Pictured from left: Chico Huff, Joe Bonamassa, Tracy Silverman, Anton Fig and Demetrios Pappas
Angel Mountain Productions (Bethlehem, Pa.) was tapped to host two 60-minute tapings for BET Jazz Network’s weekly show Studio Jams. Each show features different jazz greats (Larry Carlton, Pat Martino, Béla Fleck, Joey DeFrancesco and others) gathered in a studio environment while performing and improvising to some of their favorite tunes. Producer Tom Emmi, who is in the second season of the series, recently worked with guitarist G.E. Smith, drummer Anton Fig, electric violinist Tracy Silverman, saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, guitarists Chuck Loeb and Joe Bonamassa, Demetrios Pappas (piano/keyboards), Edgardo Cintron (percussion) and electric bassist Chico Huff. Audio engineers Carl Cadden-James and Dave Arellano tracked in Control Room A on an SSL XL 9000K Series console, while the camera crew taped the shows in the scoring stage.
“Musicians love [the show],” commented producer Emmi. “They love the challenge and the freedom they have to take the music in the direction that feels right at the time. We purposely try to mix it up a little each time and invite players who will bring an interesting and unique perspective to the session.”
Comments from the players included those from guitarist Loeb (“The place is very beautiful and well-equipped, and the staff was really amazing, very accommodating and helpful.”) and saxophonist Kashiwa (“This is one of the best studio rooms I have ever recorded in. The room responds very well acoustically.”).
Plans are underway to release a Best of Studio Jams compilation DVD with performances from many of the first season’s episodes.
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