For Immediate Release:
July/August 2003
Glad to see this summer is over!!!!
- Hot producer, Pharrell Williams (Neptunes) popped in to track a new cut with Arista Records artist, Usher. Andrew Coleman engineered, assisted by ‘Dred’. Williams also took a minute in the A ProTools suite to track vocals with ‘Famlay’ on a single for Sony recording artist, Lil Flip. T. Cash engineered.
- Blackbaby Inc.’s production chief, Brian Micheal Cox (Jagged Edge, Dru Hill) tracking and mixing in ZAC A with groups, Dirty Rose, Stat Quo and Iysis. Engineer, Sam Thomas tweaked on the plug-ins.
- Fellow Artista Records artist, Ceelo Green (Goodie Mob) in ZAC A tracking vocals with producer, Jason Rome, as well as, a cut with ATL production buddies Organized Noise, Ben Allen engineered, with some assistance by ‘Dred’.
- Island Def Jam artist, 112, were using both Stonehenge and ZAC A tracking new beats and bumps to enhance upcoming live dates to support their latest release, Hot and Wet. Stevie J. produced the sessions with Vernon Mongo, Blake Eiseman and Kelly ‘Dred’ Liebelt providing the multitude of engineering duties.
- Good Friday Experiment, ATL’s psychedelic rockers blew out some jams in Stonehenge tracking for upcoming release. Ed Rawls produced and engineering services by Kelly ‘Dred’.
- Independant Country artist, Bill Gentry was back in ZAC A tracking vocals for his upcoming release. Clyde Brooks produced while Mark Bennet handle the controls.
- J Records, “Idol” artist, Ruben Studdard, tracked in Stonehenge with Philly production crew, Dre and Vidal (Jagged Edge, Usher). Engineered by Vinnie Delorenzo with assistance by T. Cash
- Atlantic Records recording artist, Sunshine Anderson, camped out in Stonehenge for a few days, tracking with producers, Ron Lawrence, Static and Sears. Kelly ‘Dred’ Liebelt engineered, assisted by Alec and Jason.
April/May 2003
- Legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist, Stephan Stills dropped into Stonehenge, after a recent performance at Atlanta's Music Midtown festival. Stills and producer/drummer, Joe Vitale added some special BG vocs with ATL native, Brooks Hunnicutt, who also appeared on the Stills '78 release, Thoroghfare Gap. The cut was resurrected, by Stills and Vitale, from a 1979 session that included Herbie Hancock vibin' on the piano and percussionist extrodinaire, Joe Lala. Stills rumored that another solo release was underway. Engineer, Jim Z and assistant, Kelly Liebelt gladly fired up the Studer analog decks for this one.
- Alabama rock outfit, Jackit, camped out in Stonehenge to blast out their debut release on Raw Deal records. Blake Eiseman tracked and mixed it all, assisted by 'Dred'.
- Milk Money, Atlanta's hippest project coordination group, sent several sessions into ZAC recently. Chief exec, Monica Tannian booked ZAC A's ProControl Room with ATL's top engineering crew to handle Arista Records artist, Ceelo Goodie, tracking for his upcoming release with knob twisters, Ben Allen and Kevin Parker, as well as label-mate Donnel Jones, tracking with Carlton Lynn. Meanwhile, Vernon Mongo engineered in Stonehenge for Island Def Jam group, 112, with Stevie Jay producing and bringin' the beats.
- Mongo continued to track a couple new ones for Jagged Edge on the Sony Urban label with Philly production crew, Dre and Vidal, assisted by Dred. Tannian's heavy-weight mixer, Alvin Speights, pulled into Stonehenge to mix two singles on the Ceelo project, as well as a single for Debra Killings debut release on the Zomba / Verity label. Mr. Speights assisted by Dred.
- Arista's big seller, Usher, stayed a while in Stonehenge to cut some new tracks with Philly production crew, Dre and Vidal. Vincent Delorenzo engineered, assisted by Kelly 'Dred' Liebelt.
- Hitco Publishing's Antonio Reid Jr. brought Sean G into ZAC A to mtrack. Kelly Dred engineered.
- Keith Sweat and long time engineer, Alex Nesmith, popped into Stonehenge to track vocals for an upcoming release.
April 2003
ZAC and ZX - Perfect Match
Atlanta, GA – ZAC Recording's SSL control room, dubbed Stonehenge, is the first Southeast studio to install the ZX Card. Glad you asked, ZX is the newest invention by Bruce Millett of The Desk Doctor,in conjunction with, PAD, Boston to allow SSLs tape controls to drive ProTools. "This card allows us old dogs a way to run a session like we used to," says owner/engineer, Jim Zumpano. "Believe me, it's much more pleasing to hear audio than see it, I have hated every ProTools session I've been forced to do because I spend 40% of the time at a #%@^& keyboard and LOOKING AT audio on a screen – with ZX, I can actually pretend I have a tape machine and just listen! @!!! All my 'PLAY FROM' commands and "GOTO's act like I want them to!"
P.A.D. owner, Dave Malekpour and his tech. director, Dave Thibideau have been the techinical force behind ZAC since dropping their first custom built SSL 88 channel G+ console there in October 2002. "When Dave {Malekpour} called me about this idea," Zumpano continued, "I said, 'Let me be the first on my block with this!!!' I'm thrilled that someone is thinking this way and apparently my clients do too." ZAC clients have included engineer types such as Alvin Speights, Ray Seay, Blake Eiseman, Nick Didia, Kevin Davis, and Jeff Tomei. For more info about ZX, contact Dave Malekpour at Professional Audio Design.
Sessions at Stonehenge
- Jive Records A&R exec, Nancy Roof, sent several artists to Stonehenge last month. Brian Michael Cox producing cuts for Raheem and Jasmine upcoming releases, as well as, James Maynes producing a cut on Nivea. Sam Thomas engineered all the gigs, assisted by Kelly 'Dred' Liebelt.
- Former components of Aquarium Rescue Unit, including guitar wiz, Jimmy Herring (recently recruited to replace Jerry on the upcoming "Dead" tour), and ZAC resident composer/arranger/bassist/producer, Ricky Keller, hung out with fellow Unit drummiester, Apt. Q258 [aka Jeff Sipe] and keyboardist, Jason Crosby to record live in Stonehenge. Rumours circulate that this will be another "Project Z" release as a follow up to 2000's self-titled debut on Terminus Records. Tracking was stalwart ZAMBI fan, Jim Z., faithfully assisted by 'Dred'.
- Capitol Records artist, Goldie, in ZAC A tracking vocals with producer Manuel Seal. Flash engineered with assistance from 'Dred'.
- Atlanta blues woman, Francine Reed, stopped in to put the vocal touches on the title track "A Time To Dance" by local playwrite and producer, Candace Long. The play premiered in Atlanta in September 2001 and starred Reed. Recorded by Kelly 'Dred' Liebelt.
- Universal Recording artist, Da Entourage, in mixing their debut release with Miami-based mix wizard, Ray Seay. Assisted by 'Dred'.
1st Quarter 2003
Sessions At Stonehenge
- Arista artist, Babyface, held a "staff only" listening session in Stonehenge. On hand were Arista Records label execs, including president, LA Reid and the entire A&R staff of the West 57th's 9th floor.
- Grammy award winning artist, Tony Rich, mixed his new release in Stonehenge with ZAC owner / mixer, Jim 'Z' Zumpano. Rich recorded and produced all the tracks . Assisted by Kelly 'Dred' Liebelt.
- Producer, Dent, in mixing artist, Zena for State of Mind Productions. Engineered by Blake Eiseman, assisted by ZAC star, Kelly "Dred" Liebelt.
- MCA rap artist, Shawty Red in ZAC mixing his new release on the newly installed George Augspurger monitors. Engineer, T Cash mixed it up with no assistance at all.
- Production team, the Track Boys, mixed J Records artist, Pretty Tony. The new single "Down In The Dirty" was mixed by LA mix engineer, Jan Fairchild, assisted by Kelly Dred.
- Jive Records artists were in the house!!! Vocalist, Nivea, tracking new single "Main Gir" with Jimmy Maynes producing and Raheem tracking "Nice to Meet You" with producer, Brian Micheal Cox. Both gigs had Sam Thomas behind the controls and Kelly Dred assisting.
- ATL's Rock producer, Butch Walker dropped in to track a nice string section in Stonehenge for debut Capitol Records artist, Aslin. Local hero, Ricky Keller arranged and conducted, engineer, Rusty Cobb ran ProTools and was ably assisted by Kelly Dred.
- Miami-style mixer, Ray Seay, stooped by Stonehenge to mix debut Universal Records artist, Tiffany. the single, "Anoche" was produced by Tricky and Wirly. Assisted by Eli Akins.
- Columbia Records artist, Jagged Edge, in mixing with ATL mix star, Phil Tan. Producer, Brian Micheal Cox tracked and mixed the single "In The Morning", Eli Akins assisting.
ZAC Digital Gets Sonic Upgrade
The very popular ZAC 'A' ProTools / ProControl suite was just fitted with a pair of George Augsprurger mains. This system now enjoys exactly the same components and power as the mains in Stonehenge, ZAC's 80 channel SSL control room. "This was a logical step", insists owner, Jim Z, "considering a ton of ProTools sessions start in here (ZAC 'A') and then move into Stonehenge to mix. This really provides the engineers and producers an excellent translation between the two rooms."
"Both rooms are tuned by my main man, Coco," continues Zumpano, "and you just can't beat Byrston amps and TAD drivers for delivering the punch! The client response has been, typically, a four letter explitive accompanied by a big smile."
Year End 2002
Sessions At Stonehenge
Since dropping the custom SSL 4080 G+ console in October, 2002, we've made a bunch of engineer/producer types real happy and a slew of year end activity followed:
- Engineer, Nick Didia (PJ, STP, BNI) mixed Bruce Springsteen from a live show recorded in Barcelona, Spain for Sony International. Billy Bowers handled the Protools. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, assisted by Karl Egseiker and Eli Akins.
- Engineer, Phil Tan (Usher, Cee-Lo, Clipse) mixed upcoming release for Jagged Edge on Columbia Records. Produced by Brian Micheal Cox (Baby, Dru Hill) and St. Nick. Assisted by Eli Akins and Morgan Garcia.
- DaMizza (Nate Dogg, Kurupt) producing remix track, "Irresistable" for Island Def Jam artist, Mariah Carey. Engineered by Florian Ammon, assisted by Eli.
- Organized Noise producer, Ray Murray mixed a track for the upcoming release on The D.O.C. (NWA, Dre, Snoop). Jim Z behind the knobs, assisted by Eli Akins.
- NYC mixer, Ben Arrindell (BeBe Winans, Silk) and producer, Tim Thomas, put the slam on Arrow Records debut artist, Generation J. Mr. Akins assisted.
- Grammy award winning mixer, Alvin Speights (India.arie, Outkast) also mixed a few cuts on The D.O.C. upcoming Silverback release. Speights also mixed up several tracks for MCA sophmore release on ATL Rapper, Archie. Mason Hall producing; and fellow MCA artist, LLoyd tracking with producer, Joyce Irby.
- Rusty Cobb (Injected, Butch Walker) mixed rockers "Mary's Eyes" version of "Little Drummer Boy" for local radio 99X Christmas release.
- Owner/Operater/engineer, Jim Z mixed for Destiny Style Productions new release, "For His Pleasure" with Lanette Crute producing, as well as upcoming debut release for Tulut Entertainment Christian song bird, Patrice Wilson. Preston Middleton produced, assisted by Kelly "Dred" Liebelt. Tracking dates included Don Law tracking and mixing a remake of Joe South's "Rose Garden" and local rock outfit, Iris tracked and mixed a three song demo, produced with MMG label exec, Hank Smith.
- Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown returned to track "I'll Be There" with writer/producer Bobby Reece. TCash engineered.
- Montell Jordan and band blew into Stonehenge to track elements for upcoming live dates.
June/July 2002
Sessions At Stonehenge
- The Neptunes (producers, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) stepped up into Stonehenge with Chili and T-Boz, to produce another batch of hits for upcoming TLC release. Brian Garten (N.E.R.D., Nelly, Usher) engineered, Morgan Garcia assisted.
- Organized Noize Productions (TLC, Outkast, En Vogue) in da house! Producer, Rico Wade in Stonehenge, working new tracks for Bubba Sparxx sophmore release on Interscope Records, Morgan Garcia manned the controls. Meanwhile partner, Ray Murray, tracked remix version of “Shake It Off" for RCA Records debut artist, Jarvis Church in ZAC A, with Garcia engineering. Murray moved into Stonehenge to finish the track and shared mixing duties with his former TLC, Outkast engineer, JimZ. Assisted by Eli Akins.
- Arista Records rocker, Butch Walker back in Stonehenge tracking drums with Kenny ‘K-Dog’ Cresswell for upcoming bonus DVD release. Walker’s DVD will include the entire 4th of July live show at Bakers Street Park in Atlanta, recorded by JimZ and Eclipse Audio.
P.S. The long awaited custom SSL 4080 G+ mixng console will be installed
in Stonehenge and will be in service for your mixing and tracking needs after September 1st.
- Producer, Rodney Jerkins (Aaliyah, Whitney, Destiny’s Child) in ZAC A tracking vocals with TLC. Engineered by Fabian Marasciullo (Britney, J-Lo).
- Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown stopped into ZAC A to finsh up vocals and tracks with song writer, Muhammed 2G. The first single release “Whatcha Lookin’ At”, for the upcoming album was mixed by LA mixer, Kevin ‘KD’ Davis in Stonehenge.
- ASCAP songwriter of the year, Lenesha Randolph tracked a batch of new tunes with engineer, TCash.
- DirtySouth rapper, Archie, recently signed to MCA Records, back in ZAC A with Big Mace, for Phat Boy Productions makin’ beats for the next release .
May 2002
Sessions At Stonehenge
- LA mixer, Kevin 'KD’ Davis (Pink, Usher, NSYNC) setup camp in Stonehenge mixing Arista Records debut artist, Buttaphly. Producing is multi- platinum Atlanta songster, She’kspere (Mariah Carey, TLC, Destiny’s Child). Eli Akins assisted.
- Grit Bro.’s Productions mixing latest Holbrook Recording artist, Weed. Mixing duties were split between ZAC owner, Jim Z (Aquarium Rescue Unit, TLC, Tinsley Ellis) and Mercenary Audio, Boston's bad boy, Fletcher (Buddy Guy, Aerosmith, Ozzy). Thanks to Axl and Tugboat, the Grit Bro.’s worked virtually unassisted.
- Atlanta mixer, Phil Tan (Jermaine Dupri, Nate Dogg, Da Brat) slammed out some mixes for the upcoming Sony Records sophmore release on artist, Rehab. Mr. Tan assisted by Eli and JimZ.
- TLC’s, T-Boz and Chilli finished tracking vocals with Organized Noise, producer,
Ray Murray (TLC, Outkast, Xcsape) in ZAC A. Morgan Garcia engineered the tracks.
- Legendary singer, song-writer, Joe South dropped into ZAC A to lay down ideas for an upcoming new release. Tommy Dean played bass and Crispy did beats.
Engineered by Jim Z.
Sessions At
Southern Living at It's Finest (aka SLAIF)
- Southern Living owner/composer/ and chief Zambi, Ricky Keller, resurrected and mixed a few new bonus tracks on Atlanta icon, Col. Bruce Hampton (retired), to be included on two new re- releases on Terminus Reocrds. The notorius Late Bronze Age and Outside Looking Out were then lovingly mastered by Keller and Alex Lowe. Keller was also busy arranging strings for Outkasts, Dre 3000 to appear on upcoming Killer Mike and Outkast releases.
- Shawn Mullins stopped by to record vocals on a Families of Freedom Fund tribute song! Produced by Daniel Sage. [Features Mullins, Maya, Keb Mo, Donnie Osmond] (familiesoffreedom.com)
- Christian artist, Billy Wayne mixing debut record with mix master, Russ Fowler. Scotty Wilbanks produced.
- SLAIF mastering engineer, Alex Lowe tweaked Mark Harper's 2nd inde release with Optimists Club. Lowe also mixed and mastered two singles recently released on Giant Steps Records compilation for the artists, Seek and Jiva.
April 2002
Sessions At Stonehenge
- RCA Records artist, SR71, tracked basics for their upcoming sophmore release with producer, Butch Walker (Lit, Injected, Bowling For Soup). Jim Ebert(Marvelous 3, Cowboy Mouth) engineered, assisted by Eli Akins. >Photos
- Refractive Records artist, Mimi Holland in mixing her debut release with engineer / producer Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox20, Meredith Brooks). Production by Holland, Tomei and Rocky Lindsley. Assited by Eli Akins.
- Hard Times Records R&B crooner, Meme Green, tracking and mixing debut release with engineer, Jason “Chip” Grant. Eli assisted.
- Graceless Me, Atlanta’s latest unsigned teen rockers, broke into Stonehenge to cut the first single, “How To Forget You” with engineer/producer, JimZ. >Photos
Sessions in ZAC Digital
- Organized Noise, producer, Ray Murray (TLC, Outkast, Xcsape) used both Stonehenge and ZAC A to track upcoming Dungeon East compilation. Included in the line up are members of ONP, Goodie Mob, and Outkast. Morgan Garcia engineered the tracks.
- Killa Mike dropped in to ZAC A to rop over some fresh beats produced by Steaknife (Rehab). Goodie Mob members, Khujo and Big Gipp layed on some extra flavor. Engineered by Blake Eiseman (Da Brat, Outkast, Goodie Mob). >Photos
- MCA artist, Shawty Red tracked beats in ZAC A. T. Cash engineered.
Sessions At Southern Living
- Russ Fowler (Josh Joplin Group, STP, Pat Benatar) mixed Sam Shaber for
SMG records, produced by Shawn Mullins, assisted by James Salter. Mastered
by Alex Lowe.
- Scotty Wilbanks (Third Day, Newsong) cut choir tracks and mixed upcoming album for Grove Level Church. Tracked by Alex Lowe, Mixed by Russ Fowler, assisted by James Salter.
- Independent artist, Twittering Machine, mixed by Benjamin Price.
January-March 2002
ZAC In Rehab
ATLANTA – ZAC’s premier analog room, Stonehenge, has recently installed a temporary 56 channel SSL G series console. Long time SSL user and ZAC owner, Jim Zumpano, says that the change is “very good and yes, we said temporary!” Temporary in the sense that Zumpano expects a custom 80 channel SSL G+ to be installed in early May, and is looking forward to that desk, his third since opening last year [March 2001], staying for a while. Although enjoying some success last year with artists including Tinsley Ellis, Butch Walker, Speech, Kelly Price and new chart-busters, Nine20, the idea to change consoles for 2002, was sparked by heavy client demand. "My clients love the sound of this room", says Zumpano, and having a large format SSL will give me the opportunity to keep them mixing here too". >Photos
Sessions At ZAC
- Rehab in ZAC: Destiny Music / Epic Records artist, Rehab, has taken over both Stonehenge and ZAC Digital's "A" Pro Tools room for the tracking of their follow up release to 2000's "Southern Discomfert". Executive producer, Nate Smith, has culled several production teams for the task, including Steaknife, Will and Pete, and Gizzmo (Tina, Da Kaperz) for Moodswing Productions. Musical cohorts, Detail, scractchin, "White" Mike Hartnett on guitars, Blake Eiseman (Outkast, Speech, Da Brat) handling the engineering chores. Additional engineering and assistance by Ari Newman. Mr. Newman assisted by Eli Akins. >Photos
- MCA artist, Nine20, dropped back in to ZAC A to lay beats for the remix of the new single "What Would You Do". Session produced by Byrd and engineered by Ari Newman.
- Label mate, Shawty Red, tracked in ZAC A as well. Tracking single for upcoming release. Lil John produced and provided the track. Ari Newman engineering, assisted by Eli Akins.
Session At Southern Living
- Southern Living owner, Ricky Keller (Talesin Orchestra, Zambiland Orchestra, Project Z) recently composed and arranged several string dates for upcoming Bruce Springsteen & Papa Roach releases, recruited by local production hero, Brendan O'Brien (Train, Pearl Jam, Rage etc..). O'Brien and Keller have collaborated on several projects in the past including Stone Temple Pilots, Black Crowes and Pete Droge.
- Indie neo-R&B artist, Julie Dexter recently mixed and mastered her upcoming release. Engineering and Mastering services by Alex Lowe.
- Angie Aparo dropped by to mix a few new songs with ATL knob-turner, Russ Fowler, with some assistance by Benjamin Price. Mastered by Alex Lowe.
December 2001
Sessions at ZAC
- Butch Walker (Marvleous 3, Lit, Collective Soul) in Stonehenge, behind the AMEK 9098i, producing and mixing sophmore release for Jive Records artist, Bowling For Soup. Walker hung out in Stonehenge for the next few days to track basics for his self- produced, upcoming solo release. Walker brought forth the songs and guitars and the charming Kenny Creswell (Brand New Immortals, Gracie Moon) supplied the drum bashing. Engineering duties were split between Walker and Atlanta engineer/ producer, Rusty Cobb (Stuck Mojo, Cloud 10), Ari Newman assisting.
- Sam Sims, (bassist, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Backstreet Boys) and Darrell Smith (keyboards, Janet Jackson, KD Lang, Anita Baker) producing and mixing the debut release for Tanyell on the PMG / Delta Disc Records label. In to mix was famed West Coast mixer, Craig Burbidge (Lavert, Chaka Khan, Aaron Hall). The team camped out at ZAC recently using both the 'ZAC A' ProTools Suite, as well as Stonehenge Recording's AMEK 9098i room.
- Capitol Records artist/producer, Van Hunt, tracked in Stonehenge with the AMEK 9098i, Neve-designed analogue console for his upcoming solo debut. Engineer and ProTools afficianado, Melissa Mattey (Faith Hill, Terri Clark), at the controls. Ari Newman assisting.
- Soul Power Production chiefs, Soul Shock and Karlin (2Pac, Whitney, Silk), used ZAC and Southern Living for tracking vocals with hit songwriter, Shamora, for a mix in progress in Los Angeles with new artist, Maria. James Salter engineered the vocals in Southern Living and the session was uploaded from ZAC in ATL to the Soul Power crew in LA via the DigiStudio file transfer internet geekware provided by Digidesign's new ProTools version 5.2. Soul Shock told ZAC owner, Jim 'Z', "This is the quickest, easiest way to bump a track across country, I wish every studio was on this."
- Bluesman, Tinsley Ellis, blew back into Stonehenge between tour dates to produce some vital blues cuts with protege singer/songwriter, Donna Hopkins. "Stonehenge gets the perfect sound for the live, bluesy stuff we do", says Ellis (Telarc debut "Hell or Highwater" release in Feb. 2002) "we all get to jam in one big room and really connect." ZAC owner, Jim 'Z' adds that the AMEK/Neve 9098i doesn't hurt either!
- Dre 3000 of Outkast busted into 'ZAC A' for some ProTools tracking and mixing with seasoned engineer, John Frye (Toni Braxton, Outkast, Usher). The Stankonia team worked on two cuts which will be available seperately, "She Lives in my Lap" on Dre's upcoming solo release and the other, "Plane 3" slated for the upcoming 5th Outkast, Arista release at Southern Living
- Artemis Records hardcore folkies, Josh Joplin Group, mixed a live performance album, recently recorded at Atlanta's Roxy Theatre by Southern Living's multi-tasking recording engineer, Alex Lowe. Mixing was handled by engineer/mixer and SMG's 99 Useful Music cohort, Russ Fowler, (Rage, David Ryan Harris, STP ) in the Southern Living studio. Fowler also cut some new tracks with another cohort and Atlanta songwriting success, Shawn Mullins (Soul's Core, Beneath The Velvet Sun). Mullins tracked with guitarist, Peter Stroud (Peter Green, Sheryl Crowe), drummer, Jerry Hansen, and Micheal Steele on bass.
October 2001
Sessions at ZAC
- Atlanta rock heroes, Drivin'N'Cryin, jammed in Stonehenge, recording demos for an upcoming, yet unsigned release. During these sessions, lead singer/songwriter, Kevin Kinney responded to the recent war call with a heart-tugging rendition of "Let It Be". John Nielson engineered with Ari Newman assisting. Nielson also recently finished mixing on the AMEK/NEVE 9098i with indie- rock act, ILL MIC, earlier this month. >Photos
- Yet another Atlanta icon, Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Speech (Arrested Development), chose Stonehenge and the AMEK 9098i to mix his upcoming fourth solo release. Speech reunites with fellow Grammy Award winning mix master, Alvin Speights (Arrested Development, TLC, Madonna, Outkast, Michael Jackson), who recorded and engineered the first smash AD release "3 Years, 5 months and 2 days..." in '92. Speights was heard to say "I love the console and am absolutely knocked out by the accuracy of this room". Ari Newman and Jon Ouellette assisted Mr. Speights. >Photos
- Atlanta's blues guitar boss, Tinsley Ellis (Heartfixers), is in Stonehenge tracking and mixing his 6th solo release for Telarc International Records. Famed engineer/producer, Eddy Offord (Yes, ELP, John and Yoko), has been pulled in to oversee the sounds. Jim 'Z' Zumpano operating the Rupert Neve-designed AMEK 9098i console. Ari and Jon assisting. >Photos
- Scotty Wilbanks (New Song, Third Day) used Stonehenge for a string date with contemporary Christian artist, Jason Cox. Ari Newman engineered, Jon Ouellette assisted.
- Todd AO productions cut their recent string dates for Toyota's "50 Questions" spot. Composer and producer, Chris Basta directed, Jim 'Z' engineered with Ari assisting and doing the punch-ins!
- Stonehenge looks as good as it sounds! Recently, two local video crews used Stonehenge and the AMEK 9098i console to backdrop a couple of spots.... local ABC News crew shot a recent commentary spot covering the notorious Jennifer Lopez grammar faux pas, Steve Osunsami reporting and Post Modern video productions shot an interview segment featuring newly signed country artist, MARTA, set to air later this fall.
In ZAC Digital ProTools Rooms
- Arista Records chief, Antonio 'L.A.' Reid dropped into 'ZAC A' to check on producer and son, Antonio Reid Jr. The young Reid is pumping up tracks for new artist, Sky. Sessions were engineered by T. Cash.
- Keith Sweat booked engineer / mixer, Alex Nesmith (Silk, Dru Hill) into 'ZAC A' tightening up a cut for Sweats upcoming release.
- Engineer/Producer, Rusty Cobb (Stuck Mojo, Big Hate, Cloud 10), cutting and mixing in 'ZAC A' with Athens, GA-based super trio, Grasshopper, upcoming debut release. Assisted by Sedrick and Wes.
- Primal Screen productions popped off some Vocals and V/O for E! Entertainment Networks recent "Everything Emmys" spots. Steve Mank produced, James Salter engineered.
In Southern Living At Its Finest -
- Christian rockers, According to John, pulled in to finish off overdubs for their upcoming indie release. Glen Matullo (Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins) at the ProTools controller.
- Mixer / engineer, Alex Lowe (REM, Outkast, Josh Joplin), worked several projects at Southern Living, tracking new cuts with drummer extrodinaire, Sonny Emory (Earth, Wind and Fire, Dave Grusin, George Howard), for his sophmore release, as well as engineered, mixed and mastered the debut release for new rock sensation, JAD. On the mastering tip, Lowe finished tweaking yet another debut release for local "art rockers", DeadPan Alley.
- Contemporary Christian artist, Jason Cox, finished mixes for his debut release with producer, Scotty Wilbanks (New Song, Third Day), and rock mixer, Russ Fowler (STP, Rage, Pat Benatar), dialing up the sounds. Ben Price assisiting.
In Other News
- ZAC Fund raiser [held 9/15/01] not only raised dollars to aid NYC Rescue Fund but offered guests a shot at "a day in Stonehenge". Shown is Prize Winner, Jesse Astin [with his group, Annapolis Red] who pulled the lucky ticket. The band was able to pull off a rocking two song demo that should lead this 17 year-old guitar slinger into the spotlight. Session engineered by Alex Lowe, assisted by Ari Newman.
ZAC - Sessions
- Warner Bros. recording artist, Da Brat, popped into Stonehenge to mix two new cuts with artist, 22, for her own, Thowin’ Tantrums Entertainment. Tracks were produced by Aaron Pittman and mixed by AMEK 9098i fan, Blake Eiseman [Arrested Development], assisted by Ari.
- Inde rap artist, Tai Chi, finished mixes in Stonehenge with ATL mix engineer Blake Eiseman. Tracks were produced by Kenya “Fame Flame” Miller for Big Head Productions. AMEK 9098i assistance provided by Ari.
- Producer, conductor and head Zambi, Ricky Keller [Stone Temple Pilots, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Black Crows], mixed the long-awaited Zambiland Orchestra concerts for pioneering Atlanta-based label Terminus Records. The shows were tracked to various formats over the years by Atlanta engineer and studio owner, Jim ‘Z’ Zumpano, and compiled and mixed at Stonehenge thru the Rupert Neve designed AMEK 9098i, by both 'Z' and Keller. These yearly shows have been chronicled since 1996 and include an enormous array of eclectic musicians from Sam Bush, Jimmy Herring, Leftover Salmon, and Oteil Burbridge to Col. Bruce Hampton, Derek Trucks and the Count M’Butu.
- Mercury Audio gear builder and San Francisco-based, heavy-metal head, Dave Marquette, mixed three cuts for debut act, “Blue Eyed Devil”. Mixed by 'Z' and Dave, assisted by Mercury, Mercenary and Neve equipment.
In ZAC Digital ProTools Rooms
- Hot R&B act, 112 were back in ZAC Digital A ProTools room producing more surprises to accompany their current tour supporting the Platinum selling Part III for Bad Boy Records. ProTools chicanery provided by Glenn Matullo, T. Cash and Ari, with diligent assistance from Crispy.
- Priority Records artist, Steaknife, in tracking new cuts with Mello producing for upcoming release. Special guest vocs by former Rehab band-mates, Dan and Brook. T.Cash engineered with Ari and Crispy assisting.
In Southern Living At Its Finest - Studio and Mastering
- Keyboard ace, T. Lavitz tracked and mixed new release for
Macon Records. Session players included Richie Hayward (drums) and
Kenny Gradney (bass) of Little Feat and Jimmy Herring (guitars)
of Phil Lesh Band and Allman Brothers. Tracking duties by famed Atlanta
producer, Ricky Keller and mixes were engineered by Russ Fowler. Assisted
by Alex Lowe and Ben Price.
- Mastering engineer, Alex Lowe, was also busy putting the final touches
on projects from Amy Ray, T. Lavitz, Marc and Collier, Suicydal, and Volume
Records.
ZAC is the first Atlanta facility to offer a complete neighborhood of audio services. The multi-room complex hosts two unique analog studios, three Pro Tools digital suites and an equipment rental house, nestled on a quaint wooded lot in Upper Mid-Town.
- Stonehenge Recording – SSL 4080 G+ 80-ch. console, Total Recall, Ultimation, Studer/ ProTools/ "Dred"
- ZAC Digital A – Pro Tools HD Tracking / Mix Suite... / Augspurger Mains kik
- ZAC Digital B – Donnie Skants Productions
- Berkeley Park Studio (formerly Southern Living At Its Finest ) – DDA DMR12, Pro Tools HD / Studer A827
- Eclipse Audio – Pro Audio Equipment Rental / DA88's, Pro Tools, ADAT / Outboard / Mics etc...
For further information contact : ZAC via Jim Zumpano @ (404) 603-8040.
Visit these links to our studios: Stonehenge Recording, ZAC Digital Recording, Southern Living At It's Finest, Eclipse Audio Equipment Rental.
Copyright ©2000 ZAC, LLC
