About the album "Emoticons"
Credits
- Per Sigmond: flügelhorn, trumpet, percussion, synths, vocals, arrangements, recording, mixing, mastering, production
- Oscar Jansen: piano, cover graphics
- Peter Haltorp: bass
- Jan Inge "Jango" Nilsen: drums (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
- Håvard Kværne Hansen: drums (2, 3)
- Espen Larsen: guitars (2, 3, 5, 8)
- Emil B. Viken: guitars (1, 4, 6, 7)
- Hilde Sigmond: vocals
- Ingrid Sigmond Selås: vocals
- Torgeir Albert: trombone
The songs on this album were written by a happy man. And I am particularly happy to have such excellent music friends helping me bringing the songs to life. The touch of Oscar, the groove of Peter, the energy of Jango and Håvard,
the uniqueness of Espen, the integrity of Emil, the tone of Torgeir and the talents of Hilde and Ingrid. What a treat!
Most of the songs on this album were recorded with a full band in the studio (drums, bass, piano, guitar and flügelhorn) playing together. After the original recording, many of the tracks were recorded again in order to fix errors or incorporate
new ideas. The exception was the drums, because it is very hard to "fix" a multi-track drum recording. The drummer simply has to play perfectly first time around. My applause to Jango and Håvard for their incredible and professional performances.
The second hardest job belongs to the bass player, who works most closely with the drummer (very little re-recording here). Peter makes it all sound so easy (and groovy). No wonder the drummers love playing with him.
Then we have the piano that glues it all together. Oscar has the incredible ability to make any keyboard sound like a Steinway. Simply amazing.
Add to that the reliability of Emil's guitar playing and you have a band.
Even though many tracks are re-recorded, it is always nice when an original track survives the production process. Such tracks are often preferred because they catch some of the atmosphere of the initial recording session.
Examples on this album are Emil's guitar solo on "Happy Days", and my own flügelhorn tracks on "Thoughts", Nightlight" and "SMB". I love it when this happens.
But more often than not, recording new tracks makes the production better. On this album, I once again had the privilege of adding Espen's guitar to many of the songs. His solos just gets better each time I listen to them. Espen's phrasing is simply unique.
Also thanks to Torgeir who brings additional color to the brass section. Love your tone.
Special thanks to Hilde and Ingrid for vocals that make the songs shine. And to Kristin for your support. What would my world have been without you three?
I hope this music helps making people happy and hopeful for the future! Enjoy!
November 2024, Per Sigmond.