Transatlantic Sessions (Celtic Connections) Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 2nd, 2014

Remaster
"Minutes Of Joy"
The Definitive Version

With Shawn Colvin, Jerry Douglas, Sarah Jarosz, Tim O'Brien, Julie Fowlis, Darrell Scott, John McCusker, Phil Cunningham, Kris Drever, Aly Bain and Russ Barenberg

Source: Sony MZ-RH1 (mic jack, low sensitivity) -> 9v Battery Module -> Core Sound Binaural Microphones (with bass filter)
Lineage: Sonicstage -> WAV -> Traders Little Helper -> FLAC (Level 6) -> Audacity (Limiter + Compressor Effect)
Location: Block N (Upper - Stage Right)
Sound Grade: A

REMASTERING

Listening back to the original, I found it not as pleasing as it could have been for two main reasons. The first, outwith my control, was my disadvantaged location for a relatively small concert hall (fairly close, acute and to the side.) And in retrospect, selecting my recorder's low sensitivity instead of high was probably a mistake for recording delicate instruments such as accordion and banjo as opposed to synthesizers and electric guitars. The combined result was lacking in clarity and presence which I have compensated for by compressing/altering peak levels individually ("Compressor Effect") This has increased loudness and also perceived "sharpness" I reduced crowd noise between songs to a much more acceptable level for smoother listening first ("Limiter Effect") All changes were made in Audacity. The only further alteration I would consider would be a minor cut to the lower frequencies since the bass seems muddy at times but I've decided to leave it all in anyway. I think it's only noticeable on decent stereo systems and listeners are free to cut it. I've named this version "Minutes of Joy" and hope it will gain the circulation it needs.

ORIGINAL NOTE

These instrumentalists sharing the stage with traditional scottish and Irish songwriters created a beautifully harmonious and rich sound. There were also some notable and very memorable individual performances, including the soulful Dylan tribute "Ring Them Bells" by Sarah Jarosz (track 6) and a Gaelic version of The Beatles� Blackbird (Julie Fowlis - track 8) Shawn Colvin's lively arrangements with The Sessions band also felt refreshing. Lovers of Folk and the best of Americana should not miss this! Questions/feedback on any aspect of this show would be appreciated. Sorry, a set list is unavailable at this time.

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