Recording a jazz album requires many things. One of which, in an ideal world, is an airy live room, preferably equipped with a choice of grand pianos, each perfectly tuned and set up with microphones that are nuetral and clear, capable of capturing everything in ecsquisite detail.

Why is the piano the key? Because it’s the only piece of equipment that the player cannot carry with them. When my quartet arrives in the studio three of us take out own equipment. Our pianist doesn’t. For obvious reasons.

I’m fortunate, and it really is nothing but good fortune, to live within 20 miles of the perfect live room with perfect grand pianos and perfect piano microphones.

Recording double bass and drums in a jazz environment isn’t anywhere near as hard since they react well, often very well, to a minimalist approach.

Which leaves me. Since recording will be split between the aforementioned perfect live room, where the quartet work will take place, and my own home studio, where one or more solo pieces will be recorded, I need a microphone that is good enough to work in two very different environments, producing excellent results in both.

I need the perfect jazz trumpet microphone. If, indeed, such a thing exists.