OK, I gotta update this thread and give some serious props to Danny Danzi. After quite a bit of time (I started this thread on April 11th and we are JUST finishing this now), Danny is in the final stages of submitting the final masters to me.
It was quite a process. Danny is an EXCELLENT teacher and he really took the initiative and became a real partner on this project. No other mastering engineer would have spent the time and cared so much about our project. I did all the physical work, but I couldn't have done it without Danny's trained ears, technical knowledge and most of all PATIENCE.
I think I'm a better mixing engineer and even recording engineer as a result of this experience. It has been INCREDIBLE. Everything happens for a reason and part of why is because I was unwilling to accept 2nd best. I KNEW there was a diamond in the middle of that coal, but I lacked experience and direction.
I just want to say to ANYONE, that if you're looking for somebody to help you take your work to the next level, you need to either work with or just listen to what Danny talks about. He's a rarity. He really does give a **** and has an incredible amount of knowledge. I know first hand, because everything he told me to do, everything he suggested panned out. And though he and I didn't always agree on everything stylistically, there is NO ego there to get bruised.
From me, Danny not only has a client for life, but a friend.
Thanks Danny for helping me make the best album I have ever made.
Scott Martinez