Hello, My name is Alby Cohen. I am a music producer and recording engineer with relationships at various studios all over Brooklyn and New York City across all budget levels. I was once a touring musician but these days I find pleasure in helping other musicians achieve their own goals. take a look around and let me know if there is anything I can help you with. Your music is my passion.
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Size McStudio Has Moved To A New Space!

Size McMusic and Size McStudio have moved to a studio located in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, 1 block from the East River Ferry along the East River on Kent Ave.  The Studio is an intimate place, inviting to creative urges yet setup more like you living room.    The control room boasts a 32 channel analog hyrbrid studio at mixdown and 32 channels for live multi-tracking centered around a Neve 5432 Console, and API 8200a/3124MB+ combo and an 18 channel Sony/MCI JH618 heavily with modded john Hardy Pres.  There is a huge selection of outboard  gear and vintage instruments and amps and a rooftop with arguably the best view in New York City.  Whatever your needs from the first arrangements to the final Mix, Size McStudio is here at your service.  For more go to the gear page on this website for a full gearlist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 1st, 2014 23 PM

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Pharoahe Monch PTSD out now.

Pharoahe Monch just released PTSD and its a killer record.  I was fortunate enough to record some tracks on it.  You can purchase the album HERE

April 14th, 2014 15 PM

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KevRio & The Dashing Gents gear up for a Full Length LP

KevRio & The Dashing Gents are making a full length record with Alby Cohen producing.  This is Kevin Riordan’s second project with Alby.  Tracking occured at Whitewater Studios (Studio G) and will pick up mixing with Alby at Size McStudio.

 

March 9th, 2014 15 PM

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Ponyboy And The Shiners Track 5 New Songs, From EP To LP!

Ponyboy And The Shiners tracked 5 more songs with Alby this weekend at Whitewater Studios.  Stay tuned for new Music around early 2015!

 

March 5th, 2014 0 AM

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Pharoahe Monch Tracking at Size McStudio

Simon Says try my new Neve out!  Pharoahe Monch and I have been tracking and working together for almost 4 years now.  He has traveled with me through a few different rooms.  The ultimate compliment is when an artist like Pharoahe comes to your home studio.  A man of no pretensions, he just likes working with me.  Thanks for the love Monch!  We worked on a track called “Word Life”  Stay Tuned.  Size McStudio is on fire in 2014!!!!!

January 16th, 2014 18 PM

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Mixed a track for Matisyahu

“Push To Open” is a really eclectic and new sound for Matisyahu .  I am glad I had the opportunity to work on it.  Last June, after demoing tracks for his upcoming release at Eric Krasno’s now defunct, Feel Music Studios, Matisyahu and I kept in touch and as his project was winding down he asked if I would take a stab at one track. It features C-Rayz Walz.  The mix was done at Size McStudio as well as tracking vocals for the hook.

January 16th, 2014 18 PM

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NØMADS Gets featured in Spin. Vocals and Synths recorded at Size McStudio

NØMADS has been featured in SPiN Magazine.  Their full length hits stores April 8th.  The Bass and Drum Duo id most of the work themselves except for the vocals and synths which I helped track.  Pretty cool to be the only other person involve in recording this project besides the dup themselves.  Check out the article or you can listen by clicking the play button below.

January 13th, 2014 20 PM

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Matisyahu came by to cut some vocals @Size McStudio

Matisyahu, whom I helped demo for his upcoming record, came by to work on a hook for a track.  Mela Machinko came by for the hang.  He even shouted me out.  Thanks Matis!

November 5th, 2013 23 PM

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Zak Smith – The Precambrian Age is available now!!!

Zak Smith has released The Precambrian Age available on itunes, Amazon and bandcamp.

Last year, Zak brought me a bunch of music he had been working on over the three prior years before.  All of it was material recorded at other studios.  Over the course of the last year, Zak and I have poured through the material, added some parts and glues these sogs together.  It was a 6 months of hard work and I couldn;t be happier with the result.

You can also stream the record and listen by clicking the album art below.  I produced this album with Zak as well as mixed most of the tracks.

Click album art to stream or purchase from bandcamp

October 7th, 2013 0 AM

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Tracking Drums for Goldspot at Whitewater

Tracking my friend Ezra Oklan on an upcoming Goldspot release via Warby Parker. Stay Tuned.

 

July 22nd, 2013 1 AM

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Sonic Scoop did a write up on me and my work with Talib Kweli’s Prisoner of Conscience

The people at Sonic Scoop are doing a series on tracking vocals and with the release of Talib Kweli’s Prisoner of Conscience.  Click the link above to check out the article.

June 10th, 2013 4 AM

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Talib Kweli releases Prisoner Of Conscience

It is with great pleasure that I can announce the release of Talib Kweli’s - Prisoner Of Conscience.  I had the opportunity to record most of the album as well as the priviledge or arranging strings for 3 songs.  Buy yourself a copy today.  Click the artwork below:

 

  

May 7th, 2013 5 AM

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Helping Daru Jones out with some tracking

Daru needed a spot to cut some drums.  I thought I’d suit up.

May 4th, 2013 5 AM

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Working with Rob Gentry @ Whitewater today

Working with international funkster Rob Gentry at Whitewater Studios today.  very excited. My buddy Ezra Oklan (seen here drumming) was kind enough to introduce us.

April 12th, 2013 5 AM

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Mixing Zak Smith record

With the 20 or songs we’ve brought in edited, overdubbed and ready for mixing, I will begin doing just that.  Stay Tuned for more details.

April 1st, 2013 5 AM

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Tracking Calotype At Whitewater

Tracking my old friend Larry Hess and his new project Calotype.

March 16th, 2013 5 AM

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Adding some overdubs on Zak Smith’s upcoming album

Here in the lab adding different parts and elements Zak Smith’s upcoming album.  Going back and forth between Whitewater and my home home studio, Size McStudio to get all the parts down.

March 2nd, 2013 6 AM

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Tracking drums for Findlay Brown at Whitewater

Working with the amazing Findlay Brown recording my friend Ezra Oklan on drums for his upcoming album.  Stay Tuned for Release details.

January 30th, 2013 6 AM

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Starting work again with Zak Smith on his upcoming album

I have begun work on Zak Smith’s next full length album.  I will be producing and adding arrangements to previously recorded and unfinished material he has amassed over the last few years.  Today we start vocals.

December 8th, 2012 19 PM

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Mixing Sista Shree @ Whitewater Studios

Working on the tracks I cut a few weeks ago.  We added some horns a few days ago now its mixing time.

November 17th, 2012 16 PM

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Tracking the Hit maker Bernard Purdie @Whitewater studios

My buddy Dan Dubelman (Dr. Dan’s Music Show) on a project he is producing for Sista Shree.  He is friends with the the Hitmaker and brought him into the session.  It was a amazing tracking the hit maker in such an amazing room.

November 6th, 2012 16 PM

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Kickin in with Daru Jones, Yuki, and Brian Cockerham

After months on the road with Jack White, Daru had some downtime and hooked up with his old buddies Daru and Brian to make some music.  It was a great session.

October 17th, 2012 16 PM

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Kendy Gable releases Mountain Fields

Kendy Gable Just released Mountain Fields.  I had the pleasure of co-producing and tracking the last four tracks on her album.

October 13th, 2012 16 PM

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Pharoahe Monch releases first single off of PTSD

Pharoahe Monch released his first single off the upcoming album PTSD entitled “Damage.”  The pic below was taken right at the top of the hook where he says “OOOOOOOO, Listen to the way I slay.”  Fun session.  Dig the Loggins and Messina shirt too ;-)

September 27th, 2012 14 PM

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Tracking drums for Break Science’s next album @ Whitewater Studios

Tried out a new studio last night.  Whitewater Studios located in the B Room of the Studio G facility in Greenpoint.  What an amazing room sound.  With needless to say a phenomenal drummer in Adam Deitch killing it.

End of session shot

 

 

September 20th, 2012 6 AM

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Producing new tracks with Zak Smith

After producing five songs for Zak Smith earlier this year, I am back it with another round.  We started vocal tracking.  Eventually we will add new instruments and then on to mixing.  Feeling some Jersey pride on this project.

Working with Zak Smith

September 12th, 2012 6 AM

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Silas Fermoy release Sound Of A Daydream

Silas Fermoy released a single we worked on earlier this year called “Sound Of A Daydream.”

SIlas Fermoy Band pic

September 5th, 2012 20 PM

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Talib Kweli releases Attack The Block Mixtape

Back in June for about a week, Talib Kweli came in a recorded a bunch of tracks for the Attack The Block Mixtape.  The album dropped today.  He picked out some other tracks that were done during the recording of Prisoner of Conscience (Blacksmith/EMI) due out very soon. On a track i recorded with him much earlier, “To The Music” (with 9th Wonder) Kweli gives me a shout out.  Another track with Tracy Chapman and Jessica Moore called “Fly Away” has string arrangements written by myself, Gene Back and Chad Hammer.  A true honor. Click the pic to download the mixtape.

Click album art to download mixtape

Fly Away” – Talib Kweli (I recorded most vocals and all live instrumetns, I arranged strings with Chad Hammer and Gene Back

The The Music” – Talib Kweli with 9th Wonder (I recorded all vocals and live instruments…dig the shout out 45 seconds in)

September 3rd, 2012 6 AM

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Rizzle Kicks releases Epic Dreamers (remixes)

Universal recording artists Rizzle Kicks released their remixes of their Epic Dreamers.  The first remix on the compilation has a verse from Pharoahe Monch which I recorded back in April.

 

August 3rd, 2012 18 PM

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Awesome Review of an Album I worked on

The Ugly Club’s “You Belong to the Minutes” 

August 1st, 2012 20 PM

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The Ugly Club release You Belong To The Minutes

I am so very proud of this album.

http://www.theuglyclubmusic.com/

July 13th, 2012 20 PM

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Rain Machine back in for another round of tracking

Kyp Malone (TV On The Radio) was back at [the end] working on his album.

Kyp working on a new track

 

July 9th, 2012 5 AM

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Working with Chris Rob and his band

Recording Chris Rob and his immensely talented group of musicians backing him up.

June 20th, 2012 4 AM

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Alby Cohen gets props from Talib Kweli in Electronic Musician Magazine for Idle Warship Album.

Electronic Musician interviewed Idle Warship (Talib Kweli and Res). I got a little space in the article talking about some tools I used, and Kweli gave me a huge shout out. He called me a “Total Music Geek” who really gets into what he is working on.

June 13th, 2012 20 PM

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Calotype releases Coastal Preference

My buddy Larry Hess, formerly of Hunters, Run! released his solo EP, coastal preferences under the moniker Calotype.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/coastal-preferences-ep/id532291798?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Coastal Preferences album art

June 12th, 2012 1 AM

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Working with Conrad Herwig and the Rutger’s Master Trombone Ensemble

June 1st, 2012 5 AM

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Hanging with Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire

May 25th, 2012 5 AM

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I have tape now

I am Analog and it feels so good.

May 24th, 2012 5 AM

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Laughed my ass off with Gilbert Gottfried today

So jest.com did a little video shoot of Gilbert Gottfried being an audio book narrator for “50 Shades of Grey.”  Its pretty funny I laighed my ass off, you can to check it out below.

Too Funny

 

May 10th, 2012 5 AM

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Pharoahe Monch working on a new track

Pharoahe Monch came back in yesterday to cut a track called “Damage.”  I am loving It.  can’t wait for you all to hear it.

Alby and Pharoahe mixing it down

 

April 30th, 2012 4 AM

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Tracking The Ugly Club

Working with one of my favorite bands The Ugly Club looking forward to getting hearing the final product.  These guys are amazing.

Ryan photobombing a completely typical session action pic of Taylor on the bones

 

April 27th, 2012 3 AM

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Werewitch Holy Blood EP Released

Werewitch released Holy Blood which I recorded and mixed.  My friend Steve Fallone.

Holy Blood EP album art

April 24th, 2012 5 AM

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Adam Deitch came by to do a session for Korg Wave

Deitch cutting a track

April 24th, 2012 5 AM

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Did some producing with Zak Smith today

Brought in some friends to come and help out my buddy Zak Smith on his upcoming album.  I brought in Mela Machinko (vocals), Matt Whyte (keys), and Thomas Bryan Eaton (Mandolin and Pedal Steel).  All in a day’s work.

Thomas playing some Pedal Steel

Mela belting out some vocals

Matt Whyte banging on the keys

 

April 22nd, 2012 7 AM

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Talib Kweli back in the studio, does a NY1 interview

Talib Kweli brought a crew with him today to conduct an interview with Budd Mishkin on NY1.  Check out the article and video on NY1.com by click this link

Bud Mishkin looking over my shoulder as I record a verse for Kweli

 

April 11th, 2012 4 AM

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Producing Zak Smith Band

Zak Smith and I are working on a bunch of songs over the next year.  He recorded most of the basics a while back, I am bringing in some other arrangement ideas and will be mixing everything.  Looking forward to seeing this thing through.

 

April 10th, 2012 3 AM

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Tracking Shock Radar today at [the end]

My buddy Lee Diamond stopped by to record tracks for his project Shock Radar.  The EP we cut live stuff for is called Systematic.  Joining him on the session were Jeff Knutsen and Don Devore.

Lee laying down some drums for his Shock Radar project

April 7th, 2012 4 AM

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Pharoahe Monch dropped in to cut a track

Getting settled in my new spot, working with an old friend.

Pharoahe laying it down

March 20th, 2012 4 AM

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Working with folk artist Kendy Gable

Started work on Kendy Gable‘s next EP.  She’s a great folk artist, just her nylon string and her voice.

Kendy Gable cutting a vocal track

March 19th, 2012 4 AM

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In session with Calotype

My old buddy from Hunters, Run!, Larry Hess has a new project called Calotype.  We started work on a new EP.

 

March 15th, 2012 4 AM

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Kyp Malone tracking more material for Rain Machine next two weeks

Kyp was back in scattered over the last few weeks working on material for the Rain Machine album.  We added some drums, horns, and worked on a new song or two.

Kyp and myself working on a track.

March 4th, 2012 20 PM

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Producing the Chime Bombs debut EP. My first session at [the end]

after a week of getting the room treated, ready and wired up, I ran my first session at [the end] this weekend producing a band called The Chime Bombs

Tracking with the Chime Bombs

 

February 27th, 2012 19 PM

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Tracking some overdubs for Larune (Kamara Thomas Album)

My buddy Jeff Malinowski, who plays with Kamara Thomas regularly in Ghost Gamblers, came by the new spot to try out the grand piano for Kamara’s solo project Larune.

Tracking Jeff Malinowski on Piano

February 22nd, 2012 20 PM

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Mixing Werewitch’s EP

Working on the mixing stage of Werewitch‘s EP.

The new mixing and production room

 

February 19th, 2012 20 PM

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Spent the weekend with Werewitch

Spent the weekend recording Werewitch, a cool gothy, throwback modern disco vibe.  hard to fully explain but very cool.

Werewitch tracking

 

February 13th, 2012 22 PM

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Arranging and recording strings for three songs on Talib Kweli’s upcoming album

After doing helping Talib Kweli out with “Rat Race” off of the Idle Warship album back in November, he approached me about doing strings for four more songs slated for his upcoming album.  The usual suspects of Gene Back and Chad Hammer Helped me out on songs like, “Hamster Wheel,” “She’s Got That Ticket,” and “Mic Check,”

Alby Tracking “Mic Check” on Prisoner of Conscience

 

February 12th, 2012 22 PM

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Spent a week or so with Kyp Malone this last week

Kyp Malone (TV On The Radio) came in to Rough Magic and worked with me for the last week or so on a follow up to his debut Rain Machine album.  I look forward to working with him and seeing where we go.  Been a great week.

Alby and Kyp listening back

February 1st, 2012 22 PM

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Break Science release Monolith Code

Break Science released Monolith Code today on Pretty Lights record label.  I recorded the live drums on “Light Speed Transit”

Monolith Code album art

January 31st, 2012 18 PM

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Talib Kweli here for the last three days with Black Star in last night

Had a pretty good back to back to back run of sessions with Kweli.  The first two were putting touch ups on tracks from Prisoner of Conscience.  Last Night, Blacks Star, meaning Yasiin popped in for a few hours. They were working on a track either for Kweli’s album or mixtape called “Closing Hymn.”

Yassin getting ready to track

Kweli Spittin

 

January 26th, 2012 20 PM

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Pharoahe Monch back in with Boogie Blind tracking

Pharoahe Monch and Boogie Blind back in the studio cutting a track.

Pharoahe Monch and Boogie Blind working it out

December 26th, 2011 6 AM

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Jean Grae and Mela Machinko are the Hellpit Faeries

And they are making a christmas mixtape in the only way they know how.  completely demented and absolutely hilarious.

Jena and Mela recording silent night

December 26th, 2011 6 AM

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Working with Daru Jones tonight

Daru Jones (Talib Kweli, Jack White) came by to cut some drum tracks today

Daru getting busy

 

December 9th, 2011 6 AM

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Pharoahe Monch tracking with me today

Working with Pharoahe Monch on “Life of a Hustler”

Pharoahe tracking

December 6th, 2011 6 AM

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Blackstar officially releases “Fix Up”

Pretty excited to be part of this project.  Purchase “Fix Up” Here:

Album Art for “FIx Up” single

December 5th, 2011 6 AM

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Chairlift releases Side Walk Safari Video

This was a live session I engineered.  Very cool.

November 11th, 2011 6 AM

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Idle Warship releases Habits Of The Heart

Idle Warship released Habits of the Heart today.  Its a great album and I am proud that I was able to be part of it.  Got my first string arrangement credit on the track “Rat Race”

Idle Warship album art

November 1st, 2011 5 AM

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Rubber Skunk release their self titled debut album

Rubber Skunk released their debut album.  It is a hodgepodge of all sorts of forms of fusion, jazz and rock.  I love it and had a great tie working on it.  you can purchase it HERE.

 

Rubber Skunk album art

October 27th, 2011 5 AM

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Blake Ian releases “The Road”

Blake Ian released “The Road” today.  you can purchase the track HERE:

Blake Ian Album Art

October 25th, 2011 5 AM

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Had fun with Adam Deitch in the studio yesterday

Tracked a drum overdub of Adam Deitch cutting a beat against “Otis” off of Watch The Thone.  I tracked and did the video.

October 7th, 2011 5 AM

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Black Star perform “Fix Up” on Colbert Report

I tracked this song a few weeks back.  This is a pretty awesome experience.


For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

October 5th, 2011 5 AM

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Talib Kweli, Posdnuos and DJ Shadow release Stay the Course

DJ Shadow’s new album The Less You Know, The Better dropped today with a track including Talib Kweli and Posdnuos from Del La Soul.  Kweli cut his verse with me back in April of this year.


October 4th, 2011 16 PM

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27 Productions recording artist Casella tracking today

Producing and mixing for another 27 productions artist, Casella.  brought my rag tag crew of session guys to get the job done.

Me and my assistant hard at work on the Casella session.

 

October 4th, 2011 13 PM

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Been working with Skoob (aka Books from Das Efx) the last few months

I have been working with a Hip Hop Legend the last few months.  Skoob aka Books from Das Efx.  He’s been working on a couple of songs out of Sound Machine Studios in Manhattan.

Me and Skoob kicking it at Sound Machine Studios.

September 17th, 2011 21 PM

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Tracking Blackstar

I could say more, but honestly what else needs to be said.  Check it.

Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli working it out

September 16th, 2011 4 AM

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Blame Gilder release The Threat of Guests

Blame Gilder released The Threat of Guests today digitally.  We recorded 11 songs in 3 days.  Garage style.

September 4th, 2011 1 AM

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Jake Incao releases Till The Heavens Cry

Jake Incao released his second single recorded with me back in January.  I mixed this track as well.  You can purchase this track HERE:

Till the Heavens Cry album art

August 1st, 2011 4 AM

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Kyle Rapps releases On Air and Universe Traveller, the lead single featuring Talib Kweli

Kyle Rapps released On Air, the lead single, “Universe Traveller” featuring Talib Kweli.  I recorded Kweli’s verse earlier in 2011.  

July 21st, 2011 3 AM

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Alby is tracking and doing string arrangement for Idle Warship

Been working with Idle Warhsip in and off for a few years.  Now I am helping track most of their album.  On a specific track, “Rat Race” I suggested that perhaps strings be added.  He said “good ideal, let’s do it tomorrow.”  After a few hours, I had my two friends Gene Back (Violin) and Chad Hammer (Cello)

Cutting Strings for Idle Warship

July 13th, 2011 4 AM

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Jean Grae’s Cookies or Comas Mixtape released

Jean Grae released her Cookies or Comas mixtape today.  I tracked and mixed a few of these songs. Much of this work was tracked at Rough Magic.

Jean Grae’s album art

 

June 24th, 2011 4 AM

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Producing for 27 Productions artist Blake Ian for “The Road”

Brought in some of my good buddies to track for Blake Ian.

May 23rd, 2011 4 AM

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A compliment is the most awkward way

So that track that I sang background vocals on for Pharoahe Monch….well, it was a replay of a random King Crimson song.  Apparently King Crimson’s lawyers thought that the song was a blatant rip from the originally recorded track.  They particually focused in on the background vocals.  Apparently my shit was so good they thought it was theirs. Speaking of Pharoahe Monch, we were just cutting some tracks today at my spot.

May 6th, 2011 20 PM

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The Kobolds release EP II

Rough Magic clients The Kobolds released their sophmore effort EP II today.  The 5 song EP was tracked, mixed and mastered at Rough Magic Studios.  I produced and engineered and R.E. Thuggz mixed and mastered.  The Kodolds allowed me to bring in some awesome session musicians for strings (Meredith Mitchell, Erika Smith), Horns (Lakecia Benjamin, Maurice Brown, Mark Williams, and Chelsea Baratz) and Keys and  Synths (Borahm Lee and Arina Ayzen).  Check out the video from their EP a song called “The Grind”

The Kobolds album art

May 6th, 2011 20 PM

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Alby producing Blame Gilder

These modern punk rockers came by the studio to cut an album.  Its was a quick job, but also captures their sound.  I even lent some vocals to the mix.

Alby Adam and Charlie cutting some vocals

April 17th, 2011 20 PM

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The Lesser Ghost releases their debut EP

The Lesser Ghost Drops their debut EP tomorrow.  I recorded most of the instruments here at Rough Magic over Memorial Day Weekend 2010.

The Lesser Ghost Album Art

April 5th, 2011 20 PM

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Bow Wow in the Studio with Talib Kweli

Went from working with 0 Hollywood actors to two in one day.  Last night the Legendary Mos Def came by and hung during a late night Kweli session for Prisoner of Conscience.  Tonight / This Morning, Bow Wow came by the studio to cut a track on his new album featuring Talib Kweli. Bow Wow has been documenting his album Underrated with Webisodes on Youtube.  He did one below.  Check it out.

Kweli, Jean Grae, Brady Watt, Bun B and Me hanging out

March 28th, 2011 18 PM

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Adam Deitch and Oteil Burbridge

Adam Deitch and Oteil Burbridge stopped by yesterday for a little session.  It was awesome.

Alby and Oteil chatting Deitch in the background gunning it towards the organ.

March 25th, 2011 19 PM

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Pharoahe Monch drops W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) today

Pharoahe Monch has released his long awaited album W.A.R. in stores everywhere today.  Rough Magic had the pleasure of tracking the song Illusion which featured Citizen Cope on the hook and Jean Grae on backing vocals.  I also sang background vocals as well as engineered on the song “The Grand Illusion” on this album.

W.A.R. album art

March 22nd, 2011 18 PM

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Tracking Adam Deitch on Drums for upcoming Break Science EP

Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee came by Rough Magic to track some live drums for their upcoming Break Science EP.

Alby and Deitch listening back

March 21st, 2011 19 PM

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RIP Melvin Sparks (March 22, 1946 – March 15, 2011)

Rest In Peace Melvin

March 15th, 2011 18 PM

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27 Productions artist Jake Incao releases “Miles Away”

Jake Incao released the “Miles Away” single today.  I tracked and produced this.  The Track can be purchased HERE

Miles Away album art

 

March 8th, 2011 20 PM

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Another Late night with Talib Kweli

Burning the midnight oil

March 6th, 2011 20 PM

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Doing some work with Jean Grae on upcoming Mixtape

Jean Grae is working on a mixtape, Cookies or Comas.  I am tracking it and will be mixing a few songs.

Alby and Jean getting ready to start tracking.

March 4th, 2011 19 PM

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Devotchka Releases 100 Lovers

Devotchka released their latest album 100 Lovers today.  I tracked Mauro Refosco’s percussion parts for four or five songs on this album.

Devotchka 100 Lovers Album Art

March 1st, 2011 18 PM

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Producing Rubber Skunk’s debut album

Been in pre-production for the last few months with Rubber Skunk.  Just finished a three day run recording the basic tracks with me at Rough Magic.

Rubber Skunk in the Studo

 

February 13th, 2011 18 PM

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Talib Kweli back at it with me working on next album

Talib Kweli is back in the lab with me working on the next album before he gets on the road to promote Gutter Rainbows

 

 

February 8th, 2011 18 PM

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Alby producing 27 Productions artist Jake Incao

27 Productions artist Jake Incao came by to track two songs with me.  I will also be mixing as well offering some additional production.

 

January 30th, 2011 18 PM

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Talib Kweli Gutter Rainbows released, #1 on Itunes Hip Hop Chart for a week.

Talib Kweli dropped Gutter Rainbows today on Itunes and on a small run of Vinyl. I got myself a copy. ;-) You can purchase digitally HERE

I just want to say its not lost on me that three albums dropped today, one from a buddy who pulled me back into music, another a dude who taught me a lot about how to be a good engineer, and finally the BKMC himself who gave me a shot. Pretty amazing they all dropped their albums on the same day.  Thank you to all of you.

Album art for Gutter Rainbows

January 25th, 2011 17 PM

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Break Science release debut EP

Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee are Break Science.  Today they released their first EP, Further Than Our Eyes Can See.  I tracked a verse with Kweli for Break Science somewhere in the middle of the Gutter Rainbows Sessions.  Its the first track called “The Allience.” You can purchase the EP HERE

Break Science Album Art

 

January 25th, 2011 17 PM

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Thomas Bryan Eaton releases When You’re Dancing EP

My old friend Thomas Bryan Eaton has released the When You’re Dancing EP.  Alot of it was tracked by me and I did some final tweaks on the mixes as well.  You can purchase the EP HERE.

Album Art for When You’re Dancing EP

January 25th, 2011 17 PM

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Alby works with the legendary Aaron Neville

Its not everyday you get a call from three generations of Nevilles, but today was such a day.  Ian called me up first saying him and his cousin Ivan were working on a track down in New Orleans. Eventually Ivan gave me a buzz telling me his father Aaron was coming over. So there it is, I got no pictures for this session but I can definitley tell you that I worked with an absolute legend today.  What an absolute honor.

December 30th, 2010 19 PM

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Alby tracking a Pharoahe Monch and Citizen Cope song produced by Fyre Dept

This was definitely a fun day at the office.  Eric Krasno and Adam Deitch (FYRE DEPT) were asked to produce a track for Pharoahe Monch‘s upcoming album.  The hook was sung by Citizen Cope.  I tracked as well as sang background vocals on it.

Alby and Pharoahe in the Studio Tracking

 

December 20th, 2010 16 PM

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The Blacksmith Community Mixtape is Released

A month before the release of Gutter Rainbows, Blackmith Records, Talib Kweli’s label has released mixtape promoting their artists including Kweli himself.  I personally tracked about 5 or so songs and mixed some of them as well.  You can download the mixtape HERE

Album art for the BCM

December 6th, 2010 16 PM

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Producing The Kobolds at Rough Magic

After a few rounds of pre-production The Kobolds are dropping in to do some tracking for the 2nd EP.

The Kobolds Tracking

December 1st, 2010 16 PM

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In the studio with Jean Grae and Daru Jones

Tracking some tunes for Jean’s upcoming Cake or Death album.

 

October 9th, 2010 15 PM

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Talib Kweli and Alby Cohen Working hard to Finish up Next Album

September has been a busy month for Alby and Talib Kweli.  With a mixtape due out in December (The Blacksmith Community Mixtape), Kweli’s Gutter Rainbows is also looking seeing its finishing line as well.  Gutter Rainbows will be due out sometime in January next year.

Alby and Kweli hard at work on Gutter Rainbows

September 17th, 2010 14 PM

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David Lott releases Gates of Brookyln EP

David Lott released his solo EP entitled The Gates of Brooklyn produced by yours truly.

Album Art for Gates of Brooklyn

September 3rd, 2010 17 PM

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Tracking the legendary Melvin Sparks today

My good buddy Bill Carbone who is the drummer for the Melvin Sparks Band wanted to record some tracks with the legend himself.  It was a fun time.

Melvin Sparks Band Tracking with Alby

August 31st, 2010 17 PM

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Tracking with Talib Kweli for some upcoming projects

Today I began with Talib Kweli on a few projects in the pipeline. Its pretty exciting and look forward to many more sessions.

He even went on camera and shouted me and my old spot Rough Magic out.

July 14th, 2010 6 AM

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Sonia’s Party releases Major Transfer Point

Sonia’s Party Released their single “Major Transfer Point” today off their album Party O’Clock.  The track was produced by Adam Deitch and engineered by yours truly.  You can purchase the album HERE

Sonia’s Party Album Art

June 1st, 2010 16 PM

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Tracking the Lesser Ghost at Rough Magic

The Lesser Ghost recorded rhythm tracks to their debut EP due out this Summer.

2010-05-29 22.18.421.jpg


May 31st, 2010 6 AM

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Hunters, Run! release EP3

Hunters, Run! is releasing their final 7″ Vinyl EP which I had the fortune to produce these guys truly are an awesome band.  The album was mastered by Mastered by my friend Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound. You can check out more details as well as Purchase Here

EP3 Album art

May 21st, 2010 6 AM

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Mel Flannery Trucking Co Releases As It Turns Out

Mel Flannery Trucking Co. Released As It Turns Out today.  I tracked the vocals and added some additional mixing to the track. You can purchase the album HERE

Album art for As It Turns Out

May 4th, 2010 16 PM

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Eric Krasno Releases Reminice

Eric Krasno Released Reminice today.  I had the opportunity to assist on some of these sessions.  You can purchase the album HERE

April 27th, 2010 16 PM

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Tracking Mauro Refosco for Devotcha’s upcoming 100 Lovers album

Mauro Refosco, percussionist for Devotchka and Thom Yorke. He came in to do some overdubs for an upcoming Devotchka project.

March 25th, 2010 6 AM

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Assisting on a Nigel Hall session with Charlie Hunter, Kraz and Deitch

This session can easily be filed under the word awesome.  No words to describe the musical mastery that occurred.

End of Session

February 18th, 2010 6 AM

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Ledisi nominated for two Grammy’s

Ledisi (Verve/Universal) was nominated for two 2010 Grammy Awards in the R&B field for her album Turn Me Loose.

Two of the tracks were cut here at Rough Magic with Fyre Dept. (Eric Krasno and Adam Deitch) and I was lucky to assist on them. I want to congratulate her on her recent achievements.

February 7th, 2010 5 AM

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Begining production with Dave Lott on Gates of Brooklyn EP

Beginning production on Dave Lott‘s solo debut EP, Gates of Brooklyn. I am engineering, drumming, singing and of course co-producing with my old friend Dave.

Vibe

February 2nd, 2010 5 AM

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Tracking a song with Sadat X of Brand Nubian

Sadat X, member of Brand Nubian came by and spit a verse or two.  Truly an honor to work with such a skilled rapper.

Sadat X tracking a verse

January 30th, 2010 5 AM

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Tracking Sonia’s Party

Working with Sonia’s Party on a track produced by Adam Deitch.

January 29th, 2010 5 AM

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Mel Flannery Trucking Co. tracking new album

Mel Flannery came in to cut some vocals and mix down her upcoming record As It Turns Out.

December 19th, 2009 5 AM

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Producing Hunters, Run! For third and final 7″ series

Back in the mix with my buddies, Hunters, Run! for a third EP.  This is going to be a great release.

Hunters, Run! live

December 9th, 2009 5 AM

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Idle Warship release Party Robot Mixtape

Idle Warship released their debut mixtape entitled Party Robot.  A track was produced by Eric Krasno and I had the chance to track some of it as well.

Album art for Party Robot

 

October 27th, 2009 4 AM

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Me and Rupert Neve at AES

While I don’t plan in building gear as he did, I do plan on using alot of his.  Me and the legend himself, Rupert Neve at AES 2009

Me and Rupert Neve at AES NYC 2009

October 9th, 2009 15 PM

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Assisting on The Slip sessions at Rough Magic Studios

Avant-Rock Trio, The Slip began work this month on their new as of yet untitled album. This will the be the follow up to the groundbreaking Eisenhower, which can be purchased HERE. We are very proud to have them here.  I saw these guys a bunch back in the day, truly an honor to work with these cats.

Working on some new tunes

September 23rd, 2009 4 AM

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Ledisi releases Turn Me Loose

Ledisi (Verve/Universal)released Turn Me Loose on Aug 19th, which has been #1 on the Itunes soul charts for the last 3 weeks. As was mentioned in a previous post, Ledisi recorded two vocal tracks (“Knockin” and “Say No”) produced by Rough Magic friends Fyre Dept in our studio.

Album Art for Ledisi – Turn Me Loose

 

September 10th, 2009 4 AM

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Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank release Travelling Show

A year ago I worked on this album with my buddy from college Ian Alexy.  He took the album back to Minnesota  added a few pieces of color and here it is in its final form.  Proud to have worked on this great album.

Album art for Hobo Nephews newest release

August 25th, 2009 4 AM

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Tracking Dr. Klaw

Dr. Klaw, featuring Adam Deitch, Nick Daniels and Ian Neville of Dumpstaphunk came in to Rough Magic to work on their debut album. Here is a YouTube Video of the session thanks to Authur Shim of Root Down Media

Dr. Klaw in the studio

July 29th, 2009 4 AM

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Hunters, Run! release EP2

Hunters, Run! is releasing the Second of four 7″ Vinyl EPs that will be recorded and mixed and produced at Rough Magic by Alby Cohen and Mastered by Our friend Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound. You can check out more details as well as Purchase Here

Dig the White Vinyl

July 9th, 2009 4 AM

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Tracking some music for Reflection Eternal

Talib Kweli came by with his buddy Hi-Tek to record some ideas for the upcoming Reflection Eternal album.

After the Session with Hi-Tek

March 12th, 2009 2 AM

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Producing EP2 for Hunters, Run!

Yesterday I ventured out of my comfort zone over to Seaside Lounge and began production on Hunters, Run!‘s 2nd 7″ vinyl EP.  Love these tracks, love that space.

Working on the song form

February 28th, 2009 7 AM

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Asissting Fyre Dept. on Ledisi Sessions

Ledisi is doing some work with Fyre Dept. (Eric Krasno and Adam Deitch)  I will be assisting on these sessions.

Ledisi.jpg

February 18th, 2009 6 AM

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Hunters, Run! release Numero Uno EP

Hunters, Run! is releasing the first of four 7″ Vinyl EPs that will be recorded and mixed at Rough Magic.  I produced, engineered and sang on these tracks.  It was mastered by my friend Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound. You can check out more details as well as Purchase Here

Album art and inserts for upcoming 7″ release


January 13th, 2009 6 AM

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Assisting Eric Krasno on his upcoming album

I am assisting on a track or two for Eric Krasno‘s upcoming solo album.

Making a record

November 13th, 2008 6 AM

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Chapter 2 Tracking some songs

Chapter 2 (Eric Krasno’s) side project with Adam Deitch, Louis Cato and Nigel Hall began recording some tracks at Rough Magic.

Not Fair and Kraz

 

 

October 28th, 2008 6 AM

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30th Bday with Vampire Weekend

Well, file this under awesome.  I got to spend my thirtieth birthday demoing some stuff with Vampire Weekend (sans Rostam Batmanglij) today.

Awesome Birthday

October 14th, 2008 6 AM

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Tracking Kitty Baby

Got to work with two extremely talented musicians, Scott Metzger and Serena Jean Southam.  Fun day.

Scott Metzger and Serena Jean Southam getting ready to track

 

September 28th, 2008 5 AM

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Tracking “Blame You” with Wakey! Wakey!

I got a chance to work with Michael Grubbs, better known as the front man for Wakey! Wakey!.  He worked on “Blame You” for his upcoming EP.

Grubbs in a candid moment

September 21st, 2008 6 AM

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Assisting on some stuff with Fyre Dept

Eric Krasno and Nigel Hall did some jamming the other night and I got to track it.

Got to be funky

 

September 4th, 2008 6 AM

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Assiting on Idle Warship Party Robot mixtape

Eric Krasno brought in Idle Warship (Talib Kweli and Res) to Rough Magic.  I got a chance to assist on the session.

Kraz, Res, Kweli working out ideas.

August 20th, 2008 6 AM

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Jon Graboff does some session work for Hobo Nephews

Jon Graboff, pedal steel guitarist to just about everyone these days (Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Willie Nelson, David Byrne, Norah Jones), lent a hand for some tracks on the upcoming Hobo Nephews album I worked on a few weeks back.  He also tracked some tunes for yours truly.  What an amazing musician.  What a great day in the studio.

I couldn’t hide my excitement if I tried

August 16th, 2008 3 AM

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Producing Hunters, Run!

Larry Hess, one of my oldest friends and musical comrades, is coming to work with me on the first of a series of EPs slated for release over the next year and change.  The name of the band is Hunters, Run!

Larry and Daniels Working on parts

July 13th, 2008 3 AM

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In The Studio with Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank

My old College buddy Ian Alexy, reached out to do some recording.  I hadn’t seen him in years as he is based in Minneapolis. This project including his brother, Teague Alexy, is called the Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank.  They asked their buddy Marco Benevento to join in on the session.  Stay tuned for the release date.

Ian Alexy and Marco Benevento working out parts for “Silver Spoons”

June 9th, 2008 2 AM

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