I don’t want to go too in depth on this one - as I have been posting quite a few blogs lately - but I did want to take a second and introduce you all to songwriter/vocalist Brian Owens. Several months ago I did a chunk of session work with Brian and his band working on what would grow into and EP format release entitled
"The Cole Sessions". At the time of tracking - Brian’s wife was in the last stages of pregnancy with their first born son, Cole. I’ll tell you - the two best things about the "The Cole Sessions’ were listening to Brian sing -- and likewise witnessing Brian’s excitement about the pregnancy, fatherhood and getting to finally meet Cole.
Of all the tunes we worked on, I was most touched by the track entitled ‘Cole’s Song". A sort of Lanois-ish tune, ‘Cole Song’ is more or less, and open letter from Brian to his unborn son, Cole. The song is beautifully touching and features Brian on vocals, Eric Warren on stand-up bass, Mark Colenberg and me on guitars. I've added 'Cole's Song' to my player -- please give a listen and let me know what you think. Brian is a truly gifted writer and vocalist - please visit his page for information on point of sale. Thanks for reading, all. Have a good weekend.
J.
Monday morning.
Over the weekend I assembled masters and completed file back-ups for a great band - Brothers Lazaroff. Although I don't yet know the title of the record, I expect the tracks to hit mastering and replication shortly. The recordings feature fantastic collaborative songwriting by brothers Jeff Lazaroff (St. Louis, MO) and David Lazaroff (Austin, TX) as well as outstanding supporting roles from Austin based bassist Lindsey Greene and Austin's own pedal steel guru Gary Newcomb.
This record was a real treat to work mainly because it is so divergent from my usual recording experience. The recordings were completed (for the most part) during two, two day sessions and were cut for the most part, live. For those of you know most of my work as being calculated and clean - this record is definitely more 'in the moment' and in a totally different direction. The mixing of the record took similar shape, really keeping things minimal and true to the tracking ... no editing - no BS.
Anyhow, I'll keep you all posted as to the release date - for now, check out the folks referenced in this blog. Thanks, all.
J.
R. Scott Bryan. Man. Myth. Legend.
I mentioned several months ago that I've been working on a new recording for singer/songwriter and all around 'I can play anything-er' R. Scott Bryan. Fact, I think I remember even telling you that the 'R' in his name stands for Roy. I did tell you that didn't I?
I wanted to give you all an update on the recording as we actually have audio for your review posted and available for you listening pleasure. At this point in time, the record is about 76.4% done with five tunes tracked, mixed and released in a promotional EP format. We have several other tunes heavily under construction - which should be all wrapped up shortly.
A few days ago - Scott calls me bustling with excitement about a new tune fresh off the press. The tune is entitled 'It's Your Life'. A song about taking life as it comes - accepting all things; Life's blessings and hardships. It's an interesting tune in that the arrangement and recording of the song thus far has been very stark and simple - very dark in moments with subtle lift in others.
I digress.
I'd love for you to take the time to listen to some of the new record. Tho I have a few tunes on my myspace and facebook pages, you'd be better served by visiting Scott here.
For those of you that know me, you've heard me talk about and might have even heard snipets or rough mixes of my work with artist Amy Petty. For those of you that don't know me and are snooping around my page reading my blogs, you should know artist Amy Petty. Really, you should. Amy's songwriting and voice are truly stunning and a 'must listen' in my book.
I worked on 'Mystery Keeps You' for about 5 or 6 weeks in total. However given that Amy hails from the east coast, our work together tho concentrated, spanned the course a year. Final mixes were completed early summer 2008, mastered by mastering engineer M. Brad Sarno and released on the east coast mid-July. Release dates for the mid-west are slated for early fall.
And get this - not only is this record special because it was made with so many special people (except Joe Meyer, he's a totally different kind of special) 'Mystery Keeps You' is ultra special in that it represents the second release for Red Pill Entertainment - an indie label focused creating ethically driven, creative partnerships with musicians.
The record will be available for download very, very soon on CD baby, iTunes and all the other usual download places. Here's the catch, tho - in order to keep making great records, we have to sell lots of them. If you are interested in grabbing a copy or two, or three - send me an email. If you're good I could even get your copy autographed. Thanks for reading - and thanks in advance for supporting independent music.
J.
