Ashington Folk Club

We recorded club nights from the PA to minidisc (later to an Edirol R-09 digital recorder), then copied them to PC for editing and very basic processing. Full tracks and extracts can be found in the folk club archives History section from 2005 through to 2007.

We also made CDs as keepsakes for performers who gave extended spotlight sets.

Beeswing

We recorded this North east UK group direct to PC via an analogue mixer in our home (in 'the blue room'), then did basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks. We then made a demo ('not for re-sale') CD of the recorded tracks.

Blyth Valley Samba Band

We recorded this North east percussion group to minidisc via an external mixer on-site at their rehearsal in a local pub. At home the recordings were transferred to PC where we did basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks. We then made a CD of the recorded tracks.

Dan Bangs

We recorded this North east singer and guitarist direct to PC via an external mixer in our home (another blue room recording), then did basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks. We then produced a limited number of CDs with bespoke jiva-designed booklet, tray liner insert and CD label.

Doug Wood

We recorded this North east singer and banjo player direct to PC via an external mixer in our home (another blue room recording), then did basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks. We then made a CD of the recorded tracks. Doug also used these recordings to submit his self-penned songs to the Morpeth Gathering songwriting competition where he was runner up... well done, Doug.

Hylton Weir

Hylton wrote a song which he also wanted to enter for the Morpeth Gathering competition. Again, this was recorded direct to PC via an external mixer in the blue room (with Jimmy adding to the guitar accompaniment). We then did the usual basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of the track. We then made a CD of the final version.

Jim Wigfield

Jim is a great observer of life, as evidenced by his growing catalogue of self-penned songs. We've recorded him solo with just voice and guitar and also with additional players providing acoustic lead and rhythm guitars. The recording sessions were done direct to PC via an external mixer in the blue room followed by basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks and also to better mix and balance the vocals and instrumentation.

We also made a  live recording of 3 tracks at a local folk club - Jim via the PA to minidisc and audience through a separate mixer to minidisc and digital recorder for later transfer to PC. The editing and re-mixing of the live tracks was an interesting challenge, and it turned out very well.

For both of Jim's CDs we designed the artwork (CD labels, tray liners and 8 and 12 page booklets) and liaised with a specialist company to arrange for glass mastering, manufacture and packaging..

jiva

A lot of jiva's material has been recorded at home - some to minidisc, some to the Edirol R-09 digital recorder, some through the PA (when rehearsing for specific performances), but mostly direct to PC via an analogue mixer.

Having upgraded the sound card and software we can theoretically record up to 8 tracks simultaneously but, as there are 2 voices and 2 guitars, we usually record a maximum of 4 tracks at once. We are experimenting with separate multi-tracking of individual parts and subtle use of post-recording digital effects (eg compression and reverb) but, as we're still only at the experimental stage, this is not something we advocate for others using our 'no frills' recording service.

The tracks are burned to CD for demo and publicity purposes (ie not for re-sale) and can also be found on the Songs section of the jiva website and also on our MySpace profile.

We are working on a CD which will be available for purchase, but the recording and production will be done by a professional studio.

Keith Blackburn

Keith suggested a project for a personal CD which he gave to close relatives. This was another blue room recording direct to PC via an analogue mixer with basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks. We then produced a limited number of CDs with booklet and tray liner inserts and matching CD label.

Matthew Bell

We were approached by a music teacher enquiring about the possibility of producing a CD of one of his pupils. This was easily accomplished, with all tracks recorded in a single session - again, the tried and tested method of recording direct to PC via an external mixer in our home (another blue room recording). We then did basic editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks and enhanced the sound slightly for a more realistic piano ambience. We then produced a limited number of CDs with bespoke jiva-designed booklet, tray liner insert and CD label.

Ray Derrick

Ray writes songs about the North East of England, mostly in the traditional vein with a historical slant - chronicling the characters and events. His album 'Tyneside Retro' was the very first blue room recording, and we are pleased to say that the album is still selling. It was recorded direct PC via an analogue mixer with minimal post-recording editing to trim excess space at the beginning and end of tracks.

We also designed the CD artwork - booklet and tray liner inserts and matching CD label.

Songs from this CD and also a work-in-progress follow up album won Ray the Songwriting shield at the Morpeth Gathering 3 years in succession... well done Ray.

West Sleekburn Farm
Community Music Association

The association recorded two musical festivals and a songwriting competition evening onto minidisc. They approached us to produce CDs for them. We edited the source recordings and produced a series of 3 CDs complete with CD inserts (labels, booklets and tray liners). The association made the CDs available to members for a nominal donation.