DUMPSITE

  As he approached the café Jonas could see Mother and Solly, talking and laughing. Maybe they were laughing at the aged one who thought he could still write and produce music. It’s too late now, I’m here.

  Solly immediately said, “Hello and welcome Mr. Lundgren your table is ready.” Solly seated them.

  Looking at Jonas he said. “I hear you’re a magician in the studio and you just wrote a song. You devil you, keeping all this talent from me.”

  Jonas didn’t know what to say, he was taken back with the accolades after all he hadn’t done anything.

  Mother spoke first! “Jonas, I hope you’re hungry, they have a great spread today.”

  “I don’t know my stomach is full right now.”

  Mother called the waiter, a young Robert Redford look-a-like, “Hi Bob, would you mind if we start with a cup of coffee, we need to talk. We’ll order in a half hour or so.”

  “Yes sir.”

  The coffee was on the table in less then a minute with a full carafe sitting in the middle.

  “Jonas, you may want to relax a while but I’m going to hit you with the cold facts. After you hear what I have to say we can eat.”

  “Go ahead, I’m listening,”

  “You are a master at your craft, I can tell from the few hours we worked in the studio, don’t bother to deny to it, I wouldn’t believe you. Muddy and I would like you to work with us on the movie project. We will offer you an even cut with us as far as the production goes and if you write anything original we will publish the songs. We feel your input and guidance in the studio along with your expertise to make subtle changes to a track…you know, for the magical pop making the music electric. You don’t have to answer now, but I need to know by tonight as we would like you to be in the studio for tomorrow’s session. Any questions?” Mother finished laying it all out on the table.

  “I don’t know,” Jonas said.

  “You don’t know what?”

  “I really want to do the music,” Jonas said, “but, I have so many old ideas.”

  “Sure, some of your ideas are old but it’s the feel for the music and your input which will make the tracks work.”

  “I think I understand,” he said, “some things are still the same when it comes to the music, whatever era it comes from, you still have to put your soul into what you do.”

  “Great way to put it Jonas. What are you eating?”

  “You order Mother – I want to call Belle.”

  “Invite her for lunch, I’ll call Muddy and we can all celebrate,” Mother concluded.

  Solly came by with a bottle of champagne. He popped the cork and filled five glasses.

  “Here’s to the dynamic trio,” Solly saluted.

  They all concurred, “Here! Here!”

  Muddy put a damper on the merriment when he reminded Mother of the work needed on the songs before Duke showed up tomorrow morning.

  “What a time for you to remember, when we’re all having such a good time. But work first, fun second,” Mother agreed. “Well, Jonas, shall we get to work.”

  Jonas turned to Solly, “Thanks for the champagne, I really appreciate your kindness. Oh, and by the way, I have another possible destination for the case.”

  “Fantastic, you’re really moving along. How far down the list are you?”

  “We have a little less than half the list to go,” Jonas said.

  “Wonderful, we’ll talk later this evening.”

  Solly called the bus boy over and instructed him to clear the table.

  “Belle, you’re welcome to come to the studio,” Mudd told her.

  “Thanks for the invite but I have some shopping to do this afternoon. I’ll see ya’ll later.”

  The new music production team headed to the studio for their first session of creative musical endeavors.

  The Muddman and Mother had not yet settled their differences but put them aside while they worked to finalize the plans for the next day’s recording session. Jonas settled in as he listened to the chatter between the two of them.

  “Have all the microphones been tested Muddy,” asked Mother.

  “Yes! Twice, I only found one bad cable and replaced it.”

  “Good, I’m looking around the studio and everything looks ready to go. If there’s anything and there always is, it’ll be fixed as the session progresses. By the way I called Carl, the son, he is coming down tomorrow to help with the set up and be the assistant engineer.”

  Mother would go to his office. One hundred percent had to be given to the recording session. He was looking forward to seeing some old friends from his days as a recording engineer in Philadelphia.

  Jonas returned to his suite to continue searching the list. but his mind was on the session.

  “Why don’t we skip the list, you’re not really here tonight.”

  “You’re right Belle, my mind is still making music and I’m loving it!”

  Muddy wondered if Mother was nervous? No, the guy never flinches. How does he do it? Muddy clicked the remote and the TV came on, he would only remember the click as he passed out in his favorite soft leather recliner.

  Solly called Agent Weisman and received some distressing information. He would keep it to himself until the session was done.

  Chateau 54 was quiet and ready for the musicians to arrive. At this point the session had to be a success.

  M&M were up early and met in the café. It was not planned, but more of a coincidence. Fate played a hand, or maybe an act of God.

  “Morning Mudd.”

  “Morning Mother.”

  Twenty minutes went by without a sound when Mother said. “Let’s go to the studio.”

  “You lead,” said Mudd as he followed three feet behind Mother.

  They entered the studio. The feeling of apprehension was present but there was something about the atmosphere in the studio which made them feel less antagonistic toward each other. There was work to be done.

  Mother spoke first. “I don’t want to hang around anymore than we need. The session will start soon. Waiting for the Duke to arrive.”

  “So why are we here at all?” asked Muddy.

  “I want to make sure we are both on the same page at least for today. I will only speak to you if necessary and will answer all your questions and take into account your ideas as the session moves along. You will be sitting at the desk with me and Jonas.”

  “Fine with me,” says Mudd.

  “Any questions about the session?

  “No, but I would like to meet all the musicians when they arrive.”

  “Absolutely, we will be walking around and setting things up anyway so just hang with me, they are all full of fun. Having conversation with them will be a gas,” Mother said.

  “Do you mind if I sit here and reflect for a while?” Mudd asked.

  “Go for it.”

  Mother left the studio and headed to his office to reflect on the session. Duke will arrange the strings, horns and background vocals. He is the piano man today.

  Mother and Duke have been friends since 1986. They hooked again up in 2009 and started Pins Music, writing movie scores for the ultimate B movie market. Duke is a fine arranger and has the knowledge to mix the master into a smooth flowing song with punch in the right places.

  Geno Garafeldi, drummer extraordinaire, will be the heart of the group. Geno hails from New York City and is considered the top studio drummer in the states.

  Alvin Jones, is considered the bass man to have on your session. Alvin hails from Philadelphia. His nick name is Cotton Pop as he has a soft touch when he touches the bass strings but incredible pop in his final bass tone.

  Kyle Richards, from North Carolina will be playing lead guitar. He has flown in from Nashville, Tennessee. Kyle is a creative musician who will take what you need and run with it.

  Bobbie Robbins, from Mahwah, New Jersey will be playing acoustic guitar. The daughter of an old friend she i
s considered a top-notch musician and song writer. She is a graduate of Montclair University and has studied with many top guitar players in order to perfect her style. Which she has.

  Eddie Stanhope and Mervin Schlock are two top percussionists. They often work together. They have worked on many projects in Philadelphia and the surrounding area for over three decades. Working together so many times have given them an uncanny mindset to know which percussive instruments will work best when played together.

  Jules Vurgo, good friend of Duke, will be standing by with his tenor sax should some solo work be needed after the tracks are laid down. The plan is for Jules to play on two of the tracks. His sound is unrivaled as is his skill to push the song to another level.

  As Mother finished going over the players list he heard a voice. “Get over here Clea!”

  Duke had arrived.

  TwentyFour — The Session

  The studio proper was built using two 12x24 rooms. The highly efficient, but low-cost sound proofing was suggested by an old friend of Mother’s, Spike Van, from Florida. There are two isolation booths, one in the rear and the other at the halfway mark. The piano is a seven-foot four-inch baby grand, enough for the big piano sound but small enough to fit comfortably in the studio. There are movable gobos to place at various spots, which keep control of the sound. In the Nordic Warrior studio, they are used to wrap around an amplifier or an acoustic guitar player to isolate them from other sounds which permeate the studio. They are low enough for the musicians to have eye contact with one and other. Wall mounted microphone boxes, each with 16 inputs, are located on each wall, with 4 different headphone mixes available.

  The ambience is comfortable even without the special lighting. The lighting is something to behold. Any color you desire can shade the walls. Ceiling lights at any level for the perfect feel. Even some moving lights, should a producer or artist feel a need for more vibrant surroundings. A perfect environment.

  The control room is small but efficient. The desk, large enough for all the needed equipment. Two sets of speakers and two large video screens hogged most of the space. A row of chairs behind the audio engineer and production personnel still leaving enough room to comfortably get around.

  The cast of characters started to arrive. Duke was first. He headed straight to the studio where he met Mother. They went to work on new ideas and finalization of the tracks. Duke had a few suggestions which would help with the sound of the strings and especially the horns. Also a few chord embellishments, a break in one of the tracks and some feel to tighten another track. Mother concurred on all the minor, but important, changes.

  “I have a table reserved for the two us; you can expect a great brunch.

  “Starved man!” said Duke.

  While they ate they talked and laughed about anything but music, knowing the session would have enough pressure for both. They were professional; ready to produce three songs in the next five hours. As they walked through the lobby, Jonas Lundgren appeared. Mother introduced Duke.

  When they were alone, Mother asked. “Duke, you look as if you were taken back when you met Jonas.”

  “I was. What did you say his name was?”

  “Lundgren, Jonas Lundgren.”

  “He looks familiar to me, someone I should know.”

  “Really, from where do you think you know him?” Mother asked.

  “I’m not sure but as you know I have always followed the old blues masters and have a large collection of books and CD’s, even some records which tell their stories. Let me sit on it for a spell, it’ll pop into my head.” Duke told Mother as they arrived at the studio.

  Duke headed to the piano and Mother to the desk in the control room. Mother wondered what information Duke had concerning Lundgren, if any, maybe something of mutual interest.

  Carl, Mother’s son, had arrived and was getting the drums sound set. Carl had been a drummer in the late 80’s with a Boston heavy metal group.

  Cotton had arrived, Mother noticed he was setting up and went to greet him.

  “Cotton, you son of a gun, how’s it hangin’?”

  “Mother, long time, whatcha been up to?”

  “Having a good time doing what I like the most.” Mother said.

  “You always had a knack for that.”

  “We’ll talk before you go.”

  “Hey, Carl what’s up with you?” Mother asked.

  “Same,” he said.

  “Have you talked to the guys about the directing job?”

  “Yeah, but I haven’t heard anything.” Carl said while he made adjustments to the drum set.

  “I’ll leave you alone. When you finish come in the control room I want to show you the set up so you can work the board if I need to be somewhere else.”

  “Okay, Dad.”

  The control room was still empty but not for long. The clock was showing 12:17 everybody should arrive shortly. Jonas popped his head in and gave Mother a quick wave. During their conversation Mother asked Jonas if he recognized, Duke. He said he didn’t.

  “Duke thought he knew you, but couldn’t come up with how, where or when.” Mother told Jonas.

  “Haven’t spent much time around here over the years so I can’t help. I may look like someone else,” concluded Jonas. “Is everything ready?”

  “As ready as it can be,” Mother said. “I’ll introduce you as everybody gets here. Cotton is setting up, he’s our bass man.”

  “I’d like to talk to him.”

  “Cotton, I’d like you to meet Jonas Lundgren, he’s one of the producers.”

  “What’s happnin’ bro,” Cotton said.

  “The pleasure is mine,” said Jonas as the two of them started to converse.

  Mother excused himself, as he noticed a few more musicians entering the control room. Carl was directing them to the studio where Mother met them.

  “Kyle, Bobbie good to see you both. Have you met?”

  “Yeah, we were asking directions from the same person. How have you been Mother?” asked Kyle.

  “Good and you?”

  “Could be better.”

  “Hi Mother, dad wanted me to say hello,” said Bobbie.

  “How’s he doing; feeling good I hope, still in North Carolina?”

  “Feeling good. Moved to Texas.”

  “Wow! Both guitars will be set over to the right. I’ll get someone to help you,” Mother said. “Excuse me, I see more folks entering.”

  “Send Geno over when he gets here!” Yelled Duke as Mother passed by. A quick wave and Duke knew the message was heard.

  Mother could see Mervin and Eddie; he directed them to come into the studio. As they entered he asked, “Find the place all right?”

  “No problem, where do you want us to set up?” Mervin asked.

  “To the left of the drums, between them and the bass. There should be enough room for both of you to set up side by side with a gobo between.”

  “Perfect, you doin’ good Mother?” Eddie inquired.

  “Oh yeah, and you?”

  “Can’t complain.”

  “We’ll talk later,” Mother said.

  Mother caught a glimpse of Geno, he was talking to everyone who would listen.

  “Hey Geno! Waz up?”

  “You talking to me Mother?”

  “No, I’m talking to the wall.” Mother quipped.

  “Well you haven’t changed.”

  “Same to you.”

  They both laughed and had the manly slap-the-back hug. Mother guided Geno to Duke. He went over, introduced himself and they talked over the arrangements.

  Jules Vurgo arrived, said hello to Mother and told him he was going to eat but would be back for the session. He told Jules to take his time, enjoy the food. Mother made a quick call to the café and told them to charge his account when Jules arrives.

  The hour was nearing, the studio was buzzing with many conversations. Mother had gone back and sat down at
the controls. He leaned over to Jonas and asked.

  “You ready?”

  Jonas nodded with a smile on his face. This was something he had waited patiently for, thinking at times it may never happen. Now it’s time to make music. What could be better. Jonas took time to say a prayer, a short but heartfelt thank you to his maker.

  “What’s the first track?” he wondered aloud.

  Helen Oh Helen, followed by Outta Reach and finishing with The Long Road Back. No sooner was he about to give the go ahead to Duke when his friends walked in. Vince, James and Chuck had made the trip and were ready to hear the material come alive. They found empty chairs as Mother introduced everyone to everyone. Belle managed to sneak in before the door shut.

  “Close the door and lock it,” Mother said.

  Then he pushed the talkback button.

  “Duke, whenever you’re ready.

  ~

  Mervin Schlock, one of the percussionists was a Philly guy, born and bred in the streets of Philadelphia. He was a good looking, smartly dressed man with dark hair, brown eyes and a quick smile. He had the movie star look about him and a bit of swagger in his step. He was friendly but a bit shy. He worked hard on the shyness. Many days he would talk to himself in the mirror, having different conversations with different people until he felt he was ready for the real thing. He was a talented and creative percussionist.

  Surviving a tough living in the streets of the hood, he came out strong. He made lots of money when the disco era was happening. However, when the studio gigs and live shows began to dwindle he started looking for other things which could make him the needed cash. Drugs were the quick money stuff but he knew it would only be a matter of time before his body would be cold and buried. He looked into other ventures and found himself being a small time gigolo. After all he had kept himself in shape and still had his good looks. It helped ease the financial situation but not enough for the effort he had to put forth.

  The bar he frequented was a small West Philly tavern. It had been there for many years changing hands from time to time but still a connected hangout. One day a few years back he met a lady named Jewel. She looked him over the first few times they met. He wondered if she was a hooker or a hustler.