Author: moniquedonnelly

Capitol Records Session with David Foster

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Capitol records with David Foster
It was an amazing session at Capitol Records yesterday with David Foster. Initially I didn’t know what the session would be for, so I was extremely happy and excited when I found out that it was for Mary J. Blige and Stevie Wonder, for each of their newest projects!!
Pictured top right, David Foster holds out his cell phone so Stevie Wonder can sing us our parts. Stevie is redoing all his greatest hits and I cannot wait to hear his final product…. Fast songs are slow, slow songs are fast, meters to songs are changed, polyrhythms are going on, the strings are amazing, the arrangements are incredible! Mary J. Blige is doing a Christmas album and the parts the choir sang just gave me chills when listening back..

This incredible session was definitely one of the highlights of my career. I am so humbled full of gratitude for this incredible experience!
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Emmy Rossum CD Release

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Yesterday’s second session gave me just enough time to finish at Capitol, then head down the block to sing back up for actress Emmy Rossum (You’ve seen her in the theatrical release of Phantom) at her CD release party. We sang on two numbers that evening, but my favorite one was the Andrew Sisters tune “Apple blossom Time”. I just can’t get enough of those tight harmonies. She really is an amazing vocalist and so easy to blend with. Really hope this takes off for her… she’s amazing.

Psych Sessions at Capitol Records

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Yesterday’s first session was at Capitol Records laying down background vocals ala “Disney” gospel choir, Broadway, and just plain silly! It was so rewarding working with Creator, Steve Franks, because he was so easily pleased and open for any crazy ideas we had. The clips will be used for a promotional event for the USA Network series Psych.

Vocal Coaching on Rio 2

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It’s is not everyday that I get to work with such a lovely client as I did this week while in the studio for Rio 2. Working with my youngest daughter Claira was a total blast. I was so proud of my girly. Even though she seemed to be extra nervous this time, she made it through dialogue, some a cappella singing AND an a cappella modulation to the next key! And to make it even more fun that they let her record her character’s introduction,”Claira the Capybara,” using her own name since it rhymed! (It’s become her new nickname around the house… “Claira Claira Capybara… come put your things awaaaay!”)

I had her try a few different versions… one with a little smaller voice, one a little breathy and a few versions of the song with vibrato. As always, it’ll be really fun to see what they end up using!

Epic Sessions

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untitledAcademy Award winning sound designer Gwen Whittle challenged our boundaries in the most interesting 3 hours of work I think I’ve ever had. Though it’s possible my half decent “cricket” sound got me hired, we ended up making a bunch of menacing insect sounds, inhaling noises, creaks, snaps, buzzing and humming… you name it. Because I was one of the only chics, they ended up using my smaller higher sounds for a minor side-kick character called “Skeet”. I’m so stoked for this opportunity and can’t wait to hear what they end up keeping!
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