world phats - mix/master advice?

[spherop]

I'm finishing up an album project - first project in many years for me. I need advice on the mixing and recommendations for mastering.

The project incorporates diverse elements - jazz-world-hiphop aesthetics. Some elements are recorded live - some are from the digital domain. All was recorded by myself in my humble home setup. Please check out the mp3 clips (2 parts of the one track from 9 on the album) in this message and the next one. I know the audio elements may not have the greatest fidelity - but my goal is simply to get the most of this track and others. To learn and develop my process for the future. I am finalizing mixes now. I want to warmify-fatify-brighten and glue - etc. But is the track as you hear it ready for mastering or needing more mixing. I am all ears.

Any recommendations/tips/feedback on the mix - and where to master/what type of mastering house - most welcome and appreciated.

[spherop]

also - am located in San Francisco. Budget is there for quality mastering - if the results can be dramatic.

[NeoVXR]

wonderful music!
from a listener's perspective, I would expect these sax and clarinet type solo instruments somewhat brighter.
I understand you don't want a "jazz" sound, but still some center/upper midrange (broader) and a certain presence band (narrower) could be enhanced a little bit. or you could put down the lower mids somewhat.
mastering should be very subtle..

when you say home setup, are you sure your low bass monitoring is precise enough? you have much bass in the mix and the music needs a good low end. if nothing else is possible, you can get some of these super-bass headphones like K-55, a real dog for 30 bucks (beware the metallic highs), or a DJ model. together with good reference CDs it might add some extra judgement.

another thing: what is seen more like traditional but means pop in the oriental countries, turns into world music and eclectic thing in the west. if your musicians talk about "more phat effects" and bells and whistles, this is a pop approach and needs to consider very consciously where and how far to go.

but don't let this disturb you, I am not the pro here.
good success!