Silver Train Band
This part of New Jersey is home to so many awesome musicians, and over the years I’ve had the good fortune to play and record with many of them. Blues players, like Chuck Lambert, Ron Rauso of the Tonemasters, “Bluesy” Joe Savio, the harp player Bill Harth, upright bass player Dan Mulvey, John Perry – bass player for renowned guitarist Tom Principato, and journeyman drummer, Steve Brown, who’s been a friend and playing with me for over ten years.
In the bluegrass world, I’ve worked with and recorded extensively with the banjo legend and accomplished songwriter DW Griffiths. I count Dave among my very best friends and foremost musical inspirations. (He also rocks pretty hard on guitar.) Vic D’Amico recorded a tune with us on mandolin for the second album. Doug Baron has been playing dobro with me live and on record for years, as has “Dobro” Bob Walters.
The list of local country music players starts with one name: Marc Muller . Marc has country pedigree going way back, from several years as Shania Twain‘s sideman, to stints all over the world with established acts. I was lucky enough to catch Marc in a rare period of availability, and he kicked almost every song on the next album in the ass, sharing his talents on everything from pedal steel and lap steel to resonator and Telecaster. Also riding microphones up and down the Mid-Atlantic is my buddy Ronnie Brandt, who perseveres in his mission to bring country/folk to schools far and wide.
A signature honor was having James D. Pappas play piano and organ on the same album. D is the touring organ player for Smokey Robinson, and he can make any song – any song – seem like a classic. It was the high point of my recording life to have D in my headphones while he was laying it down.
I’ve got friends in the rock world too, from killer trumpet player Steve Jankowski, and drummer Andrea Valentini, both with Blood, Sweat and Tears; to guitar slinger Bruce Wacker. Keyboardist Andy McDonough rocked Long Way Back, but he probably sees himself as more of a jazz player, and I’ve gotten some of those guys in the studio too. Tom Timko, a mad sax player with B,S and T; and Mike Gribbroek, a trumpet player who found his tone in Rudy Van Gelder’s studio, he also plays with his wife Maureen in Holiday Express.
I’d like to introduce my buddy Frank Patrouch, who’s written songs, played guitar, bass, accordion and been a wingman for me for so long I can’t remember. Frank is the man and a great friend. I’d also like to express my appreciation for the talents of my vocal friend Maureen McCrink, who graciously puts up with my tin ear grating against her angelic voice. Maureen sings all over the place, mostly with her group, The Shirlies, and also with Holiday Express. I was proud to be helped on the last CD by Deb Lyons, a classically trained Broadway singer who toured for years with The Mamas and the Papas as Mamma Cass Elliot’s replacement. She was my vocal coach, too. Byron Smith, another total pro with many tours and commercials under his belt, helped sing backing vocals on my third CD with Maureen and Deb. Hearing those three sing was incredible!
I’ll never forget cellist Eleanor Norton, who rode the train down from NYC for a session. Eleanor plays on two TV on the Radio albums, plus the soundtrack to The Ten. Also thanks to my friend and neighbor Dave Laurance for his melodic violin lines. A long time ago Mark DiSciullo dropped into a rehearsal in T Byrd’s basement, then followed years of great songs and he helped make the second CD. An inspiration since my youngest days has been and continues to be Rich Scott, with musical chops that won’t stop. Thank you Ricky.
I was finally able to get both of my sons in the studio to cut a song, after a lifetime of patience. Seven Bridges Road, a song about DW Griffiths, features Max on slide guitar, and Cliff on lead. Needless to say I’m very proud of their efforts.
Besides being the best trumpet player east of the Mississippi, Steve Jankowski also has a beautiful set of ears in the studio. After many happy hours there, I believe 2009 will see the release of album 3, recorded, mixed and mastered by Steve.
The Silver Train keeps on a rollin’.
