AES 2008

October 8, 2008

In my career I participated in AES infrequently but for the last three years now I've found myself at the shows. This year the show took place in San Francisco. I've seen the transformation from a big show with large format consoles and rack mounted devices to a smaller show with DAW's and plug in's. The price of everything is coming down and it seems to be less about the commercial studio and more about the project studio. Microphones, pre-amps, speakers, and other recording gear targets new and upcoming producers and engineers and those on a budget. (Isn't that everyone now a day's.) I didn't see anything that said, "You must buy me now", but I'll keep my eye on PT8.

Went to the TEC Awards which is sponsored by The Mix Foundation. The highlight this year was "T Bone" Burnett's Hall of Fame Award acceptance speech in which he expounded the need for quality archiving of our musical heritage.

This year I was the moderator for the Grammy Sound Table, You Inc.!, New Strategies For A New Economy. The panel included Phil Ramone, Carmen Rizzo, Keith Olsen, Sylvia Massy, James McKinney and John Vanderslice. It is interesting for me to listen to other music professionals on how they keep moving forward in these complicated times. If you were there I hope you learned something as well.

Seeing the gear at AES is fun and interesting but the benefit for me is the ability to see old friends, make new ones, and keep my eye on business opportunities I wouldn't have come in contact with if I wasn't there.

Reckless Road Book Signing

September 3, 2008

I spent the day recording guitars on the Mitch Perry Project at a studio in North Hollywood. The day went well and we wrapped up around eight in the evening.

I had promised Mark Canter that if we knocked off early enough I would try and make it out to the Guitar Center in Northridge for his book signing. Mark wrote and put together Reckless Road, the story of Guns N' Roses, the early years. As Slash's best friend, Mark had access to the band and an opportunity to photograph them as only few have ever seen before now. The book is very well written and includes a comprehensive gallery of photos. I rarely contribute to interviews regarding the band but Mark's integrity speaks volumes about the content of the book and how he handled my contributions.

As I approached the Guitar Center I was startled by the size of the event. The parking lot was ablaze in lights and Slash had just finished his sessions conversation sponsored by GC. After some finagling I made it inside to find that the book signing had already begun. Tables were put together in a U shape with the characters from the bands past, sitting and signing autographs. I knew most of them but a few I have never met. Slash and Mark headed up the line joined by Tom Zutaut, Ronnie Schneider, Vicky Hamilton, Adriana Durgan, (she had the most interesting signature besides Slash), Jason Porath and others.

There was word that Steven would show and sure enough he did. He was allowed to leave rehab for a few hours and his handlers had him on a strict timeline. I haven't seen Steve in at least ten years and I didn't quite know what to expect. All of the guys have changed but Steven most of all. We exchanged hugs and a few words before he was escorted away. I know he's struggling with his demons, he always has, but I wish him the best and hope he comes through this a better person.

I've never been comfortable in the spotlight, which is why I decided to become a record producer instead of an artist. Signing books for almost two solid hours was my limit. After I stopped, Slash and Mark continued on for over an hour as I headed home.