July 2003 - Benjamin Wagner

In The Up Position

By admin | July 31, 2003 |

I’m listening to a rough mix of ‘California’ from Sunday afternoon’s recording session and am psyched to report that the rollercoaster is in the ‘Up’ position: it rocks! All that matters on these rough mixes is the bass and drums, and they’re spot on. I’ve yet to add 12-string and electric guitars, a solo, tamborine,…

Rough Mixes

By admin | July 29, 2003 |

Now, the anxiety sets in. I haven’t given any of Sunday’s recordings a complete listen: too stressful. I notice everything imperfect: rogue drum fills, errant bass notes, off tempos. Its all there on tape: done, permanent. So I just won’t listen, until I have to… when I return to the studio tomorrow night. Not that…

Begun In Earnest

By admin | July 27, 2003 |

Seven hours, six tracks, five beers and one Quizno’s sub later, Benjamin Wagner has left the building. Control One Studios, that is. Forgive me the derivative and self-referential lead (you won’t oft catch me referring to myself in the third person; I’m plenty comfortable with ‘I’), but it was a good day in the studio.…

Bruuuuuuce!!!

By admin | July 25, 2003 |

Bono said of Bruce Springsteen in his Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame induction: “It takes guys to be romantic.” Equal parts preacher, poet, and provocateur, The Boss testified tonight at the fifth of ten sold out homecoming shows at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Arena. I was there. It’s good for us corporate Music Television types…

Well Done, Boy

By admin | July 24, 2003 |

I step off the ACE at 34th Street, climb the stairs, and escape into the cool evening air. It’s 9:15. I cross 33d, and am in front of the post office when I pass two drunken Yuppies laughing and yelling at each other at the top of their lungs. I feel my hand brush something,…

Rehearsing ‘Almost Home’

By admin | July 22, 2003 |

And so it has begun. I just got in from my first rehearsal with Tony and Rosa in nearly a year. And I can report that the new record is off to a good start. Rehearsals are intended to get us all in rhythm with one another. And rehearsals are used to block out parts:…

The ‘Almost Home’ Tour

By admin | July 16, 2003 |

I like to write songs, record ’em, and perform ’em, but I hate to practice. Of course, I’m bound to write, record and perform better if I practice. So, this morning — seeing as I’m headed into the studio next week — I did. And in the midst of it all, I hatched what I…

Approaching ‘Home’

By admin | July 14, 2003 |

After making ten or so records over the last (gulp) fifteen years, I can tell you with confidence that this is the best part: just before you hit the studio. The actual process is excruciatingly repetitive, tiresome, and even a little bit boring — punctuated, of course, by life-changing epiphanies. I’m approaching this record differently…

Into The Mystic

By admin | July 12, 2003 |

It is Saturday night. I am alone on the fire escape. I am high above 56th Street. I am staring into the brilliant orange setting sun. There is a dry breeze off the river. ‘Into The Mystic’ is on the CD player. And an ice cold Stella Artois is in my right hand. Perfect? Or…

The One About That Time My Friend Was Shot

By admin | July 9, 2003 |

A few hours after my last post, in the early morning hours after July Fourth fireworks, my co-worker and friend was shot. With an AK-47. I got the call Saturday night. “Rahman’s been shot.” “Say that one more time?” Well, he’s going to be fine, excepting his shattered and shredded wrist. The wrist that was…