuffed, the Christmas trees were bright, and the fireworks were amazing on New Years! Here's what's been keeping the family at Essential Sound Mastering busy:

November 2006:
Chet Daniels came in to master his album with us. His album included some old songs with some new songs making his 13 song album a real toe-tapper!

Jerry Tharp also came in to master his album after working with Andy Bradley from SugarHill Studios.

Billy Joe Shaver also had his stuff sent to us from Compadre Records to have a compilation mastered for him.

December 2006:
Vince Victor came in to have one of his artist A.P. Heavy but Sweet's stuff mastered.

Wendell from Damascus Road Records had his album entitled "Simply A Cappella" mastered with us. This 12 song album was recorded with Josh Applebee at SugarHill Recording Studios.

Also coming into the studio was Roger Keele who recorded his 17 song classical album with Andy Bradley at SugarHill.

Jeff Williamson from Heading Home also came in to have a 4 song Christian Rock album mastered with Allen.

And back in the mastering studio with us is none other than Calvin Owens bringing us more projects to be mastered. Upcoming albums to look out for are That's Your Booty and a Spanish album entitled Calvin Owens Orquestra Azul: La Mujer Que Canta Blues.

2006 has been a crazy ride for all of us, but 2007 is only going to get more crazy! Make sure you stick around for the new look, the new vibe, and the new projects that we have coming up! Hope everyone had a safe and an enjoyable holiday!

Goodbye Summer... Hello Fall!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 18:22:00 +0000

The tricks were fun, the treats were nice, and the ESM family had a ghoulish time on all Hallow's Eve! Here's what we've been up to before the ghosts and goblins came out to play!

September 2006:
The Black Math Experiment came in to master their 14 song album! They will be performing at their CD release party on Saturday November 11, 2006 at Fitzgeralds, be sure to check them out!

Robert Simpson from the Houston Chamber Choir was getting ready for the Christmas holidays as he came in to master a compilation CD of Christmas concerts!

After recording with Lil Keke, Real G dropped in to get more songs mastered that will be added to his album.

October 2006:
The Fucking Transmissions came in to master their 11 song album.

El Unico soon dropped by to have Allen master his 2 song demo after recording one of his songs at Sugarhill Studio with John Griffin!

Brittany Wortham also came in after recording at Sugarhill with Andy Bradley to do a 10 song compilation CD.

And lastly, the ESM and Sugarhill family suffered a great loss as we mourn the passing of a dear friend Jason McGee. Rest in piece Jason, we will miss you dearly!

Happy Belated 4th of July

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 01:40:00 +0000

Hello all! After popping firecrackers this 4th of July, the family here at ESM have been busy mastering in the studio! Here's what we have been up to!

July 2006
D-MAN Escobar put the finishing touches on his album and will be releasing that to the public very soon! Make sure to check that out!

Origino came into the studio and dropped a 16 song hip-hop album after recording with Steve Christensen at Sugarhill Studios.

Anne Loo also came in to master a 3 song demo after working with Dan Workman and the Dan Workman Music family.

Also coming in to the mastering studio was Drive By June who had their 5 song demo mastered by the ESM family.

August 2006
Rolando Entertainment brought in their new upcoming artist Baby Jay to master his 16 song hip-hop album.

Old Time Hammer came in to master 13 of their songs which they recorded with Steve Christensen from SugarHill Studios.

Hydro rolled through to drop a rap demo that he had mastered.

Scottie McDonald also came into our mastering studio to have his 10 song album mastered.

Stick around for more news from the ESM family! We have a feeling that it's going to get exciting!

Keepin' It Cool at ESM!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 15:24:00 +0000

As the heat rolled in, the staff here at ESM have been keeping it cool! Here's just a few of the many great projects that have been keeping us busy!

May 2006:
Neutral Sisters stopped by to finish a hot new single, "Heart Beat".

Alleway Musiq brought in another one of their upcoming artists Towanna Charles who came in to master her single, "None Like You".

Get your tiki torches ready because Clouseaux just finished thier latest project. The 14-track album was recorded and mixed by Leigh Crain at SugarHill Recording Studios. Hey, is that your martini or mine?

Trystan Lane came in to master what might be called a "double demo". One disc has four hard-hitting rock tunes, the other has four softer acoustic tunes. The project was mixed by Josh Applebee at SugarHill Recording Studios.

Houston-based jazz monsters Sebastian Whittaker and the Creators put the finishing touches on a great new double album, recorded live in concert and mixed by Andy Bradley of SugarHill Recording Studios.

Creative outfit ttweak came by and worked on a couple of songs from jazz-giant Arnett Cobb to be used in a future video project.

June 2006:
Itchy Korean Recordings found relief when Allen put together a 14-song compilation for them. All the songs are from Asian punk/indy artists and bands.

The International Festival-Institute at Round Top has been working on multiple albums, including one of Mozart and Brahms quintets and another of Brahms rhapsodies and sonatas.

Esotype Records artist Meryll had Allen master two new songs to be released as a precursor to their next full album. Meryll will be touring the midwest through July.

And big news for you punksters out there; ESM is proud to work with The Judy's, who came in for some work to re-release two albums with bonus tracks! Keep an eye out for "Washarama" and "The Moo Album" soon.

Until next time... have fun in the sun and stay cool this summer! It's going to be hot!

Just to catch up a bit!

noreply@blogger.com (Essential Sound Mastering) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 18:19:00 +0000

So it's been a while since we've updated our news section and it looks like we have so much catching up to do! Here's what's been keeping us busy!

January 2006:
The Texas Tyrantz hit up the studio to master a few songs for their upcoming rap album.

We rocked out with The Neptones as they finished their 8 song surf rock album.

Rodney Spozio came in to finish his 8 song rock album.

Stan Keeton finished an album of standard love songs titled "Always Love" filled with songs such as "Can't Help Falling in Love" and the unforgettable "Unchained Melody".

February 2006:
Cary Wilkens came in and finished his 12 song smooth jazz album.

Also very recently in our mastering studio was Austin Alvarez, a young musician who combines "a unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and his classical piano training", completed his album that consisted of 4 sultry tracks. He will also be performing at the Balinese Room's "Casino Bar" in Galveston, TX. For more information log-on to www.austinalvarez.com.

Maggie Walters also graced ESM with her presence. This Austin-based folk singer/songwriter worked with Dan Workman at SugarHill Studios, bringing three of her recent tracks.

March 2006:
The E-LETE Artists came in and got crunk dropping 5 of their hip-hop/rap tracks created one hot demo!

Sound of New Orleans recently completed a gospel compilation to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. ESM did our part by donating studio time for the project.

Alleyway Musiq rolled through the studio with a five track hip-hop demo featuring their newest artist Ben Cent.

April 2006:
Mooney Monday filled our mastering studio with their two song grunge rock demo.

The Pimp Click Playaz swung by to drop a two song rap demo.

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers finished their 10 track album. Check out the Sound of New Orleans website for more information.

Real G came in and mastered five songs to be included in his future full-length album.

The Calvin Owens Blues Orchestra is at it again with a CD recorded live at the annual Kemah Jazz Festival. This 10 track album consists of songs from some of his most recent albums, such as "The Dog" and "I Got a Man".

And lastly, our studio manager Ashley Perry has had to leave the ESM family. We wish her the best in the future. Filling her shoes is Christina Hui, who has joined the staff of Essential Sound Mastering, coming to us from Outbound Music. You can contact her through her email: christina@esmastering.com. Welcome aboard Christina!

Happy New Year 2006!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 19:02:00 +0000

It's been an exciting 2005 at ESM and we're looking forward to an even better 2006! But first, let's catch up with a few things that happened through December.

Cody Kouba mastered his 13-song country album "Days and Nights". The album was produced by the pedal steel extrodinaire, Brian Thomas and mixed by Andy Bradley at SugarHill Studios.

Esotype Records, good friends and clients of ESM, brought in an album for their band Tambersauro. The avant guarde/noise influenced album is titled "Box=Box".
www.esotyperecords.com

Calvin Owens is presently working on not one, not two, not three, but FOUR albums all at the same time!

Just finished is the newest album for the Calvin Owens Blues Orchestra, "Ain't Gonna Be Yo' Dog No Mo'", with 15 smokin' tunes. Also just finished is the Calvin Owens HipHop Orchestra's "Say Boy, How You Do That Thang?". It's a unique collaboration between COBO's backing music and rapping from Rasheed, Classic Thugs and Valdemar.

Finishing up this week is the Calvin Owens Orquestra Azul's "Blues en Español - Es Un Amor Legendario" as well as an album with Trudy Lynn, "I'm Still Here". Mixing and co-producing all the albums is Andy Bradly at SugarHill Studios. Go Calvin and Andy!
www.calvinowens.com

One of the most exciting pieces of news is that ESM will be closed January 30th through February 3rd for a renovation of our mastering studio! Keep your eyes on this web page for updates on that particular project.

Have a healthy and properous new year!

Holiday Rush in full swing

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 19:50:00 +0000

The holiday rush has kept us going full steam for the past month and a half! Here's just a few of the things that have been keeping us busy.

JJ Worthen, winner of the KPRC "Gimme the Mike" contest came in to finish his two songs which were the grand prize for the contest. ESM donated the mastering time for the contest, Dan Workman produced and the songs were tracked and mixed at SugarHill Recording Studios.

The Allen Oldies Band, the craziest oldies band you've ever heard, came in to master a new album. It was recorded live on the radio from a station in New Jersey. www.allenoldiesband.com

Kingsland Baptist Church put the finishing touches on their 14-song Christmas album titled "The Glory of Christmas".

The City Kings, a classic-rock inspired group with influences from Tom Petty to Pink Floyd, stopped by to master their latest 10-song album.

Gary Edwards came in to master a new album for Dwane Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers. Gary's record label, Sound of New Orleans, recently relocated to Houston after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The mixes where remarkably recovered from a studio on a return trip to New Orleans! www.soundofneworleans.com

Getting back up to full speed!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 21:39:00 +0000

We're a little behind in our "news", but here's some of the things that's been keeping us so busy!

Anita Kruse was in finishing a trans-continental project for IEC, Kyushu International College in Japan. The song, You Can Be Your Own Hero, features Japanese artist Mika, and will be used for the college's radio and TV advertisements. The project was produced by Robbie Parrish and mixed by SugarHill Studio's Steve Christensen. www.anitakruse.com

Hurricane Rita shut down the studio for a while (along with the rest of Houston) but Essential Sound Mastering came out just fine, with no damage to the studio or any of the staff.

Speaking of hurricanes, The Katrina CD was finished up and sent off for replication. This 18-song compilation will be used to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. All the songs were donated by artists from around the country, so please purchase one (or three). ESM donated all the mastering time and materials for the compilation. www.katrinaCD.com

Chet Daniels came in to work on his second album with Allen. The still-to-be-named album has re-workings of some of the songs on his previous album, Back From Blue, as well as newer songs. The Project was tracked, mixed and co-produced by Andy Bradley, Chief Engineer at SugarHill Studios. Look for it next month! www.chetdaniels.com

Classic rockers Nobel Rott mastered their 78-minute long epic album, Song Unsung. The album was tracked by Leigh Crain and mixed by Steve Christensen, both from SugarHill Studios.

Folk-inspired band Traveler put the finishing touches on their latest album. The 15-song project was mixed by John Griffin at SugarHill.

Sessions, Visitations and Donations

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 19:45:00 +0000

The recent Katrina disaster has pulled our attention to our neighbors from Louisiana, but here are a few things that have been going on around ESM:

Drop Trio, the funk/jazz/improv monsters from H-town, came in to master their third album with Allen. "Cezanne" was recorded live at the intimate jazz club known by the same name and is a non-stop 76 minutes of jams and improv's based on songs of thier previous albums "Big Dipper" and "Leap". www.droptrio.com

Joyce Pierce delivered one song to be mastered and added to her contemporary gospel album "24/7 Intimate Praise". Joyce was produced by our good friend, neighbor and client Dan Workman from Dan Workman Music.

New Orleans-based mastering engineer Joe Doherty stopped by for lunch and a studio visit. He told us some of his first-hand stories of the trouble caused by Katrina. He's staying here in the Houston area until officials allow people to return to the Crescent City. Luckily, Joe's home is in a high part of the city and did not sustain any damage, as far as we can tell. Hang tough, Joe!

And lastly, ESM is proud to donate our mastering services to put together the Katrina CD, which will donate all proceeds to help the victims of the Katrina disaster. Please help out and purchase a CD if you can. www.katrinaCD.com

Opening the door...

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 14:35:00 +0000

In the spirit of helping our fellow neighbors, ESM has decided to open our facility to any engineers displaced by the Katrina disaster.

If you need a facility get some work done, then give us a call to see if we can help you out.

Also, if you are a musician and have an extra instrument or need a sub for a gig, please contact these folks.

They are a clearinghouse to match displaced musicians with paying gigs and use of instruments here in the greater Houston area. They are not taking any referral fees, so please help them if you can.

Hurricane Katrina Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 15:25:00 +0000

Please take the time to help victims of the recent hurricane disaster.

Red Cross Donations

The McCormick Tribune Foundation is matching $0.50 for every dollar donated.

Please help in any way you can.

Pop to Polka, 80's to Opera!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 21:47:00 +0000

We've been busy working on all sorts of different projects lately. Some of the highlights include:

Glenna Bell, local singer/songwriter and recent Houston Press Music Awards nominee was in with Allen putting the finishing touches on her Christmas single, "Be My Valentine (for Christmas)". www.glennabell.com

Christopher Wilson finished his 12-song album "Read On". 80's-influenced vocal melodies and unique pairings of 12-string guitar and lap steel guitar make this project one to look for! www.christopherwilson.us/

Pop heavy-weight Arthur Yoria came back to work with Allen on a new 5-song EP. Yoria, also a recent nominee for the Houston Press Music Awards, has already had one song featured on the Fox hit show, "The O.C.", so keep an eye out for this rising star. www.arthuryoria.com

Brian Marshall and the Texas Slavic Playboys got everybody's toes tapping when they came in to finish up their 12-song album of traditional Polish polkas and waltzes.

Cuban dramatic tenor Ramon Rabaza was in mastering 5 new songs to be included on a 14-song compilation of his best performances from both studio and live recordings.

Houston Press Music Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Mon, 22 Aug 2005 15:49:00 +0000

We would like to congratulate all the winners of this year's Houston Press Music Awards, especially friends of Essential Sound:

-Drop Trio took both categories of Best Funk/R&B/Raggae and Best Jazz. Ian Varley, ringleader of Drop Trio, won Best Keyboards. Drop Trio will be back in for their third album with Allen in early September. www.droptrio.com

-Molly and the Ringwalds won Best Cover Band. www.theringwalds.com

-Moses Guest took home the Best Jam/Improvisational Band. www.mosesguest.com

-John Evans won Best Male Vocalist and Best Roots Rock/Rockabilly. www.johnevansband.net

Welcome to esmastering.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen Corneau) — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 15:14:00 +0000

We're glad you found the online home of Essential Sound Mastering. Keep an eye on this space for news and updates about Essential Sound.