mu-mu back at Wyastone Leys

Mu-Mu returned to Wyastone Leys on 1st of July for a recording session with very talented pianist Rachel M Davis from Evesham. Rachel had ten original pieces to record, the intention being to release her first CD of original material later in the Autumn. Rachel and her partner Jerry had spoken to numerous recording studios in the area before deciding to place the recording in the hands of Mu-Mu. The beautiful Steinway at Wyastone perfectly complemented Rachel's superb playing. Ten tracks were recorded during the day followed by a video session filmed by Nina Jones. We were impressed with Rachel's level of preparation and nearly all the tracks were recorded with a single take. Mixing and mastering took place and our traditional attention to detail seems to have paid off once again. The Steinway sounds fantastic and Rachel has written a very classy collection of piano tracks that are sure to attract the attention of anyone who listens to them. It was a real pleasure working with Rachel and Jerry and we wish them every success with this debut recording. Once we have further details we will post them on the blog and website.

John Etheridge and Chris Garrick Duo at The Barn

Saturday May 8th heralded Mu-Mu's foray into the world of gig promotion, with a brilliant performance by two outstanding musicians John Etheridge and Chris Garrick at Hellens Barn.
They delighted the audience with their musical interplay and between numbers banter. They showcased material from their latest album "Men on Wire" and also from "At The Dimming of the Day". Armed with guitars, violins, looper pedals and effects the duo's music included Mercy street by Peter Gabriel and Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone amongst others. A very successful evening with the audience asking for further concerts of this quality! We would like to think the addition of food and beer from Malvern Hills Brewery helped to make this event special.

Trees back at the Barn

Last weekend saw the return of "And Also The Trees" to the Barn for a recording session over two days tracking live acoustic songs for a new DVD. They were looking for a live vibe with some separation and control, but allowing Simon to track vocals live. We decided to bring out the Soundfield for vocal duties, and use an M/S pair for Justin's guitar, with a combination of the Valve Classic and Brauner for Eza on Double Bass. The Soundfield makes a really great vocal microphone, although it is not normally considered as a first choice in this role. Everybody was really pleased with the quality of the recording as well as the great vibe that the Barn brought to the session. AATT worked really hard over the two days recording twelve tracks in total. There will be some Dulcimer overdubs, and, maybe some guitar, but the vocals and backing vocals were all recorded live. Mixing will be at Raglan House as soon as we have the overdubs finished.

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.