Episode #60

This was another fun episode of Studio Jams. Admittedly, I knew it would be a little different based on the musicians who were invited to attend. First, there was Eric Bazilian. Eric is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who is perhaps best known as being a co-founder of the hit Philadelphia–based rock band, The Hooters. With him front and center, I knew the session would not naturally move in the jazz direction. Most likely, I assumed, it would move toward rock. Eric did not disappoint.

Joining Eric that day were guitarist Gil Parris who has appeared on a number of different episodes, along with pianist Jason Long, bassist Chico Huff, saxophonist Andrew Neu and Danish drummer Henrik Engqvist. Andrew was a last-minute addition as he just happened to be in the studio that day for something else.

The session began with a very loose open jam, based around the song “The Thrill Is Gone.” It was a great way for the musicians to feel each other out musically and to get into the spirit of the session. Next, Eric suggested they work out a fresh version of one of his original songs, “What If God Was One Of Us,” a song made famous by singer Joan Osborne. After about 15 minutes of rehearsal, we recorded a single take of the tune.

Then someone (I don’t remember who) thought it might be nice to play something by The Beatles. Andrew started to play around with the song “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Eric quickly joined in and the two of them had a little fun with it for a couple of minutes. but rather than develop it further as a band, Eric switched gears and instead then suggested the song “Don’t Let Me Down.”

During the rehearsal for this song, guitarist Gil Parris started to play the song “Low Rider,” by the band War. Upon hearing it, the rest of the band quickly fell into place and we quickly recorded a single take of that tune. After that take, the band went back to working through the rehearsal for “Don’t Let Me Down.” Ten minutes later, we recorded a single take of this song as well.

Generally speaking, it was a relatively quick session, and one that leaned a bit more in the rock direction. That is what made it all the more interesting to me.

– Tom Emmi / Producer