Location: Berkley, California
Owners: Gregory Howe, CEO/Producer
API Gear List: API 1608 with 16 channel expander, [8] API 550A EQs, [8] API 560 graphic EQs, [4] API 554 EQs, [4] 525 Limiter Compressors, [8] 312s
On the Desk: Now with almost 50 releases, Wide Hive Records has had many highly-charting records.
Current releases from the Wide Hive 1608 include Larry Coryell's Heavy Feel (#8 on the CMJ Jazz charts) and Portrait In Blue from Jazz legend trombonist Phil Ranelin. Portrait In Blue is Ranelin's fifth full-length album from Wide Hive Records. Howe describes the record as "indicative of Ranelin's naturally soulful compositional style with strong rhythmic and bass undercurrents beneath his soaring, eerily beautiful horn." Joining Ranelin are pianist Joe Warner and bassist Aneesa Al-Musawwir, drummer Don Littleton and saxophonist Pablo Calogero—known for recording on famous salsa record label Fania. Now 76, Phil's music remains as original and consistent as the Tribe Records that helped him earn his fame.
Also in production is Throttle Elevator Music IV featuring world-class saxophone player Kamasi Washington and the Wide Hive Players with "outstanding guitar work" by Drew Zingg (Steely Dan, New York Rock and Soul Review).
On API: "The API 1608 is the most musical console I've heard. It can drive, it's got character, and in my estimation it's the most flexible sounding board available today. We also use our vintage API 312s every tracking session, they measure flat 10hz to 30k and have a clear rich tone."
"I love the API sound. To me, it walks the perfect line between cleanliness, straight-up rock, and audiophile fidelity."
The Wide Hive Records catalog is predominantly jazz and hip-hop, but recent productions include acoustic guitar, rock, and punk. For more on Wide Hive, see API's original press release.
API's "From the Desk of" is a semi-monthly feature showcasing activity in studios with API gear. If you'd like to have your studio featured please contact Jen Schiller: jschiller [at] apiaudio [dot] com.
