This week Dani and I went to the San Carlos Institute to see a film that was within the Key West Movie Competition. Each time I am going into the San Carlos, the reminiscences come again of recording my first album’s rhythm part there that includes Richard Crooks on drums and Bubba Lownotes on electrical upright bass, and Sousaphone (tuba). Dan Simpson was the engineer/producer, and Gary Ek took photos.
The rhythm part is the primary to be recorded when making a document, with every little thing else (vocals, guitars, keyboards…) added later. The rhythm is the inspiration every little thing else is constructed off of. Having the very best gamers is at all times important and it pays dividends as time goes on.
The songs had been all written in numerous root genres.
The Seaside – Afro/Cuban with a Motown bridge,
Lovely Day Down Paradise Means – Jazz,
My Little Island City – Southern Rock
Increase My Glass To The Higher 48 – Brazilian,
Dildo Key – Blues,
Key West Blues – Bahamian,
The South – Nation,
Crusing – South Seas
Cajun’s Obtained A Coconut – Funk
Mile Zero – Rock
For me it was an excellent honor to have such a proficient group of musicians and to supply such a platform which allowed all of them to shine!
Moreover, we had been the second to document there. Barry Cuda was the primary
To this present day I’ve folks, each followers and artists, inform my they assume “Shanghai’d and Marooned In Key West (issues might be worse)” is the very best Trop Rock Album ever made. Moreover, others inform me they put the album on when driving to Key West by way of the Keys! what a pleasant complement.
I ended and considered it. I am nonetheless listening to this twelve years after it was launched.
I assume we did one thing proper!😊 Thanks!
I’ve all who helped me to thank for that. Thanks everybody! And a particular because of The San Carlos Institute. Barry Cuda recorded there just some weeks earlier than us. We had been the second band to make use of it as a recording studio!
The San Carlos Institute
Bubba Lownotes
I used to be doing what’s recognized in recording as “Scratch Guitar” and “Scratch Vocals”. This was to assist preserve everybody according to the association. The tracks I performed and sang right here could be discarded and I’d play and document them later within the studio.
Richard Crooks was thought to be the very best musician on the island. Richard had been a session musician in New York earlier than retiring to Key West and had performed with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Dr. John, the record goes on and on. What an honor having him play on my recording! Enjoyable too! Richard was a riot to work with. Nevertheless, when he had a suggestion for a tune, everybody fell silent and paid astute consideration.
Here is extra on Richard :
https://keywestmusic.blogspot.com/2014/12/richard-crooks-aka-father-time.html
Bubba Lownotes and his tuba!
Gary Ek and his cameras
I do not know precisely how excessive the ceilings are within the San Carlos Institute are, however within the 1870’s with no A/C they constructed them excessive (possibly 16′ – 18′ ) as warmth rises.
Richard advised that Bubba usher in his tuba for “Dildo Key”. Richard was proper after all! It simply added to the ridiculousness of the tune!
I title all of my guitars. The blond ash end on my Ibanez guitar that so many advised me was probably the most lovely guitar in Key West, impressed it is title:
“The Blond Bombshell With The Nice Ash”
“The Blond Bombshell With The Nice Ash”
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Allmusic