Some words by artists--Rick Walker, Barry Phillips, Mark G. Sowlakis, William Coulter, Neal Hellman at Gourd Music, Johnny Fabulous, Linda Arnold:

"I have had the pleasure and the privilege of playing in hundreds of studios in my professional career as a musician and producer and I have to say that of any place I've ever worked, Bear Creek Recording Studio is the finest, most professional studio I have had the privilege of working in.

Whether recording sensitive acoustic tracks with the likes of Tarika Sammy, Martin Simpson and many others or doing state-of-the-art remixing with a techno group like Lost at Last, the studio owner and resident engineer/producer, Justin Mayer has provided top notch professionalism and blinding engineering speed in an incredibly relaxed atmosphere.

Justin is as good a producer as I've met and can produce any project that comes his way and at the same time knows how to become completely supportive and transparent when another producer is in the session. This, to my knowledge is an exceedingly rare group of skills and I am proud to say that I know him and have had a chance to work with him.

To add cream to the top of it all, Bear Creek is in one of the most beautiful and serene locations one could imagine, nestled on a mountain top amidst the pines and redwoods and yet a scant 15-20 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. To my knowledge it is also the only studio in the Monterey Bay area that was built from the ground up as a recording studio and, as such, has beautiful natural acoustics in the main building that were specifically designed for acoustic recording.

I just can't say enough good things about this place or about Justin as a producer/engineer. Do your next record there--you will be truly happy you did.And, hey, if you need a good drummer/percussionist...lol...you know who to call."
yours,sincerely,

Rick Walker

Drummer/Percussionist/Multi-Instrumentalist/Producer Arts Commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz, California July 23rd, 2003

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"I've been recording at Bear Creek for nearly 20 years now. From the very first session I was put at ease by Justin's bedside manner and reassured by his technical abilities and his enthusiasm. Bear Creek Recording Studio is a friendly, professional environment to work in - thanks Justin!"

Barry Phillips, cellist

M.M. S.F. Conservatory assistant to Ravi Shankar

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"I have recorded 2 full length CD's, Simple Beauty and Marking Time, as well as 4 educational discs at Justin Mayer's Bear Creek Recording Studio. I believe that Justin has terrific ears for engineering and
producing, and the expertise necessary to make virtually any recording project a success. I've done it all in his sturdy studio, recording, mixing, mastering, and overdubs, and I've been totally satisfied every
time. In my opinion there is no one better at his craft in the Santa Cruz area than Justin Mayer."

Mark G. Sowlakis
Bass Clarinet/Clarinet/Saxophones
Pacific Winds Musical Productions

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"I have recorded music at many studios around the country and can say with no hesitation that Bear Creek Recording Studio in Santa Cruz is my favorite. Justin Mayer is a great engineer and producer. The recording equipment is state of the art and the peace and quiet of the location is really conducive to a relaxed and productive session. I have worked on more than a dozen CD projects at Bear Creek and have always been truly satisfied with the results."

William Coulter

Acoustic Guitarist

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"For the past three or four years I have been recording at Bear Creek Recording Studio with Justin as my engineer. The studio has a warmth about it and the setting is very inspiring. Of the studios and engineers I have worked with over the years, I have felt more comfortable and have had more successful sessions at Bear Creek."

Johnny Fabulous

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"Since 1987Gourd Music has produced over thirty recordings of acoustic instrumental music. Most of these were recorded in Justin Mayer's Bear Creek Recording Studio in Santa Cruz. Since it's inception, Gourd Music has sold over 800,000 recordings and has licensed music to television, film, and major labels such as Narada, Warner Brothers, Windham Hill and Hearts of Space.

One of the main reasons for Gourd's success is the quality of the recordings that Justin has engineered for us over the years at Bear Creek Studio. Here's a quote from InMusic, the Schwann Catalog's journal of new releases: 'Gourd Music: is on the forefront of the new acoustic music movement, well written, expertly performed, masterfully produced, and carefully manufactured.'"

Neal Hellman
Gourd Music

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"I've enjoyed working with Justin Mayer at Bear Creek Recording Studio for over fifteen years. His dedication to excellence, patience and wonderful technical skills have ensured that each production is of the highest quality. He's also creative, has a great ear and likes to have fun. Talent, experience, and a beautiful setting make Bear Creek my favorite studio."

Linda Arnold

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