The problem with recording studios - for me - is that I, or the bands I played in, could never afford to use a decent one. There are several studios in my area and the boogie'n blues band that I used to play in (until recently) used a couple of these studios to make our one and only CD. We cut it mainly live with vocals and some instrumental solos overdubbed later. To me, it sounded dull and lifeless and just didn't capture the excitement and feel of the band's live playing. This was all around 8 years ago, and we used the studios that we could afford, which wasn't a huge amount. The engineers were very competent and professional, and the equipment seemed up-to-date - but (sigh) it just lacked that "Something" that made the band what it was.

I now use some kit at home to make my own recordings - this is a humble sample:


Blue Monk

It's not perfect, by a long way, but it captures how I play live - for better or worse - and therefore, to me, is more satisfying. And because I make no claim for the music, it's free to anyone who wants to listen to it or download it (which may not be many!)