"George is a truly gifted producer who works on a project from the inside out. In my experiences working with him (and there have been many) I have found him to be creative, thoughtful, straightforward and let's face it -- his records sound not just good, but great! He understands music on a level that most can only dream about. I've always thought it was his infatuation with turtles, but that's a whole other story. "
Emily Lazar
Chief Mastering Engineer
The Lodge
“I’ve never heard my drums sound like that ... the brilliance & clarity of the sonic orchestration ... I’ve never heard anyone put so much care and attention into the nuance of the music ... ”
Tony Moreno, Drummer
"George Walker Petit is no stranger to jazz musicians since he is one of the top recording engineers in New York City..."
Budd Kopman, allaboutaazz.com
"George is the most dedicated engineer I've worked with, by several orders of magnitude. I told him what I was looking to do, and he made it his business
to come to rehearsals and discuss through several meetings his ideas for how
to capture the sound I wanted. He also works very hard in the studio to both
provide a fun atmosphere and help keep everything on schedule. When needed, George's experience as a producer can be invaluable; he saved my bacon with wise advice at a crucial moment in the studio."
Paul Carlon, saxophonist/composer/arranger/leader
"I wish you could listen to the tracks pre-George and post-George. If you do, even though George doesn't play a note on our recording, you'll hear him as clearly as any instrument on which he worked his magic. When we asked him to mix our recording, he asked us for audio samples in advance along with key words which might help him situate himself within our musical vision. Which key words would I use to describe George? Passion, intelligence, experience, modesty, creativity and great instincts... in other words, everything you'd want in a person to whom you give your trust and your music."
Kyoko Kitamura, Vocalist, ok l ok
"After you've spent hours to create it, write it & shed it--get Petit.
If you can stick it, blow it, sing it or fret it--get Petit.
Trying to save cash recording your non-lucrative jazz music? Forget it--get Petit. Want a killer drum sound, but don't know how to get it?--get Petit.
Ready to blow some dough in the studi-o and not regret it?--get Petit.
Like to spend time in a cheap but nice place in Jersey laying tracks where your bass drum comes out all distorted with no f*cking bottom, plus some f*cked-up track separation, then spend hours trying to fix and retred it?--don't get Petit...until the mixing stage...but I wouldn't recommend it.
From start to finish, I've already said it:
GET PETIT !"
William Beaver Bausch, Drummer/Philosopher...
"I had the chance and privilege of working with George in my first studio work as a leader. With his deep knowledge as an engineer and years of musicianship, he is very much at ease with seeing all dimensions of music production. In my sessions, apart from his contribution as an engineer, he was also instrumental with his musical insight, comments and suggestions! George's drums sound is second to none! His recording of horns is so full of air and organic! His placing of bass in the mix? That is where he feels totally at home! He is open to all sorts of musical ideas and idioms; and even if you demand the most difficult thing to achieve, he would deliver it to you no matter how!"
Alper Yilmaz, Composer/Bassist
"I have never been a part of a more smoothly run, efficient recording process - let alone been the leader of one. George Petit was absolutely the reason for this fulfilling experience. George's #1 priority is to make the best recording possible. However, he has an uncanny ability to have fun in the process making the whole recording/tracking experience enjoyable for everyone involved."
Ryan Keberle, Trombone/Composer/Leader
"George Petit is a rare creature: an engineer that is fully invested in each project as if he were part of the band. He has a great ear and is always enthusiastic and full of ideas."
Dave Allen, Guitarist/Composer
"George knows how to get into the mind of the musican, bringing the beauty of the music to fruition. In fact, George has done the impossible... he is a
fabulous musician and an incredible engineer!"
Allison Miller, Drummer/Composer
"When I first heard George's music, I thought, "there is NO WAY this guy will work with me, HE IS WAY TOO GOOD!" Luckily for me, he liked my music too, and together we made an independently produced album that is now selling like crazy! I think George has INCREDIBLE taste and AMAZING guitar chops. He was a pleasure to work with (we NEVER argued) and brought the best talent in New York City to play on the album. I will work with George as long as he will fit me into his schedule. He is worth every penny and more. His elegance, kindness, straight forward opinions and friendship are invaluable."
Cady McClain, Singer/Songwriter, Emmy Award-winning actress
"George is a fantastic engineer and producer. Regardless of the style or configuration of the ensemble, he is dedicated to producing absolutely top-notch recordings. I have worked with George on several projects at his studio and I'm always knocked out by the results!"
Mark Dodge, Drummer/Percussionist
"I have worked with George Petit on the bandstand and behind the console. In both places his concept of sound and musical instincts are strong. As an engineer, I don't think you could trust anyone more than George to get what you are looking for in the most professional, helpful way."
Dave Ambrosio, Bassist
"Nowadays, in New York city, I see too few producers or engineers taking risks in the studio. George not only does it, but always for creative purpose and in a very efficient way. When working with George you always feel like part of a team and an active member of the project; for me, at the end of the day, it is the greatest feeling you can have in this business."
Yvan Bing, engineer, Legacy Recording Studios
"George Petit is a musician first. He understands the music and is willing to go the extra mile to make your project sound great. Thanks, George"
Brian Drye, Trombonist - The Four Bags
"First off, George's main priority is to help you achieve your musical vision. He considers that his #1 job, and he loves it. He's completely open-minded, and more than happy to dive into whatever zone you want to take your music into. I think his two favorite phrases must be "not a problem", and "no worries". Much to my peace of mind, I heard those phrases countless times during my project there. Secondly, George has a palette that's truly broad...from straight ahead jazz, to rock, pop and beyond, and even sounds that are just being invented, he's willing, and has the ears to make the music come alive. Which brings us to thirdly -- you'd be hard pressed to find another engineer with George's combination of knowledge, experience, intelligence, and creativity."
Bill Block, Composer/singer
"George -- thanks, and thanks...and thanks."
Matt Shulman, Jazz Artist of the Year 2003 Independent Music Awards
"If you want an engineer with an attention to detail, George is your guy; he is right there with you in the studio, checking out every detail of your sound, mic
placement, instrument, and what equipment will be used after the microphone that could alter color or depth in any way. With the number of hours I spend working on my own tone and color at home and on the bandstand, believe me, that's the detail I like to see and hear when I am in the studio. He's committed to your sound, and that makes all the difference to me. Not to mention that it really helps have an engineer that understands the absolute necessity of having quality chocolate in the studio for that little burst of energy on the 17th take!!!"
Thomson Kneeland, Bassist/Composer
"All I know is you are the producer of choice any time I have a choice."
Jay Leonhart, Bassist
"My first experience with George in his studio was mixing a live recording from 6 tracks that someone else had tracked. He used great patience and skill to really understand the sonic difficulties of the room it was recorded in and the equipment and mic placements used. Ultimately, George was able to completely redefine the mix and get at the essence of the original musical intent. He has an incredible combination of technical skill, great ears with great acoustic jazz sensibilities, plenty of ideas at hand, and, most importantly, an ability to work with musicians to really divine the ultimate outcome for the project at hand. Next time he'll be the one we use from
beginning to end."
Pete Smith, Guitarist/ Composer for the Actual Trio
"The quality that sets George apart from the rest is that he wants to capture the way you feel that you sound, and will do whatever it takes to acheive that goal. He made the recording experience so comfortable that in the end, all you have to do is enjoy the moment. Thanks George!”
Mark Small, Saxophonist/Composer/Arranger
"George Petit has helped me achieve my artistic vision on my recordings. Rarely do you find someone who knows how to record, mix, and produce, and has a great vibe. It's great to work with someone who cares as much about making your project sound great as you do. Great sound, great vibe, and great coffee."
Justin Flynn, Saxophonist/Composer/Arranger
"George is an exceptional engineer who really understands music and sound reproduction on the highest level. Whether recording or mixing he captures the sound of each individual instrument, the sound and concept of the entire group, all while taking into account the material being performed. He is happy to listen to any suggestions to help the artist get what they are hearing and he offers good suggestions as well, without trying to impose his "Sound Concept" on the project. These are the signs of a good producer. George puts the time and care into each project he is involved in to get it right the first time. "There is no point in doing a sloppy, rushed job if you're going to have to go back and fix it later". Those are words he works and lives by. His ears are tremendous when it comes to tweaking sounds and mixes. He'll take something that you think sounds good and, in a few minutes, make it sound amazing. George Petit is an asset to any recording project."
Carlo Derosa, Bassist/Composer
"Petit is a good vibes machine! His enthusiasm is immeasurable, without being obtrusive. he's a fantastic musician, and he's got the engineering skills and experience to match his total commitment to delivering the optimal end result."
Jason Wildman, Drummer/Composer
"George Petit is the only engineer I’ve ever trusted enough to say: “Go work your mixing magic. I’ll see you when it’s done.” Now it’s being mastered, and I’ve been able to keep my attention on things that are really important to me: playing, writing, teaching, my 2-year-old daughter. I don’t have to worry about that nagging feeling I’ve had in so many other recording projects – namely ‘why doesn’t this sound better?’ George has a very deep understanding of sound and time, both of which are very mysterious. And since he’s also an incredible musical artist, he GETS IT!"
Khabu Young, guitarist, composer. ok l ok
"When we did our session, we were in the control room listening back to a take. Suddenly, George stood up and said, "Alex! What's that noise? Is it on the tracks?" I didn't know what he was talking about - I hadn't heard a thing. It turns out, there was a mosquito in the men's room, creating a buzz in the ride cymbal frequency range. We killed it - the blood is still on the men's room mirror. The guy's ears are that good."
Jeremy Bacon, pianist, composer co-leader of CORE, Conan O'Brien's writer...
"I just finished mastering a recording that was engineered by George Petit. It's a quartet record, co-led by Justin Flynn on tenor sax, with Ugonna Okegwo on bass and Jeff Ballard on drums. We recorded at Right Track A509, and let me tell you, George did an incredible job. He's got the ears of a fine musician (which he is, by the way) and a deep knowledge of engineering. It's like having a member of the band in the control room taking care of things for you, so you can just play. He really made the entire experience relaxed and focused, which resulting in a kick-ass recording (if I do say so myself). I would highly recommend George Petit to anyone who plans to head into the studio."
Jeremy Bacon, without the customary humor...Thanks, J !