Allowing Greatness - Recording in Sderot - Part 2 - Session With Joseph E-Shine

For the last few weeks I have had brief interactions and collaborative sessions with this 20-year old producer/musician. In each meeting that we arranged, he arrived in full knowing of his greatness and the greatness that he would bring to the track chosen for him, "High". Let's take a brief moment on that.

We set a very clear intention on this album to work with different producers for each track and allow the universe to guide the right person to the right message. Our first and very clear example was the fact that Brave New World chose a man in which his talent is far beyond his output as he still spends brief moments in fear thus limiting his capabilities to be THE BEST OF THE BEST. But I watched as Brave New World worked on him and still continues to do so. Now, as for "High", our intention was to work with a reggae producer, but, we were guided to Joseph, yes, a seasoned Reggae producer, but, more importantly, a young adult whom is actively moving from the reckless partying life of drugs and alcohol into a subtle life of Yoga and Meditation. "High" is the poster song for this generation of purity, where the silence and awareness are the greatest tools for experiencing the bliss in connecting to the whole universe. THE SONG CHOSE HIM!

With that said, I was still a bit weary with his over-confidence and trusting attitude and for the fact that he wanted to take the song in the direction of folk, but, much to all of our liking and soon to be yours, we moved back to the Reggae one day before the recording. When Joseph showed up for the session, his confidence and grace took over the room and for the next 8 hours, his guidance, skill and creativity enammered all of us. A few of the students just sat back and watched as him and his pro engineer designed the room and the sound. For the first time in my life I was able to walk out of the room and trust in his creation. I came back after two hours to a track so full of life energy and so blissfully constructed, I am certain it will be the summertime smash for 2011!

It was one of those situation where his calming charisma lifted us all up and hieghtened our creative output. The drums were finished in 2 takes. The bass, guitars and keys in about 2 hours (all of which he performed). Then I laid my simple guitar riff in 1 take and then, the moment of truth, Vocals! Nailed in 2 takes, both of which are being used! Simply amazing. we started at 12:30 pm and finished by 8:30 with backing vocals and all the layers possible to make an amazing track. We walked out in a stream of hugs and love! I was just blown away. Well, the fact is that we all were mutually blown away by each other. I was told the talk in the control room when I was doing vocals was that I have a Million Dollar Voice. First time I ever heard that, and to hear it from a talented room like that whom has so much experience in the business, well, I am humbled and Elated!!

I was actually so lifted by the experience of the day that I returned and did vocals for "Wonderful Invention" that same night, again, nailing it in 2 takes. Grateful!

Allowing Greatness - Part 2 - Day 1 - Recording in Sderot

The first day was all about drums drums drums. The setup itself is 4 hours. So after an 11 am arrival and a 4 hour setup, it is now 3 pm before the first note is struck. The student engineers of Sapir college are completely amazing the whole entire time we are down there. Treating us like royalty and catering to our every need. This is there dress rehearsal before they are thrown out into the vile world of internship, bad sessions and disrespectful musicians. I am grateful and cordial, honest and to the point as our time is short. I am seeing myself much more of a man this time around, able to call in what is needed and follow the guidance as it calls me in many directions. I am able to stand strong in a decision and to finally TRUST it. I am finally, after 34 years, becoming a MAN! Thank God!

So, Elad Nedav, 21 year old drummer extraordinaire, whom I have been playing music with on both trips to the Holyland, showed up with confidence and grace for the session. He whipped through both songs in lightning speed, giving us the rest of the time to listen back, do guitars and start the vocals. We had some minor trouble with the guitar going out of tune, but were able to fix it by re-positioning my fingering on the fretboard. By the time I was finished with guitars, I was famished. Just imagine what it takes to play the same song over and over and over with the same enthusiasm and authenticity on each and every take. Yes, Tiring, so, we called it early the first night and went to sleep in order to prepare for the session the next day with Joseph E-Shine!

Allowing Greatness - Recording in Sderot - Part 1

"Allow Greatness" - These were the words that I posted on my Facebook Status when I arrived in Sderot on July 19th, 2010. After 5 years I have found myself in the studio once again, ready to release a whole new side of me. A me that is only part me and all God. Today I listen as for in years before I demanded control. So much so, that I could not get myself to record in a major studio. I made sure that I did all recording, editing and producing myself. This was my baby! But today, I find myself surrendered to a much great offering that demands the presence of many, a creation that is unified and constructed by great power.

So, now I am sitting with a room full of engineers and a producer that works so clear and so fast that I cannot help but move out of His way and truly "Allow Greatness!" And beyond that, the college has donated the studio to us for the full 2 days to utilize to our greatest potential.

I spent a whole lot of time watching the patterns of my mind. I am not great enough and I do not deserve this were two reccuring dreams. And, funny enough, even if "I" do not, The Much Bigger "I" deserves everything and anything. It is creation and whether or not I think "I" am great person or not "The Big I" could honestly care less. It is working a force through me that "I" cannot stop and if I were to, it would take so much effort that it would probably kill me in the process. So, again, I Allow Greatness!