exposed

Nels recording

I barely made it!!! Nels had been in the studios daily since the 15th. Am I getting jaded, or starting to take Nels for granted? I heard about this concept of Coward, the solo album since January. I honestly can’t really keep up with What Nels is up to at all time. Only later I’d find out that this was his first solo project (right?). I dragged myself there at Catasonic Studios in Echo Park and barely keeping myself awake (as usual.) I had a lot of ‘cuties’, the California’s version of clementines. What’s the story with clementines anyway? Aren’t they oranges? But I digress.

Again, regretfully, this night was the only time I made it to see Nels’s recording. I usually am more diligent than this in following his projects. I was running low on energy and budget. I did my best at what’s I had. 

Nels's corner

Nels showing me the toys

Nels listening to playback

Nels recording

Nels

Nels at the board with Mark Wheaton

Nels and Mark Wheaton of Catasonic

Nels with the drum buddy

Nels listens to the playback

Going into this recording session, I knew immediately I was in on a very significant project. With my busy schedule of working full time, training afterward for a few hours each day, I still managed to show up to this most nights except the first one when Jon Brion and a ton of others were on the one day/side A session. But for the rest of 7 days, luckily for me, sessions like this go on a little late.  As long as I can physically reach the studio couch in Burbank, I’d be fine & happy.

Nels Cline in recording session

Nels was commissioned to write 39 pieces of music to accompany a series of painting be Ed Ruscha. It is to be released in 2 CDs along with the reproduction of the paintings in a form of a book. David Breskin – producer/poet – was writing poetry for each piece of painting. Musicians Scott Amendola, Devin Hoff, Alex Cline, Vinny Golia, Dan Clucas, Jeff Gauthier, Jessica Catron, Jeremy Drake, Brad Dutz, were the ones I caught up with. 

It has to be one of my favorite moments of the year.

Jeremy Drake's hand and guitar

Jeremy Drake - guitar

Jessica Catron on Cello

Dan Clucas on trumpet

Devin Hoff - bassist

Jeff Gauthier - violin

Alex Cline - percussion

Scott Amendola - drums

studying the chart