First up again was getting down the drums plus scratch piano and lead vocals, after Shane set up the rented drumkit.

Mike Weakley (Drums): Mike again laid down some cool beats. Check out his drumming/mixing/general beat-producing work at www.myspace.com/johnnybreakbeat www.myspace.com/theleagueofextraordinarymikes www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?songs=208390&T=3909

Later that day we added more "bottom end":

Nick Dinnerstein (Cello): Nick was back again to do three more songs, including one with a "Van Halen" solo moment! He is currently the co-principal cellist of the Newton Symphony and performs regularly with singer-songwriter Kelly Omalley (www.myspace.com/kellyomalleygroup)
"Dark Mark" White (Bass): Mark is "the Darkness" in Rev. Bob & the Darkness - and almost as tall as he looks in this picture!

M. did some final vocals, Sharon punched a few spots (that means fixing a note here and there on a track - she wasn't angry!), Betty added some spooky effected violin sounds to a couple songs (plus glockenspiel!), and we called it a day.

Saturday began with more Betty tracks, then the guests started arriving:

Dan Blakeslee (Guitar & Vocals): Dan's a fun guy and a great guitarist, as well as an awesome artist! Check out all his work at www.danblakeslee.com
Jennifer Greer (Backing Vocals): Jen was back again. She's an accomplished singer/songwriter/pianist who performs locally, and is a must-listen, must-go-see! www.jennifergreer.com
Will Green (Oboe & Vocals): Will Green (alongside Michele Naughton) has been to so many Milling Gowns shows that we have lost count. Will is an amazing oboist and he also has a beautiful voice. We asked him to lend his talents for this session.
Diane Heffner (Bass Clarinet): Diane drove back from Pennsylvania straight to the studio! She received both BM and MM degrees with honors from the New England Conservatory and is an active freelance clarinetist and teacher. She plays regularly with Dinosaur Annex Music Ensemble, Alea III, Emanuel Music, Prism Opera, Opera Aperta, Boston Baroque, Handel & Haydn Society and other groups.

It was a long two days - we crashed on the couch while Shane created rough mixes for us to take home.

Thanks to everyone who helped us out! We'll be back again early in the new year to finish up the remaining songs...

Love, The Milling Gowns
M., Sharon, Betty