Just a question that I've wondered since the late 70's and, since Alan was the producer, maybe he can offer some enlightenment.
On Al Stewart's 'Year of the Cat' album (1976) the title track opens with the piano solo mixed faintly in the background off to the left side. I've often wondered why it was done this way? I assume it was deliberate since it remained this way after mastering.
- Geoff
Because the song had so many instruments - rhythm section, orchestra and soloists, I recorded the piano in mono in order to save tracks on the 24-track master. I felt that placing it left would draw attention to it - QED.
As far as it being "mixed faintly in the background" that is one of the things I am passionate about - the preservation of dynamic range - something severely lacking in much of today's music. I wanted the listener to jump out of his chair when the intro was over and the rest of the band came in.
Thanks for the reply.
It has certainly achieved its desired effect, and makes the listener focus more, rather than using the 'in your face, larger than life' pop piano sound used so often today.