THE COMPOSITIONS

The essence of all art is found in its ability to convey an emotion or experience by the artist. The original compositions contained herein are reflections of those experiences whose great emotional impact has given birth to song. It is this album’s intent to capture and convey those feelings.

Travel does wonders to one’s musical inspiration. While trekking in Central America, the hauntingly long cry of a toucan resonating through the rain forest became the germ for Call of the Toucan. The experience of visiting South Africa and hearing the joyous music from that region created the inspiration for the simple Limpopo. The Latin-tinged Deevee is a nod to the great flutist Dave Valentin, caught while in Los Angeles. During a year-long stay in London, the constant, urban hustle-bustle of that great city gave rise to Wait a Minute. The ambiance of a mild winter sunset breeze shared with friends on a Southern California beach resulted in Laguna Sunday. Everything has its story.

THE RECORDING

The basic tracks that comprise this album were recorded in one weekend, live in the studio. The majority of the tracks are first takes. Additional percussion tracks and overdubbing took place the following weekend.

Niall’s saxophones and flute were recorded using a Neumann U-67-I tube microphone and he plays Selmer Mark VI saxophones exclusively. The piano Tristan played was a 7’ Kawai grand. Kris recorded on a Fender Rhodes electric piano. An RE 20 microphone was employed to record Kyle’s acoustic bass.

All tracks were recorded on a Solid State Logic (SSL) analog board. A Manley tube limiter/compressor was used for mastering. This process of analog recording, to analog mastering, to digital replication (AAD) was utilized for maximum warmth of the CD.

I wish to thank my fellow musicians who appear on this recording, without whose gifts of talent the New World Jazz Project would not exist.

This album is dedicated to my soul mate, Mary, whose inner beauty has been such a bright beacon for me: You Are Too Beautiful.

Love, Peace & Jazz,

Niall

All songs arranged and produced by Niall McGuinness
Recorded by Danny Clay Williams at Sierra Sonics Recording Mansion Reno, Nevada.
Mastered by Justin Weis at Trakworx, San Francisco, CA.
Photography by Mark Edwards