Author Archives: nick

Oanh Vu and I made this video with an overhead projector at Monkeybear’s Harmolodic Workshop. Aaron’s solo on the second half of the tune is one my favorite parts of the record. Pure magic.

I am very excited to announce that Northing’s debut album, Hill Spell will be release by Shifting Paradigm Records. SPR is a Minnesota based record label that has put out some of my favorite albums of the past few years. … Continue reading →

We’re almost don’t mixing the first Northing record! Planning on a late spring release. In the meantime, checkout this live studio video of Aaron’s tune, Angles of Refraction:

Here are two videos of trombone+pedal experiments. I recorded them consecutively so they are very similar. I should only post one, but they both had nice moments and problematic moments, and together they contrast in interesting ways.

After years of borrowing effects pedals from friends, I finally purchased my own setup last spring: Learning to use them was a fun side project this summer. The first few sessions were frustrating garbage. Getting the mic set right was … Continue reading →

Northing just spent two amazing days recording our first album at Twin Lakes Sound Studio! Two days of intense recording and rehearsing really changed the music. I am so grateful to have spent the time with these awesome people and … Continue reading →

Two years of writing and thinking about this idea are finally coming together. Northing is a new band featuring: Aaron Hedenstrom – Alto Sax Mara Syman – Alto Sax Nick Syman – Trombone Josh Becker – Bass Trombone Pete James … Continue reading →

Last fall I started a free improvisation group at Hudson High School. 12 young musicians with very little improvisation experience joined and we met twice a week. One month in they played at the fall jazz concert. Free improvisation for … Continue reading →

photo by Tim McGuire AMO spent last weekend at Pachyderm Studios recording our second record! Check out the Kickstarter campaign to pre-order the album and help Adam pay the bills: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1645379397/adam-meckler-orchestra-studio-and-video-session