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Influential Producers

I've always found it interesting how much a producer can influence the sound of an artist. The right synergy between the two can make a good artist great and really shape the creative process. A few influential producers come to mind: John Levanthal (Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn), Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams), Tommy Lipuma (Diana Krall). Sometimes I shop recordings by looking for producers who have worked with some of my favorite artists--it doesn't always guarantee a great recording but it helps narrow things down as the producers mark is usually evident no matter which artist is involved. Anyone else look at the credits and see patterns?
dodgealum

Showing 3 responses by vhiner

vhiner
544 posts
 
Dodgealum,

Great topic! I agree about all of those mentioned thus far. I also pay attention to producers when I'm perusing recordings. It's not an infallible indicator of quality but it gives me an idea whether the recording will be something I like. Naturally, people will disagree about who is good and who is not. I'll add Mitchell Froom, Norman Ganz and Orin Keepnews to the list of producers I like.

Occassionally, some producers' signatures can also become too "present" as I think T-Bone Burnett has been lately. I love most of his work, but his latest project with Diana Krall simply did not work, IMHO.

Here's one other thing to add to the mix: who was in charge of mastering? If I see Bob Ludwig or Doug Sax along with a favorite producer, I'm nearly sure I'll dig the record.
vhiner
544 posts
 
Dodgealum,

I second every single producer you mentioned. Just mentioning them is sending me on a search for more of their work. ;-)
vhiner
544 posts
 
Team212,

I agree except for the Plant/Krauss project, which I happened to like...but
it's not a position I can logically defend. ;-) I think T-Bone is a genius, but
he's a very "big" presence in the studio from what I read. I think
his work with Sam Phillips and on his own stuff is amazing.

While we're in the genre, Buddy Miller is also good when he works with the
right engineer and mastering studio.

In case people don't know, an extant summary of each of the producers
mentioned in this thread is available through Wikipedia with hyperlinks to
each of their projects. I was surprised by a few recordings I found there.
More to discover