Hearstudios recently acquired a matched pair of Neumann u87ai mics to continue to round out the Neumann selection already on hand. Watch for more top-level mic acquisitions by the end of the year and in early 2014…some super nice additions in the works!

The University of Maine Augusta’s Jazz and Contemporary Music Program has some of the best student musicians in New England. A select group of players visits Hearstudios to record the 2013 UMA“sampler album,” reflecting a broad range of styles, ensembles, and improvisation skills, ranging from R&B to jazz, acoustic folk to solo jazz guitar. The project was initiated by former UMA Music Program Coordinator Dr. Tim Weir and produced and mastered by regionally respected audio pro Noah Cole.

Singer / songwriter Peter Neils (all the way from New Mexico, where he is President of the Los Alamos Study Group) records an album of his traditionally styled, politically astute original tunes at Hearstudios. Bass, acoustic and electric guitar and percussion overdubs next in the production schedule. Thanks for choosing Hearstudios, Peter!

Ellen Tipper, premier mid-coast vocalist / pianist / songwriter recorded a selection of her evocative and beautifully executed compositions for the 2013 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting competition, for which she received Honorable Mention for her piano / vocal composition Infinte Gray. Congratulations Ellen! We look forward to working on the next album project!

What do you get when you mix some crazy fun musicians from around the eastern seaboard, an array of Hearstudios 1960’s vintage guitars and amps, a 24,000 c,f, “spanky” live room, lots of spring reverb tanks, tube vibrato and Strat whang bars??? Ultimate surf tunes… The guys came in for a long weekend to lay down some stylistically accurate “hang ten” tunage – so much fun! Looking forward to the next funk album guys! Vintage wah pedals are at the ready.

Maine traditional folk music icon Gordon Bok (along with vocal arranger and  celebrated Maine acoustic music veteran Anne Dotson) have been in the house as of late, working on some very unique vocal ensemble arrangements of Gordon’s compositions. Heartfelt tunes, lots of wonderful voices, rich harmony, and absolutely super people! Thanks for selecting Hearstudios for your project, Gordon (along with producer and good friend Hamilton Hall)!

Bob Thompson, Hearstudios business manager, creative director and resident guitar session player / tone maven, sets up a sweet classic 60’s CS Fender Strat, one of the dozens of very cool guitars available to any clients working at Hearstudios. (Bob is a former Fender District Sales Manager for New England). Plenty of vintage and Custom Shop Fenders, along some superb Gibsons, and a slew of unique fretted instruments for any taste and style, all perfectly set up to guarantee great tone and historical sonic authenticity for your session. This sunburst Strat sounds particularly nice through the mint condition ’65 Marshall stack…