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It is believed by many
(myself included), that given ample time and financial resources,
one could take a ruptured goose into a state-of-the-art recording
studio and come out with tomorrow's next pop singing sensation.
That is, of course, if the fowl in question is under the age
of eighteen, can dance and has a reasonably cute tail-feather.
Honk!
It wasn't long after meeting Helen Slater that I knew the kind
of album I wanted to make on her. My only question: would the
artist agree? Happily (and bravely) she did. This record (yes,
I still call them that) is recorded completely "live in
the studio" in Nashville, Tennessee. Meaning, everyone,
including Helen, played together, at the same time, in the same
room and, believe it or not, in the same key. Even her vocal
was cut right there behind the piano at the moment of tracking.
Thus, you will hear pedal noise. You will hear feet stomping.
You will hear extemporaneous utterances. You will hear what can
only be described as Helen having a litter of kittens behind
the piano. Could we have taken it out? Sure. Did we? No. Why?
Because who cares. We're making music here, not shoes. Consequently,
what you get to experience is a truly gifted singer?songwriter
surrounded by some of the finest musicians in the world -- organically,
spontaneously and authentically. No tricks.
I'm very proud to have played a small part in the making of this
album. It has been one of the most rewarding and creative experiences
of my career. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed
making. So here it is, Helen Slater, One of These Days...
kittens and all.
Phil Swann
Phil Swann, for sparking
to my music and for your vision of how it should be produced.
It was you who said, "let's do it live" then understood
what was needed to make that happen. Also, it behooves me to
note your insane, magnificent energy and the fact that you are
the first person I have ever met who eats pork rinds and Mountain
Dew without a shred of apology (who even knew what a pork rind
was before I met you?). I am sooo grateful!
Paul Scholten, for your gentle steady vibe in the studio, and
for asking me to play the songs live for the boys at the beginning
of the session. It set the tone for the whole day.
All the musicians: Tim, Dave, Glenn, Gary and Jim, for your musical
intuition so brilliant and so inspired.
The engineers: Houston, for tolerating my craziness on the mic
settings; Rob, for staying up into the wee-hours-of-the-morning
to mix this so beautifully; and, Mike, for mastering, and re-mastering,
and re-mastering.
Patty Fisher for your administrative and scheduling genius.
Helen, Tracy, Kari, Rachel and the Wolves, for being the tribe
of women I turn to when I am aching and complicated.
Rob, my husband, for your love, humor and willingness to help
me have a whole life, and, Hannah, for your spirit and flow,
it is a constant source of inspiration.
Love,
Helen
All songs written by
Helen Slater | Produced by Phil Swann
Recorded live Monday, March 10, 2003 at County Q Recording Studios,
Nashville, Tennessee
Piano and vocals - Helen Slater | Upright bass - Dave Pomeroy
| Guitars - Gary Burnette
Drums and percussion - Paul Scholten | Keyboards - Tim Lauer
Winds, pennywhistle, autoharp, dobro - Jim Hoke | Violin and
mandolin - Glenn Duncan
Engineer - Phillip Houston | Second Engineer - Craig Headen
Mixing Engineer - Rob Matson | Mastering Engineer - Mike Purcell
Photography - Melanie Mayron | Manufactured and printed by Disc
Makers, Fremont, CA, U.S.A.
www.helenslater.com
Landsleit Records, 9200 Sunset Blvd. PH22, Los Angeles, CA 90069
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