Recently cut drums and percussion for the theme song to BET’s “Master of the Mix,” featuring the one and only producer Just Blaze (Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, a zillion others).  The track called for funky 70s drumming (my favorite, I must confess), including a Curtis Mayfield “Pusherman”-type percussion vibe – very fun to do, as the soundtrack to “Superfly” is a personal favorite.  Plus, I got to actually track a set of Roto-Toms – when’s the last time anyone’s done that?!

[audio:masterofthemix.mp3] “Master of the Mix” Theme Song – Just Blaze

As an aside, when I first moved to NYC from Indiana (my home state) several years ago, I was doing construction work on the side while I established a recording and performing career in the greatest city in the world (OK, maybe I’m biased).

Anyhow, one of my construction jobs was in Just Blaze’s studio, retrofitting some equipment racks and various other audio-related construction tasks.  Just was an incredibly cool guy to work for, and very down-to-earth even though he was wearing a million-dollar watch (the thing was pretty ridiculous, more diamonds than I’ve even seen in one place at one time).  I had to work in the middle of the night, and hustle because Ol’ Dirty Bastard was coming in the next morning and power saws just wouldn’t be cool while ODB was tracking.

So, one of my first professional credits beyond touring and recording for thirteen years with Johnny Socko (my first band out of college) was that I could legitimately claim I had cut four tracks for producer Just Blaze!

Of course, the tracks held audio gear, and I cut them with a hacksaw, but as Just himself told me when I brought it up, “no one can take that away from me.”

Very happy to be recording actual drums this time, though – that construction work made my lower back very unhappy!