The Rudy Van Gelder sound. at DVinfo.net

Allan Black · November 17th, 2021, 02:07 PM

It’s hard to imagine now, but in the early days of recording, engineers miked the musicians with one or two mics positioned high in the studio.

But one person had an idea and the famous Rudy Van Gelder jazz sound was born. When you’ve got some time here’s his story with excellent text, photos and examples …

The Van Gelder Sound – RVG Legacy

Cheers.

Greg Miller · November 19th, 2021, 10:32 PM

Excellent story! Thanks for posting.

Allan Black · November 28th, 2021, 09:23 PM

Yes it is Greg which makes me wonder, why did Mr. Van Gelder adopt or one might say, invent his close micing recording technique. It says that he heard ‘something different’ which caused him to try it. Or maybe it was because his first studio was just a room in his house, doesn’t look like there’s any acoustic treatment there, so he probably couldn’t get satisfactory sound from all the instruments.

It’s so obvious now that my guess is, others were also trying the same close mic. set up, but not to diminish his accomplishment, Rudy got there first with the chance to use it on a few notable 5 star record sessions, and word got around.

If anyones interested there’s an Amazon Kindle book, Complete Recording Sessions of Rudy Van Gelder. On 11 May and 26 Oct. 1956, the Miles Davis original quintet recorded their 4 LPs, Relaxin’ Steamin’ Workin’ and Cookin’. I’ve still got those 4 historic titles on worn 12” LPs.

Cheers.

November 17th, 2021, 02:07 PM	#1
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	The Rudy Van Gelder sound. It’s hard to imagine now, but in the early days of recording, engineers miked the musicians with one or two mics positioned high in the studio. But one person had an idea and the famous Rudy Van Gelder jazz sound was born. When you’ve got some time here’s his story with excellent text, photos and examples … The Van Gelder Sound – RVG Legacy Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

November 19th, 2021, 10:32 PM	#2
Greg Miller Trustee Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,786	Re: The Rudy Van Gelder sound. Excellent story! Thanks for posting.

November 28th, 2021, 09:23 PM	#3
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	Re: The Rudy Van Gelder sound. Yes it is Greg which makes me wonder, why did Mr. Van Gelder adopt or one might say, invent his close micing recording technique. It says that he heard ‘something different’ which caused him to try it. Or maybe it was because his first studio was just a room in his house, doesn’t look like there’s any acoustic treatment there, so he probably couldn’t get satisfactory sound from all the instruments. It’s so obvious now that my guess is, others were also trying the same close mic. set up, but not to diminish his accomplishment, Rudy got there first with the chance to use it on a few notable 5 star record sessions, and word got around. If anyones interested there’s an Amazon Kindle book, Complete Recording Sessions of Rudy Van Gelder. On 11 May and 26 Oct. 1956, the Miles Davis original quintet recorded their 4 LPs, Relaxin’ Steamin’ Workin’ and Cookin’. I’ve still got those 4 historic titles on worn 12” LPs. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.