Timeless Hits: Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown" - A Journey Through Legendary Tracks
In the heart of North Hollywood, Davlen Sound Studios played host to the recording of Boz Scaggs' 1976 breakout album, Silk Degrees. One of the standout tracks from the album, "Lowdown", showcased an innovative drum recording technique that would leave a lasting impact.
Producer Joe Wissert, along with the future nucleus of Toto - Jeff Porcaro (drums), David Paich (keyboards), and David Hungate (bass) - were part of the recording process. For the basic track of "Lowdown", Porcaro's drum lick was captured live, with minimal electronic echo and a focus on isolating the kick drum sound.
Tom Perry, the album's engineer, achieved this by placing the mic inside the bass drum, either through the drumhead or inside the drum if there was no hole. This technique minimised leakage and unwanted overtones, resulting in a clear, upfront kick drum sound that didn't overwhelm the mix.
The drum track was recorded live in the room, with a slight tape delay slapback effect added later. This approach allowed the drums to "speak throughout the tune" and be mixed prominently, reflecting an evolving style in mid-1970s recording that enhanced drum clarity and punch while still maintaining the live energy of the performance.
Porcaro's distinctive drum lick and hi-hat overdub formed a critical part of the track's groove, with the recording technique helping to capture the nuance and detail of his playing. The team moved from Davlen Sound Studios to Hollywood Sound Studios, Studio B for overdubs and final mix.
"Lowdown" climbed to Number 3 on the Billboard charts and won Best R&B Song at the Grammy Awards. The song's recognizable drum lick and bass line, played by Jeff Porcaro and David Hungate respectively, have since become iconic.
In summary, the key points of the drum recording technique for "Lowdown" were:
- Live drum recording in a chamber with no artificial reverb, only slight tape delay slapback.
- Kick drum mic placed inside the drum (through or without a hole in the drumhead) to isolate the sound and reduce bleed.
- Aiming for clear, upfront kick drum sound with controlled overtones.
- Emphasis on drum presence in the mix without blurring other instruments.
This innovative approach to drum recording on "Lowdown" not only contributed to the success of Silk Degrees, but also set a precedent for future recordings, showcasing the importance of careful microphone placement and live recording techniques in capturing the essence of a drummer's performance.
[1] Source: [Link to the original source, if available]
- At Davlen Sound Studios, the team employed an innovative technique to record Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown," isolating the kick drum sound using a microphone placed within the bass drum.
- The recording process for "Lowdown" involved live drum recording with minimal artificial reverb and a slight tape delay slapback effect, focusing on a clear, upfront kick drum sound.
- The use of this technique helped accentuate Porcaro's distinctive drum lick and hi-hat overdub, creating an iconic groove that contributed to the song's chart success and Grammy award.
- The innovative drum recording approach on "Lowdown" not only enhanced the success of Silk Degrees, but also set a precedent for future recordings, emphasizing the significance of careful microphone placement and live recording techniques in capturing a drummer's performance. [Source: [Link to the original source, if available]]
