Album Notes

Notes from Michael Welch:

“Untitled Improvisation”-Derek Bailey & Michael Welch-
(2 compact disk)

I had the great opportunity to record these tracks with Derek Bailey in 1999 at two concert events. As musicians know Derek was one of a kind. We miss him very much. When Derek ok’d the release of these tracks for my label I began the process to master the music for compact disc. Derek was very easy to please as he had seen so much of his material on various labels. When I ask him what to call the project he told me he ran out of names for record titles in 1976. That was his sense of humor. Though I know he cared about the recorded sound of each cd, he also relinquished much of the technical duties. When the initial pressings and artwork were available, he quickly approved. After a limited release we both soon discovered that the disc was very low in decibels and people (listeners) complained. If you have read Derek’s book you will understand much of his thought towards the recording medium. The music we performed has a broad dynamic range. In technical terms it varies from -60db below to the point of +db. Within Derek’s guitar technique and performance there are moments when he would completely have his amplifier volume (via foot pedal) on zero, completely off. He used only the sound of his hollow body electric guitar. I loved it, understood it and reacted to those dynamics. In a live performance he was the master of dynamics. Unfortunately, it is very hard to translate to audio disc. After years of mastering and remastering I was never happy with the sound. Unless you listened with headphones in a silent environment you could not appreciate or hear each note. Again in Derek’s book he speaks about compressors, limiters and all of those effects that change the original sound of the recorded music. I tried several different audio processors and used various mastering techniques to keep these tracks audible without compression and limiting. Without going into all of the technical mumbo-jumbo I’m as happy now with these tracks as I’ll ever be. (for now anyway) I still recommend headphones but the levels are way-way-up from the original master tapes. From these two concert performances there are solos and duets from Derek and myself. I believe these to be very unique. Derek’s solo’s are beautiful. For both concerts Derek had me open each event with drumset. Both of my solo performances are on the disc. You can hear a difference in the acoustics from each venue. The Miami venue was very dry while the Orlando hall was more reverberant. Derek’s solo’s are a variety of creative improvisations. He uses a “fab-tone”distortion device on one cut. I still smile listening to that track. In Miami he played one solo piece for 28 minutes. He was happy with the tube amp at his disposal and in a great mood. Since recording and playing with Derek I’ve listened too much off his recorded works. I sincerely believe these to be some of his best solo works. As duets, I’m very happy with my contribution to these recordings. My drumset at the time was an expanded North kit. Those drums were very loud and filled a room with sound. Derek really liked them and had no problem with volume when I played loud. He was pleased to see them again in New York at the Tonic where he was the venue curator for a month. During my life as a musician there have been 3 rare musical periods of enlightened transformation. Mr. Derek Bailey is on that short list. These recorded events and tracks are a very personal part of my life. Enjoy….
Michael Welch 03/09

Drummer/Musician/Producer/Visual-artist Michael Welch's current and early listening habits include Beefheart, Zappa, The Bad Plus, Radiohead, Zorn, Anderson, The Beatles, Coltrane, Hendrix, Cage, Waits, Bukowski, Kerouac, Glass, Riley, Elvin Jones.