2008 has been good to Tierra Studios! We’ve acquired some incredible new gear for the studio. Engineer/Studio Manager Glenn Wheeler saw a need (and some rack space) for the X-Logic Solid State Logic Dynamic Modules. These modules have familiar SSL compressors/gates and can fatten up drums tracks with that big SSL sound.

The other new addition to our collection is the Lexicon 960L digital effects processing unit. The 960L sets the standard for stereo and multichannel reverb in both sound and flexibility. In a world of in-the-box mixes and plug-in devices, the 960L stands out as the premiere hardware reverb.

New isn’t always better. Anyone with a love for vintage synthesizers will tell you that. Recently added to our Pre-Production Suite is the Moog Rogue, a favorite of Peter Gabriel, Mr. Oizo, and KMFDM, just to name a few. Capable of simulating the atonal sounds of the Prodigy, the Rogue is known mainly for its thick analog bass lines.

Producer Robert Linder and arranger Bernie Hatch have been working hard at Tierra Studios lately on a jazz standard album, featuring Houston saxophonist, Larry Slezak and his band. The songs are a collection of jazz standards and original tunes by Bernie Hatch and Larry Slezak. Here we see engineer Glenn Wheeler preparing to track string musicians for the album.

 The Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy, in association with Tierra Studios, the Producers & Engineers Wing, JBL Professional, and Red Bull presented engineer and producer Jimmy Douglass in a panel-style discussion, with topics ranging from his unique style of tracking and mixing to anecdotes about working with Tom Dowd and his opinion on the ever-changing music business.  Jimmy was interviewed by Texas Chapter Governor Dan Workman about his work with artists such as Duran Duran, Timbaland, and Cream from both a technical and creative perspective.  Tierra Studios would like to thank Jimmy Douglass, the Recording Academy, JBL, and Red Bull for making this event possible.

Herman Matthews came to Tierra Studios recently to play drums on Alex Stock’s album. A seasoned musician, Herman has worked with the likes of Tower of Power, Richard Marx, Kenny Loggins, and Stevie Wonder, just to name a few. Currently working with Tom Jones, Herman’s unique sense of rhythm and style compliments Alex’s guitar and vocals perfectly.

Al Cofrin, the leader and producer of Istanpitta, was in to mix and master his new album “Exiled”. Its collection of Sephardic music, and its masterfully done. Al brought in musicians from all over the country and put down some great tracks. Over the course of the last several weeks he and Randy Miller mixed and mastered the tracks in Studio B.

Check out the Sintefex, Manley and Weiss eq.

Travis Stepheson dropped by today to lay down some guitar on some of Pura Vida Publishing’s new cuts. He’s a killer player and a genuinely chill person to work with. Thanks for gracing the tracks.

We were on hand again this year for another killer recording of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston. If you haven’t seen it, this show is incredible and Houston’s Society does it as well as any company in the world. A full orchestra, chorus and a talented cast put us at 35+ channels! We captured Ruddygore on 2-Alesis HD24’s with 2 more HD’s as backup. All inputs went through the Crest VX 40 channel (thank you goprosound.com) and sounded phenomenal. We’re just getting this one in the can for now, but I can’t wait to come back and hear it mixed.

Tierra Studios’ producer Gilbert Sedeno recently had his Hammond B3 organ and Leslie Tone Cabinet shipped from Dallas to Houston. The organ is now residing in Tierra Studios’ A room, and is a welcome addition to the family.

Sonja Bruzauskas, Anita Kruse, and David Munday have been at Tierra Studios lately recording a project based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s works. Tracking vocals, piano, and guitar, producers Robbie Parrish and Marie Bosarge work closely with Tierra Studios’ Randy Miller.

Alex Stock has added the cello stylings of Houstonian Max Dyer to his project. The project is steadily moving forward and sounds amazing. More to come.