Our latest podcast is now on line and features music from

• Jean Martyn
• Brett Wales
• Klaus Wunderlich
• Claudia Hirschfeld
• Tony Stace
• Chris Powell
• Andy Mullin
• Robert New and his Madonna Tribute show
• Franz Lambert

Click HERE to listen to our show

We are asked many times about multi-track recording and what we think the best packages/software are when it comes to creating your own compositions or trying to get that perfect sound.
So, we thought we would have a look at a number of software packages that can be run on PC/Mac and of course can be loaded touse on your Wersi organ. We are looking at software packages from the ground up and start with GURU. Guru is a rhythm centre where you can program your own drum patterns, create fantastic effects and even import your own sounds which you can then simply drop into place and use as part of your backing.
Guru comes complete with 4gig of drum samples and we can safely say that they are the BEST. The quality of the each drum voice is stunning. If you want just a basic drum pattern or something more creative, Guru can offer the best of both worlds. The software comes complete with its own interface and allows you to choose patterns that are pre-set, loops, drum kits and assign drums to pads. If you imagine a traditional drum machine, the screen layout of Guru will make you jump with joy. Everything you need is just where you would expect to find it. Within just a couple of hours we were programming drum patterns and without the aid of the owners manual - which just for the record is simple to understand. We did have a little glitch loading the software due to Apples latest software upgrade, but one trip to fxpansion's website and the problem was solved. We have used iDrum for some time and as good as it is, Guru takes drum programming software to a new level, but the good news does not stop there. Fxpansion also have a package available which appears to cater for more orchestral drum voices - we should bring this review to you during the next few weeks. Anyway, back to Guru. So, you want to create a modern techno, garage, drum n bass, this software has the ability to create the most jaw dropping thick drum tracks using its 8 power engines. Guru is made up of 8 "engines" each of these can be set to work in conjunction with each other. Creating pattern using Guru is easy using the on screen pads - just tap the pad to the metronome and it drops your sound into a pattern and keeps looping, allowing you to add more voices. You can choose to use the Graph function which allows you to place drum hits on a grid and play it back to see if it where you wanted the sound to be. Each part can be changed and functions such as level, pitch and filter can be set to your exact taste and requirement.
Guru features a fantastic feature called Smartslice - it is a quick way to slice drumloops, easy to use and creates great results.

We are going to make a few recordings using GURU and will feature them on our site in a few weeks as part of our GURU and BFD2 special podcast. If you have any questions relating to this software please get in touch and we will do our best to answer them as part of our podcast.
We would give Guru a rating of 4/5 for ease of use and a definate 5/5 for voices. If you like traditional orchestral/ballad style music then Guru may not be your cup of tea, but if you want to create a dance track that has real kick, then this software is a must have.
Remember, for those of you who prefer ballads - fxpansion has BFD2 and we are pretty sure that this will definately be the software to you - and the awesome thing about fxpansion's software is that it is Mac and PC compatible, so Wersi owners can load it directly into their organ and access the features direct from the touch screen.

Have a look at fxpansions website - CLICK HERE to visit their site

We are pleased to announce that Paul Smith from Chesterfield has won two tickets to see Stephen Foulkes at the Compton Cinema Organ at the Penistone Paramount, Shrewsbury Road, Penistone, South Yorkshire on February 9th at 2.30.
He answered our question correctly:
Who was the famous organist at Blackpool Tower - and the correct name was Reginald Dixon.

The Organ Trust gives concerts every month (usually the 2nd Saturday at 2-30pm) on the Compton cinema organ at the Penistone Paramount, Shrewsbury Road, Penistone, South Yorkshire.
Also every Thursday (market day) at St Andrews Church, High Steet, Penistone, at 1pm. Kevin Grunill at the console of the Allen Digital Theatre Organ.
All information and bookings(groups welcome) on tel. 07944 566972

Owners of Wersi's V7 software will notice that the new R25 upgrade gives you access to a few new voices. Those clever people at Wersi have added new voice packs for Wersi comet, helios and galaxy. You can test drive the voices before you have to register them and we have recorded a few tracks.
Listen to our latest fun track by clicking HERE.

We have put together a number of audio tutorials. Click HERE to listen to our first sound mix tutorial and hear the track we have created. Our first tutorial is mixing strings and and guitar together. More will be added during the forthcoming weeks.

Here is your chance to tell us who you think the best organist is. We have complied a list of artists who we have featured at some point in our podcasts and we would like you to tell us who your all time favourite is.
All of the musicians voted for will be compiled into a special podcast during february - so make sure you include your favourite!
UPDATE: Current voting is as follows:

• 1st Place > Klaus Wunderlich
• 2nd Place > Tony Stace
• 3rd Place > Brett Wales
• 4th Place > Claudia Hirschfeld
• 5th Place > Tim Flint

Remember to place your vote
Click Here to vote