From Pakistan to Prairie Sun

We are excited to announce that the legendary Pakistani tabla player Dildar Hussain was just in the studio with his son, Abrar, mixing their newest album. A student of tabla legend Ustad Alla Rakha (Ravi Shankar), Dildar is regarded as one of the top tabla players in the world. He has been a member of Nusrat Ali Khan’s Qawwali party since its formation nearly 30 years ago, and played side by side with Nusrat until his death in 1997. Qawwali, the devotional music of Sufis, had little international exposure before they recorded several albums on the Real World label, including the soundtrack of Hollywood blockbuster “Dead Man Walking”. Today you might see him accompanying renowned Qawwali singer Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Dildar does not play the traditional tabla, which is most commonly associated with Hindustani classical music. His non-traditional tabla configuration has the jori as the treble and the dhamma as the bass. Although rare, they are used primarily in North and West Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Kashmir. This combination creates a sound that is far deeper and warmer than the traditional bayan.

This project was coordinated and produced by Aja Salvatore, who is primarily known for his work with the top musicians of Mali on his label, Kanaga System Krush. Dedicated to showcasing the finest musical talent from all over the world, Aja operates KSK Records under fair trade principals. This means that, as opposed to traditional labels, a large portion (40%) of sales go directly to the artist. To learn more about KSK Records, visit their website here: http://www.systemkrush.com/.

World-class talent needs a world-class engineer. Oz Fritz (Primus, Buckethead, Tom Waits just to name a few) fit the bill for this project. With such a star-studded roster, expect great things to come.

Prairie Prince at Prairie Sun

We are proud to announce that Prairie Prince was in the studio recently recording drums on Billy Savoca’s newest project. Originally from  North Carolina, Prairie has been a founding member of art-rock band The Tubes since 1969. Since then he has racked up quite a resume, working with the likes of Brian Eno, Jefferson Airplane, George Harrison, Richard Marx, Todd Rundgren, and he even played an instrumental role in getting Journey off the ground. His credits, impressive as they may be, are nothing compared to his sheer brilliance on the drums. But don’t take our word for it, see for yourself as Billy destroys a 1970’s era Ludwig Vista lite (with a cameo appearance from studio owner Mooka Rennick). An artist at heart, Prairie has embraced   his creative brilliance far beyond the studio, designing stage sets, album art, and drum finishes. In fact, the “prairie room” is studio C features as wall to wall mural painted by the man himself. His extensive portfolio of photography, graphic art, and paintings can be viewed on his website<http://www.prairieprince.com/> 

Look for Prairie touring with his current band The New Cars (featuring old friend Todd Rundgren, and original Cars members Elliot Easton and Greg Hawkes)  and on Billy Savoca’s newest album. Look for more news as it nears completion. 

Mark Vigil Project

Mark Vigil is back at Prairie Sun recording some new tunes with his merry band of musicians. This will be his second release, after his first release "Is That Really You?" His second album has a new modern sound to it while staying true to his unique style and wonderful musicianship.

After completing basic tracks in Studio C, Mark and Producer Steve Fontano (Santana, Marty Friedman) headed up to Studio B to track overdubs. Along with Mark singing lead vocals, he is joined by Tommy Miller (Gregg Allman, Eddie Money) on bass, Mark McGee (Gregg Allman, Vicious Rumors) and Josh Ramos (The Storm, Two Fires, Menuto) on guitar, T Moran (Starship, Pacific Brass & Electric, Danny Castro) on drums and Mike Mani (Cypress Hill, Michael Bolton, Backstreet Boys) on keys.   

His new 11 song album is a modern work stretching from country tunes (“Fooled Again”) to Latin influenced “border rock” (“Donʼt”). Also included is
a song written for his daughter which shares her name, “Chelsea”. One song recorded during these sessions, “I Believe In You”, was written for Mark Vigilʼs cardiologist at UCSF. It will not make it onto 
the new record, unfortunately... but maybe even better, it will be released on a re-release of "Is it Really You?"
When asked about whatʼs next after recording, he responded, “I just want to go play!”.

So keep one eye on the road and one eye on the record shelves for the Mark Vigil Project, coming soon to a town (or store) near you!

Doolin Run at Prairie Sun!

    One of Northern California’s hottest bands, Doolin Run is an original California rock ‘n roll band that plays country songs like no one else.  Known throughout California for their high energy, extremely danceable shows, Doolin Run is always going full speed ahead to bring you their own unique blend of soulful country/southern rock.
    Formed around lead vocalist, Wes Powell, Doolin Run takes it’s name from a road in New Martinsville, the town in West Virginia where Wes grew up.  After high school, Wesley began traveling the country working as a traveling nurse.  As Wes describes, “In my 12 years, as a nurse, I have been able to touch many lives... This overwhelming desire, to make a difference in this very unstable and at many times, cruel world, has lead me head first, into music.” 

    Backing up Wes are the Doolin Run band, a group of hand picked musicians from some of the best bands Northern California, unmatched in their respective instruments.  On lead guitar is Max Rich, with a rockin country tone.  Sing backup vocals along with Max is Allan Villassan playing 5-string bass.  In addition to these fine musicians are drummer Yo Yo Greve and keyboardist Hagana Kim.
    Doolin Run is already brimming with talent and constantly improving.  With a steadily growing fan base, there’s no where for them to go but up.  Go see them live for an unforgettable experience and keep an eye open for their new album when it is released.

Stoney Curtis Recording at Prairie Sun!

    Continuing on for nearly two weeks after finishing with basic tracking, Stoney Curtis has perfected the licks for his upcoming record The Cosmic Connection.  He has laid down some extremely blistering guitar over the top of already smashing tracks.  In addition to that, Stoney’s vocals have been finished and polished to a brilliant sheen. 

    Guiding the sessions is Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records fame.  Mike has worked with insanely talented individuals such as Eric Gales, Tony MacAlpine, Greg Howe, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Michael Schenker.  To add to that, Stoney Curtis certainly holds his own among these heavy hitters of the guitar world.  Not to be overlooked is Jason D’Ottavio (Eric Gales, Chris Duarte) at the board bringing out the gold in every note, lick, and riff. 

    Growing up on the South side of Chicago, Stoney grew up listening to the sounds of Black Sabbath, Robin Trower, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton.  He combines all these influences.  Drawing on his background of psychedelic rock, traditional blues, and hard rock, Stoney Curtis has found a very comfortable niche in the blues community.  His world class sound is like no other and for good reason.  There are very few people that can play guitar as well as he can, and even fewer that have his charisma and none have his unique technique and flavor. 

Condemned Records New Album!!

Keith, Slade and Billy in Studio A

    Condemned recently stayed with us while recording their new album scheduled for US release on February 22 of 2011.  Rocking out after a hefty hiatus for a release on Nuclear Blast Records, Condemned is proving that although the years may have past, they can still thrash with the best of them.  Among various BBQing sessions and copious joking around, they produced some of the most brutal old-school crossover metal/punk to hit the public since its inception in the 1980’s.
    Condemned originally started out as Condemned2Death (C2D) in the spring of 1983.  Keith Chatham got a hot tip about a band that was practicing in the old abandoned Hamms Brewery (aka “The Vats”) in San Francisco needed a bassist.  Consequently, Condemned2Death was born and soon recorded their demo tape.  Later that year, they recorded and release a self titled 7” on R Radical Records.  They followed that up in August of the next year with the Diary of a Love Monster LP (Landmine/R Radical Records).  After Diary of a Love Monster, the band encountered a few lineup changes until Keith left for Australia to play in Death Sentence and Vicious Circle. 

Billy and Slade mixing the new material

    After a few incarnations (Condemned Attitude, Condemned?) and many side projects for all musicians involved (Attitude Adjustment, Black Mackerel, Mercenary), Condemned was reborn sporting a great lineup of musicians.  Keith Chatham returns to Condemned on bass.  Joining him are fellow past Condemned Attitude member Rick Strahl and B. Scott Clayton of Black Mackerel on guitars.  Also from Black Mackerel is “Rotten” Scotty Gardner on lead vocals.  Slade Anderson returns on drums from the days when they were known as Condemned Attitude. 

Slade and Billy "discussing" changes

    Joining the band in the studio was producer/”engine-ear” Billy Anderson.  Billy has worked with quite an impressive number of bands, including: Neurosis, Mr. Bungle, The Melvins, Jawbreaker, 7 Year Bitch, Sick Of It All, Eyehategod, Buzzov’en, and Cathedral (just to name a few).  Bringing 20 years of “engine-earing” to the table, Billy kept the vibe alive and the tunes pouring out. 
    Condemned and Billy Anderson are a killer combo in the studio.  This record is set to tear the face off of anyone brave enough to listen.  We hope Condemned will be back again, with more bone melting guitars, throat crushing bass, head pounding drums and ripping vocals.  Until that day, we wait with baited breath for this February 2011 release from these veteran thrashers.

mixing in Studio C w/ ORBO

ORBO tracking acoustic guitar

    Prairie Sun Recording is proud to welcome some great artists from abroad... Norwegian rockers ORBO and the Longshots have occupied all of our lodging here with their video crew for their 10 day stop  to record a new album.  This follows closely behind their latest release “LIVE 10”, a live album celebrating 10 years on the road.  Quite a ways from their native Bergen, Norway, ORBO and the Longshots seem to have found a haven for creativity here on the farm.

Erick at the helm

    They have stopped in at Prairie Sun in the midst of their US tour to spend some quality time in Studio C with their engineer/co producer Erick Jaskowiak who is based out of Nashville and has worked with the likes of (the Gibson Brothers, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss).  This will be Erick’s third album with Orbo and the Longshots, including “High Roller” which won the 2009 Spellemann award (Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy) for Best Blues Album.

Paul laying down some bass

Reidar recording backup vocals

    Generous and funny, this group of rockers are as much of a joy to hang out with as they are to listen to.  Any fan of rock and roll should be sure to keep an ear to the ground for ORBO and the Longshots.  From the bare roots of rock to slow blues the Longshots along with ORBO will be sure to warm any musical palette.

Curtis shreds again

    Blues guitar master Stoney Curtis has gone into the studio for what promises to be another amazing album.  The blues have been shaking the walls of our Studio B for a couple days while tracking the basics for his new release.  This recording session marks the beginning of Stoney’s third album here at Prairie Sun Studios.  When asked, Curtis replied that he has continued to choose Prairie Sun because here he can get “the best sounds, the best equipment and the best staff” at one place, “I just love it up here...it’s so peaceful”.

low end provided by Steve Evan

The Stoney Curtis Band spent two days tracking the basics in Studio B’s live room with Aaron Haggerty on drums (The Al McKay All Stars, Eric Gales) and Steve Evans on bass (Etta James, Bo Diddley, Coco Montoya, Roy Rogers) Stoney will be doing overdubs and mixing in the upcoming weeks, we will keep you posted. 

Aaron Haggerty on drums

Working alongside Stoney, Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records gave helpful insight to bring out the absolute best performance from Curtis, Aaron and Steve.  Their sound is huge.  Simple as that, this is really shaping up to be a monstrous sounding record.

The Stoney Curtis Band hard at work