Miscellaneous
In the late 1990’s I spent some time studying EDM (Electronic Dance Music). The best practitioners of this style of music, including Brian Transeau (BT) who I interviewed at one point, developed sophisticated computer techniques to realize their productions. “Slither,” my one attempt to work in this genre, combined some of these techniques along with a lead organ part that shows the influence of Booker T. Jones, of the group Booker and the MG’s.
This track qualifies as a demo because I never got around to recording it with a real rhythm section. The great guitarist/producer Jim Chapdelaine did lay down several guitar parts on this recording. My good friend Baron Raymonde lent his considerable alto sax chops as well. However, all of the other parts were performed by me inside the computer.
What a pity that we never got around to updating this track. As a historical artifact it’s actually quite interesting. In 1979 the TEAC CORPORATION, under its pro audio division Tascam, released the Portastudio 144, a four track recorder that combined the elements of a professional recording multi track recorder and outboard mixer and used standard cassette tape. It changed the world! Onnie McIntyre, of the Average White Band (remember the “chang-a-lang-a-lang” chiming guitar chords that open the track? That’s Onnie) and I wrote the music to this song. My brother John contributed lyrics and Joe Gray, who would later become the longest running host of the Apollo Theater Amateur Hour, sang the lead vocal.
Yes, the recording sounds cheesy-only one early analog synthesizer, a cheap bass guitar, all recorded onto a cassette tape about 1,000 years ago. But I like the energy!