Compact Recording Systems is a non profit acoustic music production conservancy located in the Los Angeles area. The purpose of the studio is to promote new folk and bluegrass talent as well as established musicians. Please note we are not a commercial studio.
Compact Recording Systems was founded by David Richardson, a professional musician who has recorded several albums over the years. His interest in recording others goes back to early childhood when he recorded plays, shows, and interviews with his young friends. At the age of 9, he was writing scripts, editing analog tape, and recording his dad's music on a Webcor reel-to-reel tape recorder. Mr. Richardson became interested in acoustic music at an early age and played guitar and 5-string banjo in his teenage years with various folk and bluegrass groups. In college, he recorded his first record on Century Records entitled "The Other Half." After graduating, he moved to Hawaii, where he accepted a 5-year position playing guitar and 5-string banjo with the Don Ho Show. In 1980, he returned to California and appeared in several musical ensembles. Mr. Richardson has also worked for 28 years in the broadcast and aerospace industries designing intercommunications systems. Compact Recording Systems recorded its first release, More Than Words by Sheri Lee in 1999 to rave reviews. We were also proud to include Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Prairie Home Companion on this album. Upon hearing the CD, many critical listeners were favorably impressed with the quality of the audio production.
DAVE RICHARDSON - ACOUSTIC FREELANCE MUSICIAN
Are looking for an acoustic musician in the Southern California area? I can help you. Whether you are in the recording studio or playing in a live show, please contact me and put me on your calendar. I am currently in several bands, and filling in for other individuals as the need arises. I will be at your event on time and be ready to start on time. My rates are based on the type of event and travel distance. I also sponsor acoustic music bands for hire. My instruments are 5-string banjo, guitar, mandolin, and bass. You can preview some of my work here. I also sing lead and baritone. If you wish to hire me or any of the bands on this page, please contact me.
GRASSLANDS
Grasslands is a premier Southern California bluegrass band made up of 5 multi-talented veterans of music. They are the best of friends, and it shows the minute they step onto the stage, enjoying not only entertaining the audience, but enjoying playing the music with each other. Members in the group have toured throughout the United States and overseas, played at amusement parks, played on folk radio programs, worked as musical accompaniment for theater, television commercials, and bluegrass festivals.
THIS JUST IN!
If you want a really fun time, This Just In! is perfect for your next event! With rock solid rhythm and a dynamic attack to its presentation. this group of seasoned artists will not fail to please you. This Just In! is just what the name implies, new and exciting with a distinctive sound. You will enjoy solo voices, duet, trio, and quartet ones as well. Each member is a great lead singer in his own right, which is a plus. This group is sure to entertain you.
SHERI LEE AND BLUE HEART
Sheri's parents sang together, and she soon found herself singing the third harmony part. Around the age of ten she would grab her dad's flattop guitar and go out on the back porch next to the alleyway. It wasn't the safest area, but her mom would sometimes find her talking to passers by and would yell at her to get in the house. Sheri has yet to write a song about this! Sheri has been influenced by many styles of music but her greatest influences are artists like Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Patty Loveless and Alison Krauss. Much of her songwriting inspiration stems from her marriage of 32 years, three grown children and four grandchildren, close friends, and life experiences.
HALF AGAIN
Half Again is a folk group that will take you back to yesteryear. With the styles of Peter Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, John Denver and many other great folk artists, this unique ensemble is the perfect choice for smaller gatherings and events. Half Again performs original material as well as that of contemporary artists such as The Eagles, Tom Russell, and Steve Gillette. Two of the members of this group have been playing music together since 1965. Their love for the music as well as playing quality instruments always enchants the audience.
SILVERADO
The Silverado Bluegrass Band is one of the West Coast's premiere bluegrass bands. Mike Nadolson has been acclaimed to be one of the nations finest singers to appear on the bluegrass music scene in recent years (Bluegrass Unlimited) as well as "the best flatpicker West of the Mississippi" ~Don Tucker - Huck Finn Jubilee from an article in the North County Times . The band boasts tight harmonies, rock solid rhythm and dynamic, precise instrumentals! The Silverado Bluegrass Band blends the high lonesome sounds of the traditional bluegrass vocalists with smooth, tight, and intriguing harmonies. This, along with superb acoustic instrumentation and innovative arrangements the band provides your audience with an exciting and memorable performance.
Vincent Gap "LOS LLANTEROS DEL NORTE"
"Los Llanteros Del Norte" The phrase simply rolls off your tongue like Ricardo Manitoban doing a Chrysler Cordova commercial! The three caballeros to my right all have superb voices. Is it bluegrass? Nope. Is it different kinds of music played on the instruments that you see? Yep. Nonetheless, you will be treated to a wonderful evening of dinner and song at Vincent Hill Station. If you are brave, you can get there by Metrolink. The depot is right across the street. By car, we are in Acton, CA at 533 Sierra Highway. Don't forget your boots and cowboy hats. The action starts every Tuesday evening at 6:00PM.