It was a great week for music.
Last Tuesday’s ABC SWC was loads of fun (more below), then Wednesday, Mrs. Félix and the Cats and I met with friends to catch a live performance by The Pursuit of Happiness at East Lynn Park, graciously sponsored by the Danny BIA. Opening for them was Jerry Leger, whom I mentioned just recently as part of my triptych series. Moe Berg and band were in great form, and I was pleasantly reminded of how many hit songs they put out, and what an iconic sound they have, with second guitarist Kris Abbott and vocalist Renee Suchy providing uniquely original female backing vocals that are instantly recognizable as TPOH.
This past Thursday Leanna Yamada was back at ManCave Studio with violinist Daniela Gassi to add strings to one of her tracks. Despite the hot studio conditions, we managed to put in a solid 5 hour session and the results were impressive. I hope to share the mix with you soon. Daniela added inspired violin and viola tracks to take the song to a whole new level. There were a lot of smiles, some tears of joy, a highly enjoyed gin rickey.
Daniela plays viola regularly in the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra, as well as in semi-professional orchestras in and around Toronto. She also performs with Brampton Music Theatre, playing violin in the pit orchestra for their musical productions. Outside of the classical realm, Daniela also performs as part of pop rock ensemble Three Seasons and the Move, and plays violin in many other indie bands (whoever needs violin). If you want to hear her live, she will be performing later this month with Ryan Bonner (Tides On Earth) and Leanna at the upcoming Music in the Park festival in Brooklin, Ontario on July 26th.
This Week at the ABC Songwriters’ Circle
Where does this talent keep coming from? Well, yeah, Australia in one case but also plenty of homegrown too! Thanks to TC Folkpunk, Sabrina Soares and Ash Gallia for thoughtful and heartfelt songs and beautiful harmonies too this past Tuesday.
This coming week, we will explore more degrees of separation with my guests Cedarstrip Rocketship (aka Daniel Taylor), Phillip Vonesh with Annie Faiella, and late replacement and returning guest Fraz Milne. Songs and stories and so much more, as the Polka Door theme would say.
We’d love to say you there! Be well!
The main change was relocating the control desk symmetrically in the centre of the space. That and the application of the ARC (advanced Room Correction) system made a significant improvement to the imaging and clarity of the mixes, so things are looking and sounding good! The drums were tucked into the corner, still having enough space to be played but not consuming the whole back end as before. Gear that had been hidden on the right of the drums behind the blanket is now piled up to the left of the desk (just off camera above) and across from the vocal “nook”. The listening couch is now squarely entered in front of the monitors for guests’ improved listening. I have a session scheduled later in the week so should be able to report back on how it is working out.
Time to self-promote. The next few weeks include some unusual shows that are worth crowing about. The first is an all-French show at the ABC this Tuesday, and the second is a concert performance at the Opera House on June 1. Details are below.
First up this Tuesday is my usual weekly 
Things have been busier over the last few weeks here at ManCave Studio. Besides working on my own songs, I have had the great pleasure to record good friends 
felixandthecats.com 