Pre-production for Translation began in April 2010. I knew that I wanted a different sound for my drums for this record. I also knew that I didn’t want to record in a ‘traditional’ studio - I wanted to record in a studio that could impart an open feeling to the tracks, but also to me as I was playing. Pete Weiss’ Verdant Studios fit the bill perfectly. At Verdant, there is no separation between the control room and the studio - artist and engineer are in the same space. I called Pete, and we booked the session. All of the live drums, gongs, and cymbals you hear were recorded on June 8, 2010. We also printed an aux of Pete’s Cool Springs reverb, and it came in useful at various points on the record. I came into the session with a rough sketch of what I wanted to play. I was careful to avoid over-planning, hopefully preserving the spontaneity in my playing. I played through just one chart that day - the bass line to Germ Theory. The only other directions I used were tempo markings that helped to give each section its structure. Also, no click track was recorded - I performed with the click in my ear, and there were no overdubs. The order of the songs on this record is the same order in which they were recorded that day. The summer months of 2010 were hot, especially in my little studio. Most days, the heat dictated which gear I would use and how the session would flow. For example, the MicroMoog stayed consistently in tune when the weather was hot and dripping with humidity. Cooler days were reserved for listening, editing, and the difficult task of carving space into mixes that were becoming increasingly dense and complex. I paid particular attention to the form of each piece, and how the global form and flow was impacted by a change in one of the smaller parts. Translation is divided into four ‘programs’ - remember 8-track tape? As you listen to this record, I invite you to listen to each program individually. Take a break after each program if you need to - go outside, take a walk, get some fresh air, some perspective. Making Translation has been a learning experience from start to finish and I truly hope you enjoy the ride. Remember - no funk, no fun! tc, 8 13 2010 Special Thanks to Lisa, Pete, Michael, Scott, Gary at Precision Drums, and Ari at Heavyocity.