Hey Soul Mates, just a short plug for a friend and esteemed colleague who has finished a major new work. Check out the website for the details of his new short film "Hand To Hand." The filmmaker is a visionary and a new voice to be reckoned with. I personally cannot wait to experience "Hand To Hand" on the big screen. I guarantee we'll be hearing more and bigger things from him.
Love, Power, Peace
And register to vote. I just re-upped after an address change. Now that's power.
Say What!? Sessions Update #2
Thanks for the positive energy everyone. With all of those good vibes heading this way the recording sessions have been a smash. Today we were back at Smartso digital working on our new sessions. Let me tell you,
it's also a joy working with a producer who is nuturing and creative. Richard Bosworth's energy is perpetually positive. He's challenging, though, and makes me work to achieve some really great results. Our primary focus today was "Excommunication." I know what you are thinking: shouldn't that song have been completed before they shot the music video? Well, sometimes up is down and out is in. When it comes to art, there's little logic. The song came together nicely and I've been listening to the rough mix non-stop. I think you are really going to enjoy dancing and singing along to this one.
The vocal tracking went very well. I managed to keep my voice intact for the whole day. Lots of tea & honey and a handmade wool scarf (Yes, even in 80 degree heat in LA, the throat can always use a little more protection). There was a lot of multi-tracking, doubling and harmonizing. The harmonies were fun and Richard really tested my ability to come up with new harmonies and background vocals. When you hear the song the energy is superb and there are some really cool things in the vocals that you may or may not notice. But they are there.
Then in another burst, Richard suggested that I add a keyboard part. It was very cool playing a real Hammond B3 organ. For those who don't know, the Hammond is the kind of churchy, Booker T, Stax sounding piano. After a couple of test runs, Richard let the tape roll and I attacked the keys. Lots of glissandos and a whomping Leslie sound. Unfortunately, the Hammond was just for texture; no piano solos, sorry.
I would estimate that we are 60% there for these sessions. We have to lay down vocals for "Majestic Rejection" and do a few edits and re-takes on "Fall Out" & "Saffron Dancer."
Have a great weekend everyone. Check out some new pix on the website from the film shoot.
Don't forget to add some music to your day.
Love, Power, Peace
First Nighter
Hey Soul Mates,
I don't normally have to be a first-nighter or buy something the day it arrives in stores. But, today was like Christmas in August. All 3 of Prince's theatrical films for Warner Bros. were released today. Graffiti Bridge was probably unnecessary, but the other two: Purple Rain and Under The Cherry Moon rank among my favorite films of all time. They influenced the way I viewed music/performance and the possibilities of having dreams and making them come true. Hard to believe it's the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain. I can remember going to see it with my older brother, Nate in East Lansing. Nice to sneak into an R rated movie. Of course, the musical numbers are what stay with you and what holds up to time (no pun intended).
Under The Cherry Moon is an indulgence, a guilty pleasure. I think my old DC posse and I could recite the entire thing from "Once upon a time in France" to "Nope, I'm throwing you out onto the Miami streets!"
In website news, I got Dennis' pix from the film shoot. So those will be posted on the site soon.
In recording news, we are at Smartso on Saturday. Wish us luck.
Love, Power, Peace.
