Jazz at the Barn

Mu-Mu have decided that the Summer needs kicking off with a bit of a party, so we have teamed up with Malvern Hills Brewery and booked two of the finest Jazz players anywhere to play at the party at Hellens Manor on May 8th this year. The players in question are, John Etheridge Guitar legend, and Chris Garrick on violin. Johns playing is nothing short of sensational as his stints with Soft Machine, Billy Cobham, Nigel kennedy, Stephan Grapelli's quartet and John Williams bear out.

Chris is widely recognised as the foremost Jazz violinist in Britain and one of the leading players on the world scene. He has toured with Cleo Laine, Angelo Debarre, Julian Joseph and Szapora, and recorded with artists including Van Morrison, Bryan Ferry and Luka Bloom. He has also featured on numerous film soundtracks including "Brideshead Revisited", "Borat", "Moulin Rouge", "Tomorrow Never Dies", and many more.

The Party starts at 6.30pm at Hellens Barn Much Marcle Herefordshire, and Tickets include a Pig Roast with Vegetarian options. Ticket prices are £17.00 in advance or £20.00 on the door.

Malvern Hills Brewery are going to be in attendance providing the necessary liquid refreshment, plus Hellens are providing a further bar for those who do not drink beer.

John and Chris will be playing material from their recent albums as well as a wide selection of music from the worlds of Jazz,Folk,World,and Rock.

The party will provide anyone who comes with the opportunity to see and hear two of the finest musicians in the world in a fantastic location, with fantastic beer and food. Did I mention the beer, (Yes?).

Well that's about it if you need further details email us on info@mu-mu.eu, or contact Hellens Manor via their web site or telephone them on 01531 660504 to book tickets.

Recording Aisa Ijiri at Hellens Barn.

Mu-Mu have been asked to record the Pianist Aisa Ijiri when she plays at Hellens barn Much Marcle on November the 28th.

Aisa Ijiri is one of the finest Japanese pianists of her generation, qualified as "a pianist of exceptional quality, whose sophisticated musicality and artistic integrity are harnessed to a virtuoso technique".

Born in 1981 in Kyoto, Japan, at the age of Seven she made her first public appearance playing Beethoven Sonata at the Kyoto Alti Hall.

Aisa was awarded the Bachelor's degree at the Royal College of Music Stockholm in 2004, followed by a Masters Degree at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2005, and an Artistic Diploma at the Royal College of Music in London in 2007.

We are very excited at the prospect of recording such an outstanding talent

Linda Tolchard Christmas CD

Linda Tolchard has released her latest CD "Christmas by Candlelight"



Recorded and mixed by Mu-Mu last summer, and mastered by Jon Astley.



Arrangements written by Jon Nicholls.

As can be seen in the photos some attempt was made to enter into the Christmas spirit in the middle of Summer. Although we drew the line at wearing full Santa outfits.

Busy Couple of Months

It has been a busy couple of months for Mu-Mu, what with the recording of Linda Tolchards new Christmas album at Wyastone Leys, followed up by the mixing which was a bit nerve wracking at times given the deadlines and Jon Nicholls, the arranger being super busy, but all went well and the mastering was once again performed by Jon Astley at Close to the Edge mastering. Release date should be at the end of October,more details when we get them.

Something a bit different in the form of some sound design for a film trailer which seems to be going well, once again more details as and when we get them.

Matthew recorded Linda Tolchard at the Huntingdon Hall in Worcester, which went very well with Linda sounding fantastic as usual.

Matthew has just left to go on tour with And Also The Trees with dates in Germany at Munster, and, Halle. Then into Switzerland for dates in Zurich, and, Lausanne. Then back into Germany for Nuremberg and Frankfurt. Then all the way back down to Italy for a date in Milan. The Trees will be performing their acoustic set which is going from strength to strength.

When The Rains Come.

We have recently completed work on the new acoustic album by "And Also The Trees" Recorded at the "Barn" using the "Soundfield" microphone on guitar and various other instruments. We are really pleased with the result, as are the "Trees"

Here is a sneak preview of the cover. It is available to buy on the "And Also The Trees" website.

It will be available in the shops from June 8th 2009.

Calling Me Home

Another album just about to completed is "Calling Me Home" by the classical crossover singer Linda Tolchard. This album was recorded at Wyastone Concert Hall, home to Nimbus records. The album comprises a mixture of solo piano and vocal and fully orchestrated pieces. The orchestrations have been written specially for Linda by Jon Nicholls, with careful instrumental choices, providing the perfect balance between classical and ambient that Linda was looking for. Mixes have just been completed by Matthew and Paul and mastering has been scheduled imminently with Jon Astley ( Tori Amos, The Who, Tears for Fears and many others). Details concerning album release dates and concert performances can be found on Linda's brand new website.

"When the rains come"

The acoustic album by "And Also The Trees" has now been mixed by Matthew Devenish of Mu-Mu at Raglan house and is ready for mastering. "When the rains come" is being mastered by Denis Blackham at Skye Mastering. Denis has previously worked with Simon Jones on his collaborative venture November , and was selected due to his vast experience particularly in the field of acoustic music mastering. As you can see in the picture taken during one of the sessions the Soundfield featured prominently, whether recording acoustic guitar, hammered dulcimer, or accordion. It performed beautifully on whatever we put in front of it, showing just how versatile it is. The album has a freshness and vitality that will hopefully introduce AATT to a new audience, listening to some reinterpretations of choice material from their back catalogue.