J Franze

News

Tristin Burke

J is excited to be entering into the studio to work with Nashville's very own Tristin Burke. They will be starting the pre-production for the recording Tristin's sophomore effort.

"Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Tristin Burke has spent her entire life listening, learning and truly appreciating the art of music. Being surrounded by such a musical atmosphere, it's no surprise that she started writing and composing her own music at a very early age. Soon writing poetry and songs became not only an emotional outlet but a way of life for Tristin. Always writing from real life experiences, every song is filled with true emotions that anyone can relate to. With influences ranging from Bruce Springsteen, Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, Tracy Chapman, Jennifer Knapp, Third Day, Janis Joplin and more, her style of music will move you from the inside out."

"Tristin is currently working on her sophomore album with hopes to release it later this year. Her debut album "Upside Down", filled with songs of love, passion and every day life has reached out to many people and nothing less then that is expected for this new album. It is evident both lyrically and musically that she has matured in her art. The release is highly anticipated by her lovely fans and yes, even Tristin herself. "This album is even more personal to me. Its an uncomfortably, vulnerable look into my own personal thoughts, relationships and even my daily walk with Christ. Its like opening up my diary and inviting everyone to read it, but if my experiences can help even one person, then my music has served a greater purpose." ~Tristin Burke

MySpace.com/tristinburke

July 2010

Belmont University

J is proud to be the guest speaker at:
Belmont University

Thursday, April 8, 2010
8:15AM-4:30PM

Belmont University
1900 Belmont Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212

615-460-6000
Belmont.edu

March 2010

Webster University

J is proud to be speaking at:
The Fourth Annual Central Region Student Summit
Webster University

March 26-28, 2010

Webster University
470 East Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119

314-246-7962
Webster.edu
Webster.edu/aes

February 2010

Nashville Idol

J has just finished mastering the Nashville Idol CD.

"Nashville, TN has earned the nickname "Music City" for good reason. Not only is it the home of country music, but it also encompasses many other musical styles as well. Thousands of incredibly talented singers, songwriters, and musicians lock to Nashville every year to pursue their dream of music. You already know the names of the biggest stars from Music City, now you can hear some of Nashville's rising stars. We sure hope you enjoy this compilation!"

February 2010

Planet Hofmann

J is excited to be mixing a couple of tracks for the upcoming Planet Hofmann Release.

"Planet Hofmann originally formed, like most bands, as a group a friends jamming in a basement. Long time friends Billy Webb (drums), Kris Hollenbeck (bass) and Jeff Fillers (guitar) had been playing and creating songs for about 4 years when they came across 15 year old Axx Sansone, in which the members attended high school with. Axx's unique vocal styling and lyrical content completed the already strong chemistry of Planet Hofmann. The band began playing parties and eventually started playing larger venues. Despite still being in school and also being between the ages of 15-20 years old, Planet Hofmann still managed to play shows every weekend while staying dedicated to their studies at high school."

myspace.com/planethofmann

January 2010

Matty McRee - Together

J has just finished producing/engineering Matty McRee's latest single, "Together."

Sample: Together

"Matty McRee is out to redefine the term singer-songwriter. Armed with an arresting gravelly voice and a guitar, Matty doesn’t look or sound the part of what the term singer-songwriter has come to entail. And that’s okay with him. “I’m one of those totally self-absorbed writers – my songs are raw emotion,” says Matty. “Happiness, anger, sadness, hopefulness…If I’m doing it right, all those emotions should reveal themselves in the music.” Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina and now living in Nashville, Matty has wrapped his music in the traditions of southern rock n’ roll and infused it with strains of country music borrowed from his adopted hometown. When entwined with his clever, fresh approach to songwriting, the result is a an incisive and powerful rock experience, evident throughout his debut CD, Closer to More (Spin Red Productions, produced by Jim Cristaldi, engineered by J Franze). From the darkness of “115” to the emboldened “Someday,” the lover’s tale “Stars” and the loss of naiveté of the title track, Closer to More is a smart, anthemic story of a man on a mission to discover himself and make a few friends along the way. Accompanied live by brothers Mike and Matt Payne (All-Star United, Matthew West)on lead guitar and drums respectively, John Murray on bass, and Matt Gilder (Chris Tomlin) on keyboards, Matty breaks the boundaries in which singer-songwriters have been confined by standing the definition on its head."

MattyMcree.com

January 2010

DeAnna Moore

J has just finished mixing DeAnna Moore's latest single "Hillbilly Hollywood", a Dave Tough Production.

Sample: Hillbilly Hollywood

"DeAnna Moore, Texas native, has traveled the country coast to coast singing her heart out for everyone who'd take a listen. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, this singer-songwriter has stunned crowds with a voice that has been described as 'refreshing', 'angelic', and 'mesmerizing'. While Moore began singing at the age of 4, followed by piano at age 8, her intricate finger-picking guitar style was not discovered until the age of 20. 'The exquisite sound of DeAnna and her Larrivee guitar is rare and captivating- a performance that can hush any crowd.'"

DeAnnaMoore.com

January 2010

NME Awards

J Franze - Promo Video

Video Slide Show featuring J Franze, Matty McRee, Allison Piccioni, Tristin Burke, Taylor Bates, J&S Productions, The Tracking Room, Metronome, and Platinum Lab.

NME Awards

December 2009

Matty McRee - For This Life

J has just finished producing/engineering Matty McRee's latest single, "For This Life."

Sample: For This Life

MattyMcree.com

December 2009

Tatiana Hancheroff - Stars

J has just finished producing/engineering Tatiana Hancheroff's latest single, "Stars." "Stars" was originally recorded by Matty McRee for his debut release "Closer to More", and has now been re-recorded as a country single featuring Tatiana Hancheroff.

Sample: Stars

"Tatiana Hancheroff has sung studio sessions with: Reba McEntire, Inxs, Jessica Simpson, Raffi, Bon Jovi, Montgomery Gentry, Joan Osborne, Mark Chesnutt, Seal, Hugh Prestwood, Paul Rogers (of Bad Company), Mark Selby and Rodney Crowell. Live performances with: Reba McEntire, Ray Charles, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Bobby Bare, Hugh Prestwood, David Foster, and Michael McDonald, Pam Tillis, Kenny Rogers, Deirks Bentley, Al Anderson, Mark Selby, Guy Clark, and Blake Shelton. Had songs recoreded by: Martina McBride, Randy Travis, Lisa Brokop, and Neal McCoy. Sung on movie soundtracks of: Ratatoullie, The Fox and The Hound 2, Casper's Haunted Christmas. Other credits: Today Show Theme, Bob Kingsley's American Country Countdown, EuroDisney's Theme Song "All Around The World"."

TatianaHancheroff.com

August 2009

World Music Link

J is proud to be a Featured Producer at the Wrold Music Link.

WorldMusicLink.com

July 2009

Matty McRee

J is excited to be entering into the studio to work with Nashville's very own Matty McRee. Matty will be recording his sophomore effort, which will include the single "Just One Night Away." As a bonus they will also be re-recording a country version (female vocals) of the single "Stars," and recording the single "For This Life" Co-written by J Franze.

Sample: Just One Night Away

Sample: For This Life

MattyMcree.com

June 2009

Roundhand Rowan - Vengeance

J has just finished producing/engineering Roundhand Rowan's latest EP, "Vengeance."

"Roundhand Rowan is a young rock band founded in Burgettstown, comprised of the craziest guys you'll ever meet. Their on-stage energy is palpable and their moves are funky-fresh. Their shows usually consist of fake moustaches, head-bands, obscure pop-culture references, and an overabundance of charisma. Unlike other bands with similar on-stage antics, nothing is lost on the music front. Their performances are always tight and their original tunes are catchy and unique with a hint of brutality. Harry Funk of the Washington Observer-Reporter has called their song "Genesis" an "ambitious" "battlefield-themed epic" that conveys the message without being too over-the-top. They get shows scheduled sporadically, but if you get wind of one, make sure you go see them. Your life will be changed."

www.myspace.com/rhandr

May 2009

Matty McRee - Just One Night Away

J has just finished producing/engineering Matty McRee's latest single, "Just One Night Away."

Sample: Just One Night Away

MattyMcree.com

May 2009

Nashville FM

Country News: Johnny Cash, George Jones, Loretta Lynn: History Preserved

The long-established backdrop for the Grand Ole Opry's productions has been a red barn, so it's appropriate that a ton of old concerts, primarily by Opry stars, were preserved in the back of a barn for decades. Now those live recordings, including performances by such legends as Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Loretta Lynn and George Jones, may find their way to the marketplace.

According to The Boston Globe, rumors of the tapes' existence had circulated for years, but it was only when a California actor and producer, Richard Pittman, took the legend seriously that they were tracked down. Ken Alexander, a now deceased sound engineer, had recorded hundreds of shows in the Northeast from the 1940s through the early '70s and left them in a building on his farm. The current owner hesitated for about a year after Pittman tracked him down before finally selling off the reel-to-reel tapes, which required two pickup-truck loads to remove them from the property.

All told, there were more than 1,000 concerts documented, though many of the tapes were in bad condition, mangled, wrinkled, spliced. Many of the boxes didn't even notate who had been recorded, or when, or where.

Among the collection are 1940's performances by Country Music Hall of Famers Roy Acuff and Grandpa Jones, Porter Wagoner duets with Dolly Parton and a Loretta concert in which Crystal Gayle appears on background vocals the night before Crystal started recording her first album.

And then there's Jerry Lee Lewis. "He shows up late, tries to hide the fact that he's drinking onstage and finally says, 'Screw it, I'm drinking,' forgetting lyrics along the way", engineer J Franze said. "It's great, just him doing his thing".

Thus far, only 50 of the tapes have been restored completely. The producers still don't even know all they've got in their hands. But they're convinced there's an audience for the music. "Somebody", J said, "is in for a big treat".

Nashville FM

April 2009

GAC (Great American Country)

Johnny Cash, George Jones, Loretta Lynn: History Preserved

March 25, 2009 - The long-established backdrop for the Grand Ole Opry's productions has been a red barn, so it's appropriate that a ton of old concerts, primarily by Opry stars, were preserved in the back of a barn for decades. Now those live recordings - including performances by such legends as Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Loretta Lynn and George Jones - may find their way to the marketplace.

Among the collection are 1940s performances by Country Music Hall of Famers Roy Acuff and Grandpa Jones, Porter Wagoner duets with Dolly Parton and a Loretta concert in which Crystal Gayle appears on background vocals the night before Crystal started recording her first album.

And then there's Jerry Lee Lewis.

"He shows up late, tries to hide the fact that he's drinking onstage and finally says, 'Screw it, I'm drinking,' forgetting lyrics along the way," engineer J Franze told The Globe. "It's great, just him doing his thing."

Thus far, only 50 of the tapes have been restored completely. The producers still don’t even know all they've got in their hands. But they're convinced there's an audience for the music.

"Somebody," J said, "is in for a big treat."

In the meantime, some of country's standards get rolled out with the unveiling of a new Opry Country Classics show on Thursday. The first edition of the weekly series features Loretta, Lorrie Morgan, Mandy Barnett and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band, who host the performance. The honor is timely for the Gatlins: March is the 30th anniversary of the recording session that yielded their signature hit, "All The Gold In California."

GAC

April 2009

USA Today

Discovered Opry tapes being restored

BOSTON, March 22 (UPI) -- A Boston audio engineer says he is attempting to restore hundreds of recently found tapes featuring some of Grand Ole Opry's biggest country music stars.

The engineer, identified only as J Franze, said the discovery of the audio tapes last year in a southern Pennsylvania barn confirmed a long-standing rumor that recordings of renowned artists as Hank Williams Jr. and Dolly Parton were lost somewhere in the Northeast, The Boston Globe reported Sunday.

"Everybody had heard about these tapes," he said. "But nobody really believed they existed."

The unreleased recordings were made at high schools, dances, fairs, festivals, and auditoriums in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and elsewhere. The more than 1,000 recordings date back to the 1940s, with most of them from the 1960s and '70s.

The recordings were made by Ken Alexander, who once headed up a sound services company, but now belong to producer Richard Pittman.

The Globe said Pittman located the lost recordings with the help of highway worker Matt Whitsel and the restoration began soon after.

USA Today

April 2009

KMOX

Catch J on Overnight America with Jon Grayson airing on St. Louis' News Station:
KMOX

Friday, April 3, 2009

1:00 AM (ET)

(Click here to listen to the podcast)

kmox.com

April 2009

WHVR

Catch J on Hanover's Real Country All The Time Station:
WHVR 1280 AM

April, 2009

March 2009

WBUR

Catch J on Boston's News Station:
WBUR 90.9

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

12:50 PM (ET)

(Click here to listen to the podcast)

wbur.org

March 2009

The Boston Globe

Country discovery is reel find
Local engineer is restoring tapes of Opry legends

For years, there have been whispers of a lost treasure-trove of country recordings hidden away somewhere in the Northeast. Tapes of George Jones, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Tammy Wynette, Buck Owens, Charley Pride, and other icons - a veritable all-star spectacular - were among those rumored to be languishing in obscurity.

"Everybody had heard about these tapes," says J Franze, a North Shore audio engineer who has worked extensively in Nashville. "But nobody really believed they existed."

Last year, the myth became reality. Hundreds of tapes were pulled from a barn in southern Pennsylvania, recordings made at high schools, dances, fairs, festivals, and auditoriums in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and elsewhere. It was a fantasy collection, more than 1,000 unreleased live recordings by country music royalty. Most were made in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a few dating to the 1940s, including shows by Acuff and Grandpa Jones captured with wire recordings.

They were all recorded by Ken Alexander, who ran a small sound services company near Dry Run, Pa. Alexander traveled to concerts throughout the region, setting up sound systems at the various venues. Apparently, he decided to do some recording while he was there.

Those tapes now belong to producer Richard Pittman, of Pitt/Penn Productions in Los Angeles, who has worked with Franze on several projects and hired him to clean up and restore the long-lost tapes. Pittman, who also works as an actor under the name Richard Penn, grew up near Philadelphia. A "musician at heart," he says, he had been in pursuit of the lost barn stash since first hearing the rumors of its existence.

Years ago, a highway worker named Matt Whitsel fixed Pittman's tire on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The two stayed in touch, and when Whitsel told Pittman a story he had heard about the mythical tapes stored in the back of a barn, the producer asked Whitsel to track down the mystery owner and set up a meeting. The barn's owner, who had taken over the property when Alexander died, didn't know much about the tapes or why anyone would want them.

"At first the owner didn't want to talk," Pittman says. "Finally, after hearing that Matt was a local, he was willing to give us a sample tape."

Franze checked out the sample, found it was a reel-to-reel recording of a show by Grand Ole Opry star Roy Acuff, and called Pittman to tell him it was the real thing. That was enough to prompt Pittman's offer for the whole stash.

"We didn't hear back," says Pittman, who didn't disclose the amount. "But about a year later, he called and asked us if we were still interested."

Last June, hundreds of tapes - two pickup truck loads - were hauled away from the barn after sitting for four decades in its dusty shadows. Once they arrived at his Wakefield studio, Franze began sorting, transferring, and restoring tapes from a blind sample of 75 taken from the main stash, each up to two hours in length. Since the tapes aren't compatible with standard professional studio machines, he located an old Pioneer deck and hooked it up to his Pro Tools rig to make digital copies. "They're fairly good-quality recordings, considering," says Franze.

It took months just to transfer the material. Tapes that were too tight would snap. Some were crinkled and had to be flattened and processed several times. Some ran out in the middle of songs and were spliced with other takes. Franze and his assistants, Terry Gowing and Ben Greenspan, also had to make sense of what was actually on the tapes. They checked names of songs, performers and guest musicians, recording quality, dates, and venues against the info on the tape boxes - if there was any.

"If [Alexander] didn't have time to document the recordings during the show, he just didn't do it," says Franze. "Those tapes were a crapshoot. We'd put one on and say, 'OK, what are we going to listen to today?' "

A photo of Alexander's mixing console, along with his typed sound services rate sheet - recording was $1.50 extra - was found with the tapes. His log lists a 1946 show by Acuff at "Valley View Park" as "#5," and the barn stash included a wire recording from the same era by Grandpa Jones.

As the restoration project unfolded, it was clear to Franze that he was listening to country music treasures of historical significance. For every dud, like Alexander's unmarked recording of an automobile race, there were dozens of surprising finds.

Gems include Porter Wagoner tapes spiced with vocals by Dolly Parton and, according to announcements on another tape, a young Crystal Gayle sitting in on her older sister Loretta Lynn's show the night before Gayle started recording her first album. Then there's clever, funny John Hartford singing "(Good Old Electric) Washing Machine." A Feb. 10, 1968, show in Altoona, Pa., features Hank Williams Jr. sounding just like dad as he plays a set with Hank Sr.'s original band. Many of the recorded shows feature as much story- and joke-telling as they do music, as with Little Jimmy Dickens's intimate conversations with his audience. The list also includes recordings by Roy Clark, Earl Scruggs, Mel Tillis, Ernest Tubb, Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Conway Twitty, and the Lewis Family gospel singers.

"Another favorite is Jerry Lee Lewis," says Franze. "He shows up late, tries to hide the fact that he's drinking onstage and finally says, 'Screw it, I'm drinking,' forgetting lyrics along the way. It's great, just him doing his thing."

"One thing that stood out is the musicianship, how great everybody played," Franze continues. "These are live recordings and there are hardly any screw-ups. And now that we've cleaned up the audio, you can hear all of the instruments clearly, the bass guitar, everything."

At the very least, one could assemble a few dozen killer country compilations from this gold mine of material. But for now the collection appears headed for Sotheby's, where the lost tapes and premastered restorations may hit the auction block soon. Since the rights and royalties involved in releasing the collection to the public could prove prohibitive, it might take a hall of fame or Smithsonian-type institution to sort out the tangle.

"We are well aware of the cultural impact," producer Pittman says. "And wouldn't it be nice if the tapes were to find a home in Nashville, where I think they belong."

According to Michael Lipton, executive director of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, which recently had some of its recordings and rare instruments appraised, even experts are often at a loss to put a monetary figure on archives of such cultural value. "Tapes like these can offer a rare, unfiltered glimpse into artists' music and personality or reveal their early origins," he says. "There's a limited number of recordings of these artists from that time period and this collection appears to be fairly broad."

Franze has finished 50 of the tapes, and no one knows what nuggets remain unearthed in the hundreds of recordings that remain.

"Somebody," Franze says, "is in for a big treat."

Links:

March 2009

Belmont University

J is proud to be speaking to Bob Bullock's Mix Class at:
Belmont University

Saturday, March 21, 2009
11AM-12PM

Belmont University
1900 Belmont Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212

615-460-6000
Belmont.edu

March 2009

Brian Jarvis

J is excited to be entering into the studio to work with Hartford's top Singer/Songwriter Brian Jarvis.

Hartford Advocate Review of "Honestly" "Brian Jarvis has always known how to pen a good song, but Honesty's instrumentation fleshes his songs out into rollicking, piano-driven rockers. The keys are what make the songs stand out above typical guitar-bass-drums fare, but the disc's secret weapon is Anna Brewer, who provides heart-melting harmonies"

www.myspace.com/brianjarvis

March 2009

Steve Gofstein

J is excited to be entering into the studio to work with Boston's very own Singer/Songwriter Steve Gofstein.

www.myspace.com/stevegofstein

March 2009

Roundhand Rowan

J is excited to be entering into the studio to work with Pittsburgh's premier rock band Roundhand Rowan.

www.myspace.com/rhandr

March 2009

Addicted - Feature March 2009

March 2009

Webster University

J is proud to be speaking at:
The Third Annual Central Region Student Summit
Webster University

Wednesday, April 3-5, 2009

Webster University
470 East Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119

314-246-7962
Webster.edu
Webster.edu/aes

February 2009

Pro Tools User Group

J is proud to be speaking at:
PTUG
Pro Tools User Group Boston
Parsons Audio

Wednesday, March 4, 2009
7PM-9PM

Parsons Audio
192 Worcester Street
Wellesley, MA 02481

781-431-8708
PAudio.com

February 2009

Bay State College

J is proud to be speaking at:
Bay State College

Wednesday, March 4, 2009
11AM-1PM

Bay State College
122 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02116

617-217-9000
baystate.edu

February 2009

The Hartt School, University of Hartford

J is proud to be speaking at:
The Hartt School
University of Hartford

Tuesday, March 3, 2009
9AM-5PM

The Hartt School
University of Hartford
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117

860.768.4454
harttweb.hartford.edu

February 2009

Pro Sound News - January 2009

J Franze and Jim Cristaldi were mentioned in the January 2009 issue of Pro Sound News.

February 2009

Allison Piccioni - A Season For Change (Nominee for three Peoples Music Awards 2009 "Best Female Solo Artist, Pop, and Indie/Rock/Metal/Punk")

J would like to congratulate Allison Piccioni whose album "A Season For Change" (Produced/Engineered by J Franze) was recently announced as a nominee for three Peoples Music Awards 2009 "Best Female Solo Artist, Pop, and Indie/Rock/Metal/Punk."

"My name is Allison Piccioni, all my friends know me as Al. I’m originally from Chardon, OH, am currently living in Boston, MA and plan on moving to California in the next year or so. Music is everything to me, and silence is just as valuable as a note. I’m looking forward to playing gigs around the Boston area with the band very soon- I’ll have the show dates and times posted as they come. You’d be surprised how many brilliant song lyrics are said and not written down each day- I carry my journal everywhere. Everyone that I’ve met has inspired me in some way, and I’m so thankful for all the support from my wonderful friends :)"

myspace.com/alpiccioni

January 2009

CDIA Boston University

J is proud to be one of the special guest panelist at:
CDIA Boston University

Monday, January 12, 2009
5PM-7PM

Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University
274 Moody Street
Waltham, MA 02453

781-209-1700/800-808-CDIA
Info@cdiabu.com

January 2009

Allison Piccioni - Season For Change

J has just finished producing/engineering Allison Piccioni's debut album "A Season For Change." Scheduled for release early 2009.

Sample: Final Goodbye

myspace.com/alpiccioni

December 2008

Pro Sound News - November 2008

J Franze and Allison Piccioni were mentioned in the November 2008 issue of Pro Sound News.

December 2008

Mixing a...z
An engineer's guide

This book is a practical, comprehensive manual on the art of mixing. Everyone from the audio student to the veteran engineer can benefit from the topics explored, ranging from housekeeping tips, to monitoring, to the step-by-step walkthrough of an entire mix session. If you have been looking for advice to make your mixes come alive, or if you just want to compare techniques with a professional mix engineer, you will find ñMixing azî a worthy addition to your library.

"Jam packed with practical and creative techniques for young mix engineers. J Franze does a great job of presenting the fundamental building blocks of mixing in, "Mixing a...z." He covers all the tools in the mix engineer's arsenal, along with a step by step explanation of the process, while always balancing the craft with the art of mixing."

~ Charles Dye, Producer/Engineer
(Shakira, Jon Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin...)

November 2008

Matt Green - Patterns of the Humans

J has just finished mixing Matt Green’s debut album entitled Patterns of the Humans. Scheduled for release in December of 2008.

Sample: The Wasteland

“Matt Green is something from another planet. His music refuses to be placed in any comfortable package. “Patterns of the Humans” is out to break any conventions that Matt can find. He borrows influence from anywhere his mind travels; the result is an eclectic and continually evolving journey through Green’s psyche. No two songs sound the same and are guaranteed to intrigue and captivate the listener. This is experimentation at it’s best”

patternsofthehumans.com

November 2008

Pro Sound News - August 2008

J Franze and Allison Piccioni were mentioned in the August 2008 issue of Pro Sound News.

September 2008

2008 Boston Area Definitive Audio Student Summit (BADASS)

Hey Audio Students...

J is proud to be one of the guest speakers at this years BADASS, featuring: Workshops, Tutorials, Giveaways, Career Info & Advice, Audio Manufacturers, Studio Demos, Software Demos, and Pros that you want to meet!

J will share his knowledge of the recording industry and discuss his latest projects, including the production of Nashville’s Latest Alternative Singer/Songwriter Tristin Burke, and the restoration of previously unheard live recordings of artists such as, Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Acuff.

Saturday, September 20, 2008
9AM-5:30PM

The New England Institute of Art
10 Brookline Place West
Brookline, MA

Conveniently Located on the MBTA Green Line
D Train - Brookline Village Stop

All day garage parking available for $6

A valid student ID from The New England Institute of Art, UMASS/Lowell, Berklee College of Music, Bay State College, Emerson College, Boston University CDIA, Boston College, Wheelock College, University of Maine, New York University or Hartt School of Music will get you ADMISSION this event.

HeyAudioStudent.com

September 2008

Nextcat

J is proud to be the Featured Producer of the Nextcat Music Community.

"At Nextcat, we’re hoping to create the first global online networking community for all things relating to the entertainment industry.

We’re 100% independent, and not beholden to any large corporation. With Nextcat.com, we hope to provide a marketplace of ideas and opportunities for both established and emerging talent, as well as a forum and meeting place for fans and enthusiasts.

Nextcat’s founders recognize that the traditional way the entertainment industry has operated for the last half-century is getting turned upside-down --at light speed. We firmly believe that from all of this disruption can come refreshing new opportunities -- and we’d like to become a catalyst in this process, by providing artists and musicians (like ourselves) with a broad platform to freely exchange ideas, job opportunities, and much more."

Nextcat.com

September 2008

Allison Piccioni

J is excited to be entering into the studio to work with the talented, up-and-coming singer/songwriter Allison Piccioni on her debut album. Allison will assemble an extraordinary cast of musicians from the renowned Bereklee College of Music for a set that will indeed showcase the brilliance of this artist - a singularly expressive vocalist, a brilliant interpreter of other people's emotions, a graceful and confident songwriter. In particular, Allison’s debut album will display her ability to bring life to songs with the most affecting material. J and Allison have chosen these songs with personal care, and envision creating a riveting emotional journey that is everything a listener and fan could hope for.

myspace.com/alpiccioni

July 2008

AES

J is proud to have been elected 2008-2009 Vice-Chairman of the Audio Engineering Society's Boston Chapter. He looks forward to serving and educating engineers and students through the Audio Engineering Society in the Boston area.

"The Audio Engineering Society, now in its sixth decade, is the only professional society devoted exclusively to audio technology. Its membership of leading engineers, scientists and other authorities has increased dramatically throughout the world, greatly boosting the society's stature and that of its members in a truly symbiotic relationship."

BostonAES.org

June 2008

Plugs

J is proud to be the Featured Member of the Plugs Music Community.

"Welcome to Plugs a music industry network for the professional or those offering professional services to the music industry."

plugs.dreamrow.com

June 2008

Joel Fry

J would like to congratulate Joel Fry on the release of his latest music video "I'll Drink the 5th". If you watch closely you might see producer/engineer Matt McClure and engineer J Franze.

"I'll Drink The 5th"- the music video can be found on our Video Page.

"Music has been in Joel’s blood since the day he was born, on Christmas day. Joel would become the only son in a family with four daughters. His mother, a school teacher specializing in music, who has now become a pastor, and his father, a retired Command Sergeant Major in the US Army, instilled the importance of hard work, drive, and dedication into their son at a young age. By the age of four, Joel was already performing gospel music in church. By the age of ten, he was writing songs, and by fifteen, he Joel was playing in local country bands around his hometown of Van Wert, Ohio. Immediately, his remarkable talent and captivating stage presence began gaining attention and he quickly found himself opening for acts such as Neal McCoy, Chris Ledoux, Diamond Rio, and Kenny Chesney. "

JoelFry.com

June 2008

Max Alan Winer

J will be the engineer for Max Alan Winer Saturday, June 7, 2008 at a JDRF Benefit show in Boston. Max will be backed by David Samson and by Josh Roberts (Angry Hill).

Plugged In presents "Sweet Life" a benefit concert for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. June 6 & 7, 2008 7:00-10:00 PM, and June 8, 2008 5:00-8:00 PM at the Village Club, 83 Morton Street, Needham, MA.

Featuring: 26 Plugged In teen bands and special guests Zimbabwe Band, Bongo Love, and Boston Singer/Songwriter Max Alan Winer.

PluggedInBand.org

"Life In Eclectic Times©, Max Alan Winer's CD debut, introduces you to a vital, magnetic young artist whose songs are written with honest heartfelt lyrics. A singer/song writer, Max has done his fair share of performing and recording in the Boston music scene over the years, and has maintained a close intimate relationship with music for most of his life."

MaxAlanWiner.com

June 2008

Full Sail University

J is proud to be one of the Recording Arts Instructors at Full Sail University.

"If you're looking to launch a career in music, film, video games, design, animation, or entertainment business, you've come to the right place. Over the past 29 years, Full Sail Real World Education has built a reputation as one of the premier media arts colleges in the world. Throughout the entertainment industry, Full Sail graduates have made their names working on award-winning films and albums, acclaimed video games and design projects, live productions, working inside major media companies, and more."

FullSail.com

March 2008

Kevin Chase - I Won't Fall (Nominiee for the ECMA 2008 "Country Album Of The Year")

J would like to congratulate Kevin Chase whose album "I Won't Fall" (Mixed by J Franze) was recently announced as a nominiee for the ECMA 2008 "Country Album Of The Year".

"Eastern Canada has produced many world-class performers and New Brunswick’s Kevin Chase is no exception. This Country singer – songwriter has been pegged by music industry personalities as “one of only three new Canadian acts presently on our radar.” With the release of two singles off of his album ‘I Won’t Fall’, Chase has burst into Country music radio to the thrill of Country music lovers across Canada.

‘I Won’t Fall’ is proving to be Kevin Chase’s strongest work yet. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, it is a collection of mid-tempo traditional style country tunes, and real Country music fans will love the lyrical stylings and rich full melodies that are unique to Kevin Chase. In particular the title track ‘I Won’t Fall’ is a powerhouse of a song that speaks to anyone who has ever experienced discouragement and disappointment, delivering a personal message about carrying on despite the odds."

KevinChase.ca

January 2008

Justin Honaman - Saturday In The South (Nominiee for the IMA 2007 "Country Album Of The Year")

J would like to congratulate Justin Honaman whose album "Saturday In The South" was recently announced as a nominiee for the IMA 2007 "Country Album Of The Year".

"Justin is combining his musical talent with his desire to reach out to help others with the Makin' Magic Happen Campaign for Kids to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). Determined to record his first country album, Justin collaborated with Nashville's best talent to record his first album called "Saturday in the South!" 40 percent of album sales are donated directly to CHOA, one of the country's top children's medical organizations.

Justin's style can best be described as pop country. It's witty, fun and upbeat! In light of the college football theme of the album, Justin is especially enthusiastic about Saturday in the South, an up-tempo tune Justin wrote that pays tribute to college teams all over the South. The album also includes hit songs The Cost of Being Me, Someone is Missing Her, and Longneck Story Short."

Honaman.com

October 2007

Tristin Burke - Love Me Again

J has just finished producing/engineering Tristin Burke's latest single "Love Me Again."

Sample: Love Me Again

"Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, Tristin Burke has spent her entire life listening, learning and truly appreciating the art of music. Starting at a very early age, she began writing and composing her own music. Soon writing poetry and songs became an emotional outlet and her way of life. Writing from real life experiences, every song is filled with true emotions that anyone can relate to. With influences ranging from Alanis Morissette, Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Jewel and more...

Tristin's style of music is most often described as "unique". Her debut album entitled "Upside Down" was released this past January. This album is filled with songs of love, passion and every day life, songs that anyone can enjoy. Produced by Spin Red Productions, "Upside Down" has sound that the music industry has been waiting for. Tristin Burke is an all around artist; she is truly someone to watch out for in the future... Keep your eyes peeled!!!"

MySpace.com/tristinburke

August 2007

Recording Artist Survival Camp

When: June 1 – 2

Where: Goins Recital Hall, TSU (Tennessee State University) Performing Arts Center

Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Open to: Musicians, producers, engineers, and vocalists

Cost: $100

Info: Mark Crawford, 615-963-5210

Presenters: Nashville Songwriter Joe Doyle, Instructor of Audio Recording Technology Jon Lechner, Nashville Recording Engineer J Franze, Session Vocalist Amy Walsh, EMI A&R Manager Brandon Egerton, Music Row Attorney Rush Hicks, EMI Marketing Manager Ken Pennell.

More: An intense, two-day music production and business seminar featuring active music industry speakers. Learn studio protocol, miking techniques, production tricks, digital editing tips, copyright protection, marketing insights, and more.

May 2007

IADT (International Academy of Design & Technology)

J is proud to be one of the Digital Audio Instructors at IADT (International Academy of Design & Technology).

"Looking for a fast-paced career in the exciting music and entertainment industries?

Have an opportunity to translate your passion for music into a successful career in Digital Audio Production!

Wherever there is inspiration to be captured, your skills in audio production can make you an integral part of the creative process. Completing a Digital Audio Production program can help put you on the path towards a successful career in producing or digital audio recording engineering, and can even help strengthen your skills as an artist.

By choosing to study Digital Audio Production at IADT - Nashville, you can learn necessary skills for working in the music, radio or television industry, such as recording practices, audio technology, and creating music."

iIADTNashville.com

April 2007

Katie Mission - Give Me A Little Something

J would like to congratulate Katie Mission whose single "Give Me A Little Something" (Mixed by J Franze) recently spent 3 weeks at #2 on the LA Hot Country Chart

"Katie Mission is a young and vibrant 20-year old singer from Sherwood Park, Alberta. It was at the tender age of 6 that Katie realized that music was to be a part of her life when she began to sing and take piano lessons.

Country music had always been a part of Katie's household. One of the first songs she ever sang was a country classic, "Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout the Good Ole Days" by The Judds. She and two of her cousins and her sister sang this for her Grandpa for his 75th Birthday party. This first early performance must have been an indication of what Katie would eventually come to accomplish."

KatieMission.com

July 2007

Nashville Music Guide - Feature February 2007

J Franze, Nashville's Up-and-Coming Master Engineer

J has been a Freelance Engineer at many different studios in Nashville, New York, and Boston. Sound Stage, Blue Sky, ESS and Masterfonics are just a few studioes where J fine-tuned his already excelled engineering skills. To add to all of the countless hours spent in classrooms and studios, J still takes on the awesome task of assisting Digidesign in Dely City, CA. He tests their Pro Tools Software before its release to the public.

As far as credits, J's list is extensive. He has collaborated with, and/or offered his expertise in some way, shape, or form to such places as: NBC, Comedy Central, Saturday Night Live, DSM Producers, Hugh Bennett Productions, and Pitt/Penn Productions. Regarding specific artists he has worked with, the list includes Phil Vasser, Keith Urban and Kim Richey. J has worked on albums for the Dave Matthews Band, Tracy Byrd and Travis Tritt. His latest projects are the popular local talents, Matty McRee, whose debut album "Closer to More" is set for release in December, and Tristin Burke, whose debut album tentatively titled "Upside Down" is set for release early 2007 via Spin Red Productions which J co-founded with colleage Jim Cristaldi.

FranzeMusic.com

More...

February 2007

Tristin Burke - Upside Down

J has just finished producing/engineering Tristin Burke's debut album, "Upside Down", with Spin Red Productions.

Sample: Anything

"Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, Tristin Burke has spent her entire life listening, learning and truly appreciating the art of music. Starting at a very early age, she began writing and composing her own music. Soon writing poetry and songs became an emotional outlet and her way of life. Writing from real life experiences, every song is filled with true emotions that anyone can relate to. With influences ranging from Alanis Morissette, Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Jewel and more...

Tristin's style of music is most often described as "unique". Her debut album entitled "Upside Down" is due to be released later this year. This album is filled with songs of love, passion and every day life, songs that anyone can enjoy. Produced by Spin Red Productions, "Upside Down" has sound that the music industry has been waiting for. Tristin Burke is an all around artist; she is truly someone to watch out for in the future... Keep your eyes peeled!!!"

MySpace.com/tristinburke

December 2006

Matty McRee - Closer to More

J has just finished producing/engineering Matty McRee's debut album, "Closer to More", with Spin Red Productions.

Sample: The Day the Voices Left

MattyMcree.com

November 2006

Indie Music Stop - Feature October 2006

October 2006

Pro Sound News - Feature September 2006

Spin Red Grand Rocks Music City

Nashville, TN (August 30, 2006)--Spin Red Productions, a young production company in Nashville, is built around the partnership of producer Jim Cristaldi and engineer J Franze. Founded in 2005, Spin Red recently held a grand opening party, welcoming artists, engineers, producers, and friends to their newly renovated offices of business located in the heart of Nashville's Music Row.

With a combined experience of some 20 years, the Spin Red principals have worked together for seven years. They formed Spin Red to seek out new talent, and to help them achieve their full potential, including artists such as Taylor Bates, Chad Wilson, and Nashville Star Finalist Malennda Anderson.

Spin Red Productions is currently producing and recording Tristin Burke. Her album, Upside Down, is projected for release this fall. The promotional CD, Spin Red Productions Vol #1 was distributed to party participants, and is available through the Spin Red website. Franze's book, Pro Tools a...z was also given as a door prize.

Spin Red Productions

September 2006

Pro Tools a...z
An engineer's guide

This book is intended to be an easy-to-use, practical guide to all that Pro Tools has to offer. If you are a beginner, you should have absolutely no problem setting up your system and getting started. If you already use Pro Tools regularly, you should find the answers to questions you have always wanted to know. Either way, the ultimate goal is to give all Pro Tools users a reliable reference guide to any issues they may encounter.

ñJ has worked with me on many recording projects, and I trust his knowledge of Pro Tools completely. Whether you are a novice or skilled user, his book will enhance your efficiency and ability, as well as heighten your understanding of Pro Tools. I believe that this book will be an essential guide for every engineer to keep close at hand.î

~ Bob Bullock, Producer/Engineer
(Shania Twain, George Strait, Travis Tritt...)

"Mr. Franze's expertise in the studio is invaluable. From producer to engineer, from mixing to mastering, J is an undiscovered gem. His common sense in the studio has saved me much needed time and energy."

~Richard Pittman

Mixing a...z
J's latest book is a practical, comprehensive manual on the art of mixing. Everyone from the audio student to the veteran engineer can benefit from the topics explored, ranging from

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Pro Tools a...z
J's flagship book is intended to be an easy-to-use, practical guide to all that Pro Tools has to offer. If you are a beginner, you should have absolutely no problem setting up your system and getting started.

More...