Phil Kelly's New CD Project -- the making of My Museum

makpjazz57 · May-4th-2006, 02:47 PM

Phil - is it too early to elaborate on your new CD project? Where are you recording, musicians involved, etc.?

Marla

clinthopson · May-4th-2006, 03:51 PM

Any chance of hookin up with some of your JC buddies when you're in L.A.?

graypencil · May-4th-2006, 07:00 PM

I've been holding off a bit until my contractor gets back to me with the complete band for the dates ( he's been on tour in Japan for a month )

Suffice to say, I've got my studio and engineer nailed down ..and I've recieved confirmation that a big box of music has arrived in Northridge CA ..and the recording dates begin on a week from Monday.

More details as they firm up ..

I'm starting to get a bit psyched at this point

walto · May-4th-2006, 07:07 PM

Tell us about the music at least, Phil!

Ron Thorne · May-5th-2006, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graypencil

I'm starting to get a bit psyched at this point

You and me both, pal!

From what I know about this latest project, JC (and other) listeners are in for another wonderful treat from Unca Phil. It was a significant topic of discussion over cocktails and dinner a few weeks ago in Fairhaven, Washington.

Jazzooo · May-5th-2006, 10:58 AM

You're coming to L.A. to record it, Phil? If I'm not in Mexico, maybe I could be a fly on the wall for one session--I'm only 2 hours away. Let me know if that would be cool.

clinthopson · May-8th-2006, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graypencil

..and the recording dates begin on a week from Monday.

Is that the week of the 15th or the week of the 22nd?

graypencil · May-8th-2006, 02:13 PM

week of the 15th are the dates ..

Still awaiting info from the contractor about the personnell ..

I can tell you that Christlieb, Andy Martin and Bill Ramsay are back and the drummer is Steve Houghton, an old friend of mine for many years whos coming in from his gig at U of Indiana to play the dates.

Maybe Ron can tell you a bit more about the music,,because he's heard a set of roughs off the computer, and at this point I'm a bit too close to the project to talk about it intelligently ..

as I said, I'm anxious to get going with it!

Ron Thorne · May-8th-2006, 10:43 PM

You've probably already deduced that I'm very excited and anxious to hear the final product of Phil's 2nd CD offering.

I'm honored that Phil has kept me informed and involved in this latest effort, as he did with Convergence Zone. It means a lot to me.

I'll try to provide a little detail and some overall impressions regarding Phil's new CD project while also maintaining a certain degree of suspense.

First of all, if you enjoyed Phil's 2003 effort, Convergence Zone, his first album as a leader, you're in for more of the same . . . plus, plus, plus! If you're not hip to it, you can listen to samples here, and read the reviews and purchase it here. That album was nominated for a 2004 Grammy, by the way.

The new CD, as yet untitled, will likely contain 10 or so tracks, ranging from straight-ahead post bop offerings to funk-ladened tunes, an homage to Maynard Ferguson and/or Monk, and an original ballad, a collaboration, with lyrics by Marissa Dodge, and sung by Greta Matassa. The latter is undeniably my favorite piece of music from Phil . . . ever. It's called My Museum, and if this one doesn't get major attention, I'm simply a sap and a fool.

Overall, I feel that this album might be a little better balanced than Convergence Zone, though I'm very fond of that disc. The compositions are strong and varied in style, some very spare and open, some more complex and engaging, while others are simply fun. Most, again, are originals from Phil, ranging from gorgeous ballads to uptempo burners, with the exception of Phil's wonderful new arrangement of Jeanine. Sublime. Phil's managed to blend tempos and compositional style beautifully here, I feel.

Finally, as many of you know, Phil has both a unique sense of humor and fun with tune titles. That hasn't changed. Here are some examples from the new CD project:

Pleading Dim. Cap
Zip Code 2006
Just Juan Beatov
I 8 Da Whole Ting

Oh, and the tune Convergence Zone will likely be on this album. Don't ask me.

OK, hopefully I've said enough to whet your appetite, but not too much.

Rob Damen · May-9th-2006, 12:21 AM

So what's the size of the band going to be in comparison to "CZ"?

Any new tricks up your sleeves with your arrangements?

Cheers,

Rob

graypencil · May-9th-2006, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Damen

So what's the size of the band going to be in comparison to "CZ"?

Any new tricks up your sleeves with your arrangements?

Cheers,

Rob

Rob:

Basically the same size band with added gutar and percussion on one session.

As to "new tricks", I don't know what to say, other than as Ron noted, a couple of the songs a bit more " out" than CZ was ..but there'll be a couple more "standards" to balance things out.

Trying to answer that question *is*like dancing about architecture

graypencil · May-11th-2006, 06:05 PM

Okay ..I just talked to the contractor, and we have a band for Monday and Tuesday 5/15 and 16!!

This sould be a killer kick -ass band:

Tpts:
Wayne Bergeron
Warren Leuning
Pete DeSiena
Bob Summers

Bones:
Andy Martin
Charlie Loper
and two other guys I dont know, but picked by Andy ..

Saxes:
Lanny Morgan
Gary Foster
Pete Christlieb
Gene Cipriano
Bill Ramsay

Drums: Steve Houghton
Bass: Tom Warrington
Keys: either Tom Ranier or Bill Cunliffe
Guitar: hopefully Grant Geissman
Perc: TBA

This is gonna be FUN!!

More details as I get them ..

steve(thelil) · May-11th-2006, 06:08 PM

I just came back from an 11 day road trip. I had Phil's last CD loaded on my ipod, which I played on random for hours every day. It seemed like every time a song from Phil's album came on I would say: Who's THIS? THIS is something!

Mike Schwartz · May-11th-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graypencil

Okay ..I just talked to the contractor, and we have a band for Monday and Tuesday 5/15 and 16!!

This sould be a killer kick -ass band:

Tpts:
Wayne Bergeron
Warren Leuning
Pete DeSiena
Bob Summers

Bones:
Andy Martin
Charlie Loper
and two other guys I dont know, but picked by Andy ..

Saxes:
Lanny Morgan
Gary Foster
Pete Christlieb
Gene Cipriano
Bill Ramsay

Drums: Steve Houghton
Bass: Tom Warrington
Keys: either Tom Ranier or Bill Cunliffe
Guitar: hopefully Grant Geissman
Perc: TBA

This is gonna be FUN!!

More details as I get them ..

Go gettum' Phil!

Same label?

Grant Geissman is a San Jose native.
His most recent CD is 100% unpretentious fun , and he plays his butt off on it, and was a really good guest on the show a couple of months ago.

Valerie · May-11th-2006, 06:41 PM

oh, it's really a damn shame that no decent musicians were available for the date!!

Ron Thorne · May-11th-2006, 10:42 PM

Dear Phil-

Along with Valerie, I'd like to offer my condolences for not being able to come up with top-drawer players for this new session.

Somehow, I hope you'll manage.

clinthopson · May-12th-2006, 02:22 PM

I guessa Phil just took anyone from the hiring hall. . .

I'll be there Monday and, with Phil's permission, I'll take a couple of pics for the board.

clinthopson · May-16th-2006, 11:32 AM

What a blast!

I spent yesterday afternoon in greater downtown Alhambra in the Martinmusic recording studios watching and listening to Phil's band go through three arrangements.

The players, who Phil named earlier, are consummate pros, they nail the most complex arrangements on the first runthrough. The soloing by Andy Martin, Bob Summers, Pete Chrislieb, Lanny Morgan and Gene Cipriano was outstanding.

I took a bunch of pictures and will send them along to Lois so she can have them posted.

After the recording session I hung out with Phil, Pete, Andy and Bill Ramsay. I love musicians' war stories. Pete, besides being a great player, is a very funny guy.

I would pass on Bill Ramsay's tale about his gig with Benny Goodman at the Paul Masson winery but I may get in trouble.

Just wait 'til you hear the cd, if the three tracks I heard are any indication, it will be a killer.

Ron Thorne · May-16th-2006, 04:59 PM

I'm very envious of you, Clint. I'm also anxious to see the photos you took.

Cool.

Rob Damen · May-16th-2006, 06:11 PM

Can't wait to see the photos!

Any updates on the cover design?

Cheers,

Rob

clinthopson · May-16th-2006, 07:25 PM

I forgot to suggest a volupuous babe covered in whipped cream.

Do you think Herb Alpert would object?

Rob Damen · May-16th-2006, 07:27 PM

I'm sure most of us wouldn't object.

Cheers,

Rob

graypencil · May-19th-2006, 07:14 PM

New CD update:

Well, after getting back home and basically sleeping for two days ( travelling these days makes me feel like hammered shit for about 48 hours ), last night I finally sat down and listened to the "faders up" ruff mixes from the sessions.

All I can say is:

WOW!!!!!

I"M LITERALLY PEEING IN MY PANTS WITH JOY AT WHAT WE MANAGED TO GET!!

I cant tell you how hard these LA guys worked to be sure I got a good product. These sessions are definitely a high point in my musical life, and I cant wait to get them edited and mixed next month.

As for cover art, notes, etc. ..I leave that up to the Origin guys. The working title so far is:

"My Museum" a ballad I wrote for the CD that is sung beautifully by my favorite NW singer, Greta Matassa ..( Ron T has heard a partial mix of the song, he can fill you in )

Thanks again to Clint H for the pix , the "hang", and especially the Tullamore Dew

Doug,James ( and other west coasters ) ..too bad you couldn't make it up to LA.

Finally:

Wayne Bergeron for PRESIDENT!!

this guy knows how to get shit DONE ..something we can all agree this country needs these days!

Valerie · May-19th-2006, 08:21 PM

can't tell you how happy i am for you, phil!! how exciting!! you deserve every bit of it, that's for sure.

and i agree with you about wayne! and have you seen his adorable ella?!?

the best to you, always. can't wait to hear this great new stuff!

valerie

Ron Thorne · May-19th-2006, 08:43 PM

I hope you've changed your pants by the time you read this, Phil.

Congratulations, my friend. What a mission! And it sounds as if you got even more than was anticipated, which is always icing-on-the-cake.

Origin Records has a reputation for supremely good taste, so I'm sure that John Bishop & Company will create a very handsome package for Phil's new "baby".

I can tell you that My Museum is easily one of the most beautiful ballads I've ever heard, and I have an incredibly soft spot for ballads. Phil's writing is simply gorgeous, accompanied by wonderful lyrics from Marissa Dodge, and Greta Matassa's delivery is absolutely off-the-map. And, I haven't even heard the final mix. I've been listening to My Museum for over two months and I'm far from tired of it. I'm dying to hear the final mix on this and the other tunes, however.

If this album doesn't get major attention, someone needs to head to their ear doctor . . . PRONTO!

If we're not already on it, please place Patti and me on your preorder list, Mr. Kelly.

Projected release date?

graypencil · May-19th-2006, 09:21 PM

Hi Ron :

with any luck, late summer -early fall ..

wish you could've been there !!

Ron Thorne · May-20th-2006, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graypencil

Hi Ron :

with any luck, late summer -early fall ..

wish you could've been there !!

Me too, pal! I would have been like a kid in a candy store.

Photos, Clint? Need help? If so, send me a PM or e-mail.

Gary Sisco · May-20th-2006, 09:31 AM

I'm in line for one.

Rob Damen · May-20th-2006, 05:01 PM

Sounds like it'll be another winner!

Good going, Phil!

Cheers,

Rob

Rob Damen · May-20th-2006, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Sisco

Cooper's a hallucinating nutcase, Rob, don't mind. It's one of the things makes the world go round.

My partner and I own a small horsefarm and he objects to my prefering to hire people who can actually work and get shit done, as opposed to taking up space while getting paid. The only illegal one who works here, however, is me.

Sad what happened to Barbaro, huh?

Looks like a broken leg.

Did you see it?