In addition to his impressive 25+ year career as an engineer, producer and studio owner, Hal Winer has tremendous credibility for staying true to his vision and persevering at times when the odds were against him.  In the late 90's, when practically every major recording studio from coast to coast was collapsing in the wake of relentless technological advances and increasing overhead, Hal decided it was the perfect time to build one of the finest recording facilities in the world.  This venture required overcoming challenges that sometimes defied common sense, however, that is what Hal does.  Hal has earned the respect of musicians, colleagues and nay-sayers galore for his tangible accomplishments, not empty posturing or misguided notions – the truest measure of a person’s integrity, trustworthiness and expertise.  I have no doubt that Hal’s next venture will push the envelope yet again and set a new standard for the music business.

To my good fortune, I met Hal Winer several months before his relocation to southern California. Hal Winer inhabits his proud corner of the music recording industry not as a fixture, but as a surprising variable. Hal’s keen musical ear, his ability to read and follow the written score make him initially a friend of any recording musician, but it’s his affection for bended notes and dissonant harmonies, odd cadence, and the unpredictable ride with those of us who dare to make a lasting, joyful noise that win for him complete trust.

Two years ago we recorded our debut CD at BiCoastal Music.  We cannot say enough about Hal Winer.  Rarely in this business do you fine someone who has the combination of expertise AND personality that Hal Winer possesses.  Hal has the awareness to know what is at stake when making a record, and immediately creates a warm and comfortable vibe.  That is something that cannot be overestimated.  His facility was 1st rate in every way, but it was Hal himself that really made it comfortable.  When it came time to get down to business at hand, not only was he quickly able to get beautiful sounds, but he also has outstanding ears and musical instincts.  Always diplomatic in his suggestions, but always right on the mark.  Our only complaint is that he moved to the west coast ! As for the CD, "Carter Calvert & the Roger Cohen Trio," it spent over 4 weeks on the CMJ National Jazz radio chart peaking at #13.  In addition, the CD enjoyed the #2 slot on the Top Jazz Adds Chart, including Top 10 Station charts in over 26 markets across the US and Canada.  It also garnered rave reviews from sources as prestigious as Jazz Times.  Considering that this was a self produced and independently release CD, that also speaks for Hal Winer's work.

I've known Hal for several years, and have been closely associated with his former recording studio in New York.  Hal is an enterprising and creative entrepreneur and recording engineer.   I worked on multiple projects at BiCoastal Music and I would have to say that this was one of the best sounding and feeling rooms in the NY area for recording live music.  Hal engineered many of these projects.  I always came away feeling like it was a wonderful experience.   Hal and company are a total groove to work with !  I can't say enough good things about Hal Winer.  He is a stand-up guy who stands by his word.  I will always be a client.

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with producer/engineer/studio owner Hal Winer for over a decade.  Many of my clients, past and present, have also had the pleasure of working at his studio including Phil Ramone, Mick Guzauski, Kevin Killen and Jay Newland.   Mr. Winer is well-known and, better yet, well respected for being conscientious, reliable and brilliant in his unique ability to create an enviable environment for recording.  His former upstate New York facility, BiCoastal Music, was a perfect example of a studio that was both a great recording space as well as a warm and inviting room to create and record sensational music.  The diverse array of professionals I've spoken to have all felt it was one of the finer rooms they had ever worked in !   As to Mr. Winer's character, it is simply impeccable.  In addition to knowing and working with him as a professional, I have had the absolute joy of knowing Hal and his late dad on a social basis.  Out time together ranks as some of the most warm and memorable moments in my life.  In closing, you couldn't ask for a finer person to do business with.  New York's loss is California's massive gain.

Hal Winer has got something so special going on. I wish I had discovered him three or four CD's ago. There is efficiency built into every aspect of his work, artistically it all came together for me. A great experience from the moment we met!

Dear Hal, Thank you for helping us to be able to work with you in your gorgeous space. The work you have done to create it - the love, the sweat and the passion and expertise - is infused into the vibe. It's an ideal place to create and capture sound. You think that ETHEL lights up your studio and I say you and your studio light us up!! The more we played in the room the more relaxed and inspired we became. Having that kind of support is a bit new to us and quite an adjustment. It allows the group to explore a lighter and more subtle way of playing which has been a pet peeve of mine. You've created a monster- a little like seeing what it's like to play on a Strad, having made do with what you have and saying "it's ok!, I can make this work!" Now that you've introduced us to the Strad we sure do appreciate you working with us !!!!

My idea of amazing: the gear works, the engineer has great ears, skills, and can work quickly. I like the recording process to be as invisible as possible so everyone can concentrate on their job without delays or extraneous conversation. Hal Winer has engineered many of our sessions -- he has huge ears, and a high degree of integrity. He seems to only want one thing which is to make everyone involved happy, comfortable, and leave with the knowledge that the work sounds as good as it can, and he works endlessly to get it great. Consider me a very happy customer.

I have been a studio and touring bassist as well as music producer and composer for the past 40 years and as such, I've had the opportunity to work with countless engineers worldwide.  A few years ago I was hired to play on a project that was being recorded at a gem of a studio in Ossining, NY called BiCoastal Music, owned and operated by my good friend Hal Winer.  To say I was impressed with Hal and his studio is a serious understatement.  Every detail of the studio was lovingly designed and maintained, from the equipment  to the sound treatments and instruments.  The sound in the studio was outstanding and the whole recording process was enhanced by Hal's legendary engineering and Pro Tools skills.  I was greatly disappointed when he decided to move to LA, because not only did I loose a good friend, but my favorite studio as well.   I look forward to getting out to LA at some point and cutting some tracks !!!