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Che Pope Captures The Preservation Hall Jazz Band With Universal Audio

Apollo Artist Session series challenges Grammy-winning hip-hop producer to create a ’60s-style funk/soul track using the Apollo audio interface.

In the latest installment of Universal Audio’s Apollo Artist Session series, they traveled down south to New Orleans and gave Grammy award-winning producer Che Pope (Kanye West, Dr. Dre, The Weeknd) a unique challenge: to create a killer ’60s-style funk/soul track using the real-time processing and authentic analog emulations of the Apollo audio interface to record the masters of swing, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Pope traveled back in time and re-created the sonic magic of the late ’60s using vintage microphones and recording techniques along with modern processing via real-time UAD plugins. The result is the unmistakable sound found on classic records by artists such as Sly & the Family Stone, Booker T & the M.G.’s, and The Isley Brothers.

Che Pope recording the Preservation Hall Jazz Band

The entire recording and production process was documented from start to finish — detailing the setup, mic selection, music production, processing choices, and of course the live performance, culminating in a “making of” video and a live performance music video.

The behind-the-scenes video weaves together artist and band interviews along with documentary shots of the setup/production process, providing valuable insights into the craft of both production and performance.

Producer Che Pope is one of the most influential figures in contemporary US rap and hip hop culture. He is an integral part of Kayne West’s/Yeezy sound and G.O.O.D Music label collective, and recently, he’s produced hits for A$AP Rocky, Christina Aguilera and The Weeknd. His work dates back to the early ’90s: deeply involved in the production of Lauryn Hill’s iconic “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” as well as working as head of A&R at Warner Bros, producing alongside Dr Dre at Aftermath Records on albums from Eminem and 50 cent, and was a former collaborator with the legendary composer Hans Zimmer and his Remote Control Team.

Founded in New Orleans by tuba player Allan Jaffe in the early 1960s, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band embodies the New Orleans inimitable spirit and joie de vivre, blending sounds and cultures from around the world. In 2006, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence. Today’s members of the band feature Ben Jaffe (bass/tuba), Charlie Gabriel (saxophone/clarinet), Clint Maedgen (saxophone), Ronell Johnson (trombone), Walter Harris (drums), Kylie Russell (piano), and Brandon Lewis (Ttumpet).

Watch the video of the final version here.

Universal Audio

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TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik’s mission is to design and build iconic microphones and modern professional audio equipment that provides classic sound for recording, broadcast, studio, and stage . Our vision is to be a global leader in emitting good vibes through manufacturing and design, all while capturing the spark of the TELEFUNKEN legacy and transmitting it with uncompromising quality.