Wow, I can’t believe it’s May already and I haven’t blogged!! Well, here goes nothing.
I’ve finished a few nice projects this year so far. The latest one was a nice 4 song EP by long time client, David Wheeler, aka “The Wheel” (inside joke). Dave started working with me probably about 14-15 years ago. We’ve done tons of songwriter demos together and have worked with many great musicians. Smash cut to 2012 and Dave is making his debut as an actual artist! I feel very fortunate to be involved in his long career and wish him much success with his new endeavor. The music is acoustic based and has kind of a timeless, “organic” vibe. I’m playing guitar, bass, keyboards and adding backing vocals but Dave has also enlisted the services of some other great LA session pros. On latin percussion is Ronnie Gutierrez, supplying some great grooves using congas, bongs and a cajon (box drum). On female backing vocals is the fabulous Rachael Lynn. David Wheeler should do very well with this project so keep your ears and eyes open for him!
It’s all about the clients
Golana, aka Scott Cunningham, is finishing up his 9th CD of native american flute music with me!!! I think we started working together back in 98” or so. He’s signed to Spring Hill Records and can be heard internationally and on Sirus Satellite radio. I imagine the new CD with be out before the end of year so look for it everywhere!
Earlier in the year I finished a huge country music project with veteran songwriter, Dolores Marantz. Dolores enlisted the vocal talents of Randy Crenshaw and Teresa James on some great country songs with your’s truly suppling all the backing tracks. I even played my new square neck dobro and lap steel which was a blast!
(Below: Randy Crenshaw and Teresa James)
Cal Curtis
Veteran songwriter, Cal Curtis, came in to lay down tracks for a new country song he wrote. Cal wrote the mega hit song “Second Chance” that was recorded by 38 Special. This song has been played over 1 million times on the radio! I did my thing and played guitar, bass, keys and drums while Cal handled the vocals.
The award for the client that has to have been with me the longest goes to……Cindy Lora….OK, well, this isn’t Cindy, but, Rob Golisch started with me right after I opened my doors to my last studio. So, that deserves some recognition. I’m going to guess it’s been about 15 years or so. Anyway, Rob came in recently and brought in his very talented granddaughter, Vanessa. Vanessa has a great voice, kind of in the vein of Taylor Swift. She sang a Bob Dylan remake that Miley Cyrus covered. I covered the cover by recreating it. Confused yet? I hope to see Vanessa and Rob back in here in the not too distant future. Check out the little slide show below.
A big welcome goes out to new client, Charles Meeks! Charles is a bassist, vocalist and a songwriter who is best known for his work with legend, Chuck Mangione. Charles played bass and toured with Chuck. In fact, it’s very likely you’ve heard him on the mega hit, “Feels so Good”. I’ll be playing guitar on this project and look forward to working with Charles and his family so stay tuned.
I have some new “babies” here at the studio. One is a very cool new Charvel “Wildcard” guitar complete with Floyd Rose and tiger stripped maple finish. I’m having a lot of fun playing that guy. I’ve also been studying square neck dobro and am playing a very nice Goldtone. That in turn has made me play more lap steel guitar. I love learning new things, especially when I can use them on my productions.
Yes, I’m insaneAnd finally, here’s a song I wrote for the Adam Carolla podcast. I took an old rant Adam did back from a 2005 Love Line broadcast, chopped it up and made it into a song. Instead of Autotune I’m using Melodyne software to make him sound like he’s hitting certain pitches. I’m playing all the instruments and singing backing vocals. Enjoy!
