Credits for Techs

[Thomas A. Sheehan]

Dear List -

I've been credited on numerous Grammy-award winning albums, going back
to 1984, most of them with Pat Metheny Group, more recently with
releases on the small label Passport Records (Alan Pasqua's recording).
I've also done the tuning for a small part of the Chick Corea/Bobby
McFerrin Mozart Album (whoever did the main tuning for it is a superb
tuner!!!), and for the concert video that was shown recently on PBS for
fund raising.

It's a great thrill to be able to review one's work in this manner - a
CD lasts forever and all of that. I've heard the music on the radio, and
in bars. Once, even on an elevator!

I think that the piano technician should always be given written credit
for every concert and recording where ever it's feasible to do so. Heck,
even the most junior engineer is usually mentioned; I know that piano
tuning / regulating / voicing for this kind of work entails at least as
much dedication, effort and creativity. Probably more. Poor tuning is
the one thing that you can't "fix in the mix."

To all of those who are also doing such beautiful work that we can all
enjoy again and again, may I say "Thank you!"

Sincerely,



Tom Sheehan, RPT
aquinas@nyct.net

Richard Raskob wrote:
>
> Dear List,
>
> I don't see myself as a famous tech but have recieved credit on a CD and
> video for work done for Lorie Line.  I just returned home from a six week
> tour with Lorie and her Pop Chamber Orchestra and she also included a credit
> for me in the program that was handed out to everyone who came to the show.
> The credits are something I like but what is of more importance is the
> overall awareness she has that successful performence is a group effort.
> She treats me as a important part of her Pop Chamber Orchestra and the
> credit is just a small sign of that attitude.  Happy Holidays and a great
> new year to all of you on the list.
>
> Richard Raskob  RPT
> Albuquerque NM
> raskobrg@rt66.com
> http://www.rt66.com/~raskobrg/
>
> >Dear list,
> >
> >Sometimes when I buy a recording and read the credits (just finished
> >listening to David Lanz' latest), they will mention the piano techs name.
> > I think it is great of the artist to do that.  I'll bet the tuner doesn't
> >mind either.
> >
> >Do we have any famous techs on the list that would like to reply?
> >
> >Mine would be a Russian composer by the name of Kostia, and it was only one
> >song on a Disklavier grand.
> >
> >BTW, the thing about the names, you will see that my business name is
> >different from my real name.  Nobody ever gets Matthies right, but every
> >body knows Johnny Mathis!
> >
> >One last thing.  I subscribe to a few Listserv lists.  The people in this
> >list are no doubt, the most considerate and respectful.  Nice to be a part
> >of it!
> >
> >Happy Holidays,
> >Daryl Matthies
> >Mathis Piano Service
> >pianotec@hcsinc.com
> >
> >
> >