The 'Black Day' Project
recorded @ ffg studios - released december 5th 2005 - hangman records DS1105A
The 'Black Day' project began in Darren's home studio in April 2002, initially using just his self-penned songs. He soon realised that his studio just wasn't up to the task. Darren had been working at ffg Studios with David Pick since 1999 and felt that his studio was exactly what was needed.
Once the project got fully underway the emphasis was changed from being just Darren's material to being a collaboration between Darren and Pete Jarvis utilising Darren's guitar ideas, riffs and melodies and Pete's ideas on harmonies and keyboards. Experienced 'old friend' and drum supremo Rob Mason joined with Darren and Pete; Sheppard Jarvis & Mason was born. David Pick added his ideas with some sequencers, electronics and strings etc. and his experience and advice was crucial to the finished product.
Much emphasis was placed on the use of vocal harmonies and as Darren and Pete had sung together in bands previously they had a good understanding of each others capabilities, ranges and dynamics.
One of the major constraints upon the whole project was time; all three had full time jobs which, unfortunately, kept them away from the studio for prolonged periods.
The overall feel of the album is one of multi-genre as all were conscious of the potential pit-falls of recording ten or eleven tracks that all sounded very similar. ‘Black Day’ carries a typical British rock/’pop’ feel whilst hinting at vintage West Coast Americana.
The album 'Black Day' was completed late in 2005 and a campaign to promote its release began in earnest. |