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The Latest
JRS - Loss for Words available from Amazon.com as digital download
You can download my instrumental rock album, Loss for Words, from Amazon.com! Click here to go straight to the page. I should also mention you can preview all the songs on the album. Enjoy!
New Album, Spank Your Inner Monkey, to be released soon :)
My
new electronica album, entitled Spank
Your Inner Monkey is almost done! Here's the deal: while working on
New Old Stock (my vocal oriented rock album) I've also been working
on my next electronica album. For many reasons, most having to do with procrastination,
the electronica album is closer to completion than the vocal album.
So, I've decided to release the electronica album first. Here's the song list. I'm not sure all will make it on the album; it's always a good plan to have more songs than needed though!
Wayde Cooper's Axis Live Videos Posted
Wayde and I posted some live videos from an April 1992 show at the Farside Tavern. Click here to go to YouTube to see the videos, or click here to view the videos and read a bit about the band. We've posted three videos so for, with more on the way. Below is "Future", written by Wayde Cooper with lyrics by Nick Valenz.
Future
Wings of Gold, Spank Your Inner Child and Loss for Words PRICE REDUCED
Holiday season is coming, so I've reduced the prices on Wings of Gold, Spank Your Inner Child and Loss for Words to just $7.99, from CD Baby!. This new lower price is for both the physical CD and the complete-album digital download. The new prices will remain in effect through the end of the year.
Wings of Gold (my first full length album) is almost out of print, so I urge you to get your copy soon! Click here to hear excerpts from Wings of Gold and order your copy. Click the Wings of Gold album graphic at left on this page to learn more about the album.
Northwest Shred Fest 2008 Compilation is Available
The
Northwest Shred Fest 2008 Compilation CD has been released! I contributed
two songs: remixes of "King Lerxst" (from Loss
for Words) and "Clearwater Road Trip" (a song I originally
wrote for the DOA 2006 compilation album). I made radical changes to the songs
for this album including new drum sounds, new bass sounds, new arrangements.
If you liked the originals, I think you'll enjoy the new mixes.
John Jaunese, a fantastic neo-classical player, is the mastermind behind this project. The roster of artists includes: John Jaunese, Ed to Shred, Ed Degenaro, Saed Bawaney, Brian Hunsaker, Wayde Cooper, George Varghese, Rich Nakatsu and yours truly. Check out the Northwest Shred Fest 2008 My Space Page for audio demos.
I have a limited number of CDs available from the first run. You can buy them from me directly for $10.00 (which includes shipping). Payment through Paypal: jeffrey@jrsmoots.com. Contact me if you need more info.
My new favorite Bass library, from Chris Hein
When it came time to remix two songs for the Northwest Shred Fest compilation, I decided to change the bass sounds. Surfing the web, I stumbled upon Chris Hein's website (www.chrishein.net). Chris's Horn and Guitar libraries have already achieved widespread acclaim for their oustanding sound quality and programming. Chris had recently released a new library, the Chris Hein Bass. I listened to the audio demos and was knocked out by the sound quality and realism -- realism achieved by innovative Kontakt programmin/scripting. Chris has recorded just about every sound a bass can make, and then made those sounds easily used via very clever programming.
One
feature that I immediately took advantage of is the ability to randomize the
bass sounds. One can can introduce randomized string squeeks, changes in fret
hand position, changes in the release tail, the list goes on and on. These
subtle touches change the bass from a run-of-the-mill sample library into
a living instrument. I've only scratched the surface on the E-Bass. Through
simple key switches, it's capable of even more expressivity than I used on
my remixes. I look forward to more opportunities to use this bass.
You can preview audio and video demos of the Chris Hein Bass library at Sounds Online. I also want to mention that you can download individual basses (E Bass, Fretless Bass and Upright Bass) from Chris Hein's web store, Best Service. To hear how I used the Chris Hein E Bass for the Northwest Shred Fest compilation, click here.
Download JRS singles and albums from PayPlay.fm
JRS - Loss for Words
JRS - Spank Your Inner Child
Dean Owners of America 2007 Hardtail Bass
Feast your eyes on this beauty! Limited edition Dean Owners of America Hardtail Bass. Carved top, neck through, active electronics. Sounds and plays killer. I have number 7 of 15. I'll be using it on the upcoming New old Stock album. Click here to visit the Dean Owners of America forum. And, if you're a Dean guitar owner, please do join the D.O.A.
Loss for Words Available for Digital Download
JRS
- Loss for Words is now available as a digital download! Below
is a direct link to ITunes. I'll add direct links to additional download services
(CD Baby, Rhapsody,
EMusic, MSN
Music, MusicNet,
MusicMatch),
asap.
ITunes
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Wings of Gold Available for Digital Download
JRS
- Wings of Gold is also available as a digital download. Below
are direct links to ITunes, Rhapsody, EMusic, and MSN Music.
| ITunes
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Rhapsody
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EMusic
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MSN
Music 
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Dean Rhapsody 12-string Bass
That's right, a 12-string bass! Each standard bass string has 2 additional strings, tuned one octave up. This bass sounds absolutely huge. I bought it because I admire Doug Pinnick's 12-string bass playing. Check back soon for more pictures and info.
Dean USA Custom MSV
This
beautiful guitar is a custom USA Michael Schenker V. Dean had a dozen or so
of these that became available for customization. I was able to choose the
color and the hardware. This is my first custom ordered guitar, and I'm pleased
to say it is exactly what I asked for. When it arrived at my house, I tore
into the package like a little kid at Christmas!
Feel-wise, the guitar plays just like the USA Michael Schenker V Limited Edition. Soundwise, I think it's a tiny bit brighter. Also, I think this particular guitar is little bit lighter in weight than the Schenker V Limited Edition.
I'm especially pleased with the look of the satin nickel hardware. Dean has been putting satin nickel hardware on its Dean Professional series, but this may be one of the first MSV's in satin. I think it looks great :)
JRS on My Space
I finally got around to creating a profile on My Space and uploading music. Click here to visit the page. You'll find four full-length songs (two from Inner Resonance - Solar Voices, and two from JRS - Loss for Words). I'm also attempting a blog, which should get more interesting when I start the final recording of my upcoming album, JRS - New old Stock.
Back in 1991, Roy Gray, Anthony Beck and I recorded a 5 song EP. The music was fast, angry, and strange. We called ourselves Hybrid, because we brought such varied sounds to the music. We played the Seattle club circuit with these songs, entertaining some and annoying others.
The Hybrid EP also won me a writeup in Guitar For the Practicing Musician.
I've had the 24-track 2" reel sitting around, and have always wanted to remix it. This year, I decided it was time. So, here are 30-second excerpts from the songs. If you enjoy them, please let me know (jeffrey@jrsmoots.com). If Roy and Anthony are agreeable, maybe we'll re-release it!
Hybrid EP
One Indispensable Pedal
Playing
and recording high-gain guitar can be tough. The more distortion you use,
the more noise you have to contend with. I've tried many solutions over the
years, from pedals to rack-mount units. They've worked, but have exhibited
a side effect that drives me nuts -- they often ruin the decay of the sound.
Why can't someone make a noise reduction device that's smart enough to clamp
down on the signal when I'm playing staccato, but still allow for a nice decay
when I let a note ring out?
ISP Technologies has done it with their Decimator Noise Reduction. They use a technology they call Time Vector Processing. The technical details are way over my head, but the bottom line is this; it works. I'm using the Decimator pedal right now to record my upcoming album. I'm getting tight, punchy guitar tracks, with no residual noise. The Decimator has become an essential part of my guitar rig.
ISP Technologies has another product that's got my attention: the Vector SL Steve Lukather Guitar Subwoofer. It's a 600 watt active guitar subwoofer. Finally, a solution that addresses low-tuned and 7-string guitar. Imagine the thump!
Too Many?
I've been asked if I have too many guitars. The answer is; no I don't have too many guitars :) How could one have too many guitars? Each guitar is unique. Just take a look at the three below. I use the Custom 450 when I need 24 frets and a whammy bar. I use the EVO Special 7 when I need the mighty low B. Finally, the Michael Schenker V provides awesome fret access. Plus it looks cool! Click here to see more pictures of the Dean Guitar Arsenal.
JRS Swag available from Cafepress
Get your official JRS - Loss for Words tshirt today from Cafe
Press. More cool swag will be available soon, including posters, coffee
mugs, stickers, even beer steins and coasters.
Click here to go straight to my web store on Cafe Press. And, be sure check back often to see new JRS swag!
Fossil Records offers free custom JRS guitar pick with purchase of Loss for Words
Purchase your copy of JRS - Loss for Words directly from Fossil
Records and you will receive a free cusom JRS guitar pick. This is an
exclusive offer, only available from Fossil Records.
Click here to order your copy of Loss for Words, and be sure to check out all the great music available from Fossil Records.
JRS ENDORSEMENTS
I'm a loud and proud Dean Musical Instrument endorser. I play instruments from their expansive product line--a breathtaking array of acoustic, electric, nylon string, and resonator guitars, as well as an extensive line of 4, 5, and 6 string basses--they even have mandolins and banjos!. My particular axe of choice is the Dean USA Hardtail. Check out my Gear page to see my Dean Guitar Arsenal. You'll be hearing Dean guitars exclusively on my upcoming albums. So, head on over to www.deanguitars.com and take a look, you'll be glad you did!
For amplification, I rely on Peavey. I'm currently using the Peavey Triple
XXX 120 watt, all tube head and 4 x 12 cabinet. The XXX is truly a tone beast.
Brutal. 
Three
channels (clean, rhythm, lead), super adjustable active EQ on the rhythm and
lead channels, effects loop, beautiful clean channel; this head rules. Do
yourself a huge favor and check out the Peavey XXX series of all-tube guitar
amplifiers. Great sound and great price. Made in the USA. Check 'em out! Click
here for more information and pictures.
Morley, produces the outstanding Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah and the Steve Little Alligator Volume (as well as many other extremely cool pedals). I'm now an official "Friend of Morley", so my name will appear on the Morley website and in their print catalog. I used the Bad Horsie Wah and Little Alligator Volume extensively on my new album, Loss for Words. The pedals are both extremely quiet (great for recording), and extremely tough (great for playing live). Many thanks to Bill at Morley for getting me set up!
I'm happy to be a Dean Markley Strings endorsing artist. They make what I believe are the finest strings on the planet: Dean Markley Blue Steel Strings. I used Blue Steel Strings to record Loss for Words, and they never let me down. You owe it to yourself (and your guitar) to try Dean Markley Blue Steel strings! Head over to www.deanmarkley.com for more information.
All my music is recorded using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) from Advanced Design of Kentucky. ADK specialize in custom built, made-to-order high performance PC's. Catering to the high performance user (musician, gamer, overclocker), ADK provide outstanding service and support, and absolutley great prices. Visit ADK today and kick your computer experience into overdrive!
I'm also an endorser for SONiVox MI, makers of Sonic Implant sound samples. These high quality, professional samples are available in a variety of formats, including Kontakt, Giga, Kurzwiel, Akai, and Creative Lab's Soundfonts. If you want realistic, absolutely audiophile-quality sounds, you should be using SONiVox sounds!
Join the JRS Mailing List: Click here to join.
Content © Jeffrey Ryan Smoots. (Except where otherwise noted). All rights reserved. Optimized for 800x600 hi-color display. Site Last updated: 01-05-2009.
