Episode #66

This was the second of three sessions we taped that day at SubCat Recording Studios in Syracuse, NY (USA). As such, we were under a tight production timeline. This was a relatively easy episode to record, as instrumentally, it was a simple piano trio. Plus, it’s featured three of the finest musicians on the planet. Leaving the trio was pianist Michael Wolff. In my opinion, Michael is one of the most underrated pianists on the scene. For many years, Michael was the Musical Director for Nancy Wilson as well as Nat Adderley – but perhaps he is best known for being the Musical Director for the entire run of the original Arsenio Hall television show. In recent years, he has led his own jazz groups as a solo artist.

Joining Michael at this session was legendary drummer Mike Clark. Mike made a name for himself years ago as the innovative drummer in the Herbie Hancock-led Headhunters band. A true master…in anyone’s book. Rounding out the trio was bassist Jeff Berlin. Jeff has performed and/or recorded with some of the best in the business, including Pat Metheny, Alan Holdsworth, Bill Bruford, Pat Martino, and so many others. All three of these guys are good friends and have worked with each other many times over the years, so I knew it was going to be a nice, tight session.

To start things off, Michael suggested they play a song that was written by Mike Clark…a song called “Four String Drive.” Michael Wolff gave Jeff a chart of the song and they worked through it together for about five minutes. We then recorded two takes of the tune. Next, Michael Wolff wanted to play “ESP,” a song written by the great saxophonist Wayne Shorter. He suggested to Jeff that he play the melody. Good suggestion. After a few minutes of rehearsal, we then recorded a single take of this classic tune.

So with two upbeat songs in the can Michael (Wolff) wanted to slow things down a bit and suggested the beautiful ballad “Angel Eyes.” They took a quick minute to discuss the arrangement and quickly recorded a single take of the song. Michael’s performance was outstanding. This track has become one of my favorite Studio Jams tracks of all time. Well done guys! Finally, to end the session, Michael suggested another ballad, the jazz standard “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise.” This, too, required very little rehearsal. We recorded a single take of this song.

When you work with musicians of this caliber, things come together quickly and effortlessly. A great session indeed.

– Tom Emmi / Producer