It all started when I got a call from producer Dennis Ferrante (John Lennon, Lou Reed, Kiss, Willie Nelson) asking me if I could do a live recording for Donovan. I was very excited and it took me back about 20 years. In my childhood, when vinyl was still very popular I had this amazing album called ‘The Policeman’s Ball Concert’. The album, put together by Amnesty International featured a variety of artists performing their hit songs for a good cause. The first four concerts were recorded from between 1976 to 1981. The artists on the album I had were, Sting, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Bob Geldof, Jeff Beck, and of course Donovan.
L-R Nelson Salis, Donovan and Rubin Nizri at The Cutting Room post show recording
Nothing can erase a the great music memories from one’s childhood. The show took place at The Cutting Room, where I am pretty much at home as I record a lot of shows there and very comfortable with the Room. When I arrived at The Cutting Room to setup the system for the show, I found out that the bass player for show was Will Lee (The Late Show with David Letterman) and that Steve Holley (Wings) would be on drums. Everyone knows that a great band is 90% of a good recording so I was psyched. After setting and recording the show, Donovan did his thing and I gotta tell you after close to four decades he’s still got it in him. It totally brought me back to my childhood. I was very fortunate to say hello and chat a bit about music . Dennis Ferrante mixed that live show but I still haven’t heard it! C’mon Dennis, send me something…
UPDATE:
I received a very sad news just as I finished writing this post… Dennis Ferrante has passed away, he will be dearly missed. RIP
Julian Lenon and Dennis Ferrante
