Gary Mankin
Recording Engineer & Producer
I'm a freelance recording engineer and producer based in San Francisco. I've made hundreds of CDs/records over the past 20+ years in a plethora of styles. Many of my clients have commented on how I've helped them polish their performances in the studio, whether I was producing or "merely" engineering for them.
When you hire me you get more than just an engineer and/or producer: I bring to my sessions extra equipment that enhances the recording process. This includes highly prized tube condenser microphones from Neumann and AKG, as well as state-of-the-art microphone preamplifiers and equalizers, signal processing gear and more.
Following is a partial list of clients and projects I’ve worked on. Click on the CD covers for links to the artists' sites. I know this page has grown long... but this is only a smattering of the great musicians I have been fortunate to work with. You may also note that I’ve done multiple projects with many of these artists; I am proud that they’ve asked me to work with them over again. Feel free to drop me a line, especially if you are interested in discussing a recording project.
Joyce Cooling: Revolving Door
This Girl’s Got To Play
Third Wish
Cameo
Engineer, Vocal Production
One of Contemporary Jazz’s most popular guitarists, Joyce’s music grooves!
Holly Near: Show Up
Edge
Engineer
Singer, actress and political activist’s latest collections, showcasing her insights, humor and power.
Kitty Margolis: Left Coast Life
Straight Up With A Twist
Evolution
Engineer, Producer (Evolution)
Leading Jazz diva’s explorations, inside and outside.
The Bingtones: American Dream
Mix Engineer
In the tradition of Tower of Power and Chicago, a big horn-driven rock band has burst onto the Bay Area music scene. Check them out!
Wayne Wallace: The Reckless Search For Beauty
Dedication
Engineer
Exciting Afro-Cuban and latin jazz, featuring some of the Bay Area’s premier players, including John Santos and Michael Spiro.
Nina Gerber: Good Music With Good People
Not Before Noon
Sweet Dreams
Engineer
Nina is one of the finest guitarists in acoustic music. Her latest CD contains live performances from the Kate Wolf Music Festival accompanying the likes of Jackson Browne, Greg Brown, Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka and Bruce Cockburn. Her previous studio CDs showcase her moving acoustic and electric guitar playing.
The Persuasions: Frankly A Cappella: The Persuasions Sing Zappa
On the Good Ship Lollipop
Producer, Engineer
Just as the title suggests, the godfathers of a cappella pay tribute to Frank!
Plus, a rollicking fun record for kids... and their parents!
Ed Johnson: The Other Road
Movimento
Over That Wave
House of Doors
Engineer
Intense vocal jazz with Brazilian, latin and pop influences. Ed is a great singer and arranger, songwriter and guitarist. These CDs feature many of the Bay Area and Northwest’s finest musicians.
Rachel Garlin: Big Blue Sky
Five Minutes
Engineer
Winner of the Newport Folk Festival Talent Search, Rachel writes story-filled songs and travels the country (and the world) sharing them.
Pollo Del Mar: Year of the Rooster
The Golden State
Live in Japan Town
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
The Ocean is Not for Cowards
Engineer, Producer
Progressive Surf instrumentals to challenge your imagination.
Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir: Say Yo’ Business!
Front Porch Music
Engineer
Live and studio CD’s from this vocal powerhouse quintet, featuring guest artists Wilson Pickett, Odetta, Richie Havens, Kelly Jo Phelps, Eric Bibb, Kitka and more!
Rhiannon: Out of the Blue (with Bowl Full of Sound)
Live on Tomales Bay
Toward Home
Engineer
Rhiannon is an extraordinary improviser; Out of the Blue is full of amazing music created live before an audience. Featuring Frank Martin, Julie Wolf, Jamie Sieber, David Worm and Joey Blake.
Kristina Olsen: In Your Darkened Room
All Over Down Under
Truth of a Woman
Live From Around the World
Hurry On Home
Love, Kristina
Engineer
Internationally-known folk songstress, and a great songwriter.
Various Artists: Shakin’ a Tail Feather
Engineer
Grammy-nominated children’s CD including performances by Taj Mahal, Eric Bibb, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir.
Various Artists: Treasures Left Behind: remembering Kate Wolf
Engineer
Produced by Nina Gerber, including performances by Lucinda Williams, Greg Brown, Kathy Mattea, Dave Alvin, Ferron, Utah Phillips, Peter Rowan, Nanci Griffith, and others.
Rosalie Sorrels: No Closing Chord: the songs of Malvina Reynolds
Engineer
Folk stalwart’s tribute to her friend and mentor. Guest artists include Bonnie Raitt, Terry Garthwaite and Laurie Lewis.
Kat Parra: Birds In Flight
Engineer
Kat mixes Latin, Brazilian, Jazz, Sephardic and Hip-Hop music into an exciting blend that swirls around her rich vocals. She is getting lots of national airplay and great reviews!
Sony Holland: Out Of This World
Engineer
Sony is blessed with a rich, warm voice that effortlessly glides along, sweeping you up with her. Here is a CD of standards that will please her many fans, and add to their legions.
Questions? Comments? You can email me here
Max Perkoff: Infinite Search
Amazing Space
Off the Ground
Engineer
Trombonist Perkoff has an incredible range, including bebop, R&B, folk, and straight-ahead jazz. A gorgeous tone and vivid imagination make his recordings a delight!
Alexa Weber Morales: Vagabundeo/Wanderings
Jazzmérica
Engineer
Alexa ranges from salsa to Brazilian to jazz ballads, singing in 4 languages along the way. With some of the best musicians in the bay area in tow, she takes you on an international trip.
