If you want your songs to be loved by most who hear it, this is what you must consider: The song must be excellent. Next, the musical arrangement must be correct to sell the song. The performance of the song must be emotional. Finally, it must be recorded as well as possible in the correct environment using the best gear available. Notice: What is the last thing I mentioned?

I recently had the pleasure of meeting one of my idols, David Spinozza. From 1970 through the '80s, NYC was a hot spot for studio work. I came into the game in the early '80s. But David was one of the names I followed, along with others like Elliot Randall, Steve Kahn and John Tropea. They owned the guitar seats on countless sessions, and David happened to be in the right place at the right time.

So your band is looking to take it to the next level. Or perhaps someone has offered to pay your way out of the home studio scene and into a big studio you've only seen pictures of. This week I want to discuss the pitfalls I have witnessed and how to avoid them. I swear I could make a living saving bands money -- if they would only listen. You don't have to trust me, but read on. I may just be saving you not only thousands of dollars but your actual career.

What do you do if you are having an off day? Just not feeling it? We all have off days. However, I am a professional. That means I'm expected to perform. So even if I'm having an off day, my playing can only get so bad. I can always call upon experience. And being well practiced helps give a good performance. It may not be magic, but it will be damn good.