Comments on Crocodile Jim - Soundmana Sutra

You did sound for the Kinski/Lights/Unnatural Helpers/Welcome show. At one point there was a sea of musicans on stage. 4 bassists, 4-5 guitars, multiple vocals and dual drummers. If you can make that work, what can't you do?

Tell us, who's your favorite band to do sound for? And your least?

Now if you could only get rid of that pole in the middle of the room!

Yeah, Jim, about that pole...

Jim is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rad post.

What is the loudest band you have ever done sound for?

Trent,
This is the most interesting article I've ever read in the Stranger and I don't even know audio.
But I sure knew the Central....sigh. Is it a condo yet?
Hey Jim, Thanks for bringing all that great sound to Seattle ears!
Tante

Jim, would you rather do sound for an incredibly loud band or a ridiculously quiet band? And a related question: do you prefer a challenge (such as the above), or would you just as soon be able to set everything at unity and go eat a sandwich?

As a listener and performer, I thank you for your excellent work.

if you've never seen jim's french horn microphone wrist band, I recommend you start playing the frech horn. It's quite brilliant!

the rubber matting ? where can I get athat stuff
in PDX ??

Jim, you are a gem. It has always been a distinct pleasure and honor to play at Croc.

What was that Soundgarden release show like in 87? Did you think they were good? Were there a lot of people there?

1 question - When is the Croc going to get a smoke machine?

What can't i do? for 25 years i've been looking for two specific knobs on the board- the play good knob and the play in tune knob. haven't found 'em yet.

THE POLE--sorry, guys. i know way more than i want to about the building itself and that pole, unfortunately, is a major structural part of the building so we all kinda have to live with it.

favorite band?--the one that i have on stage right now. i do the best i can for everyone.

least favorite?--anyone that doesn't respect the Crocodile and the job that i'm trying to do for them.

Loudest?--Dinosaur, JR. Although, jucifer is right up there.

loud or quiet band?-- it actually depends on what kind of mood i'm in. too much of anything makes it less fun.

Fog machine?--bring yer own. that way i can test the ventilation fans (again)..

No one can make a string section sing like Jim! I still think he should have his own YOU TUBE channel where he gives sound engineering tips..:) LOVE YA JIM!!

Jim,

Has the Croc ever thought of putting a curtain up in front of the stage while the bands are switching over?

I always think it is so awkward watching the bands switch out after they are finished playing.

Then when the next band is ready, the curtain is pulled to the side as the band begins. I think it would be so cool.

Just my 2 cents. You rule.

Sir Jim, Have you ever toured with a band on the road?

And you have to have some shows there that have been your favorites... Pick 3, that's all.

3 favorite Jim shows:

Wireless? Explain please.

At the end of the night you MUST PAY JIM. If you fail to do this he will call you at 2am and make you walk back to the Croc from your apartment on Cap Hill to pay him.

YOU MUST NOT FORGET TO PAY JIM.

Also, this post is the highlight of my day.

great post! jim is a true hometown hero. not only does he make stuff sound good, bands respect his work and enjoy working with him. thanks for all your work, jim.

I agree, great post.

In reading this, I was amazed to realize I have never thought about the sound at the Crocodile, which has to be the highest compliment I can give. Never had to crane my neck around to shoot a quizzical stare, never had to move around to find a good sounding spot, never had to walk away to give my ears a break.

Jim, how do you deal with touring FOH guys who think they know it better than you?

I like the curtain idea #11. It would make it all more 'a show.'

Jim is a wizened sage... the best sound guy in the WORLD and we are all lucky he is here in Seattle! Jim, you are universally loved by all us bands.

Much better than that bastard "sound guy" at Neumo's who is rude to EVERYBODY for no reason and is always high on cocaine.

Yeah, what about that Soundgarden show? How was it?

Inquiring minds reading this post would to know.

i meant to say "would LIKE to know." thank you very much.

Now Jim, I know it's going to be difficult, because you are a big fan, but what are the 3 things you like most about the Nachos?

I remember playing my first show at the Croc. I was nervous as hell. Jim put me at ease with his nice calm ways.

I love you, Jim!

"To all the Jim's ive loved before...."

"Feliz Navi-Jim, bum bum bum bum, Feliz Navi-Jim,
I wanna wish you a merry Jimmy..."

So, do you wear ear plugs on the job? If not, can't imagine your hearing being particularly acute or sensitive at this point. But if you do, perhaps the same problem, huh?

Why is this not in print?

There's only one JIM, the AKEBONO OF SOUND!!!!!!!

well, i've got some time before soundcheck soooo---
first of all the wireless thing -- i recently added a yamaha LS9 digital console to my arsenal and it is a SWEET SWEET tool to use. i've joked with bands for years about having their mix "stored" (in my head) but now it is a reality. running the control program on a tablet pc wirelessly actually lets me get out and hear what everyone else does once in a while (like i dont know already!i know what it sounds like EVERYWHERE in that room)

the curtain thing?-- we had one once. it kinda got in the way on the sides of the stage and we didn't end up using it much except for a couple of plays. besides, if we had a curtain i could't stand up on the stage and look down the shirts of all the hotties in the front row during the set change.

tour? i have. i may again someday. but why have all of that grief when i can slave away like a dog AND sleep in my own bed at night? besides, this way i get to listen to more than just the same band overandoverandoverandover.

top 3? yoko ono at the croc. mixng albert collins at bumbershoot.mixing patti smith at the croc.

earplugs? what?can't hear ya the guitar's too loud.
seriously, i do use hearing protection when i have to, but i don't like mixing while wearing plugs. the best part about running sound is that if i don't like what i hear i can usually do something about it.sometimes that means turning something down rather than up.

Thanks, eli.gots to have the biscuits.

soundgarden? we were young. they were excited about finally having a record out.

I heart Jim soo much! He and the Croc are Seattle institutions, what a great post!

The worst sound/stage person is that thieving wiesel at the Showbox whose name I cant remember. Jim is good though.

this was very cool info! jimmy i miss you! we never did make it to that m's game, maybe one day. there's quite a few clubs here that could use you.... me and marsha and gibby thank you for many years of maximum amplitude. (what, you turned me down? oh well). best wishes...

Sumo? Do tell.

Any tips for ringing out monitors(or mains, for that matter). I'm always fighting the Feedback vs . power fight.