Music happens not just in the notes, but in the spaces in between.

from left to right, Thomas Mark, Tommy Baldu, Jörg Dudys, Willi Wagner, Florian Sitzmann, Vilko Zanki (studio father), and Michael Koschorrek. The guys are watching a youtube video of Keith Richards arguing with Chuck Berry.


I just wound up 4 days in the studio recording the basic tracks of my new album, LIFELINES. Being in the studio with outrageously talented and creative musicians is definitely one of my most favorite things to do! A big bravo goes out to Florian Sitzmann (keyboards, piano and producer) Michael Koschorrek (guitars) Jörg Dudys ( guitars) Willi Wagner ( bass) and Tommy Baldu ( drums and all things percussive). And of course, Thomas Mark, the Obi-Wan of the sound board.
For those of you who don't know, I'm recording an album of mostly songs that I recorded over 20 years ago! Songs from the first 3 albums, C.A.E., Oh, Cae, and The Circle of Love. I'm talking about the 80's here! And the sounds on those old albums are the perfect snapshot of what was "in" at that time. Madonna, Michael Jackson, .... you know! Those 3 first albums were all produced by Dieter Falk and needless to say, he did an excellent job.
But times change.
And it was time to revisit some of those songs again and help them to move into the 21st century. I then polled you folks who read this blog and/or are friends with me on Facebook and the top 8 songs of YOUR voting are the songs we are recording. In addition, Florian and I have written 3 new songs because honestly, we just can't help ourselves! :))
These last few days have been a trip down memory lane remembering the recording techniques of 20 years ago. Reel to reel tape machines, people! And if you make a mistake, the sound engineer had to cut that out with a knife. I am not kidding!
Things are much more relaxed now in a recording studio. Mistakes don't require knives to fix them. There's more space for experimenting and relaxing with each take.
Our motto for this studio session: Less is more. There is a certain maturity in a band that has been playing and recording for a long long time. They know that music happens not just in the notes, but also in the spaces in between. The word that has been used often in the last few days to describe the arrangements and style of this album has been "ausgeschlafen", which means well-rested. Even though we were definitely NOT well-rested, the music sounds like it. I LOVE it!
There's no panic, no chaos. Just well-loved songs and texts getting the attention they deserve.
I hope you like the results....