Episode #74

This was a Studio Jams session that I had been waiting to happen for quite some time. I actually started planning for this session last year when I was visiting my hometown of Syracuse, NY (USA). While I was there, I read an article in the local paper about rock star Phish drummer Jon Fishman having came back home to Syracuse to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award SAMMY’S association (the Central New York version of the Grammy’s). Apparently Jon came to town and was given his award by fellow drummer Dave Hanlon. Dave is a long time friend of mine and has been a strong supporter of Studio Jams, having also appeared on the series at that point on six different occasions. In addition to that, Dave was actually Jon Fishman’s drum teacher in Syracuse 37 years ago…long before he became a rock star as a founding member of Phish.

So, I had an idea…

I knew that Phish would be passing through Philadelphia while on tour in early August 2015. I told Dave Hanlon that i thought it would be pretty cool to have both he and John perform together on a Studio Jams session, perhaps when John would be passing through Philly in August…especially cool, I thought because it would bring teacher in student together after 37 years. Dave thought it was a terrific idea and reached out to Jon. Jon also thought it was a good idea, so now we had the seed. So, with two drummers firmly in place and a specific date locked in, I called the studio to book the date… August 10, 2015.

Next, I needed to build the rest of the band. I wanted them to be players who are very comfortable in a jam band situation. My first thought I’m guitar was Gil Parris. Gil is such a seasoned pro and a welcome addition to any Studio Jams situation. One of the things I truly love about Gil is that he always calls out interesting tunes for the band to play. He doesn’t simply fall back on standard jazz tunes. So I knew he would be great.

For keyboards, I immediately thought of Matt King. I had just worked with Matt a few weeks before on a Studio Jams session with bassist Nathan East. Matt was outstanding that day. So after locking in Gil, I quickly reached out to Matt and confirmed his interest to participate as well. So all I need it now was a bassist to complete the group. I kept that position open for as long as I could, not being quite sure as to who might not only be available, but also would be a good fit. Well, low and behold, guitarist Gil called me one evening just to tell me that if I was still looking for a bassist for this session, I might want to consider Kip Sophos. Kip was a friend of Gil, but not someone I immediately thought of because he lived over two hours away in Connecticut. Gil had mentioned the session to Kip and Kip told Gil that he would absolutely love to be part of it. Good suggestion, Gil! I had worked with Kip once before and was knocked out with what I heard. Next thing you know I was on the computer with Kip giving him details about the session! So the band was now complete.

On the day of the session, all the musicians arrived on time and ready to go. Gil started things off by doodling around with the song “It’s Your Thing“…a funky little hit for The Isley Brothers many years ago. The other band members quickly joined in and together they played what was basically a 7 minute rehearsal performance, with a bunch of rough edges. They then decided to simply play it at again from the top as the first song performance of the session.

True to form, Gil then suggested a great little obscure jam tune written by John Scofield, together with the group Medeski, Martin & Wood called “Hottentot.” What a great call! After about 15 minutes of loose rehearsal, we recorded a terrific single take of the tune. I remember it seemed to me then that the band was really starting to gel. Gil things moving with another interesting song suggestion…”Cantaloupe Woman.” Once again, after a brief rehearsal, we recorded a nice single take of this track. It was then time for everyone to take a short break.

After the band got back in the studio, we proceeded to record three more interesting and totally different sounding tracks. In an effort to slow things down a little bit and perhaps create a little more intimate of a soundscape, pianist Matt King suggested playing a sparse arrangement of the old Bobbie Gentry song “Ode to Billie Joe.” Interesting…to say the least. He also thought his use of the melodica would work very well on the song. And so it did. A short 5 minute rehearsal lead to us recording but a single take of this track.

Not much more than a few seconds passed at the end of “Ode to Billie Joe” before guitarist Gil Parris started playing the instantly recognizable guitar lick associated with Jeff Beck’s fusion mega-hit “Freeway Jam.” And jam they did! Wow! They spent a few minutes quickly going over some of the changes and off they went. Incredible. We recorded two takes of this song…both with some terrific solos from everyone, including our two drummers – Dave Hanlon and Jon Fishman. There were many golden moments on this tune. Thanks guys…I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap things up!

This was truly a session to remember. The chemistry between the two drummers was strong. Gil and his guitar were on fire! Matt and Kip delivering infectious energy from start to finish! Super fun!

– Tom Emmi / Producer