Aquaplanage Progress - A Diary of Events

08/05/2007

Nature's Sunday's back - By Robert Illes
I thought I would put Nature's Sunday back, after some reworking - this is likely to be definitive for the Aquaplanage album. The marvellous MAX HUNT now plays my marvellous Yamaha piano and also synths. MITCH HARWOOD has added more BVs (as if there wasn't enough), however he'll probably still moan that his drums are still too 70s and not big enough. I will argue back and say that when my hair is that big again the drums will follow... I have added some groovy melotron vibes. JON BASTABLE's Rickenbacker 4001CS bass has had some twang added. STEVE CARNEY is still there and TOM DAWE is too, albeit in spirit. Starting to mature like a nice stinky cheese now, a bit like the one that festered in the back of Steve's wagon on our infamous journey to Switzerland last year with STEVE HOWE.

05/04/2007

Orchestral Mayhem - By Robert Illesh
In an unprecendented mood, I've gone back to the Aquaplanage recordings and splashed them with real strings and flute. I felt it needed it in key places.

So, a big thank you to Deborah Peake (violin), Ruth McGibben (viola), Sophie Hurr (cello), don't spend it all at once; Giles Hiscock (for letting me permanently borrow his old Yamaha flute, might learn it properly one day) & to the God of Digital Multitrack Recording (for facilitating certain magic).

Don't whinge Jon, it'll be worth it. (Note from Jon - but I want it now!!)

Robert

 

31/01/2007
At last, a watershed. This week saw the final recording session for Aquaplanage - the next great English Progressive album to hit the world. It's been a long ride, but then, all good things and all that.

The final parts to add were some tasty personalised keyboard solos by Max Hunt. Watch out Scooby Doo. Also some backing vocals by myself, Steve Carney and Mitch Harwood. The BVs session was creative (not to mention hazardous with Steve C's backside in a small control room). Steve, Mitch and I are the barbershop section of Fragile, Europe's premier Yes tribute act. Some of our chorus's are now sounding distinctly Crosby, Stills and Nash. Some distinctly Westlife ... and not an Autotune in sight. We're Realschool.

What to expect on the final album?

Kitchen sink but not over-produced. Subtle and gross influences, but the mark will be that you can tell it is us playing.

Time to commission final mixing and mastering. Mitch will be keeping an ear out to ensure his drums sound massive enough. Steve Carney likewise with his vocals, just like his backside. Fussy people.

Robert Illesh.