MUMBLE JAZZ mixes jazz scatting with autotune and modern hip hop.

While the 3 MUMBLE JAZZ albums released before this one feature previous compositions that were made into MUMBLE JAZZ songs, this album features entirely new compositions which were expressly built for this MUMBLE JAZZ format.

Every MUMBLE JAZZ album follows the formula of:
Beats (808 drum machine, bass, synths) + Band improvisation (autotune & bass solos, piano & Rhodes, drum set).

In the Fall of 2022, Thin Thicket and myself started the album by building the 808 drum machine sequences for 7 tracks. Later, I added bass lines that strictly match the kick drum pattern on the 808. After this, Thin Thicket added synths and then we both added airhorn as our transitional sound.

By writing this album first on 808 drum machine, it ensures that melody and rhythm are heightened from the get go, as the 808s had to be good since there was no pre-made composition. Additionally, writing bass lines and chord progressions that match these sequences ensures the compositions are groovy and syncopated in a much better way than previous MUMBLE JAZZ beats. This is the format we're following for now on!

The sessions for this album were recorded in March and April 2023 at Thin Thicket's Bearcave Recording in Youngstown, OH. While this session recorded the trio (autotune/bass, keys, drums), only the drums and keys were used in the final recordings - due to an unmanageable bleed in my autotune microphone. We recorded each song twice over two sessions, and then I took the files to be splice edited down to the best 3 min version of each.

In May 2022 I recorded my autotune vocal and bass overdubs from within a practice room at a nearby University's music school (unnamed because I'm technically not allowed in that space). While the previous three MUMBLE JAZZ albums predominantly feature the chipmunk or higher octave autotune effect, I wanted this album to only feature my natural range with the autotune. Since I'm used to using the higher octave chipmunk effect, it was really tough honing in on my natural range, which is far more vulnerable without the effects. Perhaps it was too absolute to only include my natural range, but I wanted my 'normal' autotune range to be included as one of the statements of this album.

Additionally, this album includes far more deliberate vocal melodies than previous MUMBLE JAZZ albums. Rather than include many runs and solos, I wanted to give these songs powerful hooks that really make it hard for a listener to categorize this album by a genre. Currently, when most jazz artists include a vocalist they tend to be rapper or RnB singer using lyrics. When jazz scatting is involved, it's always in the traditional swing style and doesn't engage with modern hip hop and RnB vibes. The hooks on these melodies sound unlike any other in jazz scatting today! That being said, the next album is going to feature a combination of autotune ranges and definitely more runny and prolific bass solos to counter the more pop oriented approach on this album.

In early June 2023 I finished all of the edits while beachside with my family at Myrtle Beach, SC. I chose all of the drums from the second session (with the exception of track 6) due to the snare sounding better. Thin Thicket's keyboards were spliced between both sessions, with piano largely being on the first session and Rhodes on the second.

The master effects included on this album are made using my favorite effects rack - GarageBand & Logic's 'Remix FX' plug in. I used tape stop and filter to add dramatic transition effects and cover up flubs when necessary.