“Concert film-makers have also been slow to find innovative ways of using the medium, although I saw one excellent example of concert footage blended with historical documentary: Iestyn Davies’s John Dowland concert at Hatfield House.”
Bachtrack Goodbye 2020. What now for 2021
By David Karlin, 05 January 2021
“…the sound is an absolute treat.”
Joby Talbot – Composer
CD Review for ‘A Bridge Over The Pyrenees’ – The Symphonic Brass of London
It has been a real pleasure to work with Alexander Barnes. He gave great support and advice to our project. I felt extremely well looked after during the recording session and was very happy with the end result. Superb sound and video quality. I recommend Alex and Apple and Biscuit Recordings highly.
Pianist and Artistic Director, Phacelia Ensemble
“Thank you so much for our CD I just received in the post today! It sounds really fantastic! Who did the recording, because they’re seriously good!” – Jordan Hunt in an email to Anne Cuddigan/The Michael Cuddigan Trust
“We have just finished our 1st project with Alex Barnes – his engineering and producing was exemplary. He captured a fantastic natural sound, however, had the capability and flexibility to many fine adjustments should we wish. His calm manor, excellent ears and words of encouragement meant we achieved everything to the highest standard. He even took some great photographs!”
“We have had the wonderful privilege to have worked with Alex Barnes/appleandbuscuit for Classico Latino’s third album recording. Alex was our producer for the session and it really made a big difference. Not only he adapted very naturally to the technical and emotional demands of Latin American music playing, but he also understood the instrumental challenges implied in these unique arrangements for a piano trio of vivacious popular Latin American tunes. Alex like non other understood the right balance between feeling the music consistently an genuinely with the emotion behind each note, and the technical precision required and expected from classical instruments. It was key for the success of this session and for Classico Latino’s perfomers to be able to perform at ease and yet at their best, to feel the support and technical ability of such a solid producer. Many thanks Alex for your positive attitude and your proactive support. We hope we can do many more!” Ivan Guevara – Pianist/CLASSICO LATINO
“I rang up Alex from Apple and Biscuit in 2013 to see if it was possible for them to record a string orchestra in Manchester for me. My main sticking point with lots of other companies was that no one was really capturing the fullness and richness of the string sound I required. I spoke to Alex at length discussing this problem along with every other aspect of project. Within the first 5 minutes of this phone call I felt very confident in making the decision that I was going to use them for the recording.
On the day of recording I was met at the venue by Alex and one of his recording assistants. The venue was transformed so quickly into a recording studio optimising the side rooms as the recording booth.I was guided through the process at the same time which was very interesting and pretty much sat back with full confidence in Alex and really just enjoyed the day. I think the main part of why I will use Apple and Biscuit again is not only for the amazing quality recordings they have produced for me but the OUTSTANDING aftercare and personal attention to projects.
They have worked in depth on the final cuts and every area from my first phone call to today when I am writing this review (May 2014). They have been extremely responsive to my requests and questions (and I am annoyingly fussy!) and as Alex is a professional musician he can add so much in terms of musical ideas on the cuts, making the end product even better. I will definitely be using Apple and Biscuit again and whole heartedly recommend them to everyone!”
David Schofield – www.davidschofield.net
“It has been my pleasure to have the professional services of Alex Barnes / appleandbiscuit records many times over the last seven years. He has provided high quality, edited videos and recordings of my performances – solo, chamber music and concerto – in both intimate venues and larger halls such as Symphony Hall in Birmingham and St John’s Smith Square in London.
I have always been delighted with the results. Alex always works in a professional but also friendly manner and his background as a highly-trained classical musician enable him to tailor his services to performers in an industry he knows inside out. He is perfectly placed and experienced to provide first class results each and every time. I recommend him wholeheartedly.”
Simon Callaghan – International Concert Pianist
“I’ve worked with Alex on a number of occasions and have always found him to be a first-rate colleague. His training as a musician, allied to sound technical knowledge and a refined ear, mean that he can be relied upon to deliver outstanding results, even in challenging circumstances.”
Lyndon Jones – Freelance media producer & lecturer at University of South Wales
“Alex has always taken great trouble to get-in, set-up and get-out quickly and efficiently and with minimal intrusion. Editing is careful and results have always been outstanding, delivering great sound under sometimes difficult conditions. He goes that extra mile, so if you need a live recording, then Alex at Apple and Biscuit is your man.”
Nick Bomford – Orchestral Manager & Partner at NB Management
“I had a fantastic session recording tracks for cello and piano with Alex at Apple and Biscuit Records: he was professional, supportive and efficient, and I was thrilled with the results. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a first class recording experience.”
Morwenna Del Mar – Cellist
“We’ve worked with Alex Barnes on several occasions, in the making of a demo, in live performance and to produce our first CD. We have always been extremely happy with the end result and recording quality.”