|
June 26th 2004
So now France goes home too… amazing!
Even though I am a bit tired now (the schedule here has been really
intense) I am inspired by the results we are achieving and the objective
now will be to concentrate on as many of the foundation parts as
possible. Also, we will be focussing again on backing vocals on
Sunday so I had to concentrate on the tracks that had to be prepared
and ready for that.
It was an intense day really as I had to move from Hammond to acoustic
to electric guitar and make sure the reference vocals were accurate
enough for the singers to work with. All the while, filming for
the DVD continued so it was pretty chaotic.
We had lunch early because there was a press conference scheduled
for 4pm but that only lasted an hour or so and it was enjoyable
and not too disruptive. As I said earlier, the press is intensely
interested in this project, partly because it is the first event
of its kind in Russia.
The biggest challenge in any recording session, anywhere, is communication
and that is even more important when there is a language barrier.
I am very grateful that Egor's translation ability is so good. It's
not just a matter of conversation either. It's necessary for everyone
involved to understand the way each of us likes to work and then
these decisions have to be communicated to the musicians and singers
so that everyone understands clearly. This is not always easy and
can be quite frustrating but we are getting better at it and things
are running much more smoothly now. And Sasha's English is improving
at a far quicker rate than my Russian! It is a learning situation
for everyone and does require patience but I won't be the last artist
to do this and my hope (or one of them at least) is that, as a result
of what's being learned now, it will be easier for others in the
future.
After 11 hours of concentration and work we had accomplished a lot
and I decided to call it a day, relax with a sandwich and a glass
of wine and head back to the hotel. In between times I am able to
call Monica and catch up on things at home and I like to talk to
the dogs too. They're getting better at using the phone now so I
am looking forward to being re-united with the family!
Tomorrow is our last day of recording until I come back in July
to finish the first volume so I am hoping to rest well and be ready
for another hard day!!
Next
day...
|
