Jazz piano great Cyrus Chesnut recently visited the Studio to record tracks for a new CD. He sounds as great as ever! Joining him are John Brown on Bass and Adonis Rose on Drums.
Here are some pictures:

Cyrus at the piano

Cyrus runs down some tunes

The trio listens back to a take

Pianist Anne Trenning who has recorded all three of her CD projects at Acoustic Barn is getting great press for her latest CD “Watching For Rain” which Rick produced, arranged, orchestrated, performed on and recorded. “Watching For Rain” was nominated for 4 ZMR Awards, including “Album of the Year.” by zonemusicreporter.com. The CD was also named a “Best of 2009″ pick by Michael Debbage. Look at Anne’s website for numerous reviews on this recording, as well as reviews on “All One World,” (also produced by Rick) which was named one of the top five contemporary instrumental recordings of 2005. Her music is in the new age realm and she has a very large and loyal fan base as the following press reveals. Here are some more links and reviews:
You can buy the CD here amazon

review1
review2
and a link to Annes site
Annes site

Pianist Jackie Oniel was in the studio recently to record a solo piano CD of Christmas music.
Jackie has recorded many CD’s at the studio and always sounds great.
Heres a picture:

Jackie at the piano

For the past few months DuoXXI has been recording tracks for a new CD of works for Cello and Violin. The duo consists of Mira Frisch, Cello and Anna Cromwell, Violin. All of the compositions are new and several composers are contributing. Composers include Ronald Parks (Winthrop University), Joseph Dangerfield (Coe College), David Maki (Northern Illinois University), Stephen Anderson (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and John Allemeier (University of North Carolina at Charlotte).
The CD will be released sometime in 2010 on the Albany label
Below is some concert info and pictures
McColl.DuoXXI

Composers Ron Parks and John Allemeier

You can check out some of John’s work at
http://johnallemeier.com/html/listen.php
The Clips of Dark Dances were recorded at the studio.

Mira Frisch and Stephen Anderson

Mira and Anna

John Allemeier Anna Cromwell and Mira Frisch

One of the really great things I get to do in the studio is to record a number of outstanding classical singers. These recordings range from full CD’s to audition tapes and demos. Many of these singers are highly trained and super talented so it is a real pleasure to capture this talent .
Since even the largest room here at the studio (and most studios throughout the world) is not even close to creating a concert hall ambience we use the legendary Sony DRE-777 Sampling Reverb (no longer in production) to create the proper ambience. This unit uses samples from great halls all over the world to create an incredibly realistic sonic environment. Better yet-after the recording is done we can experiment with different halls and pick the perfect hall to compliment a singer’s voice.

Some of the great singers we have recorded include:
Rebbeca Cook Carter
John Blizzard
Ruth Deboer
Jane Dillard
Cynthia Farbman
Lucy Owen Hoyt
Chris Cameron
Jeff Price
Craig Estep
Here is a link to Pianist Katerina Souvorova’s Belcantanti Site.
http://www.belcantanti.com/press_media/solo/index.shtml
Scroll to the bottom and listen to the Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff songs which were recorded at the studio.

Saxophonist Will Campbell has just released a new CD called Think Tank on the Cellar Live Label. The CD was recorded here at Acoustic Barn. The Players are Will Campbell, Alto Sax :Scott Harrell, Trumpet: Stefan Karlsson, Piano: John Brown, Bass and Rick Dior, Drums
It’s getting some nice Write-ups- Here are a few:

Toronto Star 1/20/10
This North Carolina alto saxist’s first recording as a leader showcases distinct, imaginative writing and snappy, soulful playing that does justice to the six original tracks and one reworked standard. It’s melodic, straight-ahead jazz with intricate improvised solos. Such a cohesive unit, it’s a shame to single out any of the players, but drummer Rick Dior and pianist Stefan Karlsson are a marvel and Campbell’s jaunty sound sets the pace. Overdue debut for Campbell, formerly of Harry Connick Jr.’s orchestra. Top Track: Love the horn harmony on “Olive Street.”

This CD is for listeners who can truly appreciate quality and who know seasoned professionals when they hear them play. These days, many CDs are merely a collection of good musicians who get together to impress each other with how well they can play, but Will Campbell’s compositions and arrangements as well as his lyrical playing gives these excellent musicians a sense of clarity and direction. I enjoyed listening to every minute of this CD.
-Dennis Mackrel

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra/The Red Rodney Quintet

Click on the Link below to see the record label poster.

Will Campbell CD Poster

Here is a picture of the band:

From Left to Right-Stephan, Rick, Scott, John and Will

The Cd is available from Cellar Live. Copy and Paste this site to your browser:

http://www.cellarlive.com/discography.php?section=Discography&page=68

Will’s Home Page is:http://www.willcampbellmusic.com/html/slideshow.php