2008

Dead Souls "Cognac and Coffee" Cd Zeal Records

Recorded at 1978 in Tienen, Belgium in the winter months of '07 at the request of drummer and friend Bernard to add bass parts for two of Yves's songs, "Boxoffice Waiters" and "Cognac and Coffee". I spent a nice afternoon with both Yves and Bernie talking about music, playing with Bernie's new camera, listening to weird Zappa tunes that studio owner Bernd would cue up, and most importantly recording on Bernd's nice Blue Tone bass amp. My only regret is not sticking around long enough to peer in to the night sky through Bernd's massive telescope. I wonder if that thing cuts the cloud cover here in Belgium.

2007

Ilona V "Good Morning/Universal Arms/Who Can Tell?" 7" single Bracken Records

My first released recording playing...the glockenspiel. yes! Counter melodies and harmonies that compliment Ilona's Nick Drake/Marianne Faithful/Nico - tinged style. Recorded in Allston by Andy Abrahamson from Boston's excellent, long-running band The In/Out at Studio 8. Acoustic guitar, voice, harmonica, and...glockenspiel!

2006

Drew O'Doherty "Starts" Cd Self Released

Boston pal and ex-Ivory Coast/Ted Leo + The Pharmacists/Willard Grant Conspiracy guitarist and songwriter, Drew's first solo outing is a collection of well-written, thought provoking songs with a slew of friends as guest musicians. I played trumpet on a couple of tracks including "Last, Less" with it's spacious, layered long tones. Recorded by Scott Craggs at his Old Colony Studio loft in South Boston with Zach Barocas (Jawbox/Burning Airlines) and Scott Craggs (engineer/Ivory Coast) on drums, Chris Brokaw's (solo artist/Come/Codeine/ Thurston Moore/Dirt Music) colorful sustained feedback, DMC (Thalia Zedek/EHC/WGC) on singing saw and viola, Klaus Hubben (Certainly, Sir/Ivory Coast) on piano, and many others. I like to think of this record as if Springsteen played only acoustic/folk songs. My pick from this record is "Saturday Suit", a song I always waited for when hearing Drew play live back in Boston. I must also add that these live shows were also always a treat due to Drew's staple interpretation of Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor". Drew also recorded a version of "Changes" by Black Sabbath where my trumpet melodies play around with the mellotron-infused melody of the original.

2005

Chris Brokaw “Incredible Love” Cd 12XU / Acuarela / Rock Action

Recorded by Paul Kolderie at Camp St in Cambridge with guest musicians Kevin Coultas (Rodan/Sonora Pine) on drums, Matt Kadane (The New Year) on piano, Noah, DMC, and Jonah on strings, and myself on bass. Chris would later tour with Kevin and I as a trio in support of this record in the U.S and Europe. "X's For Eyes" is remarkable.

Karate “In The Fishtank 12” Cd/Lp Konkurrent

Recorded in Weesp, Netherlands for the Konkurrent's Fishtank series. Karate cover songs by The Minutemen, Bob Dylan, Beefeater, Billy Holiday, and Mark Hollis.

2004

Karate “Pockets” Cd/Lp Southern

Features guitarist Chris Brokaw on "Cacophony" and "Concrete". Recorded by Andy Hong at his new studio in Cambridgeport. Includes some bass lines i am really happy with, accented by my switch to a SST (solid state technology) amp.

Nedelle and Thom “Summerland” Cd Kill Rock Stars

San Francisco songwriters Nedelle Torrisi and Thom Moore needed a rhythm section for this recording by Andy Hong at his studio in Cambridgeport. With only a couple rehearsals before the recording, Gavin McCarthy and I stepped in on drums and bass to flesh out these 11 songs. SST bass amplification.

Certainly, Sir “For Claire” 12” single Palm Beats

3 song 12" from electronic pop duo Klaus Hubben and M. Brodeur. Remix of "Rave Review" including trumpet stabs and muted melodies.

2003

Karate “Some Boots” Cd/Lp Southern

Faced with similar issues on "Unsolved" with retaining vinyl sound quality with the length of the recording, "Some Boots" track listing is presented to best fit the corresponding format. CD version includes "Courderoy", absent on the LP. Recorded by Andy Hong in Somerville.

Karate “Concerto Al Barchessone Veccio” Live Cd Fooltribe

Recorded live on tour in a giant barn, or former horse stable in the center of a field in San Martino Spino (Mo), Italy by Manu Fusaroli and Gigi Battistini for Fooltribe with Karate's live sound engineer Greet Vyvey at the board. Luca Mai from ZU is featured on "Number Six". Beautifully packaged by Tiziano.

Certainly, Sir “Spring Tour Single” Cd Both Recordings

4 songs compiled and available only at shows. Muted trumpet melodies on "Rave Review".

Darryl Blood “This Isn’t Goodbye” Cd Blue Sanct

Recorded on a Tascam 388 by Darryl (aka Tiltmaster) in the weeks before his move to LA. Joined by fellow ex-Turkish Delight drummer Dave Nelson. I played trumpet.

The Common Cold “Bleep…Bleep…Bloop” Cd Action Driver

I added a trumpet track for the Micka brothers and Greg Moss, this band of sound engineers, recorded by Kevin Micka at Small Church, Boston.

Kristin Forbes “DC – FIY vol. 1 comp. “ Cd+zine DCFIY

Aspiring astronaut and cyclist extraordinaire Kristin Forbes has me offer a bass part for a dub version of her contribution to this compilation that also features Victory At Sea.

2002

Karate “Cancel / Sing” Cd/Ep Southern

Recorded by Andy Hong in his living room in Somerville, this 26 minute 2 song Ep explores improvisation, dynamics, and composed rhythm section parts over extended arrangements.

Mary Timony “The Golden Dove” Matador

MT's second solo album post-Helium. Recorded at Q Division in Cambridge by Bruce MacFarlane and in Richmond, Va. by Al Weatherhead at Sound Of Music. Christina Files on drums and myself on bass. Additional musicians include Al Weatherhead (Sparklehorse), Amy Domingues (Edith Frost/Garland Of Hours), and Pete Fitzpatrick (Pee Wee Fist/Clem Snide) who rocked the euphonium while i played trumpet for the ending of "Ant's Dance". Mary toured twice with this ensemble in support of the record.

Eamonn Vitt “Deserted Music” Cd Self-Starter Foundation

Original Karate bass player steps out for his first full length. Recorded by Adam Lasus at his Fireproof Studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn during some dangerously hot August days, punctuated by periodic blackouts througout New York City, sleeping at the studio to escape the heat. Scott Adamson played drums and banjo with additional guests from Kendall Meade and Jud Ehrbar. I played some crazy 60's hollow body bass, trumpet and entertained myself on the Optigan.

Victory At Sea “The Good Night” Cd Kimchee

Recorded by Andy Hong in his living room. Played trumpet on "Canyon".

The Ivory Coast “Clouds” Cd Polyvinyl

I played trumpet on this release. My tracks were recorded in the kitchen at 298A Lincoln in Allston.

2001

Karate “Unsolved” Double Lp Southern

We were always devoted to producing vinyl and due to the length of the recording and the band not wanting to compromise sound quality, Southern released the vinyl edition of "Unsolved" as a double Lp. Side 4 includes early out of print singles such as the collectable "Cherry Coke". This turned out to be a great idea and an interesting opportunity to present early material on a record that documents a giant step forward in Karate's sound. Unsolved and evolved. Highly sought after at the merch table.

Rosa Chance Well Cd Kimchee

Vanessa Downing and Dean Taormina's songs recorded by Andy Hong in his living room. I played bass and trumpet on several tracks with Gavin McCarthy on drums with additional guitar from Chris Brokaw. Includes a cool version of John Fogerty's "Bad Moon Rising".

Victory At Sea “Carousel” Cd/Lp Kimchee

I added the trumpet track for "Angel", originally a song Mona wrote outside of Victory At Sea that we recorded once before. Recorded at Small Church in Boston by Andy Hong. "The Blizzard of '76" is a song that I like even more having experienced the actual storm myself. Those of you that are true New Englanders will know what I'm talking about.

Heidi Saperstein “The Devil I Once Knew” Cd Kimchee

I played trumpet on this release by Heidi, her first after the break-up of Shiva Speedway. Dark songs with a clear focus on her voice, this album is filled with guest musicians. Recorded by Andrew Schneider at Fort Apache.

2000

Karate “Unsolved” Cd Southern

Considered by most to be the musical turning point for the band and still a favorite for fans. Involved compositions, quieter sounds and more deliberate "space" are presented. Recorded at Small Church in Boston by Andy Hong.

The Lune “Blameless” Cd Crow Point

Second full-on acoustic album recorded again by John Willams at the now defunct Supersonic in Cambridgeport. Taking the sound even further adding banjo by Eric Royer and trombone by Will Quackenbush. I played trumpet on this recording, songs that are considerably faster than "On The Cutting Room Floor". Last recording by The Lune, also self released.

The Ivory Coast “The Rush of Oncoming Traffic” Cd Big Wheel Recreation

I played trumpet on this release.

Jade Tree “First Five Years” Compilation Cd Jade Tree

The Jones Very Ep "Trains Of Thought" re-released on this compilation from the first five years of releases by Jade Tree along with Pitchblende, Universal Order Of Armageddon and Eggs. Handsome packaging complete with original artwork, photos, credits, lyrics and liner notes.

1999

Various “In My Living Room” Compilation Cd Kimchee

Recorded in Andy Hong's living room this compilation features "Empty There", the B-side to the "Operation: Sand" single. Songs by Mary Timony, Ida, The Television Set, Seana Carmody, Richard Davies, Geoff, Jodi, and more.

1998

Karate “The Bed Is In The Ocean” Cd/Lp Southern

Recorded by Andy Hong at the now defunct Salad Days studio somewhere west of Boston. Andy had to practically rebuild the board, tape machine, and who knows what else to complete this record. Big room with some brick walls added to the open sound.

Karate “Operation: Sand/Empty There” 7” single Southern

First Karate recording by Andy Hong and tracked in his living room in Somerville. With Eamonn's departure from the band, Karate were now back to a trio starting with this recording. Long out of print.

The Lune “On The Cutting Room Floor” Cd/Lp Aesthetics

One of the records i am most proud of for every reason. Mark, Brad, and I worked so insanely hard on this music, not to mention recorded at the same time as "Sill" which was completely different music and instrumentation all together. I spent 6 months getting up to speed on a borrowed upright acoustic bass made of plywood with horrific action, barely acceptable tone with no sustain that was also full size. I think I had to stand on a milk crate to be able to get my hands around it. Staying true to the idea of making this record with only acoustic instruments, we even transported Mark's upright piano from his house in the back of a pick-up, later re-tuned in the studio by engineers John Williams and Carl Plaster. I played upright bass, trumpet, guitar, and sang on this session. Washboard, accordian, harp, drums, piano, violin, guitar, Brad's storytelling lyric style and some great pedal steel parts by Tim Obetz complete this album. Great songs with an original take on Americana. An early release of Aesthetics.

1997

Karate “In Place Of Real Insight” Cd/Lp Southern

My first record with Karate. Eamonn had moved to 2nd guitar with this being the only recording as a quartet. The first bass part i wrote with the band was "New New", Lune influenced in it's accents, more rock with the constant 8th notes. I loved playing this, so much fun, but for the life of me can't remember it much less figure it out now as i write these notes.

The Lune “Sill” Cd/Ep Aesthetics

7 songs of abstract blues melodies, jazz-damaged drumming, and syncopated bass lines. Tom-toms, cowbell, and octave ostinato bass riffs punctuate this first cd by the band. Wanting for people to "get it", to be thought of a rauchy dance band, this recording comes close. Recorded by John Williams at Fort Apache at the same time as "On The Cutting Room Floor". This was Aesthetics very first release.

1996

Come “Near Life Experience” Cd/Lp Matador

Played trumpet on "Bitten".

Karate/The Lune “The Schwinn/On Letting You Go” split 7” single Lonesome Pine

A song from each band loosely referencing bikes. Karate song is an outtake from the "Death Kit" recording session. The Lune offer more trademark trumpet/guitar harmonies, tight rythmic patterns and some of the best use of a cowbell on record. Ambitious yet difficult packaging later re-released in a more user-friendly format. Rare and likely only found at the merch table on Karate tours. Self released.

Push Kings Cd/Lp Sealed Fate

Recorded by Eric Masunaga of The Dambuilders for his label. I wrote and performed the trumpet parts on this recording. Superpop.

1995

The Lune “Too Close/Too Far” 7” single Habanera

First recording that presents the trio's "other side". The all acoustic instrumentation of "Too Close" includes my trumpet playing. "Too Far" is a dynamic and rythmic electric instrumental. I love this single. Self released.

1994

Ken Chambers “No Reaction” Cd/Lp Taang!

Second solo album from Moving Targets guitarist/singer Ken Chambers. Jim Janota from The Bags played drums. Recorded on Franklin St. in Allston by Glen Brown in what was by now somewhat of a formal studio run by engineer John Wood called Bird Dog, formerly known as Twin Labs, and before that my rehearsal space. crazy! Later in the year John would record the first Karate 7" "Death Kit" here at Bird Dog.

Ken Chambers “Above You” Cd/Ep Taang!

3 songs from "No Reaction", 1 cover, and an instrumental.

1993

The Lune “The Traveler/Giving Up” 7” single Cinderblock

Recorded at my rehearsal space on Franklin St. in Allston also home to Glen Brown's Twin Labs studio. Mark Erdody from Kudgel released this first recording by The Lune on his active "chimp rock" label. Harmonized bass and trumpet lines, violin breaks, Mark Ribot inspired guitar stylings, propulsive snare work, and lyric storytelling are presented  in what would become a defining sound of this trio. This much syncopated interaction was so much fun to write and perform. Dirtiest mid-range bass sound i have ever recorded.

Cold Water Flat “Listen” Cd Sonic Bubblegum

Played bass and a beautiful Hammond B3 organ at Fort Apache with engineer Tim O'Heir, tracked 3 years earlier.

1992

Jones Very “New Life For Lies” Cd/Lp Jade Tree

The first full-length Jade Tree released as a label would also be the last recording for Jones Very. This final recording at Fort Apache with Lou Giordano and Carl Plaster would involve guest musicians Ken Chambers and Pat Mahoney adding textured guitar parts with Carl laying down the bass on "The Last Joke". Melodic bass chords, harmonics, ostinato guitar and propulsive drumming in the vein of "Trains Of Thought" yet a world darker. Cool flanger on the bass chords in "Straight Time".

Ken Chambers “Take This Ride/Erase” 7” single Mag Wheel

Recorded live to DAT in my rehearsal space in Allston. This line-up included Jones Very drummer Jamie Van Bramer and guitarist Ben Segal. Ken toured Europe as a later incarnation of Moving Targets with this group.

Cold Water Flat “Lost and Lazy” split 7” single w/ Sleepyhead BitterSweet

1 song from the "Listen" Cd.

1991

Jones Very “Trains Of Thought” Cd/Ep Jade Tree

Second proper release for the now well-known Jade Tree label. 6 songs recorded at Fort Apache North above Rounder Records in Cambridge by Lou Giordano. A more balanced and mature offering by the trio at the height of their creativity. Solid bass parts i'm really happy with.

Jones Very “No More/Feet Of Clay” 7” single Jade Tree

Single and vinyl companion to the "Trains Of Thought" Cd/Ep.

Jones Very “Radio Wave” live radio shows Cd/Lp Import Bitzcore

Side A is from WJUL at UMASS Lowell. Side B is from WMBR at MIT engineered by Andy Hong. Ken Chambers joined the band in live setttings around this time and appears on the A side from WJUL.

Jones Very “Straight Time/Ideas New Tomorrow” 7” single Import Bitzcore

German import from the "Radio Wave" album. "Budget" artwork.

Ken Chambers “Double Negative” Cd/Lp Import City Slang

Recorded in Berlin, Germany at Vielklang by Iain Burgess (Naked Raygun), this was the first solo record by Moving Targets guitarist/singer Ken Chambers. Steve Albert from Edsel was the drummer. I must have been listening to "Someplace Else" by Wipers before recording the bass on "Blood and Flowers". Dredd Foole (aka Dan Ireton) lent his voice to the Sabbathesque "Volcano Brain".

Ken Chambers “Blood+Flowers/The Blue Mask” 7” single Import City Slang

Single from the "Double Negative" session. B-side is a Lou Reed cover.

1989

Jones Very “Words And Days” Cd/Lp Roadrunner

Recorded at the original Fort Apache South on Norfolk St. in Roxbury by Lou Giordano, this often overlooked debut was way ahead of it's time. The tiny tracking room with brick walls and piles of gear provided a very live sound also found on The Pixes "Come on Pilgrim" and Uncle Tupelo's "No Depression. Despite the chorus effect on the bass, i am particularly proud of this record. Apparently Ryan Adams also likes "Words and Days".

1988

Apology “Pass You By” 12”Ep/Cassette Wishingwell

Teenage effort indeed. Led by Boston's XXX fanzine/promotor Gitter and  ex-Justice League guitarist Matt Baker, 6 songs best kept in 1988. Released by Pat Dubar of Uniform Choice. Includes authentic, 80's-style hardcore mile-long  thank you list.