Tone Sessions: The Contortionist - TC-100 & Dual Recto - “Clairvoyant”

Mesa Artists Robby Baca and Cam Maynard took some time before soundcheck to perform this playthrough of the title track of their 2017 release “Clairvoyant”. Cam was one of the first outside the Mesa factory to play the Triple Crown TC-100 while Robby played the Multi-Watt Dual Rectifier.
The TC-100 delivered tight, percussive modern gain for heavy rhythm sounds while the clean sound provided clarity and sparkle when used with an overdrive pedal during the strummed mid-gain sections. Robby used the Vintage Gain mode on Ch. 3 in the 50 watt setting which served perfectly for smooth single notes solo and melody lines as well as the classic rhythm chunk the Recto is so well known for. Robby also used a Mesa Grid Slammer overdrive in Ch. 1 for the mid gain rhythm sound
Signal Chain:
Robby - Ibanez RG652AHMFX with Seymour Duncan Pegasus/Sentient pickups into the Mesa Grid Slammer and the Multi-Watt Dual Rectifier with a 2x12 Rectifier Compact cab with Celestion Vintage 30s. Mic’d with a Heil PR 30 and a Roswell MiniK47. Mixed 50% Heil and 50% Roswell.
Settings: CH. 3 - Gain - 7, Master - 3.5, Presence - 5-6, Bass - 4.5, Mid not sure (set to taste), Treble - 6.
Cam: Ibanez RG652MPBFX with Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup and ’59 neck pickup into an Keeley Modded Ibanez TS808 and the Triple Crown TC-100 with a 2x12 Rectifier Compact cab with Celestion Vintage 30s. Mic’d with a Shure SM57 and a Shure KSM313. Mixed 50% SM57 and 50% KSM313.
Settings: CH. 3 - Gain - 5.5, Master - 3.5, Presence - 5, Bass - 5, Mid 5, Treble - 5.5.
CH 1 - Gain - 5, Master - 5, Presence - 5, Bass - 4.5, Mid 5, Treble - 5.5.
For more information on the Triple Crown TC-100:
www.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/electric/triple-crown-series/triple-crown-tc-100/index.html
And the Multi-Watt Rectifier:
www.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/electric/rectifier-series/dual-rectifier/index.html
2x12 Rectifier Compact:
www.mesaboogie.com/cabinets--simulators/guitar-cabinets--simulators/rectifier-series/2x12-recto-compact.html
Our thanks to Cam and Robby for taking the time to play in this video and their continued use of Mesa products and making them sound great.
Check out their latest album, Clairvoyant, (and the rest of their killer catalog of music, too) here:
www.shopbenchmark.com/thecontortionist/music.html
Or:
iTunes: www.itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-contortionist/266279217
Amazon: www.amazon.com/The-Contortionist/e/B01D98LE54
Google Play: www.play.google.com/store/music/artist/The_Contortionist
Filmed and Recorded at the legendary Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA. Many thanks to the Catalyst and staff for the use of the space to capture this video:
www.catalystclub.com

[@MrRyanCock]

This is one of the weirdest and most alien drop D songs I've ever tried to learn. These dudes are writing geniuses to be able to make such insanity sounds so effortless.

[@garrettboomerbender]

This is like a religious experience for me I love this band so much!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks for the kind words, Garrett. We enjoyed putting this together and agreed - The Contortionist is a tremendous band! Thanks again. :D

[@TheBrownMan2112]

Literally same

[@erikgross4762]

Same

[@erademacher]

They might not be the shreddiest metal guitarists out there, but they definitely know how to craft a song. This album grows on me more and more each time I listen to it.

[@antnyneveruploads]

These guys have the most consistent live sound of any rock/metal band I've seen. No matter the venue or where I'm standing, I can hear everything they're playing and it's never lost in the absurd volume of everything else. Really speaks to the amps, as well as their ears for knowing how to bring a good sound out of any stage. Fuckin' love this band.

[@theprogconnoisseur7955]

Umm....Between the Buried and Me?

[@antnyneveruploads]

@@theprogconnoisseur7955 I've seen BTBAM live almost 10 times now, there's definitely been shows where their sound was off in some way. Usually the drums were too loud in the mix, or the guitars and/or vocals were lost. It wasn't bad, per se, it's just that The Contortionist always nails it and exceeds my expectations every time.

[@theprogconnoisseur7955]

@@antnyneveruploads I've only seen them at Warehouse Live or House of Blues in Houston. Sound at Warehouse is usually good, but not great, but sound HoB is always on point. I've only seen TC 2 or 3 times, and they usually have the best sound out of the whatever lineup they are in. I saw TC at the BTBAM Colors 10 year anniversary tour, and they opened up with Flourish. It was fucking epic!

[@andyham6094]

Sometimes or most times if it’s a problem with volume and the mix and clarity it’s usually nothing dealing with the band itself but whoever is running sound. Usually bands like this have their own sound guy tho so I’m sure TC have a great sound guy to have everything dialed in perfectly and balance all the tones and nuances out. Haven’t seen them yet but animals as leaders is my favorite band ever and they just announced a headlining tour with TC as the main supporting act. Animals always kills it but Can’t wait to see TC live. I know it’s gonna be a musical journey.

[@christiankettlewell]

I finally get it. They're called "Contortionist" because of the chord shapes they play

[@Ryo7_7]

One of the best bands/guitar duos in modern music.

[@sooperkid321]

This goes to show it doesn't matter what tuning you use or how many strings your guitar has. What matters is writing good music. And this is GOOD music.

[@juneauz]

nah, this is GREAT music

[@shimi3065]

Best album of 2017, one of the greatest modern metal albums.

[@ilhamdinzaz]

Shimi Marcus It's prog rock actually.

[@TheArtArq]

if you say that to Mike Lessard he would probably kick you in tha face.

[@jeleopard]

It's not a metal album so...........

[@scottray666]

....damn...that sucks..

[@paulh.8094]

This album has been on repeat for almost a month. Still love every bit of it.

[@DennisPerazaWorks]

Definitely one of the best albums of 2017 and this just helps prove that a little more.

[@sickotessa]

I don't know why but I just keep coming back to this video because it brings me so much joy...

[@brianschultz]

the guy on the right looks like he just dropped by the studio after writing code at google all day.

[@joshrosenberg2384]

his name is Cameron Maynard....HIS NAME IS CAMERON MAYNARD

[@brianschultz]

@@joshrosenberg2384 cameron maynard looks like he just dropped by the studio after writing code at google all day.

[@infrared6973]

And the music he plays reflects that lol

[@dana52484]

WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN

[@zachdamery8284]

He hasn't changed a bit over the years, despite many direction changes with this band. Its all magic

[@DannySarbs]

Why so many downvotes?. TC released a top 5 album for 2017.

[@dragonslayer6000]

That's badass!! I didn't know

[@dragonslayer6000]

Not many people understand jazz when they hear it though

[@HardcorPardcor1]

@@dragonslayer6000 I’m sorry, but The Contortionist is not jazzy in the slightest.

[@dragonslayer6000]

@@HardcorPardcor1 you obviously know very little about music. Allan holdsworth, chimp spanner, both of whom are named as influences in interviews with TC are jazzy af. The entire intrinsic and language albums are also, incredibly jazzy. As a matter of fact, jazz came before rock and r&b, laying the foundations for those very genres. Im sorry, but you're definitely not a genius in the slightest

[@HardcorPardcor1]

@@dragonslayer6000 Yes, I listen to Holdsworth, Bruford, Herbie, Chick, Weather Report… Hiromi’s a good one. You heard T.R.A.M.? That’s jazzy. You can be a hip hop artist and cite Holdsworth as an influence. Perhaps his passion and skill is what is inspiring, not the genre or even the modes he uses. Sure TC use jazzy chords, but they’re not played in a jazz context, at all. Except for the middle of Language I, that’s pretty jazzy. As for sounding stupid, I don’t think you would have understood me otherwise ;)

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

Not into this type of stuff normally but just discovered them and they’re incredible

[@fbcbxcfb]

Me listening through my smartphone speaker: Ah yes T O N E

[@keithgabbard4816]

I dont have a musical bone in my body so I have no way of knowing what these guys are doing but I absolutely love it . It just pleases my ears so much .

[@jeremyschiesser7086]

They blend their tones and compliment each other’s playing so well it’s naturally chorused and huge. And many times sound like one massive chorused guitar. (Did I mention a chorused sound 🤣) a band that stands out as great song writers in their relative genres.

[@JeremiahFernandez]

you forgot to mention "chorused"

[@liquidtension94]

damn Cam nailed that off beat syncopated rhythm at 2:47, too sick

[@oakandiron_]

I remember seeing them this night, this at the famous Catalyst in Santa Cruz CA. They opened for Animals As Leaders - The Contortionist, it was an experience seeing them live. The detail in their playing is flawless.

[@mesaboogie]

Favorite track?

[@edwardkania9622]

The tones. Crazy how good it sounds.

[@cesarr7680]

These dudes make 6 string sound so awesome they dont need any more to sound so astonishing

[@braun2041]

Cesar Chavolla have you never listened to periphery?

[@HalfStepTides]

Andrew Canter Contortionist always has way sicker tones than Periphery.

[@G.B.P.]

Genius guitar composing

[@EpicurusWasRight]

This is the best Nike commercial I've ever seen.

[@mesaboogie]

Ha! Genius.

[@Bones12x2]

I was literally thinking about buying new shoes for half the video.

[@Airtrooper719]

Now this tone and their playing is a match made in heaven.

[@xir8943]

It is the closest thing I have to listening to a TC song in an instrumental version, what a great day lml

[@coolbrando1]

Dat tone doe.

[@rickfeith6372]

What a magnificent tune these terrific young players made. Awesome mood and theme fellas... and MESA/Boogie guys, I can't forget about y'all...you did a spot on job as always with the production and those two amplifiers sound FANTASTIC together. Real real nice with the 212 cabs and twin mic setup.

[@TheVashnessItself99]

THIS IS SICK I've been wanting more content from these guys, they're pretty secluded

[@BTBAM819]

One of my favorite metal songs. I remember when they dropped this, I was in highschool back then. I had this song and album on repeat for a while

[@clunt2548]

Bro same, I came back to listen for that reason. Wish we could go back, 2017 was such a great year for guitar.

[@DMRCapitalHill]

I’m so proud to be an Ibanez User

[@mesaboogie]

Settings, signal chain and items in use (guitars, pedals, amps, cabs, mics, etc) is listed in the video's description above. Thanks for watching!

[@koc0090]

i see The Contortionist i hit like

[@binzianer]

Could watch these two dudes for ages

[@Human220dex]

1:04 when you automatically start to contort whilst listening to The Contortionist

[@r3ality1]

You can't hide talent. Damn.

[@justinTime077]

This is basically my dream setup. I’m ordering the tc-100 this week

[@kmgd4086]

This album is in my top metal albums of 2017 for sure. Great video, thanks.

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks for watching!

[@ayusharipirala3121]

Man if there was a playthrough of language 1 and 2

[@iamshevanel]

Robby did a play through of language 1 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6iwdoKeiMqefJo

[@HansAaraas]

Love it! I've seen these guys live a few times, and they're always great. Amps sound amazing too.

[@Bluemooism]

Awesome. This is my rig and my guitar and my favorite band. What a coincidence. Same exact guitar and mesa.

[@AcousticAdd1ct]

Freaking brilliant. The contortionist music is awesome

[@MJ-vd8bj]

Damn this is incredible

[@zappa66]

So absolutely awesome sounds.

[@mikeypeepee]

This album is so damn good! Every time I listen to it, I am blown away!

[@ANIKOLATRONIK]

Man this guys are awesome, such a sound.

[@YangJinHyun]

Please make more videos with them!!!

[@alexstormont7643]

These tone sessions are awesome

[@mesaboogie]

Thank you, Alex!

[@necrophagist00]

So sick! Intrinsic vibes. My favorite off this album

[@digitaltribalexpressionism5502]

I think it would be nice to have an instrumental version of Clairvoyant available as well It actually sounded pretty awesome without the vocals!

[@DiePixelkrieger]

it sounded SO weird :D

[@chrismontgomery8278]

Rip it from here. Done.

[@celestialalignment2569]

Got to love that Pat Metheny sig on Cam's strap

[@AladimGTR]

Sounds amazingly pleasing, as always with Mesa amps👍🏼🔥

[@deftones659]

I almost forgot to watch this today, lol.

[@kaysonclark1473]

Here is your friendly reminder to watch it again.

[@KRAPYBARA84]

I'll have what they're having (I'm talking about a huge helping of talent). Love this album

[@M4R10_]

TRULLY unique! Let me see your jobs dude! who are you ? from--> Sao Luis MA - Brazil

[@favioperalta6664]

Just AMAZING!

[@red240red2]

GOD its is so WELL THOUGHT OUT!

[@lailer1975]

Great tones, and chops!

[@ranatha]

beautiful tone

[@binzianer]

Gotta love these two dudes

[@camdensmallwood]

I wish it sounded this big on the album, this is a killer playthrough

[@greatchannelname]

took me a while to get into this album because it's a bit different from their others. i love it now, and this kind of stuff is why. great playing, great songs!

[@elvis_chen]

Amazing sounds!

[@kuringmundo]

man, that was a trip

[@timgittar]

Fantastic! I'll check out their album(s). Gorgeous tones all throughout.

[@ledzeppelin259]

I was drawn to Mesa as a guitar player due to the tonal range/quality of sounds and sheer power these things produce. I will say getting used to a Mesa E.Q is definitly a little different. But once you get things going, there's no stopping these things

[@OmniscientVirtuosity]

ledzeppelin259 Facts. Had mine over 15 years. Still wows me to this day

[@DerrickSchneider]

I love this... god dam

[@snapascrew]

I love these comments talking shit about these amps lol. You can’t deny that these amps sound awesome. If you’ve never actually owned a boogie it’s cool you don’t have to but don’t sit here and act like you don’t love the tone because the reality is a shit ton of records that YOU listen to have these amps on them.

[@petarpavasovic6333]

What are you talking about hahah? Dual Rectifier ended up on 70% of metal records since it came out. It has the best clean tone too.

[@writerdudeson]

Rectos clean is too muddy for my taste, the gain is amazing though. The TC has it beat on clean and it’s not close, it’s similar to the MarkV clean and I have that amp. The TC dirty is just as clean sounding as the dual, though the dual has a bit more beef to it. This is a great comparison of those both, I look for overall tone and flexibility of the amp.

[@ketwi]

love it !

[@ginobabino]

My buddy and I were literally standing right outside of The Catalyst and thought they were doing soundcheck. Awesome to see this instead.

[@mesaboogie]

Nice, Gino! :)

[@iamshevanel]

Purchased my dual rec from guitar center back in 2009....the only reason why i was looking through MB videos in early 2018 and boy....did I stumble upon one of my favorite bands. The contortionist are true masters of their craft. So thankful for this video and your products Mesa Boogie!

[@ericwysocki1659]

i love the contortionists use of the mesas! the distortion has just the right amount of break up in the signal.

[@rodrigomillan3861]

This is the sickest riff in the record 🤘🏻

[@andyp6169]

Easily My favourite song from the album. Great sound

[@turtletrashlicks1771]

Why am I hearing Mike's voice in my head? 😂

[@coltonmiller4930]

Samee

[@Genrywhat]

cuz you are the chosen one

[@andreamoriello1285]

Fantastic

[@MathiasManser]

finally a play through yay!!!

[@deathhockey19]

Wow, that pr30 and k47 combo sounded amazing!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks, Luke! :)

[@jesperbc]

This album is probably in my top 3 of album from 2017. Such an amazing record. Great playthrough, too, though it really breaks the illusion of a full playthrough when the pedals move around on the floor and are taken in and out of the signal chain. I've no doubt that these guys are playing this song each night on their current tour, without pausing to plug and unplug pedals from their signal chain... ;)

[@SadieScarlett]

midi?

[@mesaboogie]

Agreed on the top albums of 2017! :) This would have been created from one take except for the many people making deliveries to the club in the middle of the day and walking through the middle of the shot throughout the song. On multiple takes. Random beer delivery people walking through a playthrough might be more distracting than a few moving pedals... perhaps. It could be said that you are the 'breaker of the illusions', (of this video being one take, haha) but you are certainly a very astute observer of details. Cheers!

[@thomasslattery8993]

Trying to find the right words...This is ####ing awesome.

[@mesaboogie]

Many thanks, Thomas! :D

[@ferlottes]

magnifique !!! merveilleux !!!

[@borichnikofski2344]

Un fan des Expos !!! haha

[@ferlottes]

ouiiii !!! Vive Montréal !!!

[@simmeonsradiorock]

SICK!!!!

[@marouss107]

Awesome music there. Probably lot of fun to do as well!! I have a Mark V since 2 year and I absolutely love it. I had the chance to play a Dual Rec multi watt many times (and very loud) as a good friend of mine had one. I also have a JCM800 (2203, 1982) since 20 years and it's a beast, will never sell it... Where i'm going with this: Told my wife, I won't buy another amp because I can "range" so much stuff with these 2 amps already. But this TC-100, WOW!!! One of the more stupid thing I said in the last 10 years lol. Now I need a way to sell the idea to the wife to buy another 100w... Thanks MESA/Boogie to help keeping my couple just like my tone, hot as hell!! Cheeers!

[@DownTheHill3]

Palms was my go to for a while, but I simply can’t stop listening to this album, incredible work guys, when’s the next release? 👍

[@mesaboogie]

Many thanks, PA R. We sure hope to do more with these guys!

[@masonshucart7055]

I have that same guitar as Cam. Good choice buddy.

[@onanismextraordinaire9623]

Love that Pat Metheny guitar strap

[@temporarymomentary]

2:38 Thats some amazing power riff :)

[@abramkoucheki]

MORE. MUST. HAVE. MORE.

[@PresumedDead1986]

Karaoke version. Sick.

[@tingkagol]

I see Cam has the "Tosin thumb".

[@elvergudo3428]

I wish there was something like this for Exoplanet 1 thru 3

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

I wish they would of played 'Integration' instead. that Jazz Fusion jam hits me so hard.

[@rollpoze]

I absolutely know what you mean

[@ajadeleye4970]

Dope Pat Metheny strap

[@russell_the_love_muscle]

Contortionist forever

[@Rxbandit421]

Did Cameron get his guitar strap signed by pat matheny?? If so that’s amazing

[@darlyngton_nyc]

Pat Metheny signature strap

[@AlexrooXell]

the riff at 2:17 gets me everytime

[@theders8590]

The dude on the right is the “Oh My God” dude from that one movie with the trolls

[@VitrescentObelisk]

do elaborate

[@theders8590]

VitrescentObelisk kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqrSoZuPd7WSrZY

[@Dmeekification]

Troll 2😂 (👹goblins)

[@justinrogers746]

Oh my God, they're eating her. Then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!

[@VitrescentObelisk]

@@theders8590 I just rewatched this video randomly and saw this, completely forgetting I even commented before. I agree with your comment now btw

[@tonybaroneee]

Sick video! By the way, does anyone know what kind of Nike shoes does Cam has on? (the brown ones)

[@kevinpham8693]

Nike MD Runner

[@w1third]

I have a TC-50 1x12” but I’d love to have that compact cab to put under it

[@christopherjensenmusic4131]

i would froth an instrumental release of this album :)

[@steve2275]

1:01 1:08 i could listen to that all day long

[@brenthernandez6203]

1:56 I could listen to that all day. So beautiful

[@pensatorseven1898]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ellistorris]

The hate comments make no sense. These guys are amazing