The Smooth Spot — Attraction in New York

I love Michael! I first met Michael in 2004 after he had posted a flyer for "his services" at the Actors' Equity Building (the old bulletin board in the hallway, outside the old Audition Center, that used to be on the 2nd floor). He had been "open" for a while but was still getting the "word-out" by posting flyers. I needed to go over some audition material on short-notice and called him (out of the blue) from his flyer. He was able to fit me in... and that first meeting has led to an almost 2 decade professional relationship! I remember him when he was just getting going... just the grand piano, some tape decks, a keyboard. Long before the sound-proofing and the video equipment and the green-screen and video backgrounds and the lighting. Before all his "investments" in building the sound booth and ALL of the state of the art, digital and computerized equipment he has now. I remember thinking... what a nice guy and so easy to work with! That hasn't changed. He's skilled, he listens, gives you what you need or want. His prices have always been fair, reasonable, -better than fair. Michael has great suggestions and insights. What has always impressed me over the years most is how diversified Michael has become. His studio has GROWN and he can work with "artists" across the board now... in all types of media and for all types of reasons. And if for some reason he doesn't know how to do what you want (or need) he'll figure it out! or he'll honestly tell you. You can go to him to just "sing" or record an audition-track, "coach" music, video or audio record. You and he "decide" what would work best... And you feel like you are involved in the session creatively. He'll show you what he is doing, explain it or help you to understand. His studio is in his home. The entire first floor. Great, easy access, prime location in MIDTOWN, NYC. Yet it "feels" homey, welcoming and unique. Michael is a good guy. I'd often bring us both a coffee and we'd begin by catching-up just a bit, looking some at the music first beforehand (at the big round oak table) or just talk about the upcoming audition before we'd begin -whatever I needed. It always feels relaxed. I think of him as a friend as well as a professional resource. And I have seen him grow his dream. He's stayed competitive in a tough business, through good and tough times... he's stayed true to his passion (music) and really wants to help and work with Artists of all kinds "creatively"... Michael Walsh is 5 "stars" PLUS!......

I couldn't be more satisfied with the services in every way I received during my 2 visits to The Smooth Spot.No one could possibly be more friendly,manifest more expertise and be more accommodating to my urgently needed, customized services than Michael Walsh.I was very nervous upon arriving for my first session,but within minutes of meeting Mike,I felt much more at ease and was treated like I'd been a friend for many years.Although I was modeling tunes I had written for important submissions,I'm not a singer at all.Therefore,I often requested many stoppages to make lines sound better.Mike couldn't have been more compassionate and patient despite the fact that many do-overs were requested.As a result,I was very relieved and totally satisfied with my finished products.Mike's fee was the fairest I've ever encountered,especially considering the outstanding effort he put in so I'd attain the best possible results.Which I did beyond my highest expectations .I was treated with utmost respect from the first minute to the last.He offered me a glass of water upon entering when I expressed concern that my throat felt too dry to sing my best.After all work was completed,Mike couldn't have been less motivated to squeeze extra money from this new comer.The most ethical and fair a businessman could be.I eagerly gave him a tip which he didn't seek even 1%.In summation,I 100% recommend Mike to every musician,whether just starting out or already the most successful.I couldn't be more sincere.I have very high standards and don't easily give lofty compliments.But I'm hereby happily giving Mike the highest rating possible because he's truly the...

I was looking for a cost-effective recording studio for my musical theater demos, and a musical director friend of mine recommended Michael. I called Michael and he immediately picked up the phone (unlike several other studios I have tried) -- booking my recording was very easy. The space itself is beautiful, a quiet hideaway in the middle of Manhattan (although it is way down on the west side -- be prepared to hunt a bit for the entrance the first time).

There's ample seating and bathroom access, although there is no green room or dedicated mixing room, so people have to be quiet as mice while they wait to perform. The piano is a Kawai baby grand (?) and the tone is exquisite. The micing is top notch. Michael also has a very convenient digital drum kit and easy plug-in access for your bass and guitar needs. There is a dedicated vocal iso booth -- we fit two singers in there with little trouble.

Michael himself has an old school southern vibe to him in my opinion. Very easygoing, open and friendly. He knows his craft -- all of my recordings came out top notch. He worked with me when I needed changes and was flexible.

All in all, if you need a cost-effective recording studio for your acoustic project, give...