Page 86 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2018

to realize over the years that I’ve often copied the style of For me, the best thing I can do concerning my music is
the producer I’ve worked with most recently. There was a to step aside and try to listen to it from another person’s
Barry Beckett period, followed by a Steve Jordon period, perspective. When I first started out, I thought I could
followed by a more recent Raphael Saadiq period. These do this myself. I would try my hardest to listen with a
days I really admire Kid Andersen’s producing style: easy- different set of ears, but it is an almost impossible task.
going but focused. He reminds me of going to one of those At least in my case, my ability to step aside seemed like
dentists who’s done before they’ve even started. When I’ve I was doing a good job… that is, until I worked with
been asked to produce, these are the guys who have greatly my first producers. My first real album was produced by
influenced me. Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon (from Double Trouble).
A good producer can encourage fearlessness and help They taught me things I didn’t know existed. I remember
channel an artist into a moment of true creative expression. realizing I had a lot to learn when it came to production.
The ability to create this effortless environment is what makes There are many producers out there and each has their
these great producers worth the fees they charge. But those own set of characteristics. How do you select one? It’s
guys can be very expensive and harder still to find. The rest easier than you think. Start listening closely to the music
of us are just mutts with a passion for great music and a that is similar to yours or that you like to listen to. This is a
vague idea of how to create it. basic starting point. Once you hear an album or song you
think sounds good, just read the liner notes and take notice
Jim Pugh’s international performing music career spans of who produced it. You may see a name start popping up
40 years, recording and performing with a star-studded on multiple albums you like.
array of musicians, and includes multiple Grammy Award After I did my first album, I had a whole new
nominations (one win), and platinum and gold records. appreciation of how important the producer is for the
In 2014 Pugh started Little Village Foundation which project. The studio is full of very technical equipment,
searches out, records and produces music that otherwise software and gear. The right producer knows about all
might not be heard beyond the artist’s community. Its aim these things. They can listen to your songs and usually
is to share diverse music while supporting musicians in tell you in an instant what will make them better. Sounds
today’s competitive record industry. For more information, simple, but it isn’t. Usually they have years of experience
visit littlevillagefoundation.com. dealing with all these factors and know how to give you
the most bang for your buck.
A good producer takes over in the studio and gets a
sense of what you want to accomplish. They work their tail
off to ensure you are giving your all when you’re in the
studio. The studio can be both a very stressful place and
an extremely fun place. In other words, it has many highs
and lows. A producer will tend to stay very calm and help
you through these times. I’ve seen producers listen to the
song and do something simple like change the drummer’s
beat, and suddenly you are on a completely new course.
After recording the songs, your producer will then move on
to fixes, overdubs, additional pieces, vocals, etc., and then
on to the mastering phase. There is a lot to it!
Don’t try to be a-do-it-yourselfer when it comes to this
job. An album that doesn’t sound good won’t sell well. You
will be very happy you invested more into your project
when you listen to your finished product!

As a guitarist, singer and songwriter, Albert Cummings
stays true to his true musical roots, displaying the impact
that R&B, rock, soul, country and the blues have had on
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Albert Cummings. his craft. On stage, he effortlessly shifts from subdued
Photo by Jennifer Mardus Photography stylings, to raucous roadhouse raunch to soaring lead
lines that drive his audience to an all-out frenzy. Check
Albert Cummings him out at albertcummings.com

84 Blues Festival Guide 2018