5 Music Software Must-Haves

The art of recording has developed alongside advancements in technology.  In fact, tech mixes so well with the art of recording that it is now the only way to make music.  To have an album released nowadays and not be from the digital realm is an oddity.  Thirty years ago, it took rooms of mixing boards, amps, booths, tape recording equipment, and trained professionals who knew how all that equipment worked and all the little tricks to get the sound right.  That is no longer the case.

Successful artists still use much of the “old ways” to make their albums sound perfect, but the advancement of home recording software has leveled the playing field for those who want a richly produced sound without the expense and expertise.

If you are looking for a music software system to create your own home recordings, here is a list to help you find what works and is the best fit.  This list was created after researching what systems are available in today’s market, how long the system has been a force in the industry, and what level of tech is required to get the job done.

 

5 Music Software Must-Haves

 

  1. GarageBand ( Apple)

The best thing about GarageBand is that it is free and doesn’t require a lot of equipment. Simply purchase an iPad, download GarageBand, and you are ready to go.  Apple packs a ton of additions to the stock program, and beats, instruments, and live recording are also part of the package.  It will not get you the same studio quality as some other systems on this list, but for very little money and hassle it will make your music sound great.

  1.   Ableton Live  (Windows, Apple)

Ableton Live has been making a name for itself for years.  Released in 2001, it was one of the only software programs that could change the tempo of the music without affecting pitch.  The ability to have a music software system that can record and mix live performances placed Ableton Live in a league of their own.  The mixing capabilities are still some of the best-designed software on the market today.   

 

  1.   Image-Line FL Studio (Windows)

This software system gained popularity for its ability to create amazing loops.  First known as FruityLoops, FL Studio is used widely in hip-hop and electronic dance music (EDM). FL Studio is also a favorite with producers for its ease of use and editing capabilities.

  1. Logic Pro (Apple)

Logic Pro has been on the scene from the beginning.  Logic Pro is a full-feature music production system that can create professional-grade music.  Apple purchased Logic Pro in 2002. The extra add-ons and features that Logic contains make it easy to control while maintaining a conservative user interface.

  1.   Avid Pro Tools (Windows, Apple)

Pro Tools is the top music production software system used today in the music industry.  Avid, the creator of Pro Tools, is the movie industry standard for video production, so it was only natural for them to own the audio market too.  Pro Tools has a few different levels available depending on where you are starting.  (maybe include a sentence or two about the different levels that are available, i.e. Pro Tools First, Pro Tools, Pro Tools Ultimate.) They also make proprietary hardware for their professional level software system.

 

While there are many programs to choose from, this list represents the systems that have displayed longevity, a strong fan base, and the ability to consistently get the job done.  Pro Tools as our number one pick offers a level of depth and focus that has made it a mainstay in the music industry, but any of these Top 5 Music Software Systems will deliver.  

 

Post Written by Michael Brigger

Chet Baker: “My Funny Valentine”

From now until Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing some of our picks to get you in the mood.  Last time, we told you about “Our Love Is Easy” by Melody Gardot. Now, we’re giving you a jazz standard.

 

Chet Baker

“My Funny Valentine”

 

My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine

You make me smile with my heart

Your looks are laughable

Unphotographable

Yet you’re my favorite work of art

 

Of course, this made the list.  C’mon, you can’t have Valentine’s Day without it!  The funny thing about it is that “My Funny Valentine” started as a show tune written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart back in 1937, and it was introduced by child star, Mitzi Green.  It’s since become a popular jazz standard and has been performed by more than 600 artists. Baker was able to turn the tune into a jazz classic when he recorded an instrumental version with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet in 1952, and then a haunting vocal version in 1956.  He then would go on to revisit the song a number of times throughout his career.

Chesney Henry Baker Jr., or Chet Baker, was known for the melancholic, fragile tone of his trumpet playing and singing.  He began playing the trumpet at 10 and later went on to play in Army bands while he was a soldier.  During the 50s, he played with Charlie Parker and joined Gerry Mulligan’s quartet in 1952.

In 1954, Baker beat out Miles Davis and many others to win the Downbeat Jazz Poll. Over the next few years, Baker was a frontman for his own combo He played trumpet and sang.  Baker’s good looks, vibratoless, soft tenor voice and cool vibe pretty much put him on the fast track.  But his personal struggles would end up taking a toll on his career.

Despite the troubles, it’s been said that the period between 1977 and 1988 were Baker’s most prolific musical years.  He’s pretty much an icon for the “cool school” style of jazz.

What’s your favorite song for Valentine’s Day?  Let us know in the comments.

Ron Carter: Mr. 2,221…and Counting

If you love jazz, but you don’t know who Ron Carter is, you really don’t love jazz.

Why do we say that?

Because Ron Carter is one of the most prolific, innovative and influential bassists in jazz history.
He’s also played with a number of the greats. From Lena Horne to B.B. King, Miles Davis to even A Tribe Called Quest, Mr. Carter’s talent has transcended a variety of genres.

Carter was born in Ferndale, Michigan on May 4, 1937. He started playing cello at age ten, and later switched to the double bass. He went on to play during his time at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and the Manhattan School of Music in the Big Apple.

His professional career in music started with gigs playing bass for Jaki Byard and Chico Hamilton. Carter hit the big time in 1963 when he became a member of the classic and acclaimed Miles Davis Quintet. In it, he played alongside Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams. He played with the group until 1968. During his time, he recorded two albums with them—Seven Steps to Heaven in 1963 and E.S.P. in 1965.

After his quartet time, Carter went on to forge a number of musical partnerships and was a member of the New York Jazz Quartet. He also was a sideman on many Blue Note recordings playing with Freddie Hubbard, Duke Pearson, McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver and many others.

In a career which spans more than 50 years, Carter has more than 2,221 albums to his credit. He’s the most recorded jazz bassist history and was recognized for it by The Guinness Book of World Records in 2016. At 81, Carter is still teaching and performing.

So far as his style, it’s been described as such.

“What makes Carter so unique is the fact that describing his style is more comparable to describing the entire jazz genre—it includes a grandiose and diverse spectrum of sophisticated music that has evolved over the past several decades. Carter has been at the forefront of various jazz movements, from bebop to bossa nova, straight-ahead to experimental. If that weren’t enough, he has thrived in virtually every form of ensemble playing from conservation-driven duos to quartets to big bands. He has played the bass lines that all students of jazz have to learn and does so with impeccable tone, technique, and temperament.”

Ryan Madora

Bass Players to Know: Ron Carter, notreble.com

Sept. 15, 2017

Night is Alive’s own Donald Vega performs on piano with Carter’s Golden Striker Trio.

This just goes to show the caliber of the great talent that we work with. In a nutshell, we represent legends who have been inspired, mentored and celebrated by jazz greats, and we’d love to share their unique sounds with you—and the world.

Learn more about what we do and who we represent.