The Behind The Scenes Guys

originally posted
at www.poodiemusic.com
on April 4/08

During the making of my album “2forty6”, I was fortunate to have my talented friends contribute to some of my tracks. During mixing and listening to the performances of Rick Boston, Fred Mandel, Eric Gotthelf, Paul Lacques, and Eddie Baytos,, I was struck by how much their interpretations had enriched the songs they touched. This was not as much a surprise as it was again a reminder of the importance of the “behind the scenes guys”. For many years, I myself was one of them performing as a studio and touring drummer for many talented artists. My musical journey found me in the company of Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, Janis Ian, The Beach Boys, Bo Diddley etc. Their impact upon me as human beings and musicians was and still is profound. These talented artists have merited the acknowledgement and respect they have received over the years,. Anything I might add about them would certainly be redundant. My experience with them will inspire me forever.

I want to take a moment to pay homage to the other “stars” that have graced the studios and the concert stages. The ones who have “backed up” the great artists elevating them to even greater heights. These players, engineers, songwriters, producers and vocalists deserve notice as well. They may be unkown to you, some you may have heard of, others have celebrity in their own right as soloists and artists. I have had the honour of working with them, and becoming friends with many of them. You may have heard their songs, their mixes, their performances and their productions on records and CD’s, in movies, on television, in concert, on radio and iPods. If you don’t know them, Google them, and add to your lexicon of music history.

I list these greats here in no particular order as they come to mind. My apologies if I’ve missed a few. You know who you are. You know where I live!.

Rick Boston, Eric Gotthelf, Jeff Berlin, Ian Gardiner,Rick Moors, Simeon Pilitch, Norm Fisher, Igor Romanyck, Jimmy Roberts, Chris Hall, Arvo Lepp, Eric “Hap” Roderman, Rob Piltch, Lenny Castro, Fred Mandel, Ed Cherney, Marc Jordan, John Capek, Laura Creamer, Alan Gordon, Arte Funaro, Ciro Baptista Ciari, Kevan Staples, Carole Pope, Paul Lacques, Mike Tempo, Phil Gough, King Cotton, Dusty Wakeman, Boo Bernstein, Shirley Eikhardt, Jack Price, Berton Averre, David Schwartz, The Porcaros, Jim Keltner,Terry Melcher,John Bavin,Stan Meisner. Lisa Dal Belo,Warren Pash,Jimmy Woods, Richard Wolf, David Malloy, Rocky Burnette, Billy Burnette, Craig Fall, Menno Froese, Gregory Marchant, Tad Wadhams, Bobby Lakind, Donny Gerard, Carl Graves, Debra Dobkin, Patrick Coutin, Tony Braunagle, Jerry Angel, Jean Pierre Morgand, Jean Marc Despert, Bruno Mylanos, Bertrand Beuf, Laurent Prado, Ted Hawke, Alain Perusini, Michel Kyriazopoulos, Kim Bullard, Nicolas Albingre, Larry Knight, Steve Hunter, Christophe Garreau and so many others.. Again, forgive me for any omissions.

Like a solid foundation they all steadfastly support the towering edifice called MUSIC. The only true universal language without barriers or discrimination. It touches all of us. It is the soundtrack of our lives. A jukebox of emotions and memories. Cruising with an iPod slaloming the speed bumps of life.. To all the artists and all the “behind the scenes” men and women who enrich the world we live in. Cheers and thank you.
Peace…..

The Solo Artist Syndrome

originally posted
at www.poodiemusic.com
on April 22/08

Late last night in my room working on a new tune. Sketching out the ideas on Logic. Great glass of wine next to me. Reaching for it I marvelled at the beautiful rich colour. A ruby prism illuminated by the ambient glow of candlelight. Next to a few obvious other activities, this is one of my favourites. Wine and song. I sit in silence next to my purring cat Mimi listening to the music on my trusty old Tannoys. Mimi's a tough critic and she's always right. During these early hours,with Lisa sleeping in the next room, the volume is just loud enough for me to hear relevant levels and the essence of the song. I don’t like the hype of elevated sound pressure levels to hammer a tune home to me. Amazing what you can hear at low volumes. I prefer mixing this way everything makes more sense. Less of the room and more of the music. I reserve 100db for our parties. Anyways, last night my mind drifted with the music. Soon, the music took a back seat to an unremarkable epiphany,but one none the less. I thought about my days as a studio drummer. I was very privileged to have spent my time with great artists,musicians,engineers and producers in studios that dreams are made of. Surrounded by the racks of equipment I would lose myself in uncontrollable gearlust.There was never a session that I didn’t daydream about having a studio of my own.That’s my point. My minor epiphany. Here I sit in my home, having completed my entire album “2forty6” with the exception of the mastering that I had done elsewhere. I reflected again on how jaded and fortunate I am. Fifteen years ago I would never have been able to afford the technological capabilities of what I can accomplish here in the comfort of my personal sanctuary, my own home studio.. I learn and relearn everyday on my own dime,my own time,my own schedule, about writing, engineering, producing, and making unbiased objective decisions predicated on “music first”-“ego last”. Nobody to tell me what they think I should do. Just me and my many multicoloured inter-changeable hats. It’s not easy managing and nurturing my new multi-disciplines,but I’m getting there. I drifted for a moment last night meditating on this paradigm shift in the writing and recording of music. I call the shots. I can work when inspired.The meter never ticks. I'm open for creative biz 24/7 I may not be recording on a Neve console with a cabinet full of Neumann and Telefunken mics and an arsenal of esoteric mic pres and compressors. But it is my room where I can play and constantly hone my craft as a self sufficient independent artist. I can make records here. For this I am grateful. For all of you out there in your own havens and sanctuaries, enjoy the freedom, the challenges and the autonomy of being part of the solo artist galaxy in an ever expanding musical universe that is transforming everyday.I guess my insight last night had more to do with artistic liberation than a syndrome. Like never before, we have so many affordable and incredible tools available to us.The only limit is the boundary of our imagination.Here’s to all of you out there in your bedrooms, garages, guest houses, rehearsal rooms, project studios:- rapping,playing,singing,strumming,screaming,writing beats,beating drums: it's all music it's all good! These are challenging and exciting times. Peace in '08 and beyond.

My Take On The World

originally posted at
www.poodiemusic.com
on April 24/08

I am a green carded Canadian living in America. I have lived here for many years and still see this country through "immigrant's eyes". Like anyone else who cares about our present situation, I have my views.I am comfortable voicing my perspective and opinions with my peers. When I venture out of my comfort zone,my universe,I am immediately struck by the divisive ambience of the world around me. It's not just political. The contentious atmosphere envelopes all things social,cultural,religious,economic and of course political.I have a philosophy that I call the "Ambient Politics of Life" (APOL). One can see political dynamics at work in our personal and business relationships, our philosophies,our emotions, almost anything that is part of the human condition. Having always been in the world of art and music I am confused,perplexed and frustrated by the situation here in America and the rest of the World.It seems as if artists live in a separate parallel universe! As an artist/painter,I have been involved in many group and solo art shows here in North America and in Europe. As an artist/musician I have performed on countless club and large venue stages,rehearsal studios,and recording studios. What I know for sure is that in these situations all political,religious,race and cultural differences are non existent. What unifies the fraternity of artists is freedom of expression and creation There are no barriers or discrimination, unless you suck,but that's fodder for another blog. The universal language of Art and Music is the common denominator that resonates within us not just as artists but as an audience as well. A true symbiotic state of harmony unless of course you are working with Ashlee Simpson. Just kidding, well,could be yet another blog! I know that the reference to Art and Music as the universal language has become a cliche. But as with all cliches and truisms, they are rooted in truths that we can all learn from. With all that being said,here is my take on the world situation rife with cliches and truisms. No matter what our political,religious or cultural roots are, we truly need to understand that we as human beings all share this planet.I'm not just talking about an awareness that we all physically have our feet on the same globe. We all share the same Nature and Environment. Anything we do and say has broader significance than some of us can only begin to imagine. Remember six degrees of separation? Until we can evolve to a state of Universal Awareness,we are doomed to continue the cycle of human error. Remember that stupidity is repeating the same action yet expecting a different outcome. We've been doing this since time immemorial and we're getting damn good at it. This in my estimation is the root cause of our problems-The Human Dilemma. Having lived abroad and in America,I know enough to understand that at least on these two continents this lack of universal awareness is prevalent. If humanity on it's own volition cannot arrive at this realization, then it should at minimum come from our world leaders or role models. In that light here's my take on our situation. We desperately need change. We need to be thinking peace and peaceful coexistence. Call me a hippy if you like, but for starters we need to stop using catch phrases like the War on Poverty,The War on Cancer,The War on Illiteracy,The War on Pollution ad nauseam. Maybe the War on Peace is next! Words are powerful! War-mongering initiated by the vehicle of fear has permeated our language and our country, our World!. Peace has become the abused neglected child. This country and many others need Universal leadership. I don't think any of the forerunners in the present campaigns have this quality. That being said, I think Obama with all of his baggage is for me the best candidate if only at a superficial level. McCain guarantees the continuation of the Bush quagmire. Hillary is a proponent of big business trying to magically reinvent herself and her corporate past. Obama at least in the jaundiced eyes of the rest of the world and it's negative view of America represents the symbol of change. He is young,he is intelligent,he is not Bush, he is black,he has an Arabic middle name. "Hussein", by the way for those who don't know, means "beautiful" or "beautiful child" in Arabic. Just what he would represent for America and the World, even at a symbolic level is a baby step in the right direction. Outside of that, as a human being and president, only time will tell. At least at a basic level, he might give us and the World enough breathing room to reflect on broader wide reaching Universal ideas that affect all of us. Maybe one tiny step closer to Universal Awareness and tapping in to what us artists have been privy to for a very,very long time-A Universal Language. No barriers. No discrimination. Maybe even tear out one page from the "Stupid Human Play Book". One can dream!.To be continued.

Peace for '08 and beyond!

Trent Reznor

originally posted at
www.poodiemusic.com
on May 6/08

Just downloaded Trent Reznor's new NIN album "The Slip" for free. I was struck by two things-the work of a prolific artist and how he has embraced the paradigm shift in the industry with alot of finesse and innovation. Some would say he's taking a "f__k you" stance spitting in the face that made him wealthy and is indirectly adversely affecting the biz structure and artists struggling to make a living. Yes, it can be argued when artists like Reznor or Radiohead "give it up for free", why would the public want to pay for new artists? Well, we can argue back and forth but the reality is that "free" is the new business model, atleast in music.It's like arguing about the validity or credibility of the internet. Being "old school" as I am, it's been a real haul getting my mind around the present state of the industry and it's ongoing metamorphosis that is changing the old model even as I write this blog. My conclusion? It's sink or swim. If one wants to continue in the industry today you have the choice of embracing and not complaining,or stepping aside hanging on to archaic concepts. Personally,as concerned as I am about our political,sociological, and economic state, I am at the same time,strangely excited about the possibilities available to artists of all disciplines. Problems and hard times can be accepted as just that or understood as opportunities. Opportunity to be resourceful. to reinvent in order to survive.I see the music industry as a microcosm of the world around us. Just like our world, it is in a state of turmoil. Old stubborn heads butting young rebellious ones Rather than blame the new technology and paradigm, the industry should be taking a real hard and honest look at itself. Time to wake up you biz execs! There's a new kid in town called "www" and we like the freedom and control he's giving us. You're gonna have to change before we come back home to you! Anyways, even if Reznor's "The Slip" falls a hair short of his "Pretty Hate Machine" and "The Downward Spiral", he more than makes up for it as he pioneers plowing his way through the morass of a stubborn industry in shambles being kept afloat by the new "Muzak" called American Idol and it's insipid parade of "industry safe" product! John Lennon wouldn't get any notice from these buffoons if he was trying to make it today.I mean c'mon, the loser Lennon couldn't dance and definitely was no "vocal gymnast" Sorry, I digressed! I look forward to Reznor's future work unencumbered by skull-bashing from guys in suits. The arenas will be packed with NIN fans who like myself downloaded the new album gratis. Get it? Give up something for something in return. Good luck to him and to all those open minded enough to find opportunity hiding in the debris. The world is changing all around us. If you don't like it, try to improve upon it or change it. I'm not aware of any monumental change being inspired by incessant whining unless there's some Newtonian Law that I'm not aware of.

Peace in '08 and beyond.

Oscar

originally posted at
www.poodiemusic.com
on May 15/08


There's a couple I know here in Los Angeles who I guess I can call patrons of mine. As artists we don't have bosses, we have patrons. Much more benign sounding word. I visited with them early this week on some creative business. At the end of the meeting, the husband asked if I wanted to view a ten minute documentary. Following him and his wife upstairs I wondered what I was about to watch. These are two quirky and creative people who have worked on many major films as set designers,builders and special effects artists. I knew that they had worked together on the two "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies and several other well known projects. Before starting the film, the husband asked if I knew that they had also worked on the "Titanic"? Not knowing this, I asked a few questions about the making of that film,especially the computer generated images of the Titanic itself. To my astonishment I learned that they constructed both a 700 foot and 40 foot long model! All of this, including the Southhampton port set and a production facility were built in Rosarita Mexico where the crew stayed for eleven months. What he was about to show me was a ten minute time lapse documentary of the making of this enormous set. It was produced by one of the production engineers as a memento for the crew.It was incredible. We talked for a few minutes longer and then went back downstairs where I was offered a drink. The husband excused himself while I continued to chat with his wife. He returned shortly without any drinks but instead had his hands behind his back. That was odd I thought, but rather than be impolite asking about the drinks he had forgotten, i continued speaking to his wife as he silently moved towards me. Standing next to me waiting for an appropriate pause in our conversation he finally asked "Would you like to hold something very few people have had the opportunity to?" I responded that "I'm not that kinda guy". As we all laughed he placed The Oscar in my hands. I was shocked by it's weight. I was even more shocked that I was holding the Oscar for one of the most profitable films of all time. I now understood when a woman wins, why she has to hold this statuette with two hands. I also immediately understood that I would never own this award. Tempted as I was to make an acceptance speech sobbing and blurting out an endless list of names, I fortunately accepted this temporary honour in silence. All I could finally muster up was a sophomoric "Wow!" I reluctantly returned the shining and weighty naked little man. How strange I thought that Hollywood had chosen a golden naked eunich over a well endowed female as it's icon to honour Hollywood's highest achievement Driving away I smiled to myself thinking that he was right. Very few people have had that opportunity.I ramped onto the freeway joining the rest of the real world ....peace

Memorial Day

originally posted at
www.poodiemusic.com
on May 25/2008


It's Memorial Day here in America and inasmuch as I promised my webmaster to keep my blog as politically innocuous as possible I am compelled to comment on this poignant day. My music, art and philosophy are lumped into an acronym I call "APOL", Ambient Politics Of Life. I believe all things human can be reduced to a political dynamic. Politics in it's simplest form can be just two diametrically opposed opinions. How one deals with this diversity of perspective affects the dynamic of personal and business relationships,philiosophy and obviously political leanings.

I just read a statement by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mr. Mullen, reminding members of the Military to avoid opining on things political This may have been a relevant request during World War Two, a War that many still call The Honourable War against a tyrant leading a country who truly posed an International Threat with an obvious plan for World Domination and Aryan Supremacy.His,(Mullen's) request is a ridiculous one with no relevance in light of the fact that this War(?) is entirely predicated on a Political/Corporate agenda! Who is the tyrant or the enemy here? Who is the country that posed an imminent threat to the US? Where is the conclusive evidence substantiating this alleged threat?

Memorial Day should be a day of Remembrance of fallen Heros who gallantly served in Honourable Wars supported by a government who rewards their unselfish loyalty and service!

Unfortunately Memorial Day today has become a sad reminder of many disturbing facts to all here in America who are willing to embrace the painful truth. No matter what one's political affiliations are,to anyone unencumbered by blinders, who have done their research,and who observe events around them with an unbiased intellect, it is more than obvious the word Honour (Honor) is not part of the equation regarding the War in Iraq, and certainly not a part of this present Administration!'s lexicon! "Honour and protect thy corporate profits at all costs" is the new credo!

For those of you who need to be reminded, we unjustly attacked a country that had no WMD, that posed no direct threat to us and had no relationship whatsoever to 9/11 ! Hussein himself was once the "Golden Boy" for the CIA. He was supported by the US in his war against Iran! Unfortunately for Bushco, there are too many photos of Rumsfeld et al cavorting with Hussein to deny this truth!

If you believe we were attacked by Al Quaida, then you also believe 15 out of the 19 terrorists were Saudi Nationals. Why then did we not attack that country? Google "Bush Bin Laden Saudi Royals" or any combo thereof to find inumerable well documented answers! Then look up and remember the word HUBRIS

I could go on and on ad infinitum but this is not the intent of my diatribe. When truth seekers of any political persuasion question "official findings", administration agendas the mainstream media etc.are labelled "wackos", "conspiracy theorists" or whatever other derogatory labels are affixed by the blindly loyal, we should all remember and mourn the death of TRUTH.

When very few if any here in America understand or even know what Habeas Corpus is and that it effectively has been killed by Bushco, we should all remember and mourn the death of FREEDOM!

When few if any know or even care that this unprovoked War was and still is a War for Profit and Gain that has taken the lives of over four thousand of our heros and countless tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens, we should all remember and mourn the death of the true meaning of the word HONOUR!

When we read the voluminous accounts about the neglect and mistreatment by Bushco of returning veterans that have without question paid the price for this unjust War, we should all mourn and remember the death of COMPASSION and DIGNITY!

While reading on a daily basis the open arrogance and disrespect of Bushco in it's blatant disregard for our judicial system as it ignores subpoena after subpoena from Congress,it's distorted interpretation of Executive Privilege,it's abundant breaches of privacy and freedom of speech, we should all remember and mourn the death of the CONSTITUTION!

We should all remember that this regime has killed the very Freedom that we are allegedly hated for around the World by abusing and misusing a Constitution that "they" have absolutely no respect for in a country that is no longer "by the people for the people"who have been ignored, eclipsed and crushed by the greed and avarice of the Almighty Corporate Agendas This and only this is the root cause of the deaths of our young heros. The others who are fortunate enough to make it home alive in need of psychological or physical care are tossed aside like unwanted refuse! We should all remember and mourn this Administration's proud birth of the horrid twins AMBIVALENCE and GREED!

Today is also a day to reflect on the victims of Katrina who still live in the debris of a once great city!We should all remember the death of the word PROMISE!

This Memorial Day should be a remembrance of a once great,much loved country that has fallen from grace!

"We The People" should not only pray for Peace,Integrity,Honour,Freedom and Compassion in '08 and beyond, we also need to be proactive in nurturing this ailing country back to health.!

We should all remember it is "Never Too Late" if we truly care!

The Phoenix can rise from the ashes!

peace..