Happy New Year!
I want to thank all who have supported CMA in 2011. Without you, I wouldn’t be keep doing this. Consistent patronage by my clients allows me to focus all of my energy on making better recordings and music.
2012 will be bringing a lot great music. I will be sure to keep you informed on all recording projects, live music events, videos, etc!!!
Janya will also be playing this friday Jan 6th at Drom, NYC.
PD EP released!
Thanks to all who supported Pidgin Droppings on Friday at Hat City Kitchen. It was a great show!
We are also happy to announce the release of our CD. PD EP. its a 6 song introduction to the Band’s live mix of hip hop, reggae, funk, rock, and soul.
We will sell hard copy CDs at our gigs. its also available as a digital download at itunes, amazon, etc.
Pidgin Droppings Live Oct. 21- CD release Show
Pidgin Droppings (the band I play guitar in) will be playing Hat City Kitchen, Orange , NJ, Oct. 21st. We will be releasing our first 6 song EP that day. Our friends,
Bigger Thomas will also be playing that night.
Albums Recently released
Its great when you’ve finished working on an album for a client, but’s what’s even better is when they send you a finished copy of the CD. I know in this digital age, CD sales are down, and digital downloads are on the rise. But think about CD packaging for a minute, it is a form of Artwork that the musicians involved have put time and effort into (in most cases). It is a tangible thing. And although music is being listened to less and less on CD, I think its a viable medium, based on how cheap it is to manufacture them.
Lastly, a Hard Copy CD is really the only way that the Listener would know who is behind the production of the record, Like who the Engineers, assistants, graphic designers are. This is important for people like me, who rely on credits to keep on working.
That being said here are some recently release Albums, that I’ve engineered:
Joel Rubin/Uri Caine Duo- Azoy Tsu Tsveyt
Marla Mase – Speak
Adam Rudolph’s Moving Pictures – Both/And
Joanna Burns – The Green Year
Although, not an offical album yet, I did record/mix an ensemble lead by Cornetist Graham Haynes, for “The Greatest”. This is a Dance Theater performance based on the life of Muhummad Ali, Choreography by Peggy Choy. There is a good chance that this music will be available on CD for purchase in the future.
Review of Joanna Burns-The Green Year
I just wanted to include this great review of Joanna Burns’ New Album “The Green Year”. I did alot of recording for this album, including Drum tracking, strings, and Horns. Its a cool record, Joanna did a great job putting it all together.
-James
Joanna Burns- In Studio Performance Video
Here’s a Video of my friend, Joanna Burns, gettin’ down at Orange Music Sound Studio.
Oz Fritz-Method of Defiance-Bass Player Magazine
On this past Nov. 6th, Method of Defiance threw down an awesome performance at New York’s Santo’s Party House.
It marked the launch of M.O.D Technologies and the release of the first 2 Method of Defiance Albums, which are now available for download or CD purchase at Amazon, Itunes, Etc.
I worked that night as Bill Laswell’s Bass Tech, as well as general stage tech, which allowed me to witness this event in all its Massive Volumed Glory.
Oz Fritz, Method of Defiance’s Live sound engineer, gives a great description and point of view from that night. I’d like to direct to you his blog.
He has great stories about his experiences as an audio engineer, past, present and future.
Also, Check out the latest issue of Bass Player magazine. Bill Laswell has the cover story, written by Bill Murphy.
Being Bill’s bass tech I contributed technical information for this article (and a photo) and my name is mentioned in a sidebar about Laswell’s Pedal Board.
Lastly, Pidgin Droppings has some shows coming up:
Dec. 18th at Hat City Kitchen -Orange NJ
Jan. 21 at Hat City Kitchen – Orange NJ – with Loud Apt.
Jan. 28 at The Shrine – NYC – with Loud Apt.
Check out these recently released Albums:
Method of Defiance – Incunabula
Method of Defiance – Jahbulon
Gigi with Material – Mesgana Ethiopia
Juggla – Leave Babylon
Electronically Yours by Too Much Information on itunes
This is the first single by a virtual cyber supergroup. This song started out as a collaboration between DJ Butterface and I, and turned into massive tune featuring vocalist Jared Louche from Chemlab.
I also mixed it
Check it out!
Pidgin Droppings to Play at Juggla CD release Show.
My Band, Pidgin Droppings, will be playing October 16th, 2010, at Hat City Kitchen, Orange NJ.
First set will be 9pm.
This is the first CD release show for Juggla (our emcee) as he is set to drop his new solo record, Leave Babylon.
Its going to be a great night of music, plus you’ll have an opportunity to get Juggla’s CD, which recorded, mixed, and mastered.
hope to see you there,
James
Bill Laswell playing with Laurie Anderson
I’ll be bass-teching for Bill Laswell for the next 4 days as he accompanies Laurie Anderson on her “Another Day in America” mini tour. Keyboardist Rob Burger will round out this trio as they play songs from Laurie’s latest album Homeland (released on Nonesuch).
The tour will include 2 nights in Philadelphia at the World Cafe Live, on July 11th and 12th. Tuesday night (July 13th) they play Le poisson Rouge, NYC. Wednesday they’ll perform on the David Letterman show.
Should be a great run of Shows!
The Latest CMA News!
Hey Folks,
All is well at CMA. Things have been quite busy for me, on the business and the Personal tip (i’m getting married in 19 days).
I just want to list all the great talented artists that I have had the pleasure of working with lately.
Everything has been going real well, and I hope to continue to work with such fine musicians.
Sally Boyd- Mixing of new Album
Adam Rudolph- Tracking Sessions for the new Moving Pictures Album
Method of Defiance- Mixing sessions for Upcoming albums with Bill Laswell.
Sarah Bernstein- Tracking Sessions for her violin/percussion duo project.
Scorch Trio- mixing for their new record
Diego Allessandro- Drum Tracking with Jimmy Farkas
Joanna Burns- Drums and Bass Tracking session
Dr. Israel – Bass and Keyboard tracking
Living Days- Full Band Tracking Sessions
I’m also in the process of Producing a record for my Band, Pidgin Droppings. I’ll keep you informed about the progress. We just layed down 6 basic rhythm tracks. I’m starting cut guitar my tracks. Its sounds really good, so far! I cant wait for you all to hear it!
I’ll post more soon,
James
Gemini Wolf -Remix Album
I’ve remixed a song for Gemini Wolf which will be released this month on Earsnake Records along with other remixes by some todays most creative producers.
Prism’s Child (Touchy Feely Remix) in on Rare But Serious Side Effects, and will be released on March 23rd. I believe it will be “pay as much as you’d like” release. So be fair, it’s your support that keeps creative opportunities like this coming!
Gemini Wolf will also be throwing a release part for this record at Tritone, Philadelphia, PA on Saturday March 27th.
Thanks,
Touchy Feely aka James
Out Like Lambs- live and on cassette
My friends , Out Like Lambs are going on the road this month, and if they are are in your area, check them out!
these are the dates:
3/11 NORTHAMPTON MA
@ the Sierra Grille (41 Strong Ave)
THE VIKING MOSES
REDWING BLACKBIRD
OUT LIKE LAMBS
TONGUE OVEN
9pm….
3/12 PHILADELPHIA PA
@ The Old Mercy (209 Mercer St)
THE VIKING MOSES
REDWING BLACKBIRD
OUT LIKE LAMBS
8pm
3/13 BROOKLYN NY
@ Death by Audio (49 S. Second St)
THE VIKING MOSES
REDWING BLACKBIRD
OUT LIKE LAMBS
8pm
they have also released a cassette album:
Out Like Lambs – Field Recordings Vol.1 (Brown Buffalo Tapes)
Ltd. Edition Cassette of 100 Available Now – $5
check out there website for more info.
-James
News!
Hey!
November was a busy month and I just wanted to keep you informed of the work CMA has done.
Guitarist, Dominic Kanza was at Orange Music Sound Studio recording the music he wrote for the Pulitzer Prize winning Off Broadway play, Ruined. Providing vocals at the session was Condola Rashad, daughter of tv/theater star Phylicia Rashad (the Cosby Show).
Cornetist/Producer Graham Haynes and Elektra Kurtis are currently mixing her latest album, which was recorded at OMSS in October. We are in the final stages of tweaking. this is a great album of songs, look out for this when it is released.
Percussionist Adam Rudolph recorded the String Section of his Go! Organic Orchestra at Orange Music Sound Studio. These piece are going to be blended with material that We will record in April, 2010.
Raymond Bally and his band, the Renegades, recorded more basic tracks plus vocals for what will be his new studio album. I’m really enjoying working on this project. The band’s spirit and positive attitude towards playing music and having fun, really makes my job easier. Our next plan is to do some overdubs. I’ll keep you informed of the progress.
Lastly, to round out November, I did some recording for Phil Bensen. Joanna Burns did some background vocals and Harmonies for 2 of Phil songs. We also recorded a Violinist, named Nicole (sorry, i didn’t get her last name). She played on 2 of Phil’s Songs, plus 2 of Joanna’s songs.
So, maybe my blog posts aren’t that interesting, I’m only listing the artists I’ve worked with over the past month, with brief details. I’m doing this for a few reasons. To show you that things are moving here at Creative Music and Audio. If I wasn’t busy working, I would be writing more about a variety of topics. I’m also providing the names of the artists I work with, to show the diversity of the music styles that I have experience recording and mixing. Lastly, I hope that you read about a new artist or one you’ve never heard of, and are interested in hearing there music. I’ve been fortunate to work with very talented musicians. Even if their style of music is one that I don’t prefer personally, I can still see their integrity in their music.
Thanks,
James
October happenings!
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to fill you on what CMA’s been up to this month.
Well, there’s alot.
First off, the film “Yoko/Shmono” has been finished, I’ve provided some original music compositions for. It also features music by Zelda Pinwheel, Thunder Bunny, and Paper Masques. Keep an eye out for when this is showing.
Speaking of ThunderBunny, I just help wrap up their latest records with mastering. One of them is a a Christmas Card album, which features a rendition of Silent Night, as well as the Touchy Feely remix of their song Lollipop (from their Demons ep).
I also spent 2 days tracking, at Orange Music Sound Studio, Elektra Kurtis and her Ensemble. This is for a record produced by Graham Haynes. We’ll mixing this record later on in the month.
Ray Bally and his band of Renegades, came to OMSS this month, as well, to record some live pieces. So far, they sound great!
If you don’t know Raymond Bally, check out his stuff. He’s got an interesting approach to traditional songwriting, exploring and experimenting with unique musicians as his band.
I’ll be Mixing 7 songs with Blind Idiot God this month. Fans of theirs will not be disappointed in the new material.
Lastly, I took a job this month, recording Sound FX for a short film called “The Angel” by Karthik Meyyappan.
That’s about it, as far as work is concerned.
As Always, If you’re looking for different music Check out Touchy Feely, Pidgin Droppings, Paper Masques, and Zelda Pinwheel.
Later,
james
I’ll be playing with Pidgin Droppings Wed. Sept. 30th – Cecil’s Jazz Club
Pidgin Droppings feat Jugg, Solid Ground, PVD feat 8thW1
this Wed Sept 30th @ Cecil’s Jazz Club 364 Valley Rd. West Orange.
EARLY START 8:30PM.
Live Hip-Hop /Reggae/Funk/Jazz/Afrobeat
CMA News!
Hi!
Just wanted to let you inside CMA and my life a little as we close the summer and enter the new school year!
For one, I recently got engaged to my girlfriend, Kerri. we are both excited and look forward to planning our wedding. I’ll keep you posted.
As far as music is concerned, I’ve been quite busy lately. I welcome new clients (and friends) Guitarist Dave Ross and live sound recordist/label owner Robert O’Haire. I just recently started working with them on 3 records featuring Dave. Robert is starting a label, I believe it is called StratoGold, which will release Free Jazz/Avant Garde performances by many of the top players in this genre. Keep on the look out!
I also went back into the studio to record Chris Padula’s Project, Thunder Bunny. His last EP was fun to work on and came out sounding great, thanks to a stellar mix by Alap at DeadVerse Studios.
We approached this new record almost the same. I recorded all the tracks for him, did some minor edits. He will then bring the sessions to Alap for mixing, then bring the mixes back to me for Mastering.
Last night, I was working with Robert Ryan of Harmonize Most High/Lord Sterling at his great loft space in Asbury Park. We were editing and overdubbing on a new project he recorded while staying at a Tree Farm in Ohio.
Him and I will get back together to record vocals on this in the near future. Also, look forward to a Vinyl release of the new Harmonize Most High record, coming soon. If you remember, I recorded and mixed this project in early 2009.
Thats it for now. Coming up this month, I’ve got some work with Out like Lambs, and Blind Idiot God.
I’m also wrapping the soundtrack for Yoko Shmono. I’ll keep you all informed.
thanks,
James
Pidgin Droppings Live- Cecil’s Jazz Club-Wed. August 19th
Hey Friends,
I’ll be playing once again with Pidgin Droppings this Wednesday August 19th, at Cecil’s Jazz Club.
This is another “Lively Up Yourself” event put together by Juggla and I. So far,we have had a great turn-out at the past 2 shows, and really feel like this it’s turning into a special night of live music.
So, come out and support this Event, support Live Music, and Lets keep this thing Rolling?
Here’s the info:
Lively Up Yourself
performing will be:
Bosco aka Kwabena Jones,
Pidgin Droppings featuring Juggla,
and Lux Deville featuring PVD and 8thW1
Cecil’s Jazz Club
364 Valley Road
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-736-4800
www.cecilsjazzclub.com
Doors at 8:30pm
Show 9pm
All Ages
$10 cover
Out like Lambs- CD review
There is a great review of the self-released Out Like Lambs CD on Olive Music.
Out like Lambs is group led by Michael Sternbach, from Ocean Grove, NJ, that I’ve been recording and mixing for over a year. I really enjoy working them, and am inspired by their creativity.
Make sure you pay attention to the part of the article that says “To start things off, this deserves a nice headphone listen because this is very very well-produced, certainly by today’s standards.”
Although it may seem challenging at times, I work hard with Michael to find space for all the layers of instruments and sounds. to read that this sounds great on headphones is a huge compliment to me.
make sure you check them out.
Pro Tools Version 8
I just wanted you all to know that GnomeTone Creative Music Lab has upgraded to Pro Tools V.8.
Pidgin Droppings upcoming show this month at Cecil’s Jazz Club
I’ll be playing with Pidgin Droppings this month at Cecil’s Jazz Club.
Wed. July 29th
doors 8:30
$10 cover
Pidgin Droppings will also be the backup band for j. chatmon, the opening act.
New Gemini Wolf Record is out- I mixed and mastered it.
Gemini Wolf’s new record “Synchronized Eyes” has been released.
You can download and purchase our new album from the label’s website:
earsnake.com or from itunes!
I was fortunate enough to mix and master this album. Check it out!
It’s sounds like a Global Psychedelic Dance Party.
Gemini Wolf will be playing this Saturday at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia in celebration of this new release.
goto www.myspace.com/geminiwolf
for more info.
I’ll be there!
-James
