Studio News December 2010

Big news this month in the “new gear” department. I just got.....a new hip! That’s right, apparently I had the hip of an 80 year old so I decided to get it replaced. Ouch...I’m laid up at the moment but plan to be back in action very soon so as to finish up a few CD projects.

Fresh for the holidays is the hot new single, “Heavy Santa”, featuring the debut of “D Wax”....OK, it’s actually me ;-) Ever wonder what would happen if Weird Al, The Beastie Boys, Jack Black and Warrant wrote a song together?? Well, wonder no more and go to Itunes to download your copy today! All profits go towards Toys for Tots. BTW, that’s me doing EVERYTHING on this track. Enjoy!



Playing on the Porch” is now available on Itunes. This CD features myself and my parents (mostly my Dad) singing some classic folk songs. I’ve been recording my Dad (who is now 75) for the past few years during his visits from Ohio and gave this to him last year as a surprise gift. Now you too can enjoy some great songs done extremely well by one of Ohio’s best kept secrets!


In November I did a long distance collaboration with Elisa Lynee. I did the music track for her new single “Fly Free Butterfly Fly Free” here in Los Angeles and Elisa did her vocals back home, in Boston, Mass. I then added her completed vocals into the music, mixed and mastered it and now it’s on Itunes! This song was written to help raise money and awareness for Lupus. All profits go to the Lupus foundation so please download a copy today and help support a worthy cause.


James Oscar Lloyd has a new CD entitled “9” which features 5 songs produced by DBW. I’m playing guitars, bass and keyboards and Steven Chamberlin is playing live drums. The songs are on the heavier/grungier side and I got to tear it up on guitar on a few of them which was a total blast! The other 4 songs on the CD were produced by another producer in San Diego. James is stationed up near Seattle so did all his vocals up there in his home studio and then did the mixing himself (with the exception of the drum mixing, which I did prior). You can get the CD at Itunes right now!


Guitar legend, Charlie Brown, has a new CD out and features himself on guitars, bass, harmonica and vocals and me on drums, backing vocals, keyboards and percussion. Charlie was at one time a very busy New York City session musician and has recorded with everybody from Barbara Streisand to James Brown! I feel very honored to be able to work with such a musical luminary. This CD features some very cool blues/country covers as well as some nice originals. Charlie’s guitar playing, singing and harmonica playing are all top notch. We’re even starting on a new solo CD this week so look for yet another CD by Charlie in 2011.





Jon Wittenberg has a new single, “How Does a Cowboy Retire” available at Itunes and CD Baby. He tracked it up in his studio in San Francisco and I mixed and mastered it. Jon and I did a full CD last year here before he moved to the bay area.

Cindy and Gary Renard’s new CD: I’m finished mixing and mastering this 9 song CD by loooonnnngggg time client (and friend) Cindy Lora-Renard and husband Gary Renard.

Richard Burr has 2 new CDs! I just got these yesterday (New Years Eve). Richard has one new music CD called “Avenue 256” which I produced in the alternative country vein. This marks our 3rd full length CD together! He also has a new meditation CD (his 2nd recorded at DBW) out now called “In This Moment” available at www.richardburr.com. Congrats Richard.

Carmine Palmieri CD: I’m currently finishing 11 songs with Carmine. With this project I’m adding guitars and additional programming along with tons of backing vocals. On one song I think I have around 15 tracks of just Dave singing. I think this will be all mixed and mastered (by me) within the first part of January.

OK, I did get some new music gear(as we all know that’s more of a priority for me). I now have the new Pro Tools 9. That means more tracks and other “pro” features that have been missing in the LE version of pro tools. I’ll spare you the geeky details but if you’re interested you can read about it at avid.com. I also got this cool new plugin made by Slate Digital called “virtual console collection” or “VCC”. This plugin emulates some classic mixing consoles such as SSL, API, Trident and Neve and makes my tracks sound like they’re going through one of these boards. This is kind of subtle but is definitely doing something very nice to my mixes. I think the low end is tighter and the imaging and clarity is a little better. I like it a lot! My 2nd new virtual plug in is called the Studer A800 by Universal Audio. This models and actual 24 track Studer tape machine and imparts a certain analog warmth to my tracks. Also very cool and “magical” sounding.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season and i look forward to making some great music with YOU in 2011!

Studio News November 2, 2010

Long time clients, “The Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh” are finally back in the studio recording their much anticipated follow up CD to the very successful “Ready for the Storm” album which came out around 6 years ago. I hope to have this sucker out and available by St. Patties day! So far we have around 9 songs started so that’s great.

We just did drums to 3 songs with new client Paul Caroul. Paul has an amazing voice and the songs are very cool “classic/contemporary” rock tunes. One song has a very Queen vibe to it. I’m looking forward to producing these suckers, should be fun.

Finally, Cindy and Gary Renard are putting the wraps on a 9 song CD. Cindy did 2 CDs with my last year. This CD features mostly cover songs with Cindy and Gary both singing, and Gary playing acoustic guitar. I’m filling in on various other guitars and bass and drum and keyboard stuff and Cindy is playing keyboards as well. You should be able to buy this by the first quarter of 2011.

That’s it! I hope everyone has a great holiday season and I look forward to meeting some of you soon. Let’s Rock!

-Dave

Studio News September 3

Things have been busy over the summer at DBW Productions recording studio Los Angeles! I’ve just finished recording, mixing AND mastering Charlie Brown’s new CD. Charlie is guitar veteran from the New York studio scene and has played with “everybody” from James Brown to Barbara Streisand! I helped him produce his new CD and added drums, keyboards and backing vocals. It was a lot of fun. The CD is on the bluesy side and features 12 songs from various songwriters. I’ll be helping him finish the product by doing graphics and getting the CD replicated.

I’m proud to announce the completion and availability of Chris Blake’s new EP, “Girl”, which is out now at itunes. This is Chris’s 3rd project here at DBW Productions music recording studio Los Angeles!! Chris is singing and playing acoustic guitar and I’m playing guitars, bass, keys, drums sax and backing vocals. I think Chris has the coolest voice and has some fantastic ideas. Check it out NOW!

Golana’s new CD, “Hymns”, is done and in my hot little hands. This is our 7th CD together!!! Golana is signed to Springhill Records and plays the Native flute along with some traditional flutes. The CD features other musicians such as Cameron Stone on cello and grammy winning violinist, Charlie Bisharat. I’m doing the arranging and am playing piano and keyboards and guitar. I imagine the CD should be available soon via Springhill’s web site and Golan’s site.

Richard Burr has a new CD waiting in the wings that is now mastered and should be out soon for public consumption. This will be our 3rd CD together and features Richard on vocals and drums. He’s even playing guitar on one track! I’m playing guitars, keyboards, backing vocals and am doing my producing thing. Teresa James is also doing some great backing vocal work. The CD is in the alternative country vein and has some very cool stuff on it!

And finally, I just got done doing another demo for Minnesota songwriter, Ott Lukk. This is my 4th demo for Ott and is done long distance. I had the talented Patty Mattson on vocals again for this one. It’s always fun working with Patty as she does a great job and takes direction very well. Ott was pleased with the result and I look forward to doing many more songs for him in the future!

I’d like to welcome a very talented new (and young) singer to DBW by the name of Caprice Seta. We did one track this week and are scheduled to start working on an original project soon. Caprice has a great voice in the vein of Alicia Keys. Great stuff.


New gear keeps coming in even though I swear that I don’t “need” anything ;-) I just got 2 new big lcd monitors to help with my recording experience. These babie’s are 27 inches and will take the place of my aging dual 19 inch monitors. I know, who cares (besides me). In the process of installing them I weeded out a ton of unused cables and made my studio a little nicer. I also just upgraded my huge sound library with yet more sounds. I have the latest version of Native Instruments Komplete 7 which has well over 30 gigs of new sounds and improvements. I can’t wait to use them. I’m also now offering harmonica on tracks as I’ve been studying the harp for a few months now and feel fairly confident in adding it into my productions! I even have a cool sounding/looking harp mic that I use to play through one of my many guitar amps with. My final gear/geek note is that I’ve been running Logic 9.1.1 in 64 bit mode successfully now for many months and it’s working fantastically!!! In english please Dave.....OK, that means that I can run a ton of virtual instruments within Logic now and make even cooler productions than ever before!

Not exactly studio news but I thought worth mentioning. My long time client of around 13 years, Dave Newquist, tied the knot last month. He married his long time girlfriend, Tricia, out in Canyon Country at a private secluded (and beautiful) location. I was lucky to be there for the event. In preparation for the wedding Dave recorded 3 songs with me that were used during the ceremony. I felt “instrumental” in the wedding so to speak. Congrats Dave and Tricia and may you have a long and happy life together!

That’s it. I hope everyone is rocking out and making good music. I’d love to meet you and work on your next project. Don’t forget that I’m offering a 20% discount on your first session at DBW. See ya soon.

Aid Still Required

Long time DBW client and founder of Aid Still Required , Hunter Payne, has released a new CD. This CD is part of his and wife Andrea’s fight to help raise money for Tsunami, Darfur and Hurricane Katrina victims (to name a few). In addition to Hunter’s song (which I co-produced and mixed) the CD also features many big artists including: Paul McCarthy, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Maroon 5, John Lennon, Avril Lavigne, Shawn Colvin, Phantom Planet, Ani DiFranco, Beth Nielson Chapman, Ray Charles, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. Please pick up a copy and help these folks that still require your help.

Studio News May 29

The Wheel keeps on turning

Yesterday I saw one of my long time clients, Dave Wheeler. Dave started back with me over 10 years ago, when I was located in Encino. Ah, those were the days. Using ADATs and having limited equipment. At that point Dave was writing songs and having other people sing them. People such as studio legend, Windy Wagner (who is now doing music for the show, Glee). Flash forward to 2010 and Dave has now completed 6 songs for his debut CD featuring himself as the lead vocalist! I’m so happy to see him tearing it up on the mic. He sounds truly amazing! The songs have a modern rock flare with a tip of the hat to Daltry and Maroon 5. I’m producing and doing all the music tracks and Dave is singing most of the vocals (I’m doing a little backup here or there).

7 CDs (so far)

In other news, another long time client of over 10 years, Golana is going into mastering next week after us completing mixes on his 7th CD at DBW! Golana is a native american flutist and is signed to Spring Hill Records. This CD is a compilation of old hymns done as only Golana could do them. The CD features myself on song arrangements, guitar and keyboards. It also features grammy award winning violinist, Charlie Bisharat and the awesome cello playing of Cameron Stone. Look for it out and available by the fall of 2010.

Chris Blake is wrapping up his 3rd project at DBW. It’s another EP. So far he’s done one CD and one other EP. Chris is exceptional and has a very modern sound and very cool voice.

New Clients!

This week I wrapped up a 3 song ep for my new client Glen Guldbeck. Glen came in for 3 hours and layed down the foundation to 3 songs (guitar and vocal) and did my thing by filling in the blanks with drums, bass, guitars, keyboards and backing vocals. They turned out great and Glen is thrilled. I also completed a single release for yet another new client, Henry Valle. It’s a spanish song just in time for father’s day entitled “Donde Estas Papa?”. Henry played guitar and sang and I played additional flurishy nylon guitar, bass, keyboards and directed Henry on his harmonies. I’m excited to be working with both these guys and hope that both of them continue to record and put out some great stuff.

Studio News May 12

Studio legend, Charlie Brown is Back!

Studio guitar wiz and legend, Charlie Brown, has been back in the studio. He did a CD with Katherin King Segal a few years ago here but is now recording solo (with my help ;-) and compiling a bunch of Karaoke tracks for live performance purposes. I think we have 12 songs down and will crank out a few more next week. Charlie will be making his debut as as solo performer May 22 at Casa De Carlos in Woodland Hills. I’m also mixing a few new tracks for Paul McCallum’s jazz project. Paul is an awesome guitarist and, as a bonus, has some beautiful guitars. Paul just won 1rst place at the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle constest in the advanced mandolin category. Dave Wheeler, who’ve I’ve been working with for over 10 years, is finishing some great modern rock tracks ala. Chris Daltry style. Dave sounds simply amazing and his song writing is better than ever! I’d also like to welcome another new client (the 2nd one this month!), Israel Valle who hales from the Long Beach area. Israel has a great voice and does some really great latin guitar/vocal stuff. I’ll be doing my thing with adding some additional production work on guitar and other instruments. I look forward to doing many songs with Israel.

Welcome Glen Guldbeck

Glen Guldbeck is awesome!

Yesterday was a great day. I started working with a great new client, Glen Guldbeck, on an original project. Glen actually was only planning on doing a short cover song CD for the purposes of getting gigs, but, after recording his first song (which was an original) and hearing me “do my thing” he was inspired to lay 2 other originals down. I’m now going to do a little production work on these gems. Glen is a great guitar player and has an amazing voice. I an truly honored to work with him. Watch the video to see Glen in action.

New CDs!

I’m proud to announce 2 new CDs out this month. The first is Laura Browne Sorenson’s debut CD. Laura is a member of “the Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh” (that I’ve also produced), and is a very very talented singer/songwriter. She got a song placed on the show “Army Wives” last year. In fact, it was the very first song we recorded together. Now you can get that song plus many other’s on “Marilyn Drive”, available on Amazon.com.

The 2nd CD is jazz group, “The Paul Weitz Trio” with Paul Weitz (guitar), Matt Duffy(drums) and Matt Van Benschoten(upright electric bass). Paul has been playing around for ages but this is his first “real” CD! He’s also currently working on a new CD due out by Christmas of 2010 with vocalist Rachel Sorsa Khoury. You can get Paul’s CD at CD Baby now.

New Web Site

Well, I’ve been frantically working the past couple of weeks on designing a new website. It’s not done yet but is coming together nicely so I decided to “go live” while I finish things up. I hope you find it clean and easy to navigate and find some good information here. I’ve included a FAQ page to help you with your common questions and concerns. I’ve also greatly updated the Media section with some new videos and tons of new pictures. I plan on being way more active with keeping that section updated. Especially with video footage of actual sessions. That’s always difficult as I’m usually “working” so can’t walk around filming people every 5 minutes (but, I’ll try)! Finally, the blog page is brand new. Here is where you’ll find out who’s recording, what new cds are coming out and any other cool info I can think of! Enjoy.