Category Archives: Leisure

Jann Klose Music Video for “Make It Better”

pic jann klose make it betterJann Klose New Music Video for “Make It Better”

Really loved this video. Jann’s PR firm sent me a link to Jann’s new video which made me sit back and stomp my foot and desk drums.

The music itself is fun and playful with a couple of interludes of a more soulful bluesy, laid back feel. The musicians and the music is first rate and the video is professionally shot and well done.

The message of the song is so wonderfuly upbeat and positive and so needed today and the video itself is so full of Continue reading

Ubuntu Bracelet Campaign – A Great Bracelet and A Great Cause

Do Ubuntu Bracelet Campaignpic ubuntu bracelet

Ubuntu (/ˈbʊnt/ oo-BUUN-too; Zulu/Xhosa pronunciation: [ùɓúntʼú]) is a Nguni Bantu term roughly translating to “human kindness” Read More….

The Orphan Bracelet Campaign (OBC) helps AIDS orphans by equipping their primary caretakers – usually women – with the means to sustain themselves and improve their health.

ORDER NOW

This includes training women to make bracelets to sell for an income and establishing community-based permaculture gardens. The OBC was founded by director Louise Hogarth, who was inspired by the women and children in her film “Angels in the Dust.” Continue reading

Eyoälha Baker Photo Project on Jumping for Joy!

banner jump for joy E bakerEyoälha Baker on Jumping for Joy!

Capturing the beauty of the human spirit in mid air around the world. A co-creative adventure focusing on the positive shift of attention to a perspective to joy.

Photographer, entrepreneur, avid traveler Eyoälha Baker speaks about Continue reading

Uncle Joe Benson US Veteran on Linkedin Shoutout

Legendary Classic Rock Historian and Disk Jockey “Uncle” Joe Benson Gives a Shout Out to US Veteran on Linkedin

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWvwCQFpjHo]

Thanks to Uncle Joe Benson for taking a minute to thank US Veterans for their services and sacrafice.  – JW

Uncle Joe BensonUncle Joe Benson

Playing music on the air since 1968, and on the Los Angeles airwaves since arriving at KLOS in 1980, Joe Benson‘s presence both on and off-air has made his voice and name one of the most recognized in Southern California broadcasting over the past three decades.

He hosts the extremely popular KLOS Five O’Clock Funnies daily feature, the nationally syndicated OFF

Joe Benson Talking with Maria Elena Holly about Buddy Holly's legacy.

Joe Benson Talking with Maria Elena Holly about Buddy Holly’s legacy.

THE RECORD with Joe Benson musicians interview program, and has published six volumes of UNCLE JOE’S RECORD GUIDES.

Since the mid-Eighties, J.B. has announced at every Southern California auto racing venue including the Auto Club Speedway since it’s 1997 inception — in the process interviewing every major race driver in America.

As a driver, Joe has won NASCAR oval races, NHRA drag races and SCCA road races.

His UNCLE JOE’S RACING cars have been used regularly for public appearances since 1989. If you were to ask him, Joe would tell you that he’s been very lucky to have worked with and met so many fine people, and to have touched the lives of millions of listeners. To Southland listeners, he is truly their Uncle Joe!

Def Leps Rick Savage & Joe Elliott w/J.B.

Having fun with Def Leppard bassist Rick Savage and frontman Joe Elliott.

Producer Ken Scott w/J.B.

Hanging with Beatles/Bowie/Supertramp producer Ken Scott on a sunny day.

Ol' buds Joe Walsh & Joe Benson.

It’s Joe Walsh!

J.B. & Glenn Frey.

Unc and Eagles mastermind Glenn Frey — the stories they could tell!

Steve Perry w/Unc.

Steve Perry and J.B. in the studio.

w/drumming bros. Carmine & Vinny Appice.

Getting choked up with legendary drumming gods Carmine & Vinny Appice.

Unc w/Alice Cooper 252x185px

Talking rock & hot rods with Alice Cooper!

J.B. w/Nick Mason.

After catching up on Pink Floyd and fast cars, Nick Mason and J.B. shared a moment in the sun.

w/Chickenfoot's Michael Anthony & Joe Satriani.

Chickenfoot hand signs — yeow! Michael Anthony and Joe Satriani signing with their Unc.

For More Pictures go to Off The Record

Go to Uncle Joe’s Website www.UncleJoe.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank You to

The Blaine Group, Inc.

A Total Communications Agency
8665 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #301, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
O 310/360-1499 · F 310/360-1498
E-mail:  devon@blainegroupinc.com

Uncle Joe Benson on Ken Scott’s Book – Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust

Ken Scott and Joe Benson A to ZLegendary Classic Rock Historian and Disk Jockey “Uncle” Joe Benson Interviews Legendary Music Engineer, Producer, Manager and Author Ken Scott and His Book Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust…

[youtube=http://youtu.be/ARCfT0NTDAI]

What a great night.. I got to hang out at The Grove outdoor mall next to the famed Los Angeles Farmers Market and the CBS Networks Studio to hear one of the most prolific classic rock interviewers of all time, Joe Benson.

I was able to record the whole interview and got to speak with Joe about Ken. For the full video see below.

I have grown up listening to Uncle Joe Benson and have enjoyed his radio show, interviews, his record guide, his specials like Continue reading

Gilmore Bank Sponsors Golf Tournament for Westview School

Gilmore Community Bank Sponsors 2nd Annual Westview School Golf Tournament

At MountainGate Country Club Monday October 1, 2012

Listen to Jackie Strumwasser, Exec Director or Westview School and Cecil Adams, Senior Vice President of Gilmore Bank in Los Angeles talk about the event and the great work the school is doing for it’s students.

2nd Annual Golf Tournament

GILMORE BANK WANTS TO “MAKE A HOLE LOT OF
DIFFERENCE FOR KIDS,” PROVIDES PLATINUM
SPONSORSHIP AND OTHER SUPPORT FOR WESTVIEW
SCHOOL’S 2ND ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

Please call Ellen Retting, Director of Development
310.478.5544 or eretting@westviewschool.com

Event Tees Up At MountainGate Country Club At 9 A.MMonday October 1, 2012To ensure that Westview School will continue to “Make a Hole Lot of Difference for Kids,” outstanding corporate citizen Gilmore Bank has not only signed on as a Platinum Sponsor of Westview’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament but is also actively recruiting other sponsors, raffle prize donors and golfers as well as promoting the event.

Additionally, the bank’s customers are invited to play in the October 1 tournament at MountainGate Country Club. Gilmore Bank is as unique in its strong support of Westview School as Westview is in its work with bright students, grades six to 12, with learning differences.  Just one visit to the campus underscores the exceptional support Westview provides for these youths.  The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools.

Gilmore Bank is as unique in its strong support of Westview School as Westview is in its work with bright students, grades six to 12, with learning differences.  Just one visit to the campus underscores the exceptional support Westview provides for these youths.  The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools.

Sponsors, raffle prizes and golfers are sought for the event.  Contact Ellen Retting at 310.478.5544 Ext. 123.

About Gilmore Bank  

Gilmore Bank opened for business in 1955. Bank founder, E.B. Gilmore was a legendary entrepreneur who, with his father, A.F. Gilmore, established the largest petroleum company in the western United States, built Gilmore Field baseball stadium, and founded the original Farmers Market.

Still a family owned community bank, they have full-service offices in Los Angeles and La Canada Flintridge, plus a loan production office in Irvine. Gilmore Bank has been granted the status of Preferred Lender by the Small Business Administration.  For more information on Gilmore Bank, visit www.gilmorebank.com.

About Westview School

Established in 1990, Westview School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpublic school serving bright students in grades 6 through 12 with learning differences that benefit from a small, supportive learning environment.

It is the mission of Westview School to provide its students with a personalized educational program with individualized instruction, program flexibility within an atmosphere of positive reinforcement. Westview’s unique college preparatory program strives to prepare its graduates to successfully meet the challenges of adult life.

For more information: www.westviewschool.com or Facebook at Westview School Los Angeles.

All tournament proceeds will benefit Westview School
Established in 1990 Westview School is a nonprofit, nonpublic
school serving bright students in grades 6 through 12 with learning
differences who benefit from a small supportive learning environment.

Tournament Schedule

9:00 am – 10:15 am

• Registration
• Continental Breakfast
• Warm-up on the Driving Range,
(practice balls provided)
• Putting Contest

11:00 am

• Shot Gun Tee Off/Scramble Format
• Lunch on Cart
4:30 pm
• Cocktail Reception/No Host Bar
• Awards Ceremony
• Raffle

Tournament Location

MountainGate Country Club
12445 Mountain Gate Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310.478.6215
Sponsorship Opportunities

Platinum Sponsor $4,000
Includes: 3 Foursomes, Corporate Name/Logo on Thank
You Banner, 3 Tee Sponsorships and 12 Tee Gift Bags

Gold Sponsor $2,500
Includes: 2 Foursomes, Corporate Name/Logo on Thank
You Banner, 2 Tee Sponsorships and 8 Tee Gift Bags

Silver Sponsor $1,500
Includes: 1 Foursome, Name/Logo on Thank You
Banner, 1 Tee Sponsorship and 4 Tee Gift Bags

Hole-in-One Sponsor $500
Includes: Signage at Sponsored Tee
Driving Range Sponsor $250
Includes: Signage at Driving Range
Tee Sponsor $175
Includes: Signage at Sponsored Tee
*Foursome Package $900
Includes: 4 Entry Packages and 4 Tee Gift Bags
*Single Entry Package $250
Includes: Golf Cart, Box Lunch, Cocktail Reception and
A Tee Gift Bag.

*Early Bird Registration by September 1st.
Foursomes Receive 10 Raffle Tickets.
Single Entry Receives 2 Raffle Tickets.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank You to

The Blaine Group, Inc.

A Total Communications Agency
8665 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #301, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
O 310/360-1499 · F 310/360-1498
E-mail:  devon@blainegroupinc.com

Ken Scott – Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars

Legendary Studio Engineer and Producer Ken Scott, Author Bobby Owsinski and VP of The Grammy Foundation and MusicCares Scott Goldman all talk about the book Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust and…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBmtut0BdlU]

The film Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars as they honor the 40 year anniversary of the album

If you liked this interview come and spend an evening with Ken Scott at the Grammy Museum at LA Live on July 19th in the theatre to see his complete presentation where he tells the stories about the Beatles, David Bowie, George Harrison, Missing Persons, Supertramp, Lou Reed and on and on. Ken will also allow you to listen to the tracks of some of the most popular stars broken down.

This music has not been heard this way before and this is the only place where you will be able to hear it

Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust: The Talk
With Producer Ken Scott

Thursday, July 19, 2012; 7:30pm
Presented by American Express

The GRAMMY Museum
800 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. A245
Los Angeles, CA 90015 USA
213.765.6800 (ext.3 for Group Tours)
grammyinfo@grammymuseum.org

To Get Tickets of More Information:

Contact
Phone: 213.765.6803
Email: boxoffice@grammymuseum.org

http://www.grammymuseum.org/interior.php?section=tickets&page=ticketsindex

What a wonderful night it was in downtown Los Angeles. The weather was perfect at LA Live and huge crowds of people from the LMFAO concert and the incredible E-3 convention were all walking around the various restaurants and shops.

I was invited to watch music studio engineer and producer Ken Scott who co-produced and engineered 4 of David Bowie’s albums and also helped engineer the sound for the David Bowie movie, answer questions about David, the album and the movie after a showing of the movie in the Grammy Museum, Clive Davis Theatre.

It was so awesome sitting in the green room where I set up the camera as Scott Goldman, Ken Scott and Bobby Owsinski sat and talked all about the backstage stuff.. Ever hear of being a fly on the wall? The pianist from the movie Mike Garson came in all of them talking made for one “Once in a Lifetime Experience”.

The movie is, of course, dated compared to what you see today, but it was excellently done with tons of backstage footage and dialog to really give you the feel of the whole experience.

Ken, Scott and Bobby were wonderful and gave great interviews. I would like to thank Devon Blaine of the Blaine Group and the guys for a wonderful evening. – JW

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars Film

From Wikipedia

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is a 1973 documentary and concert movie by D.A. Pennebaker. It features David Bowie and his backing group The Spiders from Mars performing at the Hammersmith Odeon, July 3, 1973. The DVD release was later retitled Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars: The Motion Picture.

Background

Bowie had taken the stage persona of Ziggy Stardust, a science fiction based, theatrical, enigmatic, androgynous character and produced two albums during this period.

The evening of July 3 was the last show in the English concert tour promoting Bowie’s 1973 album Aladdin Sane and the 60th gig in a tour of Britain that started on May 12, though an American tour was already being booked for the autumn.

Very few in Bowie’s entourage knew of his decision to drop the Ziggy persona and cancel performing for a while; in the band only Mick Ronson had been told a few days before the final night.

At the end of the evening, aptly just before the song “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide“, Bowie announced that, Not only is this the last show of the tour, but it’s the last show that we’ll ever do. The phrasing was deliberately ambiguous, but most of the audience and many London newspapers and magazines took it to mean that Bowie was retiring from music. In fact, he had killed off his Ziggy persona but not his music career.

Recording

Pennebaker had been asked to come to London and film just a few songs but when he saw the first of the two London shows he realized that “there was a full-length film here asking to be made”.

Though he had only scant knowledge of Bowie’s music, apart from Space Oddity, he was impressed by the star’s onstage charisma and the range of his songs and quickly prepared to shoot the entire second gig, without knowing that it would include a dramatic final coup.[1]

Jeff Beck participated on three songs (two of them forming a medley) midway through the concert but was edited out from the final cut at his own wish.[2] The expanded version of “The Width of a Circle” was shortened by a few minutes for the soundtrack on vinyl and CD.

Cast

Additional musicians:

Sound recording

  • Ken Scott and Roy Thomas Baker engineered the recording of the concert
  • The original film, soundtrack album and DVD was mixed by Tony Visconti.

Release

The film was shown a few times at festivals in late 1973 and provoked strong interest and favorable reactions, but then disappeared from view until 1983, when it was released on home video accompanied by a soundtrack double album.

Evidently it became a casualty first of Bowie’s rapid image changes which left Ziggy and glam rock behind and then of the rupture between Bowie and MainMan in early 1975; after that point Bowie was reluctant to release or promote any new recordings dating from before Young Americans as he would have to give half the income from any such recordings to MainMan up to the end of 1982.

Only in recent years has the film become available for regular cinema presentations; for many years it was a home video exclusive.

Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust: The Talk
With Producer Ken Scott

Co-author of Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust, Ken Scott will discuss his time with The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, and a who’s who of classic rock acts.

From behind-the-scenes stories to some never-before-heard breakdowns of some classic songs, the evening will be both entertaining and informative.

Having worked with worked classic rock acts including Elton John, Pink Floyd, Procol Harum, Jeff Beck, Duran Duran, Harry Nilsson, the Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, America, Devo, Kansas, and many more, Scott has also played a big part in the world of jazz, being the first to integrate a more powerful rock sound into the genre.

Hear Ken Scott talk about the making of the Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust, as well as his prolific career. After the talk, Scott usually takes questions from the audience and will sign copies of his book.

For More Information on upcoming events: http://abbeytoziggy.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ken ScottKen Scott

From Wikipedia

Scott started at the age of 16 working in the tape library at Abbey Road Studios. He became a recording engineer working with such acts as The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and Procol Harum.[1]

Scott moved to Trident Studios where he worked with such artists as Elton John, Harry Nilsson, Mahavishnu Orchestra, America and with George Harrison on the 6x platinum selling album All Things Must Pass.[2]

Scott went on to co-produce David Bowie‘s albums Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), Aladdin Sane (1973) and Pin Ups (1973) before producing Supertramp, The Tubes, Dixie Dregs, Devo, Missing Persons, Kansas, Happy The Man and Level 42.[3][4]

More recently Scott has recorded a number of legendary drummers for a VST instrument called EpiK Drums – A Ken Scott Collection.[5]

Abbey Road to Ziggy StardustAbbey Road to Ziggy Stardust

Ken Scott is releasing his first book co-written with Bobby Owsinski, Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust for the 50th Anniversary of the Abbey Roads recordings with The Beatles and the 40th Anniversary of Ziggy Stardust.

From Amazon

Ken Scott holds a unique place in music history as one of only five engineers to have recorded The Beatles, but his experiences as a producer may be just as profound. Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust shares the intimate memories of Ken Scott s days working with some of the most important artists of the 20th century while crafting a sound that has influenced several generations of music makers.

The Beatles Sitting on Abbey Road Steps While Filming Famous Walk Across the Abbey Road

Ken’s work has left an indelible mark on hundreds of millions of fans with his skilled contributions to Magical Mystery Tour and The White Album, and as a producer and/or engineer of six David Bowie albums (including the groundbreaking Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars), as well as other timeless classics from a who’s-who of classic rock and jazz acts, including Elton John, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Duran Duran, The Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, America, Devo, Kansas, The Tubes, Missing Persons, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Billy Cobham, Dixie Dregs, and Stanley Clarke.

Funny, poignant, and oh, so honest, Ken pulls no punches as he tells it as he saw it, as corroborated by a host of famous and not-so famous guests who were there as well. Plus, you’ll be privy to several exclusive stories, facts, and technical details only available in Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust.

National press campaign planned around 40th anniversary of Ziggy Stardust release on June 6, 2012 Includes never-before-told stories of The Beatles, David Bowie and Elton John Many never-before-seen photographs.

Epik Drums / EDU

Epik Drums

DRUM KITS AND GROOVES

epikdrumsboxEpiK DrumS – A Ken Scott Collection

“EpiK DrumS – A Ken Scott Collection” is a Sonic Reality virtual instrument/plug-in for drum kits and grooves with the authentic sound and feel of timeless classic albums. Expanding the Drum Masters series with high resolution vintage drum sounds, EpiK DrumS features drum kits and grooves of 5 of the world’s best drummers all recorded and mixed by legendary producer/engineer Ken Scott.

In this first massive volume from the Ken Scott Collection, Ken has recreated the drum sounds in the style of multi-track studio sessions he recorded with David Bowie, Supertramp, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs, Missing Persons, Elton John and The Beatles.

These authentic classic sounds were achieved by using the same rare recording equipment, drum kits, percussion and expert technical assistance from Ross Garfield “The Drum Doctor”, advanced programming by Sonic Reality and collaboration with the original legendary drummers Bill Cobham, Terry Bozzio, Woody Woodmansey, Bob Siebenberg and Rod Morgenstein.

All together it is one the most EPIK productions ever done for a software drum and groove instrument.

Listen to these EpiK DrumS Audio Demos : Bozzio Dimi, Cobham Existence is Monopoly, Cobham Meters Hence, Cobham_Fowl A Flame, Morgenstein Adventure, Morgenstein Frozen Pastries, Morgenstein Manic Habits, Siebenberg Did i mention it, Woodmansey Little Curious Friend

Epik Drums EDUEpiK DrumS EDU– Ken Scott Mentoring Sessions

EpiK DrumS EDU is the best tool for anyone interested in learning how to record and mix real drum kits.

With today’s technology, sampled drums are used more and more, but every engineer and producer needs to know how to record and mix a real drum kit.

This package contains everything you need to learn from the masters.

You get grooves played by five of the most iconic drummers of all time:

  • Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons),
  • Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra),
  • Rod Morgenstein (Winger, Dixie Dregs),
  • Bob Siebenberg (Super Tramp), and
  • Woody Woodmansey (David Bowie).

Every groove is included as a full multitrack session for both ProTools and Logic in addition to .wav files for each track.

A video is included with words of wisdom from legendary producer and engineer Ken Scott, who has worked with The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, and many other top artists.

Ken explains how he recorded and mixed these grooves, and there is also behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the drummers that provide intimate insight into the sessions.

And last but not least, for those who wish to delve further, additional sessions will be available online for easy download.
“Scott’s excellent DVD should be of great interest to anybody involved in recording drums, at any level.
5 Stars!”
–Drummer Magazine
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJwrKiW-bsM]

Ken Scott’s Discography

Engineered:

America
America

The Beatles
Magical Mystery Tour
White Album
Abbey Road

Jeff Beck
Truth

David Bowie
Man Of Words, Man of Music (Space Oddity)
The Man Who Sold The World

Duran Duran
Thank You
Pop Trash

George Harrison
All Things Must Pass

Elton John
Madman Across The Water
Honky Chateau
Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player [Grammy Nominated]

Lou Reed
Transformer

Mahavishnu Orchestra
Birds Of Fire

Harry Nilsson
Son Of Schmilsson [Grammy Nominated]

Rick Wakeman
The Six Wives of Henry th VIII

Pink Floyd  
Apples and Oranges
Corporal Clegg

John Lennon
Give Peache a Chance
Cold Turkey

Ringo Starr  
It Don’t Come Easy

The Rolling Stones  
Sticky Fingers

All Kooper
New York City (You’re a Women)

Joan Armatrading  
Whatever’s For Us

The New Seekers
I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing ( Coke Ad )

Lindisfarne  

Procol Harum
A Salty Dog

Produced and Engineered:

Jeff Beck
There And Back

David Bowie
Hunky Dory
Ziggy Stardust
Aladdin Sane
Pinups

Billy Cobham
Spectrum
Crosswinds
Total Eclipse
Shabazz

dada
Puzzle

Dixie Dregs
What If
Night Of The Living Dregs

Stanley Clarke
Clarke
Journey To Love [Grammy Nominated]
Schooldays

Kansas
Vinyl Confessions

Level 42
True Colours

Devo
Duty Now For The Future

Patrick Swayze & Larry Gatlin
Brothers

Mahavishnu Orchestra
Emerald Visions Of The Pure Beyond [Grammy Nominated]
The Lost Trident Sessions

Supertramp
Crime Of The Century [Grammy Nominated]
Crisis, What Crisis?

The Tubes
Young And Rich

Jeff Beck
There and Back

Hellion

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank You to

ALFRED Music

The Blaine Group, Inc.

A Total Communications Agency
8665 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #301, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
O 310/360-1499 · F 310/360-1498
E-mail:  devon@blainegroupinc.com

Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust – The Story of Legendary Studio Engineer and Producer Ken Scott

Ken Scott was the Studio Recording Engineer and Producer for groups like The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Supertramp and so many more…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE5EC1xpmV0]

Ken Scott, in his new book Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust tells the behind the scenes stories of what went on in the studio. The personal stories, the politics and for all you audio techs and engineers, Ken talks about the process and gives specifics including equipment lists.

I met Ken Scott at a recent talk he gave at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA.

It was an incredible night of storytelling by the legendary recording engineer and producer.

Ken told humorous stories of the behind the scenes and he played, never before heard, clips of Beatles and David Bowie sessions.

I was transfixed as Ken is an excellent story teller and makes even the technical sound wonderfully interesting.

I was blessed later, to receive a pre release copy of the book… (no pictures) and I read it cover to cover as Ken seems to have worked with most of my more favorite bands of the 60’s and 70’s. His discography is a who’s who of famous albums, artists and singles.

I finally got to sit down with Ken at the corporate offices of Alfred Music Publishers, the publishers of Ken’s book, for an hour of talking about writing the book to Ken’s thoughts on current recording processes, record label politics and much more… It was truely an honor to hang out with Ken and I took the time to pummel him with questions. I had so many I did not get to them all, but luckily the book is very thorough.

I would like to thank Devon Blaine of the Blaine Group, Alfred Music Publishing and Ken Scott for setting this up and for taking the time to make this a great interview. – JW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ken ScottKen Scott

From Wikipedia

Scott started at the age of 16 working in the tape library at Abbey Road Studios. He became a recording engineer working with such acts as The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and Procol Harum.[1]

Scott moved to Trident Studios where he worked with such artists as Elton John, Harry Nilsson, Mahavishnu Orchestra, America and with George Harrison on the 6x platinum selling album All Things Must Pass.[2]

Scott went on to co-produce David Bowie‘s albums Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), Aladdin Sane (1973) and Pin Ups (1973) before producing Supertramp, The Tubes, Dixie Dregs, Devo, Missing Persons, Kansas, Happy The Man and Level 42.[3][4]

More recently Scott has recorded a number of legendary drummers for a VST instrument called EpiK Drums – A Ken Scott Collection.[5]

Abbey Road to Ziggy StardustAbbey Road to Ziggy Stardust

Ken Scott is releasing his first book co-written with Bobby Owsinski, Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust for the 50th Anniversary of the Abbey Roads recordings with The Beatles and the 40th Anniversary of Ziggy Stardust.

From Amazon

Ken Scott holds a unique place in music history as one of only five engineers to have recorded The Beatles, but his experiences as a producer may be just as profound. Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust shares the intimate memories of Ken Scott s days working with some of the most important artists of the 20th century while crafting a sound that has influenced several generations of music makers.

The Beatles Sitting on Abbey Road Steps While Filming Famous Walk Across the Abbey Road

Ken’s work has left an indelible mark on hundreds of millions of fans with his skilled contributions to Magical Mystery Tour and The White Album, and as a producer and/or engineer of six David Bowie albums (including the groundbreaking Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars), as well as other timeless classics from a who’s-who of classic rock and jazz acts, including Elton John, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Duran Duran, The Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, America, Devo, Kansas, The Tubes, Missing Persons, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Billy Cobham, Dixie Dregs, and Stanley Clarke.

Funny, poignant, and oh, so honest, Ken pulls no punches as he tells it as he saw it, as corroborated by a host of famous and not-so famous guests who were there as well. Plus, you’ll be privy to several exclusive stories, facts, and technical details only available in Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust.

National press campaign planned around 40th anniversary of Ziggy Stardust release on June 6, 2012 Includes never-before-told stories of The Beatles, David Bowie and Elton John Many never-before-seen photographs.

Epik Drums / EDU

Epik Drums

DRUM KITS AND GROOVES

epikdrumsboxEpiK DrumS – A Ken Scott Collection

“EpiK DrumS – A Ken Scott Collection” is a Sonic Reality virtual instrument/plug-in for drum kits and grooves with the authentic sound and feel of timeless classic albums. Expanding the Drum Masters series with high resolution vintage drum sounds, EpiK DrumS features drum kits and grooves of 5 of the world’s best drummers all recorded and mixed by legendary producer/engineer Ken Scott.

In this first massive volume from the Ken Scott Collection, Ken has recreated the drum sounds in the style of multi-track studio sessions he recorded with David Bowie, Supertramp, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs, Missing Persons, Elton John and The Beatles.

These authentic classic sounds were achieved by using the same rare recording equipment, drum kits, percussion and expert technical assistance from Ross Garfield “The Drum Doctor”, advanced programming by Sonic Reality and collaboration with the original legendary drummers Bill Cobham, Terry Bozzio, Woody Woodmansey, Bob Siebenberg and Rod Morgenstein.

All together it is one the most EPIK productions ever done for a software drum and groove instrument.

Listen to these EpiK DrumS Audio Demos : Bozzio Dimi, Cobham Existence is Monopoly, Cobham Meters Hence, Cobham_Fowl A Flame, Morgenstein Adventure, Morgenstein Frozen Pastries, Morgenstein Manic Habits, Siebenberg Did i mention it, Woodmansey Little Curious Friend

Epik Drums EDUEpiK DrumS EDU– Ken Scott Mentoring Sessions

EpiK DrumS EDU is the best tool for anyone interested in learning how to record and mix real drum kits.

With today’s technology, sampled drums are used more and more, but every engineer and producer needs to know how to record and mix a real drum kit.

This package contains everything you need to learn from the masters.

You get grooves played by five of the most iconic drummers of all time:

  • Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons),
  • Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra),
  • Rod Morgenstein (Winger, Dixie Dregs),
  • Bob Siebenberg (Super Tramp), and
  • Woody Woodmansey (David Bowie).

Every groove is included as a full multitrack session for both ProTools and Logic in addition to .wav files for each track.

A video is included with words of wisdom from legendary producer and engineer Ken Scott, who has worked with The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, and many other top artists.

Ken explains how he recorded and mixed these grooves, and there is also behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the drummers that provide intimate insight into the sessions.

And last but not least, for those who wish to delve further, additional sessions will be available online for easy download.
“Scott’s excellent DVD should be of great interest to anybody involved in recording drums, at any level.
5 Stars!”
–Drummer Magazine
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJwrKiW-bsM]

Ken Scott’s Discography

Engineered:

America
America

The Beatles
Magical Mystery Tour
White Album
Abbey Road

Jeff Beck
Truth

David Bowie
Man Of Words, Man of Music (Space Oddity)
The Man Who Sold The World

Duran Duran
Thank You
Pop Trash

George Harrison
All Things Must Pass

Elton John
Madman Across The Water
Honky Chateau
Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player [Grammy Nominated]

Lou Reed
Transformer

Mahavishnu Orchestra
Birds Of Fire

Harry Nilsson
Son Of Schmilsson [Grammy Nominated]

Rick Wakeman
The Six Wives of Henry th VIII

Pink Floyd  
Apples and Oranges
Corporal Clegg

John Lennon
Give Peache a Chance
Cold Turkey

Ringo Starr  
It Don’t Come Easy

The Rolling Stones  
Sticky Fingers

All Kooper
New York City (You’re a Women)

Joan Armatrading  
Whatever’s For Us

The New Seekers
I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing ( Coke Ad )

Lindisfarne  

Procol Harum
A Salty Dog

Produced and Engineered:

Jeff Beck
There And Back

David Bowie
Hunky Dory
Ziggy Stardust
Aladdin Sane
Pinups

Billy Cobham
Spectrum
Crosswinds
Total Eclipse
Shabazz

dada
Puzzle

Dixie Dregs
What If
Night Of The Living Dregs

Stanley Clarke
Clarke
Journey To Love [Grammy Nominated]
Schooldays

Kansas
Vinyl Confessions

Level 42
True Colours

Devo
Duty Now For The Future

Patrick Swayze & Larry Gatlin
Brothers

Mahavishnu Orchestra
Emerald Visions Of The Pure Beyond [Grammy Nominated]
The Lost Trident Sessions

Supertramp
Crime Of The Century [Grammy Nominated]
Crisis, What Crisis?

The Tubes
Young And Rich

Jeff Beck
There and Back

Hellion

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Thank You to Alfred Music Publishing

ALFRED Music

Kristi Lauren “I Hate My Teenage Daughter” Loves to Give Back

Kristi Lauren gives back with Support for Aids Research, Clean Water Initiatives and Especially a Cervical Cancer Cure

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmlxp20FKv0]

The site was the rooftop pool at the famous L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. 

Kristi Lauren was posing for pictures for various non profits and and other businesses that are working hard to get their products to market with a little hand from celebrity endorsements.

Kristi was having a great time and although she did not have a single or particular cause she was supporting, she wanted to share with others her concerns and her belief that it is important to give back.

Kristi and her mom were so fun and and Kristi is a really down to earth kind of person. It was fun interviewing her and we wish her the best of luck with the new show. – JW

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Kristi LaurenKristi Lauren

From Wikipedia

Kristi Lauren (born January 19, 1994) is an American actress. She currently co-stars as Sophie Watson on the Fox sitcom I Hate My Teenage Daughter.

Lauren began acting professionally in 2004 in the short film Save Virgil. In 2006, she had small role in the film Living the Dream starring Sean Young. In 2009, she co-starred in Melora Hardin‘s directorial debut film You. She also guest starred in the series Wizards of Waverly Place and Working Class in 2009 and 2011, respectively.[1]

Twitter: @KristiiLauren

Facebook: www.Facebook.com

Water, Aids and Cervical Cancer

The following organizations are not necesarily endorsed by Kristi Lauren and are placed here just for reference. They were chosen because they were rated the tops in their niches by Charity Navigator.

Water.org

The water and sanitation problem in the developing world is far too big for charity alone. We are driving the water sector for new solutions, new financing models, greater transparency, and real partnerships to create lasting change. Our vision: the day when everyone in the world can take a safe drink of water.

Co-founded by Matt Damon and Gary White, Water.org is a nonprofit organization that has transformed hundreds of communities in Africa, South Asia, and Central America by providing access to safe water and sanitation.

Water.org traces its roots back to the founding of WaterPartners in 1990. In July 2009, WaterPartners merged with H2O Africa, resulting in the launch of Water.org. Water.org works with local partners to deliver innovative solutions for long-term success. Its microfinance-based WaterCredit Initiative is pioneering sustainable giving in the sector.

The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center

The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center (ADARC) was established in 1991 to focus on the basic science of AIDS and HIV in a research environment that fosters the highest scientific creativity. ADARC is the world’s largest independent research center devoted solely to HIV/AIDS Research.

We are fully committed to our mission to find solutions that will ultimately end the AIDS pandemic. We have adopted a multidisciplinary approach – virology, immunology, molecular biology, and clinical medicine – to pursue a number of projects in AIDS research.

In addition to basic research, ADARC also runs a Clinical Program that translates research into Clinical Trials that can affect millions of people living with HIV.

Prevent Cancer Foundation

The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is the to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection.

The Foundation focuses its energies and resources on those cancers – including breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin, and testicular – that can be prevented through lifestyle changes or detection and treatment in their early stages.

Since our inception 25 years ago, we have provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy, and community outreach programs nationwide and have played a pivotal role in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important prevention and early detection strategies.

We have funded over 400 scientists at over 150 leading medical institutions across the country. Our public education programs have applied this scientific knowledge to teach the public on ways they can reduce their cancer risks.

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Thanks to GBK Productions – Gavin and his great staff. As always you host the best.

Karina Smirnoff of Dancing with The Stars on Helping Kids Learn the Arts

Karina Smirnoff of Dancing with The Stars Gives Back Helping Kids Get Affordable Arts Education

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDDM5se76Es]

Things were pretty crazy as a bunch of celebrities came, all at the same time, into the tent around the pool on the roof of the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. 

Karina was busy visiting vendors and non-profit booths to help them promote their projects and products, when she stopped for a minute to talk to me about her passion AIM.

Karina was so fun and so cool and she was happy to talk about the cause she has been supporting.

So Karina thank you very much for taking the time and being so gracious. – JW

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Karina SmirnoffKarina Smirnoff

Season 13 Mirror Ball Champion Karina Smirnoff has made her mark for the past six years as one of the featured dancers on ABC’s hit reality series Dancing with the Stars. Her success on Dancing with the Stars, the #1 rated show in its category averaging 36+ million viewers per week, has made Karina a household name and a sought after beauty, health, fitness, and fashion icon. In 2011 she was the most Googled professional dancer on the show.

What most people don’t know about the Ukrainian beauty is that her skills are not merely physical. She studied diligently at Fordham University in New York and earned two degrees – a B.A. in Economics and in Information Systems Programming. Karina is also a talented fashion designer and choreographer. She choreographs all of her own partnered routines on Dancing with the Stars and has been designing all of the costumes for both her and her current partner for the season since day one.

Karina started competing in ballroom dancing competitions at the age of 11. She is a five-time U.S. National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion. She has won the title at the UK Open, is a three-time champion at the US Open, two-time champion at the Asian Open, five-time champion at the Dutch Open, and five-time US National Professional Champion. She has taken second at the British Open Blackpool Dance Festival and she is the first woman to also ever make the “British Professional Final” with three different partners. Karina has also been ranked #2 in the world for Latin Dance.

She is considered “one of the most stylish and fit stars in Hollywood” and has been featured in numerous publications: FHM, Fitness Magazine, LA Confidential, Muscle & Fitness, TV Guide, and Woman’s World. She is a regular on the pages of People Magazine, Life & Style, US Weekly, OK! Magazine, and In Touch.

In 2011, Karina released two new designs from her Bearpaw Boots KS Collection – the Alyeska and the Capulet. She also joined forces with Girlactik Beauty to create Karina’s Hurry Up & Get Ready Look – a quick solution to look party perfect in minutes. She released her first successful dance fitness DVD called Shape Up with Karina and will be releasing a series of workout DVD’s called DanceFITNESS. She also opened a successful dance studio in Woodland Hills, CA called Karina Smirnoff Dance. The studio incorporates competitive, social dance classes, and fitness dance classes, as well as a scholarship program for at-risk youth directly related to her charity Dance Intervention – a division of Alternative Intervention Models.

Karina has a passion for environmental causes and her dance studio is the first eco-friendly LEED certified studio of its kind. In addition, Karina has led a celebrity consortium to activate the Wildlife Champions initiative with Procter & Gamble. She is also a PETA spokeswoman for the “I’d rather dance naked than wear fur” billboard and print campaign.

Karina recently launched her successful DanceFIT – KS program. DanceFIT – KS is a customized, unique fitness experience for hotel, resort, and cruise ship guests with a celebrity dance instructor that they will not get elsewhere. It is also gaining momentum at large, medium and small corporations as a way to keep workers motivated in the workplace, build company morale, and help workers achieve their health and wellness goals. Karina is touring internationally with the program.

Her past accomplishments include a starring role in Broadway’s hit record breaking sold out show Burn the Floor and a performance at the 61st annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Karina has hosted segments for E! News, TV Guide, EXTRA, and has appeared in specials on Bravo, ABC, and Lifetime. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The View, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Hannah Montana, among others. She has also appeared in the film Shall We Dance.

Karina is a versatile and dynamic talent and a force to be reckoned with. She continues to captivate fans and audiences worldwide with her charismatic personality, unparalleled performance capabilities, beauty, and grace.

Alternative Intervention Models

Alternative Intervention Model’s goal it to enrich lives through the arts.

Our mission is to transform and develop hearts and minds of at-risk youth using the arts to inspire critical self-reflection and self-improvement.

video

Alternative Intervention Models envisions an educational system transformed at its core to recognize the value of “heART Education”: educating the hearts of youth and instilling emotional literacy through training in the arts. Education is a journey of self exploration as well as an exploration of our relationship to the world around us.

Through the process of heART education we help youth examine their purpose and relevance in life. We believe that the most powerful and most effective way to positively effect the minds of youth is to first reach them via the heart with art being the most effective tool. In a time of tremendous pain and struggle globally, it is through the study of arts and the artist that we learn our humanity and develop the skills necessary to heal our diverse communities emotionally while uniting them around shared experiences and values.

Leila on radio

Our Core Values

Education – a lifelong process of developing individuals technically, emotionally, physically, spiritually and otherwise to reach their full
potential.

Love – the most powerful force in life, the catalyst of all of our work
and art.

Creativity – a character trait with which we are all born; we believe we are all called to express our unique creativity.

Respect – being aware of and valuing the diversity of other individuals, other cultures, other ways of life.

Empathy – the arts are a tool that help us understand and relate to each other; heART education teaches greater empathy.

Community – it takes a village to raise a child; we live in a global village and are responsible for modeling the best examples for the youth.

Accountability – through difficult and controversial conversations using the arts, we help each other become accountable for ourselves and each other.

SKIM performs

1) Artist Intervention – in our Artist intervention programs we hold assemblies at elementary schools, high school, and colleges designed for the specific audiences at these various locations based on the issues that they need to address in their communities. We also operate Mic Sessions workshops at juvenile facilities, community centers, prisons, group homes, and other locations. Artist educators, a diverse selection of music artists perform at assemblies and at Mic Sessions workshops, and focus on unifying members of these various communities using music to breakdown barriers and open lines of communication and freedom of self-expression.

2) Dance Intervention – Karina Smirnoff heads up our Dance Intervention program, working with youth who find dance and movement as their chosen form of artistic self-expression. This program teaches consistency, dedication, attention to detail, and healthy physical and emotional lifestyle.

3) Athletic Intervention – AIM’s Athletic Intervention programs currently include basketball, yoga, and fitness training. Ahmad Clayton directs our Athletic Intervention program, bringing a unique form of basketball training to at-risk youth that focuses on providing a high quality alternative option to high cost athletic after school programs.

AIM’s Athletic Intervention programs help youth grow technically, emotionally, and physically while instilling values such as teamwork, strength, healthy-diet, non-violence, positive work ethic, and good sportsmanship.

4) Acting Intervention – AIM’s Acting Intervention program features guest lectures and workshops from highly experienced film industry professionals that train actors/actresses as artists in every facet of the film entertainment business. Focused mostly on aspiring teenage and young adult actors/actresses, the Acting Intervention program provides mentors, skill training, and career guidance. One of the major goals is to engage these youth and help them learn to tell their narrative and their communities narrative through their work.

5) Media Intervention – AIM’s Media Intervention program provides education in traditional media and new media technology, teaching youth about the resources that are accessible to them within and outside of their communities. We show youth how to effectively communicate on a local and global level using new media and a host of collaborative methods made available via the internet and related technologies.

AIM Website

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Thanks to GBK Productions – Gavin and his great staff. As always you host the best.

Empire Avenue Not Just A Game

Empire-Avenue-The-Social-Media-ExchangeEmpire Avenue – How Do You Measure Your Social Media Effectiveness

I know, results. Are you getting the results you want? If not then you might want to check out Empire Avenue.

You may or may not have heard about Empire Avenue (#EAv for those at Twitter keeping score), but I believe you will and if you are spending any time on the web trying to figure out how to increase your reach and relevance, you should be using this tool.

Empire Avenue is a Game with Useful Purpose

It is a game and it is addicting, but if you do not let the tail wag the dog, as Randy Gage (e)RGAGE puts it, EA can help you find out where you are strong and where you are weak. If you have an addictive personality, I would go and read 4 Hour Workweek, before embarking on this journey. If you go about your daily routine and visit EA for about 30 minutes a day you will be ok and the payback will be big.

I have been on EA for less than a month and I have already met some great connectors and had increased traffic to my blog and to Twitter and Facebook. I have found out that my weak area is my Facebook page and it has made me change the way I did things, for the better.

empire avenue (e)JWN

Empire Avenue Screen JW Najarian (e)JWN

There is a short learning curve with, but I still cannot figure out Facebook and I have found EA to be very easy overall. No I do not understand it all yet…

Tons of Great Information and Tutorials on Use and Strategy are all Over the Web

If you want a great understanding of EA my new EA friend Randy Gage has written what he calls the Empire Avenue Manifesto and if you are new to EA it is a great place to get a feel for what is going on… Randy will ask you to join under him and that is your choice, but how it works is not like network marketing the person you join under is now not your leader or friend, they receive 2000.00 and I believe you get 2000.00 for seed capital. It is FREE to join.. the money is not real!

JOIN With Me

Anyway you can join by using my url (RECOMMENDED) cause Randy is already rich and JW wants to catch up to him… Here is my link  http://empireavenue.com/?t=f7t3zqvb

By the reason even mention you might go with Randy after reading his manifesto is that his blog is over the top great, so I would not blame you. It is absolutely one of my favorites. Now I can’t steal from it cause you will know, but it is worth it to point out valuable content to any and everyone.

If you are still here and reading then you can find out more from the post I grabbed below.

I grabbed this from the Social Media Exchange, a post by Berrie Pelser

Empire Avenue is the Social Media Exchange, where you can buy and sell shares in any social media profile, meet new people, unlock Achievement badges, and earn boatloads of virtual cash by being active and social online! Buy shares in your friends, your followers, people with similar interests, brands you love, celebrities – anyone! All using a virtual currency and all for free!

Be Social, Reap the Rewards

When you join Empire Avenue, you can connect your Social Networking accounts, and we’ll score activity and engagement in each account and give you a virtual share price. The connections you make on Empire Avenue create “value-based” relationships, a deeper relationship than simply “following” someone, in a completely different context than becoming “friends.”

Every day, you’re on Twitter, talking to friends on Facebook, uploading videos or photos, and writing blog posts. Just for doing that stuff, you’ll earn Eaves – our virtual currency – and we’ll dish out some more virtual cash to your shareholders. Along the way you’ll have a bit of fun, make new connections, learn about different people, and learn about social networking and the value of your network! Use your Eaves wisely and you might just become a virtual millionaire… or billionaire (insert evil, world-dominating laugh)?

What are you waiting for? Get started now! It’s free!

Empire Avenue for Business

Empire Avenue is inherently a social media networking game that allows you to connect with individuals based on “value relationships” – these are much closer relationships than just having someone follow you on Twitter or Like you on Facebook. Use Empire Avenue to find highly engaged individuals around the world across a wide variety of interests. It’s a great way to get your brand in front of new, engaged audiences and connect with relevant customers in a fun environment. Hey, even businesses can have fun and still profit.

Empire Avenue as a Tool

Empire Avenue is what you make of it. Empire Avenue can be used as a complement to your social networking, as a way to meet and make great new connections, find individuals who are engaged in each of their networks and as a way to connect across the social web. If you’re new to social media, Empire Avenue can even be a great training tool – a fun way to discover the power of social networks, find out how strong your social media efforts are and how to make your online presence even more effective!