Album Notes

The first whalebone CD was recorded when we were playing as a guitar duo, although it features many of the tunes that we perform now as a trio. Influenced by the approach taken by Richard Thompson and encouraged by conversations with Pete Ware, a producer we had worked with previously, we decided to record the tracks as live performances in a single take without overdubs wherever possible, and so in November 2006 we set up our recording equipment for a week to record the album.

The setup was very simple, consisting of two microphones placed back to back with Steve and Char playing facing one another. Each tune was rehearsed and then several takes were recorded until the spirit of each piece had been captured. Some tunes were nailed after one or two takes, but others proved elusive. Sometimes external influences seemed to be shaping the performances – Dreamstate was recorded with a misty autumn sunset adding to the atmosphere in the studio. Devil’s Chair as a grey mist swirled outside the window.

Most of the tracks on the album were recorded during that week, Lost Days being one exception. It was written ready for the sessions, but time constraints meant it was recorded a week or so afterwards with Sarah attending the session but not playing. Mixing took place in December and the album was released in January 2007.

The title of the album was chosen to reflect whalebone’s musical development over the previous twelve months that Steve and Char had been playing and performing together. The music hints at wide influences with Blues, Celtic, Classic Rock and Eastern sounds featuring in the mix.

The album has since been remastered by Torch Music Productions, and now includes three bonus tracks, whalebone versions of three tunes - Blackbird, Sultans of Swing and Hotel California - that have become favourites at gigs.

Technical notes:
Steve used a Taylor 314CE guitar and a Gibson Les Paul (on Devil’s Chair) Char used a Yamaha APX9 guitar All instruments were recorded using Rode NT1 mics into a Yamaha AW1600 digital recorder.