Bobby Cruz and I met again today for another Reason / CD Project day. We have both been learning a lot about Reason - it is a great program. Over a month ago we started the Gospel Hymns CD using Reason and Pro Tools systems, working together to get the most of our differences toward the best end product - a Smooth Jazz Hymns CD.

A little background seems needed in blob land because the most recent article reads first, making little sense sometimes in the flow of many posts within a topic.

I have found a lot of really nice sounds already loaded in Reason and then went out and got the Rhythm Section Refills to add. Unfortunately, I now find myself wanting more and more refills (sounds) to have available for these tracks. It can get a little distracting when sorting sounds and loosing 2 hours in great snare drums patch's.

I did get some bass in the Old Rugged Cross yesterday and started on drum fills and groove development today. A lot of the shape of a track is found not only basic dynamics (loud and soft), but in drums programing (hat to ride - side stick to snare). Setting the patterns out is easy in Reason because you can copy the previous patch into a new open patch, then add a little more interesting Kick and move to the snare for that next step up in overall energy.

That's what I am now working on. Once the song shape is working from beginning to end, then it's time to add the fills to help set things up and take it to the next section from where you just were.

I am setting the loops with the most basic info possible so I can add fills, punches, pushes and the like without having to create a drum pattern for each variation in the song. It seems to be working great and is very versatile as I go.

Back to drum loops and fills. I have wasted the 2 hours on the sounds so the patches in re-drum all sound great. It's just a matter of shaping the song form now. I think it should be called framing the rhythm section - so I will call it that.
It's time to frame the rhythm section.

Would love any tips you-all might have that relate to arranging as it relates to Reason - the Process you use.

I would love to see what Refills are really killing for more real instrument tracking (not the dance electronic stuff).

Thanks for dropping in,

SAXBOY - Greg Vail
www.gregvail.com for current CDs a-Vail-able

 

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