The songs on our front page have all been recorded live to iPhone. We expressly wanted to capture our music direct, unadorned and self contained – warts and all, so to speak.
But there are some fine musicians in our Neighborhood who’ve offered to independently contribute to our recordings. We are amazed at the quality of their long-distance contributions, especially since we’re using a backwards recording process: no rhythm track, anachronistic timing, no ability to isolate the original vocals and instruments, and therefore necessarily limited mixing capabilities.
On these first collaborations, the contributing musicians have never played together although we have known them for decades. We proudly present these great friends and look forward to new collaborators too!
Collaborators:
Mark Lonergan – Electric Bass
Al Carey – Acoustic Guitar
Collaborators:
Al Carey – Pedal Steel Guitar
Mark Lonergan – Electric Bass
Al and our Mark met in the 90's and quickly discovered a shared affinity for sarcasm and American roots music. They played together for a time, focusing on songs that moved them and never running out of big ideas.
Some 45 years ago, Mark and our Mark met in a UMass dorm where listening to and making music became a way of life. Here they are, still chasing it. Today Mark says, “Bass isn’t as much an instrument as a role…you try to give the music what it needs, and if you’re really lucky, it sounds like you.” And we like Mark’s “you.”