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kadleck · 06-12-2006, 08:50 PM

Hi Robert -

Thanks for your question.

Most artists will have charts, but occasionally players are asked to come up with things on the spot. (That's usually a bit sticky, because then you are technically "writing" as well as playing, and should be paid as such.)

Horns and strings are usually some of the last things to be recorded (final vocals are often the last).

With studio work, you NEVER know what to expect before you get there. Of course, on the days that you feel great - there is not much to play, and when you're running late and not warmed up, that's when there will be something really hard!

For me, it's not usually the artist that makes it fun, but the arranger. If a Don Sebesky or a Torrie Zito is writing, I can almost guarantee that I'll have a great time. On the other hand, if an arranger doesn't really know the trumpet range, or that you can't switch from a flugelhorn to a muted trumpet in one beat, then it can be frustrating.

Residuals for albums are paid annually (Aug. 1), based on sales of that particular record. (As opposed to TV jingles, where you get small checks every 13 weeks.)

Funny stories? Well, on a Michael Jackson session, the orchestra was forced to sign something stating that if we saw Michael (in the hallway or something), we could make no mention of it to any media outlet. I guess if he was having a bad hair day, he didn't want it in the tabloids! It seemed silly, but rules are rules.

Thanks -

Tony

06-12-2006, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
kadleck Artist in Residence Piano User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: new york Posts: 454	Hi Robert - Thanks for your question. Most artists will have charts, but occasionally players are asked to come up with things on the spot. (That's usually a bit sticky, because then you are technically "writing" as well as playing, and should be paid as such.) Horns and strings are usually some of the last things to be recorded (final vocals are often the last). With studio work, you NEVER know what to expect before you get there. Of course, on the days that you feel great - there is not much to play, and when you're running late and not warmed up, that's when there will be something really hard! For me, it's not usually the artist that makes it fun, but the arranger. If a Don Sebesky or a Torrie Zito is writing, I can almost guarantee that I'll have a great time. On the other hand, if an arranger doesn't really know the trumpet range, or that you can't switch from a flugelhorn to a muted trumpet in one beat, then it can be frustrating. Residuals for albums are paid annually (Aug. 1), based on sales of that particular record. (As opposed to TV jingles, where you get small checks every 13 weeks.) Funny stories? Well, on a Michael Jackson session, the orchestra was forced to sign something stating that if we saw Michael (in the hallway or something), we could make no mention of it to any media outlet. I guess if he was having a bad hair day, he didn't want it in the tabloids! It seemed silly, but rules are rules. Thanks - Tony