#3: Layers

This month, I spent two days tracking keyboards for an artist called Robin Kester. Ali Chant was producing the album from his studio, Playpen. I recorded Piano, Wurlitzer, Harpsichord and Synthesizer for twelve songs.

Robin's music is dark with a baroque pop sensibility. It’s high-calibre songwriting from someone immersed in their craft. For this session tracks were built and layered, one instrument at a time. I was either replicating parts from a demo recording or improvising, decorating and embellishing with direction from Robin and Ali. It was fun to leap around the studio from Wurlitzer to Moog to Piano to Synthesizer and back again. Ali creates a dynamic recording environment. Everything is fast and fluid (expertly captured by engineer Niklas Lueger).

Each recording session is an opportunity to learn something new. Robin and Ali were open to new ideas but also aware of their outcomes for the album. At points, they were keen to experiment. Without giving too much away, this resulted in esoteric effect chains and production techniques that were tracked in real-time. It was a refreshingly buoyant approach and one that I hadn’t experienced before. There was a deliberate intent to not record things the "proper" way - even when that was an option.

Rest in peace Ernie Fields Jr. I worked with Ernie in 2016 during a project with Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley. He was a very hip individual who, perched beside me on the organ bench, told me that he’d played on Marvin Gaye's album Here My Dear. An unforgettable moment.

The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble are releasing their debut album on Mute Records. The first single and video are now available. You can check them out and pre-order the album here. We’re all very excited about this one! Live dates will be announced very soon.

Two members of the Ensemble have a tour coming up. Graham Fitkin and Ruth Wall are presenting Harpland at various venues in the coming weeks. Details can be found here. Check out this excellent review in the Guardian.

The Spirited residency continues on the 7th of April with the great Dan Newberry joining us on saxophone. Tables sold out quickly for the last one, so book yours now.

On the 9th of April, I'm playing organ with the inventive jazz guitarist Nigel Price. For this session, we’ll explore the repertoire of Wes Montgomery. Tickets are available here.

Your favourite new beach.

A beautiful record.

Finally, here’s a live recording of "Dear Prudence" from a recent trio set with Riaan Vosloo (double bass) and Alex Goodyear (drums).

Thanks for reading! I hope things are good with you out there.

Dan x

(replies always welcome)