I simply got an irresistible craving to really play-like I used to when I was a kid-so I put aside 12 tracks that I had developed for various artists and instead of recording their voices, I laid in a few tracks of Spanish guitar or acoustic piano (both of which I have played since I was around 9 years old). All the guitar and piano playing was improvised - literally first takes - because I did not have enough time in my schedule to compete with paying customers. I believe that part of what makes the project feel so cool is that you (me too!) can feel the excitement of hearing it come out for the first time.
I never envisioned that anyone would ever hear it (other than my wife - the woman on the cover). I asked the bartender at the restaurant around the corner from where we live (West 90th Street, NY) if he would play it, late one night - just so that I could hear how the mix sounded in a larger space. To my surprise, three people immediately came up to the bar and asked what it was. I gave them all free copies (no artwork, nor even a title, at that point, just CDs I burned in our studio). I then started to ask other Upper West Side restaurants, which my wife and I frequent, to play it and, across-the-board, it was a big success and they are still playing it! - Many months later.
It is always so fascinating to hear what and who is behind the music you are hearing. The commentary from the artist closes the circle if you will on this review. Eric Kamen is an interesting individual with music that matches his personality.
August 28, 2005
Rating-8/10
Credits:
Eric Kamen: midi drums, midi bass, Spanish Guitar, midi bazukis, midi sitar, midi strings, midi tubular bells, midi choir, acoustic piano, Japanese Koto
01. Moshi Moshi (3:31)
02. Arenys by the Sea (4:12)
03. Casa La Femme (4:37)
04. Take a Ride (4:29)
05. Thug Life (4:07)
06. Habana Noche (4:12)
07. Broken Hearted (3:55)
08. Native Tongue (4:30)
09. The Sphinx's Dream (4:19)
10. Barcelona Boo (4:31)
11. My Father's Mandolin (4:27)
12. Mykonos at Midnight (3:41)
ed: JH
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