Full Steam Ahead!

Today we finished posting the railroad sounds series from Con Brio. "Steam!" was recorded at the Georgetown Loop and the Colorado Railroad Museum. All narrow-gauge steam action!

Ed Hollcraft's recordings are masterfully done, and make a fine addition to most any sound effects or railroadiana collection.

We're proud to carry them.

- Ralph

The Sounds of General Purpose

Today I finished the pages for another release in Con Brio's railroad recording series. "Trains at Work" features sounds of GP-9's at work.

The "GP" designation stood for "General Purpose," as these locomotives were equally adept at yard work as they were at hauling freight across the country. Although GP-9's and SW 1500's are featured in the recording, the cover photo shows a Burlington Northern SD40. Perhaps it's just passing through?

- Ralph

Thunder on the Steel

Today I posted another of Hollcraft Studios well-regarded railroad recordings. "Thunder on the Steel" consists of recordings from two different locations. The first is the Martinez Station and Ozol yard traffic. Martinez is a busy station on the Californian Amtrak route, with over 40 trains passing through daily.

The second segment features steam power on the Georgetown Loop Railroad outside Denver, CO. Thrilling recordings! And we're not done yet.

- Ralph

Trains keep on a-rolling

Another of Hollencroft's remarkable sound recordings got posted to the site today. "Diesel Power" may not have the best cover, but the quality of the recording is first-rate. And there's more to come.

You can learn more about this release on our website.

- Ralph

Pardon me boys....

I got the first of our five new railroad titles posted today. There are also sound files for each track -- just to give you a flavor.

The first release "Heavy Hauling" features yard work with a GP-9 and SW-1500 from 1973.

Here's something to look forward to: once I get all the titles posted, we'll create a special page where you can order the entire set for a special low price.

- Ralph

New releases from Con Brio

We just got in some new releases from Con Brio -- and something a little unusual. In addition to their line of classical recordings, Con Brio also has five recordings of railroad sounds. A specialized field to be sure, but within in it these are highly respected recordings.

- Ralph

Merry Christmas -- early.

I finished mixing down the second part of our holiday music special podcast. You can access it here.

There's still lots to do before the holidays. I just recieved word that we may have some more holiday releases coming. Readers of this blog will be the first to know.

And we're preparing for 2007, of course. Lining up new releases, talking to new labels -- it never seems to end. And that's just fine with me.

- Ralph Graves