Episode #30
Episode #30
Recording Date: December 1, 2006
Location: Hyde Street Recording Studios, San Francisco, CA
Musicians:
Peppino D’Agostino – Guitar
Jackie King – Guitar
Stef Burns – Guitar
Billy Johnson – Drums
Marc Russo – Saxophones
David Ewell – Bass
Songs:
Birdland BUY
Jerry’s Breakdown BUY
Mercy, Mercy BUY
Living the Sky BUY
Venus over Venice BUY
This was a session that we put together, quite quickly and somewhat spur-of-the-moment, while on a West Coast production trip to San Francisco. My crew and I were out there for a few days to tape part of a live concert DVD we were doing for Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead) and his band, The Rhythm Devils. We had an off day, so rather than waste it, I thought why not try and tape another episode of Studio Jams!
The first thing I did was find a studio that would be available to us for a few hours on such short notice. Hyde Street Recording Studios fit the bill perfectly…a nice room, conveniently located, and with a terrific staff of true professionals. Next, I called up two dear musician friends who both live in the Bay area, guitarists Peppino D’Agostino and Jackie King, to see if either or both of them might be interested and available to participate. Lucky for me, they both were! With their help, we were then able to assemble a few other players to join us as well.
Stef and Peppino
In addition to guitarists Peppino D’Agostino and Jackie King, this session also featured guitarist Stef Burns, saxophonist Marc Russo, bassist David Ewell and Billy Johnson on drums. One of the things that really made this session interesting (and technically challenging) was the fact that we had 3 different guitar players…all coming from completely different directions. Peppino is a world-class finger-style acoustic guitarist, a true master of the instrument. Jackie is a versatile and seasoned veteran from the be-bop school of jazz. He has performed extensively with Chet Baker, Ray Charles, Richie Cole, Willie Nelson, the Boston Pops, the Joffrey Ballet, and has served as a touring artist/clinician for the California Arts Council. And Stef, he rocks regularly as the featured lead guitarist with Huey Lewis & The News. Again…3 guitar players from 3 totally different worlds. Thanks to Stef, Marc Russo came into the mix. It was a thrill for me to get to work with him. I have been a fan for years, and I love his work back when he was a member of The Yellowjackets. He now tours regularly with The Doobie Brothers. Marc is a magnificent player, and a nice guy as well.
We taped five songs that afternoon, including a nice fresh take on Birdland and a beautiful rendition of one of Peppino’s original songs, Venus Over Venice.
– Tom Emmi / Producer
