User Shorty Patent Co – Depart So Slow
Depart So Slow was recorded at Hobbitville in the Fall of 2004. This was the first album I recorded on. The music is written and sung by Scott Taylor (w/rhythm guitar and FX), me on bass, Scott Tournet on lead guitar, Grace Potter on organ and keys, and Matt Burr on drums. It was recorded live with no overdubs.
“Soon Enough”
“Lonely No More”
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – Nothing But The Water
This is the first album I recorded on with GPN, and the first official Grace Potter and the Nocturnals record. At this point I had only played with the band a handful of times. We recorded it at The Haybarn at Goddard College. We slept in the dorms there, (drank red wine till dawn really) then recorded all day in the barn. It was a great way to make a record. Left Behind was the first song we recorded for that session, as it was written that very week from an impromptu jam. It was originally called “Slygo” a town in Ireland I believe. Grace wasn’t satisfied with the vocals and lyrics so she re-recorded them as “Left Behind.”
“Left Behind”
“Treat Me Right”
Scott Tournet – Everyone You Meet Is Fighting A Hard Battle
Despite the endless touring schedule with GPN, Scott found the time to put together a great album. He asked me to play bass on some tracks, one of which (Judgement Day) was used from a rehearsal that Steve Sharon and I played on. The other tracks were recorded at Adam Frehm’s studio (Sand Studio) in Colchester, and give or take a few that Scott engineered himself. The album artwork was a woodblock print that our good friend Dan Lafrancios had made for the album. Nothing like keeping it DIY!
“Judgement Day”
“Sinkin’ In”
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – This is Somewhere
GPN’s major label debut. We recorded this in the Fall of ‘06/Winter ‘07 at Glenwood Studios in Burbank. It was surreal to say the least to be recording and/or playing playstation in the lounge and see the lead singer of Scorpion walk by, or to be sitting by the fireplace outside as Alicia Keys and her entourage hang out next to you. Needless to say, we wanted them and Hillary Duff to sing back up on a song or two. Though the recording process was not nearly as congenial as our previous records, it was a tremendous learning experience. It was also what prompted me to pursue producing/engineering on my own. It also gave me some other instrumental credits (mandolin, baritone guitar…) taboot.
“Here’s to the Meantime”
“Falling or Flying”
“Lose Some Time”
The Mellow Flame – The Minne Sessions
During a short break from touring, I flew out to Minneapolis to meet up with some old friends for a weekend of recording and debauchery. My good friend Tim (Doc) Dougherty had asked me to produce and engineer the sessions, my debut in such roles. We set up in his living room and recorded (and drank rye whiskey) non-stop for 3 days. The first song, “Brown Water,” was written by Tim and features Brad Hinton on dobro and banjo, Steve May and Tim on acoustic guitar, and yours truly on percussion. The second tune was written by Brad and features him on banjo and acoustic guitar, Tim on mandolin and Steve on acoustic guitar. It was a memorable experience to say the least.
“Brown Water”
“Those Eyes”
Mia Adams – I Am On Your Side
I produced this song for local Vermont singer Mia Adams in the winter of ‘08. She approached me with a song that she wanted to cover that was written by Nashville singer Jonell Mosser. She told me that she wanted it to sound a bit dirtier with a Stax kind of vibe – my forte. It was engineered by Rob Odea at Egan Studios in Essex. I had talked with Rob about trying out an “old school” recording method, placing all the musicians in the same room, amps and all, with a few room mics scattered about to really capture a roomy flavor to the music. We also used a minimalist miking technique on Steve Hadeka’s drums to enhance the Motown-esque flavor. Sean Cartney played bass, Scott Tournet played rhythm and slide guitar and Aro sprinkled in some delicious hammond organ throughout. We also had the lovely and talented Aya Inoue lay in some gorgeous harmony vocals. Rob and I mixed it several days later to unveil a great rendition of Mosser’s tune.
“I Am On Your Side”
Blues and Lasers – Blues and Lasers EP
What can I say? It’s Blues and #@$%ing Lasers! Featuring Scott Tournet on lead guitar and vox, Benny Yurco on lead guitar #2, me on bass and lasers (Moog, Theremin…), and Matt Burr and Steve Sharon on drums.
“22 Times”
“WNWGD”
The Leaves – Timid Line
I produced this EP for The Leaves in the Fall of ‘07. The band had only been together for a short while, 4 rehearsals if my memory serves me correct. So for them to record 4 songs in one day was quite impressive. We recorded it at Charles Eller Studios in Charlotte. The album features Aya Inoue on lead vox and rhythm guitar, Matt Harpster on lead guitar, Cory Beard on upright and electric bass, Steve Sharon on drums, with special guests Scott Tournet on lap steel and Chuck Eller on hammond organ and harmonium. I mixed it with Lane Gibson. It is a striking debut from a fresh band. The Leaves are currently in the studio wrapping up their first full length album and I gotta say, it sounds incredible.
“Timid Line”
“Yours Truly Charlie”
Shore
Alright, alright…it’s not out “officially,” but at this point I figure, what the hell. I’ve got nothing to lose now. So here it is, a song from my upcoming EP. The song is entitled “Losing Sight.” The “band” name is called “Shore.” Don’t be confused though my friends, it’s only me. It is unmastered mind you, so if you don’t like it, then that is obviously why! Once I master this EP I promise I will put some more stuff up here. The other stuff sounds nothing like this one for the record.
“Losing Sight”
