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NEWS update December '08
NEW CD 'ENERGY' We're standing on the verge of a whole new beginning...no, not talking about the presidential election here, I'm talking about the 2nd most important thing going on- my EP 'Energy'! 'Energy' is a 7 song EP recorded over 3 months in the summer of '08. What is so exciting about this latest offering you ask? For one, it's the first record I've done under my own label, One Story Records. That doesn't necessarily make it any better for you to listen to...but it brings me great satisfaction to know that I can 'do it on my own!' I've posted the new tracks for your streaming pleasure, as well as the cover art and some photos from 'Energy.' Please take a look and a listen.
'Energy' was produced and mixed by a talented young man named Andre De Santanna. He's got music in his veins, and he helped bleed a few drops into every song on this collection. We were joined in the studio by some wonderful musicians: the rock solid Brazilian influenced drumming of Leo Costa, and the crazy-like-a- fox keys of Daniel K Man. We spent the better part of a week together, recording most of what would become 'Energy'. The vibe was loose but focused and resulted in a sound that is both organic and dynamic, and occasionally recalls an earlier musical era. The 'classic' sound you hear on certain tracks really wasn't pre-planned, it just sort of happened while we were in the studio. In fact, I think we could have gone even further in that direction if we'd had a little more time...
Another thing that made this project unique (for me at least) was the instrumentation. This is the first time I've really employed horns and strings extensively, and I couldn't have done it without all the great players and their fine performances. From the baritone sax and violins on 'Need a Friend' to the horn section and bowed bass on 'Descanso,' this record is rich with sonic goodness. The contributors are too numerous to mention here, but please check the album credits to see who played those tasty little tidbits!
I also want give special thanks to Eric Endo, who helped put the reggae in 'Overkill' (my tribute to the genius of Colin Hay and Bob Marley all rolled into one big spleef) and co-wrote 'Can't Wait till Tomorrow'- very coo bra.
THE EVOLUTION OF ENERGY
I remember sitting on the floor with my mom's records strewn about- Marvin Gaye, Gladys Night and the Pips, Stevie Wonder... and the seed was planted. They left an indelible mark on my imagination and led to a love affair with the music of the 50's and 60's. There was a time when I REALLY wanted to be Elvis Presley, and I felt the full effect of Beatle mania. No, I'm not THAT old, but I experienced all that great music just the same. And the reason I'm walking you down this old memory lane, is that I seem to have come full circle on some of my latest tracks... Songs such as Can't Wait Till Tomorrow and Need a Friend revisit some old school territory, but hopefully not in a completely derivative way.
I didn't set out to do a 'retro' record, but I wasn't paying attention to whatıs on the radio either. Hopefully you won't come away saying 'he's lost his way' after listening to Energy. On the contrary, I feel there's more harmony among the competing influences than ever- the soul bros hanging with the rockers, the folkies, pop/alternative, etc. Most importantly, I hope you hear something true, and it resonates with you. I think thatıs the sort of the purpose of music, no? Oh yeah, and bling, lots of BLING!!!
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Nov '07 Long Beach, CA
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