By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 08:10 am:
| By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 08:10 am: |
Here's the thread for new posts
OK , - fill 'er up !
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 09:58 am: |
Thanks for handeling this Davie. I had the feelng Ray would be very popular. Once again Ray, thanks for all your time and wonderul input.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.65) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 01:21 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
THANK YOU CALEB,DAVIE,AND RALPH.THAT THING IS TOO LONG.
PART 3:RARE EARTH.
EARLY 1971,AND I'AM HEADING DOWN TO GOLDEN WORLD(STUDIO B)TO RECORD WITH R.E.I JUST JOINED UP,AND WE'RE GOING TO WORK ON AN ALBUM CALLED "ONE WORLD".FIVE OF THE SONGS ARE ALREADY CUT,MINUS THE GUIT.PARTS.SO I'LL BE OUT IN THE STUDIO BY MYSELF,OVERDUBBING.GIL,PETE,JOHN,MARK,AND EDDIE ARE ALL THERE TO HELP OUT.MARK AND I HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR A WHILE("HAIR" AND OTHER PROJECTS),BUT I'AM NEW TO EVERYONE ELSE.I'VE HAD A TAPE OF THE SONGS,TO WORK WITH,SO ITS TIME TO PUT DOWN THE PARTS.EVERYBODY IS VERY SUPPORTIVE,AND JUST LET ME DO MY THING.WHEN I FINISH,THEY ALL SEEM HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS,SO NOW IT'S TIME TO CUT THE OTHER TWO SONGS WE HAVE READY .MARK,EDDIE,AND I HAVE WRITTEN A SONG CALLED "UNDER GOD'S LIGHT,AND WE ALL HAVE DECIDED TO DO A VERSION OF BROTHER RAY'S "WHAT'D I SAY".THE FIRST SONG GOES DOWN EASY,AND WE MOVE ON TO THE NEXT.WE SPEND SEVERAL HOURS ON "WHAT'D I SAY"(7 MINUTE-STRETCHED OUT VERSION),BUT IN THE END,IT COMES OUT STRONG.AT THIS POINT,WE NEED ONE MORE SONG TO COMPLETE THE ALBUM.WE'RE SUPPOSED TO MEET WITH TWO MOTOWN WRITERS TOMORROW EVENING,AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER.
NEXT DAY:
WE GET TOGETHER BACK AT THE STUDIO,AND MEET TWO GENTLEMEN NAMED NICK AND DINO.THEY HAVE A SONG THEY WROTE FOR US.NO TAPE RECORDING,WE ALL GO TO THE PIANO,AND NICK PLAYS WHILE DINO SINGS.WHEN THEY FINISH,WE LOOK AT EACH OTHER IN AMAZEMENT,AND ALL AGREE THAT THIS IS A HIT!THE SONG IS "I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE".
LET'S RUN THIS DOWN AND GET IT ON TAPE!
WE WERE STRUGGLING A LITTLE WITH THE ARRANGEMENT,SO TOM BAIRD CAME IN AND HELPED TIE IT UP.ROLL THE TAPE! ONE ,TWO,THREE, FOUR! AFTERWARDS,EVERYBODY'S ALL SMILES.THIS ONE'S GONNA BE GOOD.
RAY
| By Rich (162.33.235.74) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 07:19 pm: |
#2 - And away we go. Thanks so much Ray for the stories. Two of the Funkadelic songs you played on (I'll Bet you and I Got a Thing) were extremely popular in Detroit.
I'll Bet You b/w Open Our Eyes (Westbound 150)
#4 Pop WKNR (Detroit) Top-31 Survey - 9/21/69 & 9/28/69
#1 Pop on CKLW's (London-Windsor) Top-30 Survey -9/16/69 (replacing the Tempts "Can't get next to you" and holding off Sly's "Hot fun in the summertime")
�
I Got a Thing, You Got a Thing, Everybody's Got a Thing b/w Fish Chips & Sweat (Westbound 158)
#2 Pop WKNR (Detroit) - 3/10/70
#23 in WKNR's 1970 year-end survey,
#1 Pop on CKLW's (London-Windsor) Top-30 survey - 3/9/70 (replacing Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over troubled water" and holding off The J5's "ABC")
#27 Pop on CKLW's 1970 year-end survey.
At the end of 1970, WKNR ran a survey of the stations top 300 songs of all-time, "I'll Bet You" came in at #229
"Must be the funkiest progressive music ever" - Music Business Weekly : 1970
Peace
| By Caleb (171.75.84.183) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 09:25 pm: |
Ray,your stories are great!!Those 2 guys who wrote Celebrate,they were Motown writers?Didn't they write a couple other pretty big tunes too-"Reunited",Peaches and Herb?Was listening to Celebrate recently-you were soaring on that guitar solo!!
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.69) on Saturday, May 24, 2003 - 04:42 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
RICH...THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO.VERY COOL,AND FUNKY.
CALEB...THANKS FOR THE GOOD WORDS! IN THE SAME YEAR THEY WROTE "CELEBRATE",NICK AND DINO(ZESSES,FEKARIS),ALSO WROTE "HEY BIG BROTHER",FOR US."BIG BROTHER" WAS PUT OUT AS A SINGLE AFTER "CELEBRATE" PEAKED,BUT IT WAS NEVER ON AN ALBUM(A LITTLE ODD).LATER THAT YEAR WE RECORDED "IN CONCERT",AND A LIVE VERSION WAS INCLUDED ON IT.I DON'T KNOW ALL THE HISTORY OF NICK AND DINO,BUT AT SOME POINT THEY WENT THEIR SEPARATE WAYS.THE SONG"REUNITED" WAS INDEED WRITTEN BY DINO,BUT I BELIEVE THE CO-WRITER WAS FREDDY PERRINS.
STEVE K...R.E. 1975 WAS A BAND WITH SOME TOP-NOTCH PERSONNEL.FROSTY'S A GREAT DRUMMER.IN THE LIVE SHOW,HE WOULD DROP HIS STICKS DURING HIS SOLO,AND PROCEED TO PLAY WITH HIS HANDS!THE CROWD LOVED IT.ALSO,HE WOULD WEAR PAJAMAS WHEN HE PERFORMED.(I GUESS FOR COMFORT).HE WAS QUITE A CHARACTER.THE FIRST THING HE WOULD DO WHEN WE ARRIVED AT OUR HOTEL,WAS TO COMPLETELY RE-ARRANGE HIS ROOM(MUST HAVE DRIVEN THE MAIDS CRAZY).
REGGIE MCBRIDE IS A SMOKING BASS-PLAYER.WHEN WE PERFORMED LIVE,HE WOULD LICK HIS FINGERS BETWEEN NOTES(MAYBE TO COOL THEM DOWN).NEVER SAW ANYBODY DO THAT.
JERRY LACROIX(FROM EDGAR WINTER),IS A TERRIFIC SINGER.SOUNDED LIKE A WHITE "RAY CHARLES"(WHOLE LOTTA SOUL).AT ONE OF THE SHOWS HE GOT SO INTO THE PERFORMANCE,THAT HE FELL OFF THE FRONT OF THE STAGE.BUT THE WAY HE WENT DOWN WAS ALMOST LIKE SLIDING DOWN THE FRONT,AND UP HE CAME.ALL IN ONE MOTION.DARNDEST THING TO SEE.THE AUDIENCE PROBABLY THOUGHT IT WAS PLANNED.
PAUL WARREN,A HOT YOUNG GUITARIST WAS ALSO WITH US.AFTER I JOINED R.E.,HE PLAYED THOSE HOT LICKS ON "PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE".
ALL IN ALL,A STRONG LINEUP.GOOD SONGS.BUT UNFORTUNATELY MOTOWN DID LITTLE TO NO PROMO ON IT.
NORMAN WHITFIELD PRODUCED THE NEXT ALBUM("MIDNIGHT LADY").AND HE WAS JUST AS DISSAPOINTED BY THE LACK OF PROMO.
ONE LAST THING: FROSTY HAD A PET NAME FOR US.HE CALLED US "UNUSUAL DIRT".FUNNY GUY.
RAY
| By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.34) on Saturday, May 24, 2003 - 05:08 pm: |
Ray, Caleb
I can give you some background to Nick Zesses and
Dino Fekaris.
They'd recorded for Harry Balk's Impact label in 1967 as a duo (Nick & Dino).
Harry joined Motown in early '68 and Motown took
over distribution of his Inferno label which had taken the place of Impact. I'm not sure why,
probably because he by now directly employed by
Motown, the Inferno label was wound up and its
few artists either broke up (The Detroit Wheels)
or left for other labels (The Volumes).
Harry did bring some former Impact / Inferno
staffers over to Motown - his wife Patti Jerome,
writer/producer Duke Browner and Nick & Dino
who became Jobete staff writers.
The songs they wrote for Rare Earth were their
biggest successes but they did go on to write
and produce for acts like the Originals.
Their partnership seems to have ended about 1976
- I don't know what happened to Nick Zesses but
as you know Dino Fekaris went on to work with
Freddie Perren on sessions for people like
Gloria Gaynor and Peaches & Herb. Apart from
"Reunited" Dino gave the world karaoke staple
"I Will Survive" - I'm not quite sure how I
feel about that 
It's a real shame that "Back To Earth" wasn't as
succesful as it should've been -there was some
excellent material on that album, "Keepin' Me
Out Of The Storm" especially.
Davie
| By Caleb (171.75.84.135) on Saturday, May 24, 2003 - 07:39 pm: |
Thanks for the info Davie.Ray,do you keep in touch with Paul Warren?Know he was playing with Richard Marx for quite some time.
| By MEL&THEN SOME9 (217.14.178.6) on Sunday, May 25, 2003 - 05:52 am: |
Mr.Monette,
do you have your own personal web-site?
and have you ever published any book's regards the fine career you have been telling us about on this superb thread.
I await in awe,
ready for your next piece of information.
many thanks
mel.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.88) on Monday, May 26, 2003 - 12:46 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
DAVIE...GREAT UPDATE ON NICK AND DINO,AND I HEAR YOU ON "I WILL SURVIVE".WE ACTUALLY DID HAVE ONE MORE MEETING WITH DINO.AROUND 1980,AFTER THE BAND LEFT MOTOWN,WE GOT A DEAL WITH R.C.A.IT WAS A PACKAGE DEAL THAT HINGED ON DINO PRODUCING THE ALBUM.WE WENT INTO THE STUDIO WITH HIGH HOPES(SOUNDED LIKE A GOOD IDEA),AND PROCEEDED TO LAY DOWN SOME TRACKS.DINO WROTE THE SONGS,SOME OF WHICH DIDN'T REALLY SEEM TO FIT THE BAND.BUT WE CARRIED ON HOPING FOR THE BEST.AFTER THE TRACKS WERE DONE WE WENT OUT TO PLAY SOME SHOWS.WHEN WE RETURNED,WE FOUND OUT THAT DINO HAD OVERDUBBED STRINGS AND HORNS ALL OVER THE TRACKS.THE SONGS DIDN'T SOUND ANYTHING LIKE US NOW.THE ALBUM WAS GIVEN TO R.C.A.,AND THEY AGREED WITH US,SAYING IT DIDN'T SOUND LIKE R.E.IT WAS CALLED "TIGHT AND HOT",AND GOT A LIMITED RELEASE IN CANADA.LOOKING BACK ON IT NOW,IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE "FUNKY" SIDE OF THEIR WRITING CAME FROM NICK.
CALEB...AFTER PAUL LEFT THE BAND,WE LOST TOUCH.I KNEW HE PLAYED WITH RICHARD MARX,AND BABBITT HAS INFORMATION ABOUT HIM ON HIS THREAD.
MEL...AND THEN SOME,SOMETHING EXTRA,SPECIAL!YOU ARE TOO KIND MEL.I DO NOT HAVE A PERSONAL WEB-SITE,AND HAVE NOT WRITTEN A BOOK UP TO THIS POINT.I DO HAVE PICS. AND A BIO. ON THE RAREEARTH.COM SITE,WHICH IS STILL BEING BUILT.I GUESS IT IS TIME TO START CONSIDERING A BOOK.THANK YOU.
SHADES OF THINGS TO COME:
IT'S 1961,AND WE'VE GOT A BAND CALLED THE "ELECTRA'S(DIDN'T ALL BANDS IN BIG "D" HAVE A BAND NAMED AFTER A CAR).WE'RE SCHEDULED TO PLAY A SHOW AT A LOCAL TEEN CLUB,WITH A COUPLE OTHER ACTS.THE FIRST BAND GOES ON,AND THEN US.ALL GOES WELL,AND THE CLOSER COMES ON.HE'S ACTUALLY GOT A RECORD OUT,THAT WE'VE BEEN HEARING ON THE RADIO.HIS NAME IS EDDIE HOLLAND,AND HIS SONG IS CALLED "JAMIE".HE COMES OUT AND PROCEEDS TO STEAL THE SHOW.WE WERE KNOCKED OUT BY HIS PERFORMANCE.
A SHORT TIME LATER ,WE'RE SET TO DO THE WALLED LAKE CASINO,WITH LEE ALAN,ON THE HORN.NOW WE'RE REALLY HITTIN THE BIG-TIME.WE DO OUR SHOW,AND THE CROWD REACTS WELL.NOW IT'S TIME FOR THE MAIN ATTRACTION,A GROUP CALLED THE "CONTOURS",SINGING "DO YOU LOVE ME".THESE GUYS ARE "BAD"!THEY BRING THE HOUSE DOWN!
THE NEXT THING WE DID,WAS THE STATE FAIR "BATTLE OF THE BANDS".WE DID PRETTY WELL,ONLY LOSING OUT TO ONE BAND.A GROUP CALLED THE "SUNLINERS".WE THOUGHT WE SHOULD HAVE WON.OH WELL,YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT'S DOWN THE ROAD.
RAY
| By Kim (68.47.158.113) on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 01:22 pm: |
Ray,
I have a couple of questions:
1. Was the guitar work on Under God's Light influenced by George Harrison?
2. Did you ever take guitar lesson from a guy names Al. I can't remember his last name.
Please say hi to Judy for me; that is, if she still remembers me after all of these years. It seems like so long ago!
I now live in Naples Florida where I teach psychology at a local Community College. It's nice in the Winter a little how in the Summer. I would really like to see you some time when I'm in town. I get back to Detroit once in a while. My wife still has family in Detroit.
Kim
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.110) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 11:56 am: |
HELLO TO ALL:
KIM...AT THE TIME,I DON'T THINK I CONSCIOUSLY THOUGHT ABOUT GEORGE,BUT I CAN SEE WHY YOU WOULD ASK.BESIDES WHO WASN'T INFLUENCED BY THE BEATLES IN SOME WAY.LOOKING BACK ON THE SONG,IT DOES SOUND LIKE SOMETHING GEORGE MIGHT HAVE DONE.
THE TEACHER THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT WAS AL KORINEK.HE TAUGHT AT THE STORE WHERE I BOUGHT THE S.G. I TALKED ABOUT EARLIER.HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS IN DETROIT,AT THE TIME.ONE THING ABOUT HIM.HE BELIEVED IN U.F.O'S,AND HE WOULD SHOW ME PICTURES OF THEM.??
NEXT TIME YOU'RE HEADING TO BIG D.,LET ME KNOW,AND I'LL E-MAIL YOU.
UNCLE ED:
AS YOU PROBABLY HEARD,ED WINGATE WAS QUITE A CHARACTER,AND A GREAT GUY.I WAS SET TO DO A SESSION AT GOLDEN WORLD,AND THAT MORNING MY CAR GAVE UP ON ME.I CALLED THE STUDIO,AND TOLD THEM I COULDN'T MAKE IT.TEN MINUTES LATER I GET A CALL FROM ED HIMSELF,AND HE SAYS,I'LL JUST SEND A CAB FOR YOU.AT THAT TIME ,I WAS LIVING 40 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN(BIG BUCK CAB RIDE),BUT THAT'S HOW UNCLE ED WAS.WHEN HE WANTED SOMETHING DONE,IT GOT DONE.
RUMOR ALSO HAD IT AT THE TIME,THAT HE HAD WALLED UP A VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF CASH,YEARS BEFORE.WHEN HE FINALLY GOT BACK TO IT,IT HAD SOMEHOW DETERIATED,AND WAS USELESS.OH WELL, IT WAS ONLY MONEY.AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT HE'S SUPPOSED TO HAVE SAID.
RAY
| By MEL&THEN SOME9 (217.14.178.39) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 05:01 am: |
Mr Monette,
apologies if this has been mentioned(probably has)but cant recall,
anyway,
just pulled out yet another gem that you are on alongside
M Campbell
R Krainor
who wrote this 45 with you.
Irene and the Scotts
stompin'dancer of
"I'm Stuck on my Baby"
recorded on the
Smash Record Label(no.S-2138)
This has been a great fave of mine now for years
it has it all(for me anyway)
Also with you were of course
Mr B.Babbitt-producer.
Mr N Sands-production.
and of course the icing on the cake
Theo/Coff
arrangement.
Do you recall
Irene and The Scotts?
I apologise again if this is old news.
Anyway,
thanks for yet another gem in my collection,
thanks to one and all mentioned.
regards
mel.
| By Ian W (194.75.129.2) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 07:27 am: |
And what a flip side too Mel!
| By MEL&THEN SOME9 (212.159.49.43) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 08:17 am: |
Indeed Ian,
I was going to mention it,
a great double-header
although Stuck on my baby edges it for me personally.
Just for the record
the flip is
'why do you treat me like you do'
cheers
mel.
| By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 08:26 am: |
Mel
While I see you on here, a number of people were asking for you at the event and at the Clawson.
Take a bow!
David
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.108) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 03:08 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
MEL...IT'S THE FIRST TIME IT'S BEEN MENTIONED TO ME IN MANY YEARS.IT TOOK A CALL TO "THE BABBITT",TO JAR LOOSE SOME MEMORIES OF THAT SONG.LIKE YOU SAID,WE HAD THE WHOLE GANG ON THAT ONE.YOU'RE PROBABLY AWARE THAT ROBERT KREINAR IS BOB BABBITT.NORMAN SANDS WAS A LOCAL AGENT AND MANAGER WHO WAS MANAGING "IRENE AND THE SCOTTS".OF COURSE WE ALL PLAYED ON THE SESSION,WITH BOB PRODUCING.THE RECORD WENT OUT AND STARTED TO MAKE SOME NOISE IN PHILLY,BUT IT DIDN'T GET THE PROMO TO BREAK IT OUT.IT WAS A SHAME.IRENE WAS AN EXCELLENT SINGER,AND WE ALL THOUGHT THE SONG WAS STRONG.I THANK YOU AND IAN FOR MYSELF AND ALL INVOLVED ON THAT PROJECT.
ONE FOOT-NOTE:HOWARD SCOTT(THE BASSIST)WENT ON TO PLAY WITH "WAR",IF MEMORY SERVES.
DAVID...JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW SORRY I AM THAT I COULDN'T MAKE THE EVENT.IT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME.FAMILY MATTERS PREVENTED ME FROM ATTENDING,BUT THERE'S ALWAYS NEXT TIME.
R.E. PERFORMED SEVERAL SHOWS WITH "WAR" OVER THE YEARS.I REMEMBER A SHOW AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL IN L.A.THE MANAGERS OF THE TWO BANDS WERE FIGHTING TOOTH AND NAIL AS TO WHO WOULD CLOSE THE SHOW.I DON'T THINK ANY OF THE MUSICIANS CARED AT ALL.THE PLACE WAS JAMMED,AND WE ALL JUST WANTED TO PLAY.I ALWAYS THOUGHT THE PLAYERS WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE THE BIG EGO'S,BUT THESE TWO GUYS HELD UP THE SHOW TRYING TO WORK IT OUT.IN THE END,IT MATTERED LITTLE.BOTH BANDS PLAYED WELL,AND THE CROWD LOVED THE SHOW. (MANAGERS!!)
RAY
| By Caleb (209.244.233.225) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 09:44 pm: |
Great post Ray-would love to hear that Irene and the Scotts record.I've been looking for that Stoney and Meatloaf album.No luck yet-tough to find,I'll keep searchin'.Caleb
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:06 pm: |
Caleb,
Be very careful with the Stoney and Meatloaf album. If it's the re-issue I don't recommend it.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.115) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 11:06 pm: |
OK Ralph,I'll be watching for that.
| By David Shadbolt (195.92.168.173) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 08:38 am: |
Caleb,
The re-release was issued on the Prodigal label. So if you make sure you get the original "Rare Earth" label release you will be all right. It has though rather surprisingly to me never been released in any form on CD
Regarding your earlier query as to who Stoney was and is! She is now known as "Shaun Murphy", lead vocalist for the current incarnation of the band "Little Feat". She has been their lead vocalist since about 1995 and is currently on tour in the States belting out some of the Lowell George classics as well as newer material written by other band members. She has also just recorded some tracks for a new Little Feat album due to be released later this year.
Hope no one objects to me posting here. It's just that I have a fan web site dedicated to the Stoney and Meat Loaf album so have researched and followed her subsequent career
And Ralph - always enjoy reading your memories of the Stoney and Meatloaf days on this forum.
David
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 09:32 am: |
David,
Welcome to Soulful Detroit and thank you for posting. Stoney's present stage name, Shawn Murphy, is close to her real name. If I remember correctly her first name is actually Cheryl. She was Cheryl Reese when I signed her to Motown. She was married at the time to some guy simply called Reese. Whatever her name, the girl can sing.
I have done some posting on a Stoney and Meatloaf web-site. Is that the one you are associated with David? Please feel free to give the URL here. I'm sure it would be of interest to many forum members.
| By David Shadbolt (195.92.168.177) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 09:58 am: |
Hi Ralph,
Yes she was indeed born Cheryl Murphy. I have seen "Cheryl" spelt with an "S" but more reliable reference books have it spelt with a "C". She does though spell her current name "Shaun" rather than "Shawn".
Indeed my web site is the one you have contributed to in the past. And most grateful I was in particular for the help with the lyrics. I am happy to give the URL but didn't want to do so earlier in case it was against forum rules
http://homepages.tesco.net/~stoneymeat/index.htm
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 10:27 am: |
David,
Your fine web-site is most welcome here. I was happy to be of help with the lyrics. I remember when Stoney went on her own after the Motown days. She had transformed herself into Shaun Murphy and was singing with a rather classy soft rock group in the Ann Arbor area. I went to see her once. I thought the band was very good but it just seemed way to " slick " for what she was really all about. I think her present situation is much more suitable for her talents. Thanks for posting the URL David. Your posts will always be welcome here. Don't be a stranger.
| By Bob (24.236.135.15) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 07:21 am: |
Hi Ray, This is Bob Yockey, How�s that for a name from the past. For you folks who might read this note, I was the other guitar player in Ray�s first band the Electras�s. Ray mentioned us in an earlier note above.
Anyhow, Ray this web sight is just awesome. I almost fell off my chair when I saw this forum for notes. Your Guitar playing has always blown me away but now your memory of the past has. You mentioned �Walled Lake Casino� Wasn�t that a blast? What about the Village on Woodward? I�ll bet you can recall some funny stuff about that place! I sure can. Remember when Rick (drummer) loaned his car keys out? Lets not go there in this forum. How Funny.
Remember our first recording session at Hitsville? We were so excited and nervous. I remember working with Marvin Gaye when he was just a producer. And what about Stevie Wonder! Remember how pissed we would get at him for playing the drums all the time. He just never quit. I bumped into Stevie at Metro airport last year. He still remembered our band (The Electras�s) We talked for about an hour. I just loved chatting with him. He informed me that Mr. Paul had passed. Sad deal for him.
Hey Ray, We have to get together some time. What about an Electras�s Reunion? Ed (Bass Player) is still in the area, I see and talk to him all the time. And Rick (Our Drummer) lives in Phoenix but visits the area often. The only guy I lost contact with is Dave Kirth (Our Singer). No clue what happed to him. That would be the ultimate for me if we could just have a Jam Session again. Both Ed and I still play but I think Rick sold his drums. Not sure. I email with him all the time, I�ll ask.
OK Ray, I better stop writing, I could go on forever.
Keep up this site and your writing. I just had a ball reading your notes and the notes from the other folks. I was up all night reading all the stuff. How Fun is that.
Still Rock�n BOB
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 09:21 am: |
Bob,
Welcome to the forum. Those that come here never leave. This place is like a drug.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.121) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 01:39 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB...IF NOTHING ELSE,AT LEAST YOU CAN GET SOME OF THE MATERIAL FROM DAVID'S SITE.I CHECKED IT OUT,AND THE ONLY DISSAPOINTMENT WAS NOT HAVING THE WHOLE SONG"KISS ME AGAIN",ONLY BECAUSE THE SOLO THAT RALPH TALKED ABOUT IS AT THE END OF THE SONG.ALSO ,A GREAT DRUM SOLO BY ANDREW SMITH.
DAVID...GREAT WEB-SITE,AND THANKS FOR THE UPDATE ON STONEY.GLAD TO HEAR SHE'S DOING WELL.I HADN'T SEEN HER SINCE R.E. DID A GIG WITH BOB SEGER,WHEN SHE WAS SINGING BACKROUND.SHE'S MUCH TOO GOOD A SINGER TO NOT BE OUT FRONT.AS TO MEAT,I AGREE WITH RALPH.HE SHOULDN'T BAD-RAP THE ALBUM.IT'S PART OF HIS HISTORY,AND EVERYONE INVOLVED TRIED TO DO THEIR BEST AT THE TIME.
BOB...IT'S GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!WE HAD SOME TERRIFIC TIMES WITH THE BAND,GROWING UP TOGETHER.THIS IS AN AMAZING SITE.A JAM SESSION WITH THE GUYS SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA.I'VE TOUCHED ON MANY OF THE STORIES YOU TALKED ABOUT.I'LL BET YOU COULD HELP OUT WITH MANY THAT I'VE FORGOTTEN.ANYWAY,LET'S HOOK IT UP BOB.
THE SMALLEST CROWD:
MY SON ADAM,PLAYED HIS FIRST(PROFESSIONAL) SHOW RECENTLY.IT WAS IN DETROIT,IN A CLUB THAT FEATURES LOCAL TALENT.THEY HAD SOME PROBLEMS,AND ONLY A FEW PEOPLE WERE THERE.HE WAS A BIT DISSAPOINTED AND I TRIED TO CONSOLE HIM WITH THIS STORY.
R.E.'S PLAYING HARRAH'S IN RENO,NEVADA.WE'RE SET FOR TWO WEEKS,WITH TWO SHOWS A NIGHT,AND THREE ON SATURDAY.GREAT LIGHTS AND SOUND,WITH PIN SPOTS ON MY LEFT HAND WHEN I'AM SOLOING.VERY PROFESSIONAL,AND THE SHOWS ARE EXACTLY ONE HOUR,WITH A CLOCK IN THE STAGE FLOOR THAT COUNTS EACH ONE DOWN.EVERYTHINGS GOING WELL(GREAT CROWDS-FULL HOUSES),UNTIL THE LATE SHOW ON SATURDAY NIGHT.IT'S TWO A.M.WE'RE ON THE STAGE BEHIND THE CURTAIN GETTING SET TO GO.THE ANNOUNCER INTRODUCES US,AND THE CURTAIN OPENS.WE WERE COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY TO SEE ONE LONE MAN SITTING RIGHT UP FRONT IN THE CENTER.HE'S CLAPPING HIS HANDS(CLAP,CLAP,CLAP).WE LOOKED AT EACH OTHER,AND BURST OUT LAUGHING,NOT BELIEVING WHAT WE WERE SEEING.THEN WE PROCEEDED TO PLAY A PRIVATE SHOW FOR THE GENTLEMAN.HE LOVED IT.THE OLD SAYING IS TRUE,"THE SHOW MUST GO ON".
R.E.'S HEADING OUT THIS WEEK-END.TALK TO YOU NEXT WEEK.
RAY
| By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 02:07 pm: |
Ray, I liked that story about playing Harrah's - I hope you got paid upfront - passing round the hat might have been a tad disappointing :-)
Have a great gig ! - Davie
| By Bob Olhsson (12.93.84.167) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 03:01 pm: |
Hi Ray!
It's been a LONG time, I'll sure never forget that first Nick & Dino Rare Earth session!
| By Caleb (171.75.81.109) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 04:07 pm: |
Can you hear the Stoney and Meatloaf cuts on that site?
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 04:43 pm: |
Caleb,
David has furnished snippets of various cuts.
| By David Shadbolt (195.92.168.177) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 09:22 pm: |
Regarding the guitar solo at the end of "Kiss Me Again" on the Stoney and Meatloaf record to which Ralph and Ray have referred.
Firstly if you go to the sound files page on my web site you can now download the full duet version with the two minute plus solo on the end. Web address is in my earlier post
Secondly we have just been carrying out a reasonably serious review of the Stoney and Meat Loaf tracks on a Meat Loaf discussion forum like this that I am on. In particular you may be surprised to know that some thirty years after it was done that guitar solo on "Kiss Me Again" received a lot of specific praise from more than one contributor.
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 10:01 pm: |
David,
Thank you for furnishing the entire track on " Kiss Me Again" . Sure brought back some memories. Basically what we have there is Scorpion ( Babbitt, Andrew Smith, Ray Monette, Mike ( Crazy Mike ) Campbell ) with Stony and Meatloaf along with a Dave Van DePitte string arrangement. Ray...is that me on the B-3 towards the end? Do you remember? I don't.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.126) on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 11:27 pm: |
Ralph,David mentioned downloading a tune off his site,meaning it can be burned on to cd?Not quite up on everything completely yet.
| By David Shadbolt (195.92.168.174) on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 04:08 am: |
Caleb,
Just send me an email with your postal address and I'll sort you out with a CD. No problem. No charge
David
| By Caleb (171.75.84.228) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 01:03 am: |
David,is the e-mail address the concert webmaster e-mail address on your website?
| By David Shadbolt (195.92.168.173) on Saturday, June 07, 2003 - 03:02 am: |
Caleb,
My web site email address is stoneymeat@tesco.net
David
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.37) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 12:58 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
DAVIE...THANKS.THE GUY DID LOOK LIKE A BIG TIPPER,THOUGH.
WE PLAYED TWO RAIN-FESTS FRI. AND SAT.ALTHOUGH THEY DID GO WELL CONSIDERING THE WEATHER.WE WILL BE AT THE MOTOR-CITY CASINO THIS WEEK(12,13,14).ANYONE IN DETROIT,COME ON DOWN AND SAY HI.
BOB...IT SURE HAS BEEN A LONG TIME!YOU DID A GREAT JOB FOR US ON "ONE WORLD". THERE WAS A BIT OF MAGIC HAPPENING DURING THE RECORDING OF "CELEBRATE".A BIG PART CONTRIBUTED BY YOU.YOU ALWAYS WENT THAT EXTRA MILE TO MAKE US SOUND GOOD.THANKS AGAIN BOB.
DAVID...LIKE RALPH SAID,THANKS FOR THE FULL VERSION.AND IT'S REALLY HEART-WARMING TO HEAR THAT SOMETHING I DID THAT LONG AGO IS STILL APPRECIATED TODAY.
RALPH...THAT'S YOU ON THAT B-3, SMOKING OUT.
CALEB...GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU CAN FINALLY TAKE A LISTEN TO THE ALBUM.NOW IF WE COULD ONLY FIND A WAY TO GET THE "SCORPION" ALBUM TO YOU.IT'S AMAZING HOW THINGS LIKE THIS CAN FALL INTO PLACE,WHEN YOU GET GOOD PEOPLE TOGETHER.
R.E. AND STEVIE:
SHORTLY AFTER "ONE WORLD",WE GOT THE WORD THAT STEVIE WAS GOING TO PRODUCE THREE SONGS ON US.I WENT DOWN TO STUDIO B ,A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER TO GET STARTED.WE WERE ALL THERE,BUT STEVIE HADN'T ARRIVED YET.WHEN HE CAME IN,HE WAS CARRYING A BRIEFCASE.HE OPENED IT UP AND SHOWED US A TELEPHONE INSIDE.IT HAD TO BE THE FIRST FORE-RUNNER OF A CELL-PHONE(HUGE).I THINK HE SAID HE PAID $2000 FOR IT.IT WAS A REAL MODERN MARVEL.HE SPENT AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF TIME ON THAT PHONE.ANYWAY,WE PROCEEDED TO RUN DOWN THE SONGS AND GET THEM READY TO RECORD.THEY WERE SOUNDING GOOD,ESPECIALLY ONE CALLED "LET ME LOVE YOU".STEVIE WROTE THE SONGS,AND THIS HAD TO BE HIS FIRST OUTSIDE PRODUCTION(1971).WE FINISHED THE TRACKS,DID SOME OVER-DUBS,AND WENT ON TO THE VOCALS.IT WAS KIND OF FUNNY.HE HAD PETER SOUNDING,AND SINGING JUST LIKE HIMSELF(STEVIE).
FOR WHATEVER REASON,THE SONGS NEVER WENT ON A RECORD.THEY'VE GOTTA BE IN THE OLD MOTOWN VAULTS.IT'S SURPRISING THAT MOTOWN,OR U.M.G. NEVER PUT THEM ON ANY OF THE ALBUMS THAT FOLLOWED.
RAY
| By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 02:58 pm: |
Wow! Ultra rare, Rare Earth tracks! This looks like a job for Harry W.
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 03:02 pm: |
Ray,
Thanks for confirming it was me on the B-3 on " Kiss Me Again ". Now I can honestly say I played with Scorpion. FAR OUT!! Or as Babbitt used to say..." CREAMER "!!!
| By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 03:29 pm: |
Steve:
That's why Harry Weinger visits us often....
Kevin Goins - KevGo
| By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 05:13 pm: |
Hi Ray
Just catching up on the threads.
Sorry you couldn't make it. I'd love to meet you next time.
David
| By Caleb (171.75.84.231) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 05:21 pm: |
Ralph,was that Babbitt's word back then,"Creamer"?Yes,those 3 Rare Earth tracks thru Stevie must be found.Let's get HW on this right away.Caleb(Stoney and Meatloaf CD is on it's way-looking forward to it)
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 05:37 pm: |
Yes Caleb. When ever Babbitt was happy about somthing he would always say " creamer ' in that great gravely voice of his. I wish all of you could have known him way back then. He was truly an amazing and fun guy to hang with.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.42) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 07:15 pm: |
Ralph,that's funny stuff(great gravely voice).Was reading the little bio here on him when he came in to Tera Shirma on a Saturday and a guy was there,don't remember his name,who had a change of plans and was at the studio that day.Babbitt proceded to bounce him off the wall a little.He must of been something to see.
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 07:45 pm: |
Caleb,
The guy was John Rhys Eddins. Believe me, he was no match for Babbitt. Very few could be.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.82) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 03:00 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
STEVE...THAT WOULD BE TERRIFIC IF HARRY COULD COME UP WITH THOSE TRACKS.I WAS LOOKING AT MY BOXES OF REEL TO REELS,TO SEE IF I COULD FIND A COPY OF THE SONGS.AFTER TRACKING,WE WOULD USUALLY GET A TAPE TO TAKE HOME,TO LISTEN,OR WORK OUT OVER-DUBS,OR SOLOS.UNFORTUNATELY,I DON'T HAVE A TAPE OF THE STEVIE PROJECT.I WOULD THINK THAT U.M.G. DOESN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT THEM,AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO PUT THEM ON A C.D. AS UNHEARD MATERIAL.
RALPH...I ALMOST FELL OFF MY CHAIR WHEN I READ YOUR POST.I'D FORGOTTEN ABOUT BOB SAYING "CREAMER".IF I REMEMBER RIGHT,HE MOSTLY USED THAT TO APPLY TO SONGS.IF HE HEARD A SONG THAT GOT HIM GOING HE'D SAY "THAT'S A CREAMER".AS YOU HAVE SAID,BOB'S A SLIGHTLY PHYSICAL GUY.WHEN WE WORKED WITH MITCH RYDER,HE BOUNCED MITCH AROUND TOO.TO THIS DAY, MITCH STILL ASKS ME,WHY DID HE DO THAT TO ME? IT WAS JUST BABBITT'S WAY.I'AM JUST GLAD HE NEVER PICKED ME AS HIS TARGET.YOU GOTTA LOVE HIM!
DAVID...THANKS DAVID.NEXT TIME FOR SURE.BEING INVOLVED IN THE FORUM HAS BEEN A VERY REWARDING EXPERIENCE(REMEMBERING ALL THE GOOD TIMES, FINDING OLD FRIENDS,AND MAKING NEW ONES).IT'S EVEN JOGGING LOOSE SOME FORGOTTEN MEMORIES.I REMEMBER MY WIFE AND I GOING TO JACK'S HOUSE(THE PIED PIPER DAYS).JUDY AND PENNEY WOULD HANG OUT ,WHILE JACK AND I WOULD WORK ON THE LATEST PROJECT,OR TRY TO WRITE A SONG.ALSO,HANGING OUT WITH THE CAVALIER'S,AND HESITATIONS,WRITING SONGS AND JAMMING TOGETHER.IT WAS WORK,BUT WE HAD A LOT OF FUN DOING IT.
RAY
| By Caleb (171.75.84.126) on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 11:25 pm: |
Ray,was on motownmuseum.com and saw a picture of rare earth from I guess the early 70's.Is that you over on the far right?
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.120) on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 07:18 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB...THE FIRST PIC.(TOP LEFT TO RIGHT)PETE,MIKE,AND EDDIE.(BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT)RAY,MARK,AND GIL.WHEN YOU CLICK ON THAT PIC. YOU GET A HISTORY,AND ANOTHER PIC.SECOND PIC.(LEFT TO RIGHT)PETE,MARK,RAY,GIL,AND MIKE.EDDIE SITTING.AT ANY RATE,I'AM THE ONE WITH THE AFRO(SHADES OF JIMI). YOU ARE RIGHT,THOSE PICS. ARE FROM THE EARLY 70'S.ALSO,THE JACKSON FIVE SONG AT THE FRONT,IS ONE THAT BABBITT AND I BOTH PLAYED ON.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE RECENT PICS.GO TO rareearth.com.
RAY
| By Caleb (171.75.81.96) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 12:35 am: |
Wow!Yes,Jimi Hendrix visual overtone.Checked out the latest shots,quite a transformation over the years,wasn't sure if it was the same person(laughing).Hey what tune was that you and Babbitt were on for the Jackson 5?Didn't see the info on that site.Was it "One More Chance"?That was a nice piece of work there if it was.One last question-On the Rare Earth version of "I Know I'm Losing You",who's playing the guitar work after the drum and conga breakdown?Funk slash soul-like guitar work thru a wah wah pedal sounds like.Is that you?
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.68) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 05:02 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB...A PURPLE HAZE GOT IN MY BRAIN.I HAD THAT AFRO FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS,KIND OF A PAIN TO KEEP UP.ALSO DANGEROUS.ONE TIME ON THE ROAD,I WAS LIGHTING A SMOKE AND MY HAIR BURST INTO FLAMES.ONE OF THE GUYS QUICKLY PUT IT OUT.NO HARM DONE,JUST GOT RID OF THE SPLIT ENDS. SPEAKING OF FLAMES.I WAS PLAYING A SHOW WITH AN AMP THAT WAS ON IT'S LAST LEGS,AND IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SOLO ON "LOSING YOU",FLAMES STARTED SHOOTING OUT OF THE SPEAKERS!OUR ROADIE FRANTICALLY TRIED TO PUT IT OUT,AND MANAGED TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL.THE CROWD THOUGHT IT WAS PART OF THE SHOW,BUT IT WAS ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY.
I HADN'T SEEN BABBITT FOR A WHILE,AND WHEN I SAW HIM AT THE FUNKS SHOW IN DETROIT,WITH MY SHORT HAIR,AND FACIAL GROWTH,HE SAID I LOOKED LIKE A PROFESSOR.JACK ASHFORD DIDN'T RECOGNIZE ME EITHER.I TOLD THEM YEAH,I GOT A P.H.D. IN FUNK.
YOU GOT THE SONG RIGHT(ONE MORE CHANCE).I REMEMBER IT WELL BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST TIME BOB AND I PLAYED TOGETHER AT MOTOWN.
ON YOUR LAST ?.I JOINED R.E. AFTER "ECOLOGY",SO I'AM NOT ON THE STUDIO VERSION OF "LOSING YOU". I'AM PLAYING ON THE "IN CONCERT" LIVE VERSION OF THE SONG.THAT ALBUM WAS RELEASED IN THE SAME YEAR AS "ONE WORLD".1971
RAY
| By Caleb (171.75.81.87) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 09:44 pm: |
Hey Ray,great post.Going to have to start calling you Professor Monette.Going to listen to One More Chance tonight.There's a hot fade on that tune.Were there any other album cuts that you guys did for the Jackson 5 that you might remember?I've read posts here where alot of sessions were done in Detroit for the Jackson 5 but then re-recorded in LA.Funny stuff about your hair getting lit up,the amp too.Thanks for the info on I Know I'm Losing You.Caleb
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - 11:15 pm: |
Ray;
Going back to your personal "best of" on your first thread , can you discuss what kind of guitars you're using on each song ; I take it you're not exclusively a ' Strat ' man ...
Steve K
| By Caleb (171.75.84.63) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 05:59 pm: |
Ray,Stoney and Meatloaf CD arrived today.I really like it.Good writing team there you and Mike.The band is really good on the album,drums and bass are smokin'.That's Andrew and Babbitt?Who arranged the strings on the album-their nice thruout.Female singer was real good too(Stoney).Album was not what I was expecting.Thought it was going to be like Meatloaf's records.Alot of soul coming thru this album here.It sucks that more didn't happen with it.Caleb
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.164) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 06:23 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB...I MIGHT LOOK LIKE A PROFESSOR,BUT I STILL HAVE THE HEART OF THE KID WITH THE AFRO.I'AM SURE WE DID AT LEAST A COUPLE OF OTHER SONGS ON THAT ALBUM,BUT I'AM NOT SURE WHICH ONES.THAT TIME PERIOD WAS JUST BEFORE I JOINED R.E.,AND MOTOWN MOVED TO L.A.IT WOULD MAKE SENSE THAT SOME THINGS ON THE JACKSON'S,COULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN BIG D.,L.A., OR BOTH.I'AM SURE "ONE MORE CHANCE" IS FROM STUDIO A.
STEVE K...I'VE GOT A VARIETY OF GUITARS,THAT I PULL OUT DEPENDING ON MY MOOD,INCLUDING A CLASSICAL.EACH INSTRUMENT HAS IT'S OWN CHARACTERISTICS,AND STYLE,AND YOU APPROACH PLAYING OR WRITING FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE WITH EACH ONE.IT KEEPS THINGS INTERESTING.
ON THE LIST: "COOL JERK","I GOT A THANG","WILDFLOWER",AND "UN BEL DI" WERE ALL DONE WITH THE S.G.MY SECOND GUITAR.FIRST WAS A LES PAUL JR.
"KISS ME AGAIN" HAD A GUILD 12 STRING,AND A BLACK BEAUTY LES PAUL STANDARD.
"CELEBRATE","WHAT'D I SAY","LOSING YOU",AND "THOUGHTS" ALSO HAD THE LES PAUL.
UNFORTUNATELY,THE PAUL WAS STOLEN OUT OF A LOCKED DRESSING ROOM IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN,WHEN WE PLAYED WITH SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE.(THAT HURT,LIKE LOSING AN ARM!)
AFTER THAT I CONVERTED TO A STRAT.IT SEEMED TO FIT WELL WITH R.E.(VERY FUNKY AND RHYTHMIC)
"MA","HEARD IT THRU THE GRAPEVINE","MOTA MOLATA",AND "LIVE IT UP,ARE ALL THE STRAT.
"SMILING FACES",HAS A GUILD 6 STRING,AND THE STRAT ON IT.
AND "HUM ALONG" IS THE VELENO ON RYTHM,AND THE STRAT ON LEAD.
ONE LAST NOTE:I'VE SEEN THE PLAYERS TALKED ABOUT ON THE WEB-SITE,WHO PLAYED ON "COOL JERK".THERE'S ONE MISSING.ON GUITS..BESIDES MYSELF AND EDDIE WILLIS,DON DAVIS WAS THE THIRD GUITAR PLAYER. DON PLAYED RYTHM,EDDIE DOUBLED THE BASS-LINE,AND I PLAYED THE "CHANK-CHANK",AND THE BACK-BEATS.THAT MIGHT BE ONE OF THE LAST SESSIONS DON DID AS A GUITAR PLAYER.
RAY
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 07:31 pm: |
Caleb,
The strings on the Stoney and Meatloaf album were arranged by Dave VanDepitt.
| By Kris Peterson (68.61.31.123) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 08:20 pm: |
Say Hey, Ray-
Kris Peterson yelling atcha. How the heck are you? What is Mike Campbell doing? I saw him in some movies but small parts. How are you? Where are you? I am in the Detroit area.
Kris
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 08:30 pm: |
Thanks for the info, Ray. I was guessing the Ruth Copeland and Funkadelic were Gibson.
SteveK
| By Caleb (65.59.107.138) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 08:54 pm: |
Ralph,Dave Vandepitt-that's some nice work.So that's the Scorpion group?If so,it was a hot band.Really like the drum and bass work,everything.That's you Ralph on that b3...hmmmmmm(two thumbs up).
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 10:00 pm: |
Caleb,
Glad you like everything. Scorpion played on about half the album and the rest were the Funk Brothers. I guess I pretty much covered my bases when it came to the tracks huh? As far as my playing, I really wasn't doing much but laying in some backing chords but I'm glad you approve.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.55) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 10:24 pm: |
Ralph,most definitely,you take care of business on there.Going back for a second listen.Caleb
| By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 03:56 am: |
Thanks Ray for the Don Davis info.
I will update a.s.a.p.
Hearing you talking of the Cavaliers and Hesitations is food and drink for us.
If I had a time machine it would be used to see all the Pied Piper Productions. Do you recall Joe Hunter's input?
So you guys were rehearsing in Jack's house? This probably kills the idea that Jack was using a place on Livernois near Tera Shirma?
Can't wait for Jack's book which must be due very soon.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.88) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 03:19 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
KRIS...GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU!HOPE ALL IS WELL.I'AM BACK IN THE DETROIT AREA ALSO.STILL ROCKIN WITH "RARE EARTH".MIKE AND I LOST TOUCH IN 1974,BUT BABBITT HAS KEPT TRACK OF HIM OVER THE YEARS.MIKE'S BACK IN HIS BIRTHPLACE(ANDERSON,INDIANA),WITH A WIFE AND FOUR KIDS!I GOT HIS NUMBER FROM BOB AND TALKED TO HIM RECENTLY.HE SOUNDED HAPPY,AND SAID HE WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH MOVIES OR TV ANYMORE.THE BIGGEST ROLE HE HAD WAS IN "TOTAL RECALL"(WITH ARNOLD).
DAVID...I DON'T REMEMBER A FORMAL REHEARSAL HALL,BUT THAT COULD HAVE COME AFTER I LEFT THE SCENE.WHEN MIKE AND I MOVED ON,I DID A FEW MORE THINGS FOR JACK,FOR A WHILE.
THE WRITING AND REHEARSAL SESSIONS I WAS INVOLVED IN WERE DONE AT THE VARIOUS GROUPS HOMES.WE SPENT MANY A LATE NIGHT WORKING ON SONGS.WHEN THEY WERE READY,THE NEXT STEP WAS THE STUDIO. AT JACK'S HOME IT WAS MORE OF A SOCIAL AFFAIR.HE,MYSELF,AND OUR WIVES WERE GOOD FRIENDS.WE SPENT MANY EVENINGS TOGETHER.BUT OF COURSE JACK AND I WOULD OCCAISIONALLY DISAPPEAR TO ANOTHER ROOM AND WORK ON SONGS.
I'VE ALWAYS LOVED JOE.HE HAS ALWAYS COME OFF AS ONE OF THE HAPPIEST,AND MOST CAREFREE GENTLEMAN,THAT I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE TO KNOW.AND HE'S FUNNY AS WELL.HE WAS HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE ARRANGING AND KEYBOARDS,ALONG WITH MIKE TERRY,ON THE PIED PIPER PRODUCTIONS.IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH SUCH PROFESSIONALS.I TOO,
AM LOOKING FORWARD TO JACK'S BOOK.
CALEB...THANKS FOR THE THUMBS UP.A LOT OF SOUL WAS PUT INTO THAT RECORD.GLAD YOU CAN FEEL IT.THAT SOLO ON "KISS ME AGAIN" IS A REAL DEPARTURE FROM A SONG LIKE "I GOT A THANG".BUT RALPH TOLD ME TO PLAY IT SAD.
RAY
| By Caleb (171.75.80.186) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 01:02 pm: |
Ray,was just listening to that guitar solo on Kiss Me Again.It's really nice-that's some fine work.I really like the whole album.Would be great to see you and Mike reunite and write a few new tunes.Where has rare earth taken you lately,these last few weeks?
| By BankHouseDave (195.93.50.10) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 01:19 pm: |
When you start thinking about that book, I hope you'll talk to me first, Mr Monette.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.55) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 05:38 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB, THANKS ALOT.THE FUNKS ARE COMING BACK THROUGH DETROIT ON AUG. 21,AND I'LL CALL MIKE AND SEE IF HE CAN MAKE IT UP AT THAT TIME.IT WOULD BE GREAT TO GET TOGETHER WITH HIM AND BOB.BABBITT SAID HE'S COMING IN EARLY(BIG D. IS WHERE THE TOUR STARTS)SO WE WILL BE GETTING TOGETHER.HOPEFULLY MIKE CAN MAKE IT TOO.IF THAT HAPPENS,WHO KNOWS WHERE IT MIGHT LEAD.
SPEAKING OF SCORPION:I GOT TOGETHER WITH MY OLD BANDMATES(OUR FIRST BAND),AND COME TO FIND OUT,ED GOETZ(THE BASS),HAS AN ALBUM WORTH OF UN-RELEASED SONGS BY SCORPION.THEY WERE MEANT TO BE THE SECOND ALBUM.HE HAS THEM ON TWO-TRACK,AND WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF TRANSFERRING THEM TO C.D.
IT'S THE ONLY COPY IN EXISTENCE.IT'S AMAZING THAT HE SAVED IT.THESE SONGS WERE ALSO DONE AT TERRA SCHIRMA.HE ALSO HAS A COMEDY TAPE OF MIKE,WITH ME ACCOMPANYING HIM ON GUITAR(WILD STUFF).
R.E'S BEEN GIGGING ON WEEKENDS,AND I FINALLY PUT MY OLD STRAT TO REST(BOUGHT A NEW ONE).I'LL BE TRYING IT OUT SATURDAY IN CHICAGO.WE DID OUR FIRST OF THE "ROCK&ROLL ARMY" SHOWS IN CHICAGO RECENTLY(MITCH RYDER,SPENCER DAVIS,MARK LINDSEY,AND US).WE HAD ABOUT 8000 PEOPLE.SPENCER AND I WERE TRADING LICKS IN HIS SEGMENT(ALOT OF FUN).AT REHEARSAL HE SAID IT LOOKED MORE LIKE THE WALKING WOUNDED(FUNNY GUY).THE CROWD LOVED IT,AND WE GOT ALL THE GUYS UP ON STAGE TO SING CELEBRATE AT THE END.
DAVE, THANKS DAVE,I WILL DO THAT.I'AM TRYING TO ORGANIZE THINGS AT THIS TIME.HOPEFULLY,IT WON'T TAKE TOO MUCH LONGER.
1960 THE "VILLAGE" ON WOODWARD:
MY FIRST BAND("THE ELECTRAS"),ARE THE HOUSE BAND.WE'RE BACKING ALL THE ACTS THAT COME THROUGH.ONE OF THE GROUPS IS THE TEMPTS(MINUS DAVID RUFFIN),BEFORE THEY WERE THE TEMPTS(CAN'T RECALL THE NAME).WE DIDN'T KNOW THE SONG THEY WANTED TO DO,SO WE BACKED THEM ON "SHOUT".IF ALL ELSE FAILED,PLAY "SHOUT".THAT WAS THE ANTHEM BACK THEN.IT WAS EASY TO SEE THEY HAD A BRIGHT FUTURE.THEY SOUNDED GREAT!
RAY
| By Caleb (171.75.84.157) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 08:52 pm: |
Ray,I would pay to hear that tape with you accompanying Mike.A second Scorpion album?Never heard that a second one was being prepared.Definitely get that thing on CD,the first one too.Please post when this comes together.Peace
| By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 09:06 pm: |
Thanks for the info Ray!
Where are you playing in Chicago? Is it Rare Earth?
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.140) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 06:47 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB, I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE TO GET MIKE'S PERMISSION TO RELEASE A COPY OF THAT IMPROV COMEDY TAPE.TO SAY THE LEAST, IT IS EXTREMELY POLITICALLY INCORRECT,AND THE RATING IS OFF THE SCALE.THE SCORPION STUFF IS ANOTHER MATTER.WHEN WE GET IT FINISHED,I'LL SEE WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT GETTING YOU A COPY.
STEVE, THAT GIG IS IN WEST CHICAGO ON SATURDAY.IT'S A COMMUNITY FESTIVAL,AND IT IS RARE EARTH.COME ON DOWN AND SAY HI.
ALSO,I REMEMBER THE NAME THE TEMPTS WERE USING AT THE "VILLAGE".THEY CALLED THEMSELVES "THE DISTANT'S".MITCH RYDER PERFORMED THERE TOO.HE WOULD STAND ON STAGE LIKE A STATUE,WITH A CHOKE-HOLD ON THE MIC.A FAR CRY FROM HOW HE WOULD PERFORM IN LATER YEARS.HELL,WE WERE ALL JUST KIDS.I WAS ONLY 14.
ONE LAST STORY:WE WERE ON BREAK AT THE "VILLAGE",AND WENT TO A RESTAURANT NEXT DOOR.WHILE WE WERE WAITING FOR OUR ORDERS,AN EXTREMELY DRUNK BROTHER CAME IN.THE WAITRESS ASKED HIM WHAT HE WANTED.HE SAID,"I WANT A HAMBURGER WITH SOME PYOUNT-SHOU.WE WERE CRACKING UP,AND THE WAITRESS SAID,WHAT DID YOU SAY?HE PROCEEDED TO TELL HER AGAIN.GIMME A HAMBURGER WITH SOME PYOUNT-SHOU.HE DIDN'T HAVE A LOTTA TEETH,AND HE WAS PRACTICALLY FALLING DOWN.OUR BASS-PLAYER LOOKED AT THE WAITRESS,AND SAID,I THINK HE WANTS A HAMBURGER WITH SOME KETCHUP.THE GUY GOES YEAH,THASSIT.TO THIS DAY,NOBODY KNOWS WHAT THAT GUY WAS SAYING,BUT IT CRACKS US UP EVERY TIME WE THINK ABOUT IT.
RAY
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 09:04 pm: |
hey Ray;
Could you talk about some of the drummers you've played with, their differences and similarities?
What brought this question about was the other night I noticed a strong groove similarity between Uriel Jones and Pete Rivera. I don't know if I was just fixating on some Norman Whitfield connection or what, but it got me wondering what the similarities and differences would be between , say , Andrew Smith and Tiki Fulwood , or Pete Rivera and Uriel Jones or Pistol Allen or whoever and I figured , well you've played with a lot of heavies , so..... I know it's kind of an abstract, musicianly type of question, but if you could say a little about some of these drummers styles etc, I'd appreciate it.
Steve K
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.10) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 01:44 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
STEVE K, A MUSICIANLY TYPE QUESTION,INDEED.I LIKE THAT WORD.THAT'S A TOUGH ONE.I'LL DO MY BEST.FIRST OFF,I'VE ALWAYS LOVED RYTHM,SO THERE WAS ALWAYS A SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE DRUMMERS I'VE PLAYED WITH.I THINK YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT URIEL AND PETER.THERE ARE MANY SIMILARITIES IN STYLE AND GROOVE.IT'S A RELAXED BUT VERY PRECISE FEEL THAT THEY BOTH HAVE.THE MAIN DIFFERENCE IS THAT URIEL HAS ROOTS THAT ARE DEEP INTO JAZZ,WHEREAS PETER IS COMING FROM A ROCK-FUNK ANGLE.BUT BECAUSE OF URIEL'S MOTOWN WORK,THERE'S A COMMON DENOMINATER.
PISTOL WAS A MONSTER,KING OF THE 4-4 BEAT.URIEL AND PISTOL TOOK OVER FOR BENNIE BENJAMAN(TWO DRUMMERS TO REPLACE ONE).THAT TELLS YOU HOW GREAT BENNIE WAS(NEVER GOT TO PLAY WITH HIM).WATCHING PISTOL AND URIEL PLAY TOGETHER WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TO ME.MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE HOW TOUGH IT IS TO HAVE TWO DRUMMERS PLAY TOGETHER AND MAKE IT WORK.THESE GUYS MADE IT LOOK EASY,AND THE RESULT WAS A ROCK SOLID DRUM TRACK THAT SOUNDED LIKE ONE INCREDIBLE DRUMMER.
GEORGE MACGREGOR(COOL JERK)IS ANOTHER ONE FROM THAT MOLD,ALTHOUGH GEORGE HAS HIS OWN UNIQUE STYLE.DIFFERENT FILLS AND FOOT ACTION.
ANDREW SMITH AND TIKI FULWOOD WERE FROM THE NEXT GENERATION OF DETROIT DRUMMERS.THEY LEARNED FROM THE GENTLEMEN LISTED ABOVE,BUT ALSO BROUGHT FRESH IDEAS TO THE TABLE.THE'RE STYLES WERE A COMBINATION OF ROCK,FUNK,JAZZ, AND EVEN CLASSICAL,WITH A NEW ATTITUDE THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE.TIKI WAS A LITTLE MORE RAW THAN ANDREW,A LITTLE MORE WILD.ANDREW WAS THE DRUMMERS, DRUMMER.EXTREMELY TIGHT AND PRECISE,BUT WITH THE ULTIMATE FEEL.
THE BOTTOM LINE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE MEN AND YOUR AVERAGE DRUMMER,IS THAT EXTRA INTENSITY AND FEEL THAT CAN ONLY COME FROM YOUR ENTIRE BEING(SOUL,HEART)BEING THROWN INTO YOUR PERFORMANCE.I'VE GOTTA BELIEVE THIS SPECIAL QUALITY IS SOMETHING YOU ARE BORN WITH.THESE GENTLEMEN CERTAINLY WERE.
R.E.QUICKIE: WE'RE HEADING TOWARD OK.CITY AIRPORT,COMING FROM A GIG IN N. TEXAS.15 PASSENGER VAN WITH A DRIVER WHO SEEMS TO BE LOST.HE SEES A COP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DECIDES TO STOP AND ASK DIRECTIONS.AS WE'RE PULLING OVER WE NOTICE THE COP IS HEADING TOWARD THE BRUSH,WITH HIS GUN DRAWN.ANOTHER COP APPEARS IN AN S.U.V.,AND BACKS UP TO US.HE JUMPS OUT OF HIS VEHICLE,EYES AS BIG AS SAUCERS,AND THE S.U.V. STARTS ROLLING TOWARD US.HE JUMPS BACK IN,SLAMS ON THE BRAKES, AND PUTS IT IN PARK THIS TIME.WE REALIZE WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING HERE,WHEN OUR DRIVER JUMPS OUT AND STARTS WALKING TOWARD THE COP.WE'RE GETTING READY TO DUCK,EXPECTING A GUN OR SHOTS,BUT THE COP JUST TALKED TO HIM,AND SENT US ON OUR WAY.(NOT EXACTLY POLICE PROCEDURE).IF WE'D HAVE BEEN IN DETROIT,IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOOT NOW AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER.AS WE DROVE AWAY,THE COP HAD PULLED OUT AN ASSAULT RIFLE,AND WAS GOING TO JOIN THE OTHER OFFICER ON THEIR MANHUNT.
RAY
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 04:54 pm: |
Ray;
thanks - as usual , that was just the kind of "musicianly" answer I was looking for. I've probably heard Andrew Smith in the most different contexts of anyone listed ; he must have been unbelievably versatile.
Thanks also for mentioning George Mcgregor. Talk about 'unsung'. I think I mentioned it on some past thread , but I think his part on "Just Like Romeo and Juliet" is one of the most 'heard but unheard' parts ever. Everyone's familiar with the song but the way the handclaps keep the time while he builds this totally unique part inside and around the beat is amazing to me.
Steve K
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 04:58 pm: |
Steve,
I have to agree with you about George McGregor. He really was one of the better drummers to come out of Detroit and we should recognize that fact here. Plus he is an all 'round great guy.
| By David Meikle (80.5.115.107) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 05:31 pm: |
Steve and Ralph
Here's George, the guy who gave us "Mr Soul Satisfaction", and many others.
A classic recording from a really nice guy. 
| By David Meikle (80.5.115.107) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 05:32 pm: |
| By David Meikle (80.5.115.107) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 05:35 pm: |
| By MEL&THEN SOME9 (217.14.178.74) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 05:58 pm: |
Great stuff David.
mel.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.161) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 07:54 pm: |
Ray,what's happenin'.What about a drummer named Quintan Denard?Did you ever cross paths with him?Supposedly he played on 25 Miles-Edwin Starr.He was from Detroit-made his way out to LA when Motown moved.He studied with the same drum teacher in Detroit as Andrew Smith-Charles Bannister.Peace(how's things going with getting the Scorpion tunes onto CD?)
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 08:08 pm: |
David,
Thank you for posting this great picture.
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 01:08 am: |
David;
Thanks - what a great picture !!
Ray;
Now, would you care to talk about some of the bassists you've played with (another abstract, musicianly question)??
Steve K
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.113) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 03:39 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
DAVID, GREAT SHOT!THANKS FOR PUTTING IT ON.
I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I MET GEORGE.WE HAD A CLUB DATE BOOKED,AND BABBITT AND ANDREW COULDN'T MAKE IT ONE NIGHT.WE GOT ED GOETZ(TOAD),AND GEORGE TO DO THE GIG WITH US.(MIKE CAMPBELL AND MYSELF).GEORGE CAME IN AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF US,AT FIRST.SO WE STARTED PLAYING SOME FREDDIE KING,AND SOME TEMPTS,AND GEORGE JUMPED IN AND PLAYED HIS ASS OFF.HE REALLY BLEW US AWAY,AND I GUESS HE THOUGHT WE WERE ALRIGHT TOO.HIS SHUFFLE WAS ONE OF THE BADDEST I'VE EVER HEARD.GREAT DRUMMER.
CALEB,I NEVER CROSSED PATHS WITH QUINTAN,BUT IF HE WAS ON 25 MILES,THEN BABBITT CERTAINLY DID.
I TALKED TO BOB,AND TOLD HIM ABOUT FINDING THE "CRAZY MIKE" TAPE,AND THE NEW "SCORPION" SONGS.HE AND I AGREED THAT WE COULDN'T LET THE UNRELEASED THINGS OUT OF OUR POSSESION.HE'S IN THE PROCESS OF TALKING TO CAPITAL NOW,TO SEE IF THEY STILL HAVE THE MASTERS.I'VE BEEN VERY BUSY,BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE MUCH LONGER FOR THE C.D. ON THE ORIGINAL SCORPION ALBUM.WHEN THAT HAPPENS,I WILL MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET A COPY.
STEVE K, ANDREW WAS INDEED MULTI-TALENTED.IF YOU LOOK AT HIS CREDITS ON ALLMUSIC.COM,YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT.HE WAS AN AMAZING GUY.
MUSICIANLY SPEAKING,WHO COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK BASS? JAMES JAMERSON,AND BOB BABBITT MAYBE?TWO OF THE GREATEST BASSIST'S OF ALL TIME.FOR ME TO HAVE PLAYED WITH THESE ICONS IS HARD TO EXPRESS.
JAMES,COMING FROM DEEP JAZZ ROOTS,FOUND THE GREAT MOTOWN BASS-LINES TO BE LITTLE CHALLENGE TO HIS MUSICIANSHIP.HE READ AND PLAYED THEM WITH EASE,MAKING IT ALL LOOK EFFORTLESS.
BOB'S STYLE IS A COMBINATION OF ALL TYPES OF MUSIC,AND TOTALLY UNIQUE TO HIM.BOTH OF THESE MEN SINGLE-HANDEDLY INVENTED THE ELECTRIC BASS,AS WE KNOW IT TODAY!!(BOB,DON'T READ THIS).
TONY CLARK IS A PLAYER THAT H.D.H.USED ON SOME OF THE HOT WAX-INVICTUS SESSIONS,ALONG WITH BILLY NELSON.TWO OUT STANDING PLAYERS,WITH SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT STYLES.NO DOUBT,COMING FROM A COMBO OF JAMES AND BOB,AS WELL AS OTHER INFLUENCES.
THEN THERE ARE THE NEXT GENERATION OF PLAYERS LIKE REGGIE MCBRIDE AND ROBERT WILSON.I DON'T MEAN TO LEAVE ANYONE OUT.I'AM ONLY SPEAKING OF THE BASSIST'S I'VE PLAYED WITH.REGGIE HAS AN INTENSITY,AND POWER THAT IS HARD TO EQUAL. ROBERT (GAP BAND),WAS THE FIRST PLAYER THAT I SAW DOING THE POPPIN THING.TOTALLY BLEW ME AWAY.
ALL OF THESE GENTLEMEN HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON.THEY PLAY WITH THEIR FINGER,OR FINGERS.NO PICKS ALLOWED.JAMES,AND BABBITT COMING FROM STAND-UP BASS,MADE THAT A GIVEN.
BUT THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR THE PLAYERS THAT USE A PICK.R.E.'S BASSIST(RANDY "BIRD" BURGHDOFF)IS A BAD S.O.B.ON THAT BASS.HE CAN STAND UP THERE WITH THE BEST OF THEM.
RAY
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 08:33 pm: |
Ray;
That's an amazing list of bassists you've played with. I still can't believe Jamerson used ONE finger..that's unfathomable to me.
You mentioned Tony Clark and Billy Nelson ...that HDH/Invictus stuff really holds up; it still sounds so good. That's mostly Babbitt, isn't it?
In all my years around Lansing, I've never actually met "Bird". I used to check him out when he played in a band called 'Blue Money" with ex-Woolie Jeff Baldori and my ex-next door neighbor Bob Gardner. Pick or not, he can play.
Steve K
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 08:36 pm: |
ps Didnt Tony Newton play on a lot of HDH stuff too? I'm not sure I'm familiar with Tony Clark, now that I think about it
SK
| By Kim Kostere (68.47.158.113) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 10:46 pm: |
Ray,
Is there a Scorpion CD available somewhere? If so, how can I get one?
Thanks,
Kim
kimk@cyberisle.com
| By Caleb (171.75.84.59) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 11:28 pm: |
Ray,wasn't there a bass player HDH used that went by the nickname of Peanut?Looking forward to that Scorpion CD.Let's get that happenin'-start a mighty Scorpion revival.You,Mike,and Babbitt.We'll have to get someone to replace Andrew.Supposedly Babbitt's son can really get down on the kit(funk rock)-suppose to have a pretty good voice too.Peace
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.113) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 07:20 am: |
HELLO TO ALL:
R.E.'S HEADING TO NEW YORK THIS MORNING(SYRACUSE).WILL ANSWER ON MONDAY.
RAY
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.185) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 07:19 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
STEVE K, I WATCHED JAMERSON PLAY WITH THAT ONE FINGER WITH MY OWN TWO EYES,AND I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT EITHER.
ALSO,THE H.D.H. SESSIONS WERE MOSTLY BABBITT WITH A MIX OF BILLY AND (CORRECTION)I CAN'T GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING ON THIS FORUM,TONY NEWTON.(THAT MEMORY AGAIN).
KIM, I'AM TRANSFERRING THE SCORPION ALBUM TO C.D. MYSELF.IT SHOULD BE DONE SOON.IF YOU WANT A COPY I'LL GET ONE TO YOU.
CALEB, PEANUT WAS ANOTHER BASSIST ON THE H.D.H. SESSIONS.UNFORTUNATELY, I DON'T REMEMBER HIS REAL NAME.MAYBE SOMEONE CAN HELP US WITH THAT.
IF THE MASTERS STILL EXIST AND WE COULD GET CAPITOL TO RE-RELEASE THE SCORPION ALBUM,THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
THE GIG IN SYRACUSE WENT WELL.A LOT OF GOOD PEOPLE ON THEIR FEET,SINGING AND DANCING WITH US.NEXT SATURDAY IS LOCAL,IN WATERFORD,MI.A BACK-YARD GIG WILL BE NICE FOR A CHANGE.
RAY
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 08:09 pm: |
The only Tony Clark I remembered is the guy that played 1st base for the Tigers a few years ago .
Caleb - If I remember correctly , Peanuts name is Roderick Chandler. He played with the Politicians in addition to sessions.
Steve K
| By Caleb (171.75.80.180) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 08:21 pm: |
Yes,Steve K Tony Clark the Tiger was a solid talent.Tigers cut him loose like so many others.Ray,sounds good with the Scorpion album.Please post when cd of first album is completed.Caleb
| By Kim Kostere (68.47.158.113) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 06:05 pm: |
Ray,
I would really like a copy of Scorpion on CD, my old album has been played too many times and when you're young you're not as careful as you should be! What a metaphor!! My email address is at the bottom of this posting.
Best,
Kim
kimk@cyberisle.com
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.204) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 06:08 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
STEVE K,THANKS FOR THE INFO. ON PEANUT.
I'AM REALLY SORRY I BROUGHT UP (ACCIDENTLY) THE TOUCHY SUBJECT OF TIGER BASEBALL.PRETTY SCARY,BUT I GUESS THERE'S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR.
CALEB, ALL THE CHECKING ON THE SCORPION ALBUM LED ME TO BMI.COM,ON THE WEB,WHERE I FOUND OUT I WAS WRITER ON 52 SONGS.SOME OF WHICH,I DON'T EVEN RECALL.WHAT A TRIP.THANKS TO YOUR INQUIRIES ABOUT SCORPION. C.D. SHOULD BE DONE SOON.
KIM, I'LL TAKE THAT AS A COMPLIMENT,THAT YOU WORE OUT THE ALBUM,THANKS.I'LL E-MAIL YOU AS SOON AS I'TS READY.
ALSO,DON'T QUOTE ME ON THIS,BUT THERE'S A CHANCE THAT ONE OF THE SCORPION SONGS MAY BE RE-DONE BY ONE OF TODAYS ARTISTS.
RAY
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 06:31 pm: |
Ray; when did you start using tuners as opposed to tuning by ear? I brought this up here before in relation to the early Motown players; it's still hard for me to believe they cut so many rhythm tracks so quickly - one thing you dont hear on the Motown or HDH records is out of tune guitars. I put off buying a tuner for years because I knew if I started using one I'd never be able to tune by ear again and thats exactly what happened...
Steve K
| By Caleb (171.75.81.26) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 09:51 pm: |
Ray,52 songs-That's outstanding!!Which Scorpion tune might be recorded and by whom?Please reveal.
| By the count (69.14.112.184) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 02:33 pm: |
HEY RAY,what about the great MARKIS TERRY?
I admired his style and one nite at the 6ix grand he taught me how to right hand twril the sticks with the speed and maneuver back to the ride and krash cymbles.
Did you ever perform with "BO"(LIL BO"?)
Thanks Ray and if you kan make our dance SEPT.6th,please do and have a sit down steak dinner with us and GIL.It would be an honor to have you join us.
"COUNT"
http://www.kontinentalsthedoowopkruisers.com
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.56) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 05:54 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
STEVE K, THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A TUNING FREAK.THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY,IF YOU LET IT.SEEING THAT A GUITAR IS BASICALLY AN UNTUNABLE INSTRUMENT.SOMETIMES IGNORANCE IS BLISS.
DURING THE SESSIONS(FOR ME,1965)EVERYONE WAS VERY CAREFUL ABOUT TUNING,USING EITHER THE PIANO,OR AN A-440 TUNING FORK.AS FAR AS THE NUMBER OF SONGS CUT IN THE THREE HOURS,IT WAS A CASE OF,THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS DONE,AND YOU MADE IT OR YOU WERE REPLACED.ALSO, IT BECAME EASIER THE MORE SESSIONS YOU DID.
I THINK THE FIRST TUNER THAT I SAW WAS A STROBE TYPE.I DID MY BEST TO STAY AWAY FROM THOSE MONSTROSITIES.EVEN WITH RARE EARTH,WE STILL USED THE FORK,AND THE GOOD OLD PRACTICE AMP.IT WASN'T UNTIL KORG BROUGHT OUT THEIR FIRST SMALL TUNER,THAT I BROKE DOWN AND STARTED USING ONE.AND OF COURSE,I'AM STUCK WITH IT FOREVER,AS YOU SAID.ONE LAST THOUGHT ON THE MOTOWN,H.D.H. SESSIONS.EVERYONE WAS USING HEAVIER STRINGS,AND THERE WERE NO WHAMMY BARS.
CALEB, THANKS VERY MUCH.IT'S WAY TO EARLY TO GIVE THE DETAILS ON THE SCORPION THING.LET'S WAIT UNTIL IT'S MORE CONCRETE.WE'LL KEEP OUR FINGERS CROSSED.
COUNT, MARKIS TERRY,WHAT A GREAT DRUMMER.I NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO PLAY WITH HIM,BUT HE KNOCKED ME OUT WHEN I SAW HIM BEAT THOSE SKINS.THAT'S COOL THAT YOU HAD A CHANCE TO LEARN FROM HIM.
AS FOR BO, OUR PATHS NEVER CROSSED.
I CHECKED OUT YOUR WEBSITE(VERY COOL),AND THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR THE INVITATION.
RAY
| By Kim Kostere (68.47.158.113) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 06:34 pm: |
Ray,
Thanks!
Kim
| By Rich (162.33.234.249) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 11:19 am: |
Ray, Steve & all the rest, thanks for keeping this thread alive. Its been great reading. Ray, do you recall any HDH sessions that you played on with Billy Nelson ... which weren't produced by George Clinton?
Peace
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.80) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 05:24 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
THANKS RICH,GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN.REMEMBER,IF THE NAPPY FITS,WEAR IT!
I REMEMBER ONE SUCH SESSION WITH BILLY,MAINLY BECAUSE OF ONE OF THE SONGS.THE TITLE WAS"DEAF BLIND AND PARALYZED".THAT KINDA STICKS WITH YOU.ALL THE GUYS WERE LOOKING AT THE MUSIC IN DIS-BELIEF,AND TRYING NOT TO CRACK UP.I'AM NOT SURE WHO WAS PRODUCING,BUT IT WASN'T GEORGE.ALSO, THE WRITERS WERE THERE,AND THEY ALMOST LIVED UP TO THE SONG TITLE.ALL IN ALL,SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.BILLY AND THE REST OF US MANAGED TO GET THROUGH THE TRACK,ALONG WITH A COUPLE OTHER SONGS WITH MORE STANDARD TITLES.EVERYBODY WAS STILL LAUGHING AS WE LEFT THE STUDIO.IT'S NOT FUNNY TO HAVE ANY OF THOSE AFFLICTIONS.IT JUST CAUGHT US OFF GUARD.
I DID A FEW OTHER SESSIONS WITH BILLY,BUT I THINK HE DID MOST OF HIS WORK AFTER I JOINED R.E.
I HAVE NO IDEA IF THAT SONG WAS EVER RELEASED.
RAY
| By Rich (162.33.247.14) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 07:31 pm: |
Yeah Ray, they're still talking about Rare Earth playin' Syracuse in diapers. Can't say I blame you, it was a hot weekend. You're on point with Billy, he did most of his work with HDH fom late '71 thru late '73 after Jeffrey Bowen pried him away from Clinton, probably several months after you left for R.E. Matter of fact I was listening to him play on one of my favorites just a few minutes ago, the Holland-Dozier-Holland's cut "I'm Gonna Hi-Jack, Kidnap Ya", a song which might be just as politically incorrect as Deaf Blind & Paralized
Steve K asked something that got me thinking. I know we've asked you quite a bit about Funkadelic. But there are some nasty leads on the Osmium album that Geo Clinton produced on Parliament for Invictus. Not all of the leads sound like Eddie. There's one toward the end of the classic tune "Livin the Life" that sounds similar to some of the ones you've played. I was wondering if you may have played some uncredited guitar on that album. It was released in July of 1970 ... so its well within in your HDH time-frame.
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 10:06 pm: |
In fact , Ray , I'm so convinced after a recent review of your work (I have most of your personal 'favorite sessions' list) that a couple solos on that album are you that I'm willing to mail you one of my spare copies of "Osmium" so you can check it out. In fact after you've checked it you could send it on to Dennis Coffey 'cause I'm willing to bet it's him on electric sitar... and I wouldnt be surprised if its Babbitt on a couple tunes, anyway. I think I mentioned before that , by release date etc, it appears to have been recorded around (or concurrent) with the 1st Ruth Copeland lp. I'm serious - and hardcore- lemme know if you want to check it out!!
Steve K
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.117) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 01:25 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
RICH, HIJACK AND KIDNAP YA.THAT WOULD GO OVER GREAT TODAY.AND YES,THOSE NAPPYS KEEP YOU COOL.JUST LIKE AIR-CONDITIONING.
RICH AND STEVE K,YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!! YOU'RE ACTUALLY RESTORING MY LOST MEMORIES.I THINK I MENTIONED BEFORE THAT I DID SEVERAL OTHER SONGS FOR GEORGE THAT HADN'T BEEN MENTIONED HERE.WITH THE DETAILS YOU'VE PROVIDED,I'AM SURE THAT I DID SOME WORK ON "OSMIUM".GEORGE WANTED ME TO JOIN THE GROUP SO BAD HE COULD TASTE IT.SO WHENEVER HE HAD A PROJECT,AND I WAS AVAILABLE,WE WOULD WORK TOGETHER.
THANKS FOR THE OFFER STEVE,BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S NEEDED.I'AM SURE YOU BOTH ARE CORRECT.
ACTUALLY, THAT SONG TITLE EVEN HELPS TO BRING IT ALL BACK.ALSO, THAT'S DENNIS ON THE SITAR,TO BE SURE.HE WAS THE ONLY ONE USING THAT AX AT THAT TIME.I'AM NOT POSITIVE ABOUT BABBITT,BUT HE WAS PROBABLY IN ON SOME OF THE STUFF TOO.
THANKS AGAIN GUYS,FOR THE EXCELLENT RESEARCH.
R.E.'S PLAYING AT THE CIVIC CENTER IN WATERFORD,MI. TOMORROW NIGHT.LOTTA FRIENDS AND FAMILY WILL BE THERE.SHOULD BE A GOOD TIME AS LONG AS WE DON'T GET RAINED OUT.
RAY
| By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.89) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 01:47 pm: |
Hey Ray
your uptite-an-outasite-man.
what a great in-sight you're giving us
awesome stuff
and many thanks.
mel(andthensome)
| By LTLFTC (12.210.76.205) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 07:08 pm: |
Ray;
Thanks for the info and confirmation. Stay tuned and we'll tell ya what else you did !!!
SteveK
| By Caleb (171.75.84.224) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 07:28 pm: |
Yes,I say with Mel,this has been a most enjoyable thread.Peace
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.193) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 02:02 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
MEL, THANKS FOR THE "WONDER"FUL VIBES.IT'S VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.
THANKS STEVE,I'LL EXPECT TO HEAR FROM YOU.I'AM TUNED IN WITH EARS WIDE OPEN.
CALEB,THANKS ALSO.GOOD NEWS.THE SCORPION C.D. IS FINISHED.CONTACT ME AT raymo@gbronline.com.
WE'LL HOOK IT UP.
"SCORPION" STORY:
AS I SAID BEFORE,RALPH TERRANA WAS KIND ENOUGH TO GIVE US A KEY TO THE STUDIO,AND A FREE HAND TO RECORD.ALSO WITH THE HELP OF RUSS AS OUR ENGINEER.PRETTY AMAZING GUYS!!BUT YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT.
AFTER THE ALBUM WAS FINISHED,WE SAW SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE TO SHOP THE RECORD DEAL.AHMED ERDIGAN CAME IN AND LISTENED."SOUNDS TOO MUCH LIKE HENDRIX",WAS HIS COMMENT."ALREADY GOT ONE".A FEW OTHERS LISTENED AFTER THAT.THEN ONE NIGHT ARMEN BOLADIAN CAME DOWN TO THE STUDIO.HE SAT IN THE CONTROL ROOM AND LISTENED TO THE ENTIRE ALBUM.WHEN IT WAS DONE,HE WAS LITERALLY ON THE FLOOR.THE ONLY THING HE COULD SAY WAS "WHAT DO YOU GUYS NEED".AT THE TIME ,HE WAS THE HOTTEST PROMO. MAN IN DETROIT.LATER,HE WENT ON TO MANY OTHER THINGS,INCLUDING FUNKADELIC.
AT ANY RATE,WE DIDN'T GO WITH HIM AND ENDED UP ON TOWER (SUB. OF CAPITOL).UNFORTUNATELY,AS THEY RELEASED OUR ALBUM,TOWER FOLDED,AND THE RECORD DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE.YOU CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF WE HAD GONE THE OTHER WAY.DECISIONS,DECISIONS!
RAY
| By Caleb (171.75.84.113) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 08:30 pm: |
Ray,tried to e-mail twice.Both times came back saying undeliverable:invalid userid.Shows address as raymo@mta.gbronline.com-did not have mta on address sent though.Will wait for further instruction from you.Caleb
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.224) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 08:50 pm: |
CALEB,
I'AM NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED,BUT MAIL TO rcmjlm@gbronline.com THIS WILL WORK FOR SURE.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.72) on Thursday, August 07, 2003 - 02:35 pm: |
Ray,received Scorpion CD today.Am almost speechless.Regarding your guitar playing-Babbitt was right:Your on another level.Bass and drum work is phenomenal.Mike is ripping into it,has a great voice for ballads too.Thank you for sending it.Will be back with some questions,going to listen again.Caleb
| By Caleb (171.75.83.77) on Thursday, August 07, 2003 - 10:05 pm: |
Ray,the mixes on the Scorpion album are great.Who mixed it,was it Ralph's brother Russ?If so,man knew what he was doing-very solid.I can't believe that Andrew was still a teenager there,his playing was just beyond.Did you guys do the production yourself?
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.201) on Friday, August 08, 2003 - 09:50 am: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB, GLAD YOU'RE ENJOYING THE ALBUM.A LOT OF SWEAT,HEART, AND SOUL WENT INTO THE MAKING OF IT.
THE SCORPION ALBUM WAS WRITTEN,PRODUCED, AND ARRANGED BY US.BRYAN DOMBROWSKI WAS THE RECORDING ENGINEER,AND INDEED,RUSS DID THE MASTERING.OUTSTANDING JOB!
AND YES,ANDREW WAS JUST A TEEN,BELIEVE IT OR NOT.
AS BABBITT SAID,WE'RE TRYING TO GET IT RE-RELEASED.WE'LL SEE.
RARE EARTH IS HEADING OUT THIS MORNING FOR THE IOWA STATE FAIR IN DES MOINES.I'LL BE BACK SUNDAY EVE.
RAY
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, August 08, 2003 - 09:57 am: |
Ray,
I sure hope the Scorpion album gets released. I would like to hear it myself.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.183) on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 07:56 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
RALPH, WE'RE CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THE MASTERS STILL EXIST,AT THIS POINT.IT WILL BE A WHILE BEFORE IT GETS RELEASED.IN THE MEAN TIME,IF YOU WANT ME TO SEND YOU A COPY,E-MAIL ME AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.IT'S A REAL TRIP,HEARING IT AGAIN,AFTER ALL THESE YEARS,AND YOU WERE GREATLY RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING IT DONE.
JUST GOT BACK FROM THE IOWA STATE FAIR.GREAT SHOW!!5000 PEOPLE UP AND SINGING THE WHOLE TIME.A LOT OF FUN.
RAY
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 07:59 pm: |
Ray,
I would be thrilled to get a copy of this and listen to it after all these years. I'll send you my address.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.200) on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 04:50 pm: |
Ray,production on "Take A Look At Yourself" is unbelievable.Still can't get over the fact that Andrew was a teen here.Band is one of the best I've ever heard!!(a serious statement).Be back with more comments.Peace
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.153) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 10:43 am: |
HELLO TO ALL:
THANKS VERY MUCH CALEB.AS I SAID BEFORE,ANDREW WAS A NATURAL,EVEN AT THAT YOUNG AGE.
ALSO, THE GRAND PIANO ON "TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF" AND "TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL",WAS PLAYED BY THE LATE, GREAT, JOHNNY GRIFFITH.BEAUTIFUL WORK!!HE CAME IN AND LAID DOWN THOSE PARTS IN NO TIME,AND HE REALLY ENJOYED DOING IT.JOHNNY WAS A WONDERFUL GUY.WE KIDDED HIM ABOUT JOINING THE BAND.WE SAID,HOW COULD WE POSSIBLY PLAY THIS LIVE WITHOUT YOU.HE WAS THE ONLY OUTSIDE PLAYER ON THE ALBUM.DOING THIS WORK WAS A PLEASANT DEPARTURE FROM THE MOTOWN SESSIONS.IT GAVE HIM A CHANCE TO STRETCH OUT ,SHOW HIS CLASSICAL SIDE,AND HAVE A GOOD TIME.
RAY
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.173) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 05:12 pm: |
TO DAVID MEIKLE:
HELLO DAVID.I WAS LOOKING AT THE GOLDEN WORLD WEBISODE.THE SECTION ON THE SAN REMO STRINGS,WHERE BOB WILSON IS MENTIONED.JUST TO FILL YOU IN,HE'S A KEYBOARD PLAYER THAT WROTE AND PLAYED ON SOME GOLDEN WORLD SESSIONS.
LATER ON,HE WAS IN A BAND WITH MYSELF,AND MIKE CAMPBELL,THAT PLAYED LOCALLY.HE ALSO PLAYED WITH ALBERT KING FOR SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE HE PASSED ON.
TODAY HE IS WORKING A 9 TO 5 JOB.I SAW HIM RECENTLY WHEN HE CAME TO SEE R.E. AT THE MOTOR CITY CASINO.HE SAID HE'D LIKE TO GET TOGETHER AND JAM SOME TIME.
ANYWAY,JUST THOUGHT I'D FILL IN SOME DETAILS.
RAY
| By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 05:37 pm: |
Hi Ray
Thanks so much for the detail.
What was the name of the group that the three of you formed?
I will update tomorrow.
BTW anything else on GW, no matter how trivial will be most welcome.
David
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.120) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 07:47 pm: |
HELLO DAVID,
I'AM DRAWING A TOTAL BLANK ON THE BAND NAME.WE WERE ONLY TOGETHER FOR A SHORT TIME,AND PLAYED A HANDFUL OF LOCAL GIGS.IT WAS JUST BEFORE WE FORMED SCORPION.
I'LL PUT ON MY THINKING CAP AND SEE IF I CAN COME UP WITH ANY THING ON THE G.W. STORY.
RAY
| By Caleb (171.75.84.215) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 11:22 pm: |
Ray,are you going to contact Mike about getting together on the 21st in Detroit.If so,let him know he's got fans here.Saw his name as one of the writers on a Jackson 5 tune-Joyful Jukebox Music.Would be great to have him here on the forum too.He's doing some pretty wild stuff on the Scorpion album:introduction to Happy Blues Time-"Come on all you freaks,dig this happy blues"(funny stuff).What's happening with your guitar in the introduction of Wildflower?Was the tape run backwards there?It's pretty happening.
| By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 05:09 am: |
Thanks Ray
Especially interested in background people.
| By RAY MONETTE (207.191.236.89) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 02:49 pm: |
HELLO TO ALL:
CALEB,SINCE THE LAST TIME I TALKED TO MIKE,HE AND HIS FAMILY HAVE RELOCATED TO SANTA FE N.M.HE SEEMS TO WANT TO STAY TOTALLY DETACHED FROM ACTING,AND THE MUSIC BIZ.I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE SITE AND THE FANS.UNFORTUNATELY,HE'S NOT INTO P.C.'S AT ALL.IT SEEMS HE WANTS TO LIVE A "NORMAL" LIFE WITH HIS FAMILY.I KNOW HE HAD SOME PROBLEMS IN THE PAST(HAVN'T WE ALL),AND HE WANTS TO STAY ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW.
I DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS ON THE J-5 SONG,COOL.
BESIDES HIS OTHER TALENTS,MIKE IS A NATURAL COMEDIAN.IT WAS HARD FOR HIM NOT TO PUT SOME HUMOR AND SOUND EFFECTS ON THE ALBUM.FUNNY STUFF.HAVING MIKE IN THE BAND ADDED A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TALENT.AT THE SAME TIME,IT WAS LIKE HAVING THE HUMOR AND SPEED OF ROBIN WILLIAMS.NEVER A DULL MOMENT.
THAT GUITAR INTRO ON WILDFLOWER IS THE SAME PART PLAYED BACKWARDS.THAT WAS ACTUALLY RUSS TERRANA'S IDEA.CAME OUT PRETTY COOL.
I'LL BE GOING TO SEE BABBITT AND THE FUNKS ON THE 21ST.HE'S ONLY IN TOWN FOR THE ONE DAY,SO WE WON'T BE ABLE TO SPEND MUCH TIME TOGETHER.I'VE BEEN TALKING TO JACK ASHFORD,AND HE SENT ME SOME GREAT PHOTOS OF THE FUNKS.ONE SHOWS HIM AND THE PRESIDENT SHAKING HANDS.A REAL CLASSIC.
I'AM ALSO TRYING TO CONTACT BOB WILSON(IF YOU SEE THIS BOB,CALL ME).I'AM SURE HE HAS A LOT OF INPUT ON GOLDEN WORLD,DAVID.
ONE LAST THING: I'AM TRYING TO UPDATE MY SESSION WORK,AND I COULD USE A LITTLE HELP.AROUND 1967-68,I DID SOME WORK AT UNITED SOUND FOR THE FANTASTIC FOUR.I CAME IN AND OVER-DUBBED ON SEVERAL SONGS.I PLAYED A TWO NOTE LINE AND A DEADENED PART ON ONE SONG THAT WAS A BALLAD.IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A SONG CALLED "I'VE GOT TO HAVE YOU".I CAN'T BE SURE BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANY OF THE RECORDS.THE SONGS WOULD ALL BE ON THE SAME ALBUM.JAMES AND THE GUYS WERE KNOCKED OUT BY THAT PARTICULAR PART(THEY ASKED IF I WOULD GO ON TOUR WITH THEM).ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.THANKS,
RAY
| By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 03:55 pm: |
Ray
I have the song and the album.
Contact me at david@soulfuldetroit.com.
| By Caleb (171.75.84.93) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 11:53 pm: |
What the heck is in Santa Fe,NM?Babbitt had posted awhile ago that he was selling cars at that time.This ticks me off-such a talent!
| By BOBBABBITT (152.163.252.68) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 01:24 am: |
CALEB......MIKE IS SELLING CARS IN SANTA FE FOR THE SAME COMPANY HE WORKED FOR IN INDIANA.I THINK IT IS TOYOTA OR HONDA.........BOB BABBITT
| By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.81) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 03:32 am: |
Ray,
wow,
trying to get in touch with Bob Wilson.
This thread goes from outstanding to total fantabulous if there was such a word.
And the Fantastic 4 cut of 'I've got to have you'
is a very significent memory jerker of mine from over 15 or more years ago regards a very close girl-friend that I knew.
I have said it twice,
am now saying it thrice
Mr Monette
thanks for all this info etc
I for one am ever so grateful
(and then some)
regards
mel
| By Ian W (194.75.129.2) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 07:40 am: |
Ray, thanks for all the info! This thread must be a contender for most 'mentioning of Detroit artists and technicians' on the site. Now Bob Wilson - I can remember guys almost fighting to get on the dance floor for 'All Turned On'. The tape decks must have been white-hot after that one!
You wouldn't know the other musicians on the track, would you?
All the best,
Ian
| By RALPH (209.240.198.62) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 10:10 am: |
I think it's time to bestow a brand new thread for Brother Ray.His ppu;larity here continues to grow as evidenced by the length of the thread. Soooo...THIS THREAD IS CLOSED...CLOSED....CLOSED...SEE RAY MONETTE 3 THIS IS CLOSED....CLOSED....
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 02:15 pm: |
Combining...do not post...