Treasures from the Philippines

Back in 2002 VGo Recordings released "Philippine Treasures." Guitarist Angelo Favis played traditional and composed music from his native islands. The second volume is finally available, and we got it on the website post haste.

Volume 2 is a nice companion to the original release. Some of the works move from the traditional to the classical realm, and many of the composers are from the mid- rather than early-twentieth century.

While we've catagorised these two releases as "world music," they would not be out of place on the shelf of any collector of classical guitar recordings.

Here's a sampling of this remarkable collection.

Sampaguita

- Ralph

Another day, another podcast

Well, it seems that way sometimes. For DCD Records, creating a podcast is something that takes place over the course of several weeks. I usually break it down like this:

Pre-production: This phase includes selecting the tracks, and deciding on the sequence. This then dictates the flow of the script, and what I need to research in order to write said script.

The tracks are then flown into the computer, in preparation for --

Production: This is actually the shortest part of the process for me. I can usually cut all the voice tracks in about a half an hour, even with multiple takes (I credit my radio background). The tracks are moved into the editing program, and then its just a matter of editing down the raw voice tracks, and equalizing the levels throughout the podcast. If only this were all! But then there's --

Post-production: Easily the longest part of the project. Currently, I take the tracks used in the podcast and create one-minute sound samples for the DCD website. I also create the graphics and special pages for any special offers associated with the podcast during this phase.

I'll create the podcast post and add the relevant links, and do a final test to make sure the download works. At that point, the podcast is ready to be released to the world.

And its an ongoing process. While one podcast may be in post-production, I may be preparing to record another, and doing pre-production music selection for a third. Of course, there's always a possibility of a last-minute substitution for a new release -- but that's the kind of problem I like to have!

Our nineteenth podcast is now completed and posted, ready for your audition. I welcome your thoughts on our little production.

- Ralph

New Audio Adventures

Today I've posted a new DCD Classical 'Cast podcast. To the left is the new artwork for the podcast, which is (IMHO) a little more dynamic than just using our logo.

We're also in the process of creating enhanced podcasts. If you're not familiar with the format, it's an audio podcast with chapters. Each chapter can have a different image, and a hotlink as well.

For our podcasts, it means you'll be able to see the album cover of each work as it starts, and click on the image to go to our website for additional information -- or to purchase it if you're so inclined.

I hope to have the enhanced version available by next week. The podcast itself is done -- I just have to build the infrastructure for the feed.

- Ralph

An unusual debut

Normally, a young classical tenor's first album will be a recital of their core repertoire. After a few albums of opera arias, the artist may eventually release a "crossover" disc of popular music.
New England-based Stanley Wilson cuts to the chase. His first release from Con Brio is a collection of Cole Porter songs.

It's a smart move. His clear tenor shines on these selections, and he stands a chance of connecting with a much larger audience right out of the box. In the works is a follow-up disc of lieder, which we're also looking forward to.

Check out this sample from this unusual debut album.

All of You

- Ralph

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