Lillywhite's Journey

[eggsrsweet]

In several interviews, we've heard Lillywhite talk about how he likes to take bands and fans on a musical journey if he plans on working on more than one album with a band. As we all know, UTTAD, Crash, and BTCS all have distinct sounds and they are certainly not the same in any way. But it all still sounds like the Dave Matthews Band.

It just got me thinking... how did Lillywhite plan to approach the abandoned Lillywhite sessions? Was it the same way he approached this new album? Or did Lillywhite have something completely different in mind?

As mentioned in that DMBrasil review, this album has its own distinct sound. I'm really curious to see what direction Lillywhite has taken with this album!

Just something interesting to think about!

[HAWNEY HAWNEY]

He wanted to approach the Sessions essentially the same way they approached Busted Stuff: bare bones, no guests

I remember Lillywhite saying he was peeved that they used a lot of his production ideas on Busted Stuff and didn't even thank him in the liner notes

[SBSFC91]

A lot of you guys put a lot of stock into who is producing the album as if it is their album, their music, and their fingers/hands using the instruments. Let's not forget that the band absolutely had the most influence on the outcome of this album regardless of who produced it (assuming the producer is competent).

[pig494]

He wanted to approach the Sessions essentially the same way they approached Busted Stuff: bare bones, no guests

I remember Lillywhite saying he was peeved that they used a lot of his production ideas on Busted Stuff and didn't even thank him in the liner notes

I'm sure Steve Harris may have a little something to do with this..

[bibby1044]

Interesting thing is Lillywhite didnt listen to Stand Up or Big Whiskey before this current record. So essentially it was almost like he just continued the pattern just with 12 years in between albums and a new lineup.By him not listening to those he still expected the same quality they had on the first 4. Obviously he heard Everyday tho. The only exception.

[fan42days]

A lot of you guys put a lot of stock into who is producing the album as if it is their album, their music, and their fingers/hands using the instruments. Let's not forget that the band absolutely had the most influence on the outcome of this album regardless of who produced it (assuming the producer is competent).

I smell new guy

[SBSFC91]

I smell new guy

Wonder how you figured that out :rolleyes:

In all seriousness though, not taking away anything that the producers have done but ultimately the band plays the music and has the final say in what they want on their album and the message that they are trying to put across.

That's all I'm saying

[coolhotwaves]

A lot of you guys put a lot of stock into who is producing the album as if it is their album, their music, and their fingers/hands using the instruments. Let's not forget that the band absolutely had the most influence on the outcome of this album regardless of who produced it (assuming the producer is competent).

I smell new guy

I agree with SBSFC, Lillywhite obviously (judging by the three known songs) can't make dave write decent lyrics or change their style. And I highly doubt that it came across his mind. The last time he worked with the band was 12 years ago, I don't think he's coming in and telling them what to do. Lillywhite has produced his fair share of albums that are less than stellar. I expect high production value from the album, but don't expect the DMB of old to return just because they are working with their old producer. I don't think steve or the dmb even want that.

[eggsrsweet]

Was just thinking about this today. From the interviews we've heard, it sounds like Lillywhite kind of wanted to do it like the Big 3 where he just let the band jam for however long they wanted to. Then he just picked apart the best stuff. I mean the band wrote some great songs for this album but I think if they had a different producer handle the same songs, I don't think we would be praising the album as much as we are now.

With that said, it seems like Lillywhite just wanted the sessions to be stress-free and he even sent the band away for a month to let the songs settle so they could come back and add a little more flavor.

[ForkInFork]

Thats the point, Lillywhite didn't tell the band what to do. Other producers tried that, and the album sucked. Lillywhite is able to get the best out of the guys by inspiring them and supporting their efforts, rather than handing them sheet music and telling them to play it note for note. Sure, the band is the creative part, and the people actually playing the instruments, but you are batshit crazy if you think this album would have turned out the same without Lillywhite (most notably Boyds involvement).

[toomuch32]

A question though, is Boyd so good on Lillywhite's albums because Lillywhite writes his parts? From most accounts I've read he's the least engaged of the band members during recording. Does he come up with the melodies himself or does Lillywhite really know violin music and how to make it sound beautiful and has him do that. We have all heard stories from BTCS where Lillywhite makes Boyd play his violin part 50-60 times until every note is perfect.

[hmich176]

A question though, is Boyd so good on Lillywhite's albums because Lillywhite writes his parts?

No, Lillywhite knows how to get Boyd to come up with good parts. Something that Cavallo, Batson and Ballard didn't know how to do.

[toomuch32]

So we are sure that Boyd does write his own parts?

[DMBCardinal]

So we are sure that Boyd does write his own parts?

In one of the Dave & Rodrigo interviews Dave talked about how Lillywhite is able to get the best out of Boyd. Yes, he writes his own parts.