The Prophets, LIVE from Hilltop Studios, in Nashville!
- CLICK Comments below or the article Title above
to view yesterdays LIVE chat from Hilltop Studios - Nashville
Editor’s update…OCT 29…
Comments have continued to be posted here, 3 days after the LIVE chat. Significantly, Mr Ed Hill (Founder of The Prophets Qt) logged on an left a couple of comments about the songs and the session. His first is around #44…pretty cool!!! Thanks Ed!
Editor’s update…OCT 27, 2007…
Obviously, yesterday’s Prophets recording session is over. We actually recorded Tracks for all 3 songs that we had on the agenda…PLUS, we got final vocals recorded for my new original patriotic tune, “Because They Gave” (except for Mike Allen’s bass part). Mike will add his part very soon. Musicians, engineers, singers and friends present were:
PRODUCERS: Johnny Minick, Michael Sykes & Aaron Minick
Steve Chandler / Lead engineer
JT Thomas / Asst. engineer
J. Minick / piano
A. Minick / drums
Garry Lunn / bass
Bobby All / acoustic guitar
Kelly Back / electric guitar
Joel Keye / electric guitar
Ed Hill / Baritone - TPQ
Bill Baize / Tenor - TPQ
Paul Jackson / Lead - TPQ
Mrs. Dorcas Baize (Bill’s spouse)
Matt Jackson (Paul’s son)
NOW…here is yesterday’s post…
OUR SESSION HAS BEGUN…The pickers have laid down track #1, and are now doing “over-dubs”…read this post for backgrond…or CLICK “Comments” BELOW to join the CHAT!
I have a decent signal. I am blogging LIVE from Hilltop Recording Studios, during The Prophets’ tracking/vocal session which has been going since 10 this morning. Will try to stay near my laptop as much as possible. My duties this morning could include singing one or more of the “scratch” vocals, as the band lays down the track(s). When that happens, I will get that done, and get back online with a report asap!
Today’s objective is to get great instrumental tracks for the last 2 or 3 songs for The Prophets’ first studio recording since 1973. So I must remain fully available to do what ever producers Minick, Sykes & Minick require of me. It is also possible that we will cut something for a subsequent Prophets CD. We already have one Track that we recorded earlier, that has been slotted for Album #2. Those decisions are in the hands of River Bend Media, which is the owner of our label and the financier of this project.
Anyway, every effort will be made to keep you up to date on what we are doing…ie, who is “pickin’”,who is singin’, who is producing, listening, engineering…what the song is like…who it features…maybe some songwriter stuff as well.
I will try to include information of interest to the casual SG fan, as well as you hard-core Gospel junkies from the blogosphere. I have my dig camera with me, so I might upload a pic or two along the way. Don’t hold me to that, as I am computer-tech challenged. My closest friends and family members can’t even believe that I can boot-up and log-on by myself.
I have not yet decided if I will give my running commentary in the comment section or in the main post. Probably will use the comment section, of this post, so that I can have maximum interaction with the one or three of you who will be clicking-in. I will moderate any new posters as promptly as I can. When we start, I will edit this post, and we will chat right here. don’t worry about cross-posting…just Fire Away! You can even now. But I am going back to sleep for a little while!
Come back around 10am…and we will blog a while!
More than ever, I say: “Come on…come blog with me!”…Thanks.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:12 am
Sleep?? Who needs sleep?? Seriously, will be checking off and on today to see how it’s progressing. I’m anxious to hear the new Prophets!
October 26th, 2007 at 7:25 am
I’ll have to say, I’ve been pretty impressed with your emerging tech skills on the computer! It’s been fun reading your blog and seeing where the Lord is leading you. Tell Kathy hi for me!
October 26th, 2007 at 7:45 am
10 AM? I’ll be here!
Actually, I have an interview on a national radio show, and while I’m on the phone for that I’m still going to be here for updates!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:11 am
Fascinating. I’ll be clicking refresh often.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Wow! We are all squalling, as the band has cut an old Stamps-Baxter song (copyright 1963), that our producers believe has NEVER been recorded by a pro group.
Johnny Minick learned the tune in Singing Schools as a boy. The sound acheived by these world class pickers, fits the mournful, but victorious, lyric. Two of our producers, Johnny and Aaron Minick are at their respective instruments…and, Michael Sykes is at “the board” keeping everybody on focus!
The song is entitled, “Jesus Wept” and features a tear jerking lead by our resident legend, Ed Hill. Does anybody know the tune? It doesn’t even appear on Dr Daniel’s list of songs!
Paul Jackson
October 26th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Yeah–I looked for hours for that song and couldn’t find it in any of my hymnals.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:25 am
By the way–what do you mean by squalling? Crying?
Here’s a dictionary definition of the word–how I’ve thought of the word: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/squalling
October 26th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Well the boys have move on too “One Thing”.. My Dad is currently laying down the scratch vocal and the pickers are tearin up. Daniel Mount should be excited. He has a credit on this song. Sounding good…
October 26th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Neat. I can’t wait to hear it!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Hey folks…”One Thing” is done!!! My, what ENERGY! Kelly BacK, guitartist supreme, is doing electric over-dubs as I punch. I got stuck singing the scratch…this is a song that features Mike (our bass) with a tenor lead on the chorus that lets Bill Baize shine and soar! Doing the scratch vocal I had to pretend to be our Mike on the verse and Bill on the chorus! Whoa!!!!
Bill and Ed are laughing at me, but we got it cut finally…after Michael Sykes came and hosed me down (my choir will know what I mean). Code for I was getting too excited and pushing ahead of the beat. But Sykes coached me hard, calmed everyone down a little, and after several runs at it, He pronounced “the cake baked”..the minicks concurred…AND I got to go lay down somewhere.
DANIEL, thanks for helping me with the lyrics on this tune! audiences are gonna love this one: A Real Qt song with some genuine Nashville country pickin’ !…Stay tuned for more…Questions anyone?
Paul Jackson / The Prophets
PS…JAN, are you my former Exec. Assistant from days gone by?
October 26th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
You’re welcome!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
How many tracks are you guys doing today?
October 26th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
He said in the initial post that they were going to do 2 or 3.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
I missed that when I read it…thanks Daniel….
October 26th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
No problem!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
[…] Jackson is live-blogging a Prophets recording session today here. I cannot recall any previous instance where a member of a professional group has live-blogged a […]
October 26th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I wonder if they are done. It’s been a few hours since any update. I’m still here hitting the refresh button every few minutes.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I’m checking occasionally as well, between meetings and coding.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Busted! Yes, I have found memories of those days. And I’m glad to know how your music and your voice are being used. Sounds like you all are having a ball in the studio with Brother Johnny M. and others. It’s fun reading how the album is taking shape. Can’t wait to hear it. Meant to write before - I really enjoyed your birthday tribute to Matthew. I remember baby-sitting him when he didn’t sleep. Looks like he and Micah have turned into wonderful young men. Pretty awesome.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Hey guys. Just back from lunch. The third and final track is being completed right now. Johnny Minick is laying down his final piano licks on “They Gave”. The awesome patriotic ballad that honors our current and fallen military heros. More to come from Paul soon.
Hi Jan. I really thought I slept some.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
How is it comming now, Paul? Are you guys fininshed yet?
October 26th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Sorry for the delay on getting back guys and gals!
They worked me to death on cut #3. “Because They Gave Their All”…a patriotic song I wrote for this project. I think we have got an amazing cut. Riverbend Media is planning a full concept video for this song. Planning to shoot it in D.C. at our war monuments. More on this later. Thanks for hanging in with us.
Then we all, I mean everybody here, went to lunch at the Star Cafe…now we have returned for a full afternoon of work.
As Matthew said, Johnny M. is doing keyboard over-dubs and the piano is smoking!!! It’s really fun watching Sykes and engineer. Steve Chandler being JM’s cheerleaders as his fingers fly. He’s playing licks for “One Thing”…DM, yo gonna love this boy!
JAN….I love you! Matt (my son) is here with me and we are so blessed by your visit.
We ARE going to do some vocal work after Minick finishes his key flingin!
Ed and Bill are going on and on about JM’s playing…awesome!
More later…PJ / The Prophets
October 26th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
So will you guys give a multimedia presentation while singing “Because They Gave It All” live?
October 26th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Watching “Sykes the slave driver”, push Minick to get his best playing is a hoot!
He has told JM to “keep your lips out”…and “it’s reckless but it’s got a thang on it”…and, “we gonna run down to the end, and let’cha amaze us again”…and, “it’s got hair on it”…whoa, I wish you were here!
Hilltop is rocking! This Mike Allen’s feature tune, that also hands the lead off to Bill for some high tenor singin’…gonna be a crowd favorite!
blogging on….PJ
October 26th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Quaid…that’s a great suggestion. I feel sure something like that is in the works…should be an inspiring site…about to cut the final vocal for “Because They Gave”…Matt will update you as we go! Back as soon as I can…PJ
October 26th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
My dad is beginning to cut his lead vocal on “Because They Gave”. The plan is to put Dad’s vocal, Bill Baize, and Ed Hill’s vocal on this today. Johnny Mincik and Michael Sykes are producing the vocal sessions. It’s quite an experience being here. To have the chance to watch these pros work is very educational for me. I fancy myself an ok singer but to get to be around these musicians and singers is very humbling.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Phrasing and emphasis on words is the current conversation. This song is so emotional and patriotic (Because They Gave), that feel and emphasis is so important to communicate the song. Currently working on the first verse.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
I’ve heard that some stuido engineers and producers prefer to record the bass vocalist’s parts AFTER everyone else’s parts are done. So, does the reason that Mike’s vocals are not being recorded on that song today have any connection with recording stacked harmony vocals?
Just wondering.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Oohps, should have been “So, is the reason…”
Grammer error.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Quaid, the way I understand it. There won’t be any stacks on this project. I may misunderstand your question, but it is true that they will cut the bass last.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Can’t wait to hear “Because They Gave Their All.” We just returned from a trip to D.C., and the monuments will give a wonderful backdrop to your song. We especially were moved by the WWII monument. D.C. will be spectacular place for a backdrop.
Matt, it’s good to hear from you. I love you, but you can ask your mom. I hope she’s getting more sleep these days with grown boys!
Keep up the good work!
October 26th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Good to hear from you too Jan. I have many found memories of you and Diane toting me around.
There is one point in the chorus of “Becasue They Gave” that is say’s place another Hero’s name high upon the wall. I immediately thought of the Vietnam Memorial as a backdrop.
They have moved on to the second verse. Still working with phrasing and emphasis. Trying to blend a touch of country into this song. It’s going to be very pretty and powerful.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
On to the chorus. Bill Baize is now helping Johnny Minick produce the vocal. Bill is making sure the lead on the chorus is recorded right in order to work with the other three parts. Ed Hill is taking it all in on the couch.
The Prophets hard at work.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Are they doing the vocals for the other songs today?
October 26th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Daniel, they are going to try and get to them. But they are taking their time to get “Because They Gave” just right. My Dad is almost done and Bill will begin to lay down his vocal.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Very interesting.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
It’s good that they are doing any vocals today. My Dad wasn’t sure if they would be doing any. Johnny Minick got really excited in the morning recording the track for “Because They Gave”. He decided that he wanted to put vocals down on “Because They Gave” first. My Dad is almost done and will give a better synopsis of what has just transpired and what else will be completed tonight.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Okay. I also sent him an email that I’ll be really looking forward to a reply on.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Believe me, this has been a great day of work for The Prophets’ Quartet. World class musicians, relaxed but persisent producers and ultra-experienced engineers give us singers our best opportunity to do what God has gifted us to do. We give HIM all the glory!
We are singing on. We have been here for 8 hours. Bill has just finished his part on “Because….” and is now telling Elvis stories here in the control room, as Ed Hill is now adding the baritone…that essential 3rd part. We await the producer’s word as to what we do next.
They seem to be so positive about this uplifting and heartwarming musical tribute to our soldiers…anxious to get it “in the can”…and make that video..then get it out to America, while we still have so many of our soldiers “in the battlefields” around the world. Bobby All, one of Nashville’s finest acoustic players, reached out is arm to me and said, “look at my arm…it’s covered with chill bumps. America needs to hear this song!”
That seems to typify the attitude permeating Hilltop studio today. That we are doing something here that will be far reaching: Touching soldiers and their families. Those who serve. Those that “come home”…and those who are brought home by their buddies.
PJ / The Prophets
October 26th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Amazing, interesting, and enlightening.
Thanks for sharing your day with us.
October 27th, 2007 at 5:56 am
It’a almost 6am, and we are back home, in Little AR. Matt and I left the studio at 8:30pm, got a steak at our favorite Music City steak house. We consumed our “usual”, got back in my glory van…and drove the 370 miles to LR. amen. Thank you JLS…and everyone, for sharing your day with us.
And, JLS, glad to have you on board here at my blog. Thanks for visitng, throuhout the day…
PJ / The Prophets
PS…Jan, how are your boys?
October 27th, 2007 at 6:06 am
PJ,
Glad to see you guys made it home. Sounds like whirlwind Nashville trips of old! It also sounds like you got a lot of good work done.
My boys are good - all 3 of them. The young ones are 12 and 8 - one sweet and compliant, and the other a bit of a headstrong challenge, like me. But they’re a joy. I am often reminded of the Godly example of parenting you and KJ set in front of me as yours were growing. Thanks!
October 27th, 2007 at 6:17 am
Dear Jan,
We also have very fond memories of you, and the many years you served our family and ministry. Now, years later, you are still encouraging us. Thanks for taking the time to share our day with us, yesterday.
3 boys!?!…wow! Yes, we had one compliant son as well…AND one strong willed Matthew. You were right earlier. He almost never slept in those days. But my, how sweet he is now…as is Micah.
Kathy is still asleep. I was so keyed up when I arrived home, that I took our 120 pound Rottweiller, Butkus, on a 30 minute walk.
Speaking of sleep. I’ve got to get some. will get back to you via your e-mail box….again, we love you very much.
PJ
October 27th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Paul,
I hope you and Matt are sleeping now. I slept while you drove home. We had a wonderful day yesterday and we ALL are looking forward to the cd and video.
Sometimes I get a little impatient but after a day like yesterday I get more excited.
The 3 songs we did are great songs and impressed us to get them just right. The tracs are wonderful. They all sure can pick and play. I’m thankful we used them. I can’t wait for it all to be finished ( I sure do need to rehearse my song for sure).
I will……..
Holler at you later. Rest well………Matt don’t let him work you too hard!!!
Ed
October 27th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Thanks Ed for joining the chat.
I know that fans and friends are glad to get your thoughts on the sesssion. You did a great job of singing and encouraging yesterday. I love singing with you. It’s a great blessing to me.
Thanks for being so positive about the songs. The pickers and producers seemed to be very pleased with the tunes, and the way they turned out.
You are going to do a great job on “Jesus Wept”…
Mike will murder the bass-lead on “One Thing”…
Bill will do his beautiful tenor thing on all the tunes.
“Because They Gave” ? Well, what can we say?
It tears me up to listen to it. I hope I can get through it on stage. The 3 part unison stuff was awesome.
Can’t wait to add Mike’s incomparable voice. Something about 4 men locking up a great unison tone!
Yesterday, Johnny Minick made a statement in the control room that impressed me, when he said: “We had good input from everybody today. That makes for a good session.”
God Bless America…
PJ / The Prophets
October 29th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Paul,
Got home late last night, but had a good day yesterday. When I got home last night I played the traxs that we did Friday in the studio for Sharon, She sat there and teared-up as I played those songs, it touched her just listening to the none mixed songs . They are such a blessing.
Been listening to my song trying to get more feeling to it and learning it well.
See you soon. Ed
October 29th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Ed,
I had so much fun hanging out with you and the guys on Friday. Your such a blessing to me and my Dad. I can’t wait to hear you sing “Jesus Wept”.
It’s been such a blessing to meet you and I look forward to being in Nashville again with you and the rest of the crew.
I’m glad Sharon loved the songs!
October 29th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Oh Ed. Thanks for the great George Younce story. My Dad and I laughed about that going home. George meant a whole lot to my dad. But we could see him doing what you described. Hilarious!
But we will just keep that story to ourselves..
Matt
October 29th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Prayers are with you all during this. It’s good to hear that things have gone so smoothly thus far, which is often a rare thing in a studio.
October 30th, 2007 at 2:49 am
Brother ED,
so glad your sunday concert went well. glad you made it back safely. What a blessing that our songs touched Sharon so profoundly. She is a sweetheart. YOU are a blessed man!
Matt…
thanks for your help blogging Friday…and helping us make it back to our beloved AR. You make these trips to Nashville even more special. I will never forget your many contributions to “my” first Prophets recording. I pray that we all will be thankful that we were “there” when God led us to create something that hopefully touches many lives with His love.
Quaid…
This project has been a blessing. Don’t get me wrong. It has not been without it’s challenges. It does seem to be developing a particular mission, as we are coming down the stretch. Thanks for your prayers. Jesus has not played or sung a note, but His presence and His joy have been evident in the planning, writing, arranging and recording processes. This leadership team is not only talented but very devoted to eternal priorities. I think it makes a difference.
Thanks for your contribution to our blog.
PJ / The Prophets