Family Recordings

This all started in 2005. I thought it would be fun to record my father singing a few songs in my recording studio. Although not a professional singer, he has the sound and feel of crooners like Billy Eckstine and Frank Sinatra, the singers of his era. I recorded my dad singing a number of old standards and added some music accompaniment after.

Blue Moon

After hearing these recordings, my father-in-law wanted to get in on the act too! It then became an annual Father’s Day tradition to record them both singing together, and adding the music accompaniment after…

Once In A While

In 2008, my brother-in-laws, wanted to become part of the group and then they were also singing on the Father’s Day recordings for the next few years! The first time I recorded them all, they sang live with a piano accompanist (Tom Nazziola) that followed them and then I added a bass part after. A very different recording process.

The Summer Wind

In 2011, I had a new idea. I suggested including the rest of the family (whoever was interested) for the recording. My father-in-law (the official song chooser) chose “Georgia On My Mind” and they all sang “Noah On My Mind” (for my son Noah) instead. I found a great sounding karaoke track and had everyone individually sing the song once through in it’s entirety to the track. A few day’s later I chose the best moments and assembled a very nice vocal arrangement, trying to feature everyone equally. Somehow I was able to create a couple of beautiful moments of overlap and harmony in editing. Last but not least, I overdubbed my wife and kids singing and talking in spots.

Noah On My Mind

Please visit my Family Recordings Service page if you are interested in doing something like this with your family or friends. It’s a lot of fun to do!