with Van Halen...

What began in 1999 is still continuing to grow today at Ed's 5150 recording studio. Initially I came in to do the installation of the current recording console and vast collection of outboard gear. Ed is an avid collector and a knowledgeable user of vintage microphones, of which he has many. I consider it a personal challenge to work on a console that runs hot enough to cook breakfast on...in fact the only thing hotter are the sounds that eminate from Ed's amp...

While it's true that Ed only has one brother, I've always felt he's treated me like one, and it a two-way street.

with the Foo Fighters...

I just finished working with the Foo Fighters, Butch Vig and Alan Moulder at Dave's home studio, while they were in the midst of making the brand new record (first time the Foo's have worked with Butch, but not the first time for Dave). I worked closely with James Brown (the living one from the UK) making detailed alterations to the console installation and patchbays, restored and completely set-up the two Studer A827's, and happily provided an Ampex mixdown machine. Very much enjoyed working with everyone especially the man who-wore-every-hat Joe Bebee, and the house engineer Lou. Dave was ever-ready with a quick smile, a firm handshake, and an engaging story...

You can hear/read Dave's side of the story here.

with Jim James...

Recently I've been providing support for the always analog Jim James who's been working on some new recordings. Jim was looking for a vintage console last year and I was fortunate enough to connect him with the late Dan Fogelberg's Trident Series 80, the little baby brother of the Trident A Range that I take care of at New Monkey Studio. I med Jim in Paris several years ago while I went to see my friends Everest perform at Le Trabendo with My Morning Jacket. I've also been able the find Jim some vintage microphones and a few other toys as he's been piecing together his home studio. I always say that if you are going to make a record with a console and a tape machine you're going to have to have talent. Jim's got plenty of that. And he's also turning into a top notch Studer tech.

with Nick Luca & Allo Guru

Last year I worked several times with Nick Luca on his new project Allo Guru recorded at New Monkey Studio, a room I’ve proudly looked after for the better part of 5 years. Nick is currently the right-hand man of Sam Beam on tour with Iron & Wine. I’ve worked on all the recording equipment at New Monkey at various times and have had the pleasure of working with some very talented producers, engineers, and artists including sessions for Mike Terry (Foo Fighters, The Eagles), Everest, John Doe, and many more. I'm particularly found of working with Robert Cappadona and Joel Graves, the proprietors at New Monkey Studio. Somehow we always end up at Cube Restaurant on La Brea.