Morgan Kraft - News and Updates

Recording at Fidelitorium - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:59:00 +0000

I never would have expected when I first walked in to Mitch Easter’s Fidelitorium in Kernersville, NC that the next year would bring such an education for me in the art of making records. A mutual friend, Jeffrey Dean Foster, made the introduction and Mitch agreed to do a marathon mix session for the Enrichment Center Percussion Ensemble’s album “Ten Songs” in March of 2007. Aaron Bachelder, Erich Hubner and myself worked on making the new ECPE record the best we could, but when it came time to mix it we knew it had to be given over to someone with more experience and better equipment. Mitch did a wonderful job with what we gave him, and he was great to work with. The album was released on the independent record label Microearth Records on June 24, 2008 and is available through iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.

A couple of months later, I received an email from Mitch asking if I could work on a session for the blues artist Nappy Brown, produced by Scott Cable with the engineer Mark Williams. Of course I was eager to return to the Fidelitorium, and even though I was unfamiliar with most of the musicians playing on the record (except for Bob Margolin who I knew of because I had the Muddy Waters albums King Bee and Hard Again on vinyl), I quickly because friends with a few of them. I was comfortable (or naïve) enough to ask Sean Costello to play on a project I was working on for the publishing company ARC music. With Mark Williams’s encouragement, Mookie Brill and Bob Margolin also agreed to play on my recordings. I continued working on various sessions at the studio including the Sammies album “Sandwich” and Insanity Wave’s “Late Night Shift” and somewhere in-between Mitch mixed the recordings I had been making with my new blues friends and some old buddies from college, which became Lex Samu and the Kraft Quartet’s “Nervous Boogie”. It was released on April 1, 2008 and is also available through iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby. Tragically two weeks after it’s release, lead guitarist for the project Sean Costello passed away, one day before his 29th birthday. As with any unexpected death, it sent shock waves through the community. I had been working with Mitch the week before Sean’s death on mixes for a second album with the Kraft Quartet that once again featured Sean on guitar. Mitch spent most of the afternoon that Thursday working the flying faders on his prized Neve console to ensure that all of nuances of Sean’s guitar solo on “I’d Rather Go Blind” could be heard. The whole experience of Sean’s sudden departure is something I’m still trying to deal with, and I’m very thankful for the support of his family and musician friends who have helped me finish the album. It’s still waiting to be mastered and as of yet has no release date, but somehow it has been finished. Other than the quartet, it features guest appearances by Bob Margolin, Mookie Brill, Dave Gross, David Boatwright and John Ellis. On September 20, 2008 Nappy Brown passed away after a long and productive life at the age of 78. I feel nothing but blessed to have had the chance to see both Nappy and Sean at their best in the studio recording the album “Long Time Coming”, and then again at the CD release show in Charlotte (clips from the show are viewable on YouTube). I was able to attend the 2008 Blues Music Awards, where Nappy didn’t win the awards he was nominated for, but certainly stole the show with his performance later in the evening.

I’ve worked with Mark Williams as his assistant on a few records at the Fidelitorium. One was a gospel album. Another was the upcoming release by Big Bill Morganfield (Muddy Water’s son) that once again included Bob Margolin and Mookie Brill as well as drummer Chuck Cotton and blues harp monster Steve Guyger, who I talked into selling me one of his vintage Gibson Skylark amps at the end of the session. It cost me every penny I earned that week to get the amp, but well worth it! It was such a heavy experience, and with Steady Rolling Bob Margolin co-producing the session, it will likely be the closest I ever come to being around authentic Chicago Blues.

(continued with Recording at Fidelitorium - Part 2)

Recording at Fidelitorium - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:55:00 +0000

(continued from Recording at Fidelitorium - Part 1)

Two other records that I assisted Mitch on were the Bird’s of Avalon’s 2008 EP and the upcoming Amy Speace album. The BOA recording was of special note because they bucked all convention of the day to record the EP using two 4-track machines, similar to how the Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s” was made. It was another experience I’ll never forget, with all hands on deck pushing buttons trying to make it work. I felt like a true tape-op for a moment, and the band rose to the challenge with no fear of the consequences. In one of those “isn’t it a small world” moments, I realized on the Amy Speace session that her band and I had already met in New York when they were backing the up and coming singer/songwriter Charlie Faye. I had recorded a demo with Charlie the previous year at my studio in the mountains outside of Asheville, NC.

Certainly a highlight of my time spent at the Fidelitorium was the Brian Vader Ark self-titled album produced and engineered by rock legend Bill Szymczyk, who made his way producing a dozen #1 hit records, including the Eagles “Hotel California”, B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” and the Who’s “You Better, You Bet”. Other legends on the project were Joe Vitale, drummer for Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Willie Weeks, who’s credits include George Harrison, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and Steuart Smith, the current guitarist for the Eagles and who recorded many hits with Rosanne Cash, Melissa Ethridge, and many others. This was the session were I learned to keep my mouth shut, and make sure the coffee was strong. Other than Bob Engle, the ProTools expert for the project, everyone else on the album has multiple gold and platinum records on their walls. In one of the first days I suggested that Willie try a SansAmp direct box to get the bass sound he was looking for, and I foolishly tried to bait him into using it with the line “you should try it, it’s been used on several big records”. Immediately Joe and Bill were standing over me asking about making “big” records and I knew I was in for it. These guys loved having a good time, and ribbing me seemed to be a part of their fun. I only saved myself when I came back with the line “I think you miss understood me, when I said big records, I meant 12 inch vinyl rather than 7 inch.” I barely got away with that one, but everyone laughed. Whew!

I’ve also had the good fortune of working with multiple time Grammy Award winner Jaime Lagueruela on a couple of projects. He ended up mixing two songs on the Kraft Quartet’s album “Boiled Peanuts”, the title track and “Falafel House”. Mastered versions of both songs (which are original compositions by Aaron Bachelder) can be heard on the Kraft Quartet’s website or myspace page.

Other projects I brought to the Fidelitorium were the Drunk Stuntmen, who Mitch produced when they recorded live to 16-track tape. They recorded the entire album in only 3 days, and Mitch showed himself as a true master dialing in the sounds on the spot. He also mixed several projects for me, including more tracks for the Kraft Quartet and some of the Hellsayer’s album “All You Need To Sleep” that I co-produced with Wayne Robbins. I also spent a week in the studio in Feburary of 2008 recording drums and guitars for the Kraft Quartet and Jumpin’ Salty with my friends, and Mitch and Mark Williams engineered the sessions. All of the drums were printed to one mono track, they came out huge and punchy, and only having one fader to push has made mixing them much easier for me!

Most of the albums I’ve worked on were mastered by Brent Lambert at Kitchen Mastering in Chapel Hill, NC. In addition, Dave Harris mastered a couple and Greg Calbi mastered the Sammies “Sandwich”. Tracks from all of the sessions I’ve worked on are available to listen to on my myspace player at myspace.com/morgankraft. There is a drop down menu on the player that defaults to “Featured Playlist”. Select the playlist “Engineer Credits”, click play and enjoy.

Morgan Kraft – October 2008

Sean Costello 1979 - 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:34:00 +0000

Sean Costello, Thank You.

I first worked with Sean on the Nappy Brown record (Long Time Coming). He later recorded over 15 tracks with my group the Kraft Quartet. His tasteful lead guitar work inspired our ensemble and he will always be a part of our music. He also had a profound personal influence on my playing and overall approach to music and how it should be performed. I've included the Delta Groove press release below, they were the record label that Sean was on when he passed away. It's easy to talk about how amazing his playing or singing was, how he was a true bluesman. What I'll always remember first is how he believed in me and how his support and eagerness to be involved with my music has made all the difference.

The biography and photos are copied from the Delta Groove myspace page.

Please support Sean's family and his music by purchasing his CD,
or contribute to the Sean Costello Memorial Fund

donate by emailing tray@bbandt.com

or mail donation to:
The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research c/o BB&T
3620 Tramore Pointe Parkway
Austell,GA 30106

Delta Groove Press Release: Sean Costello 1979 - 2008

It is with the deepest sadness that we issue this press release, and the news that Delta Groove recording artist Sean Costello passed away in Atlanta, GA on Tuesday, April 15th, one day before his 29th birthday. Sean was not only a member of the Delta Groove musical family, he was also a friend, and words cannot express the sorrow we feel at having to say goodbye so soon. As blues music fans, we unfortunately grow somewhat accustomed to the sadness of the inevitable passing of musical elders after long and fruitful careers. Losing someone as young, vibrant, and talented as Sean, who had accomplished so much in just a few short years and still had so much potential, is a terribly difficult blow, not only to those who knew him personally, but for the music community as a whole. He had been unanimously praised as one of the main torch-bearers of the blues flame for the coming generations, and now that potential will go sadly unfulfilled.

Costello was born in Philadelphia in 1979, moved with his family to Atlanta at the age of 9, and soon afterward picked up the guitar. Within a few short years he'd won the Memphis Blues Society's new talent award, and was on the road with his own band. At age 17 he released his first album, "Call The Cops", acclaimed by Real Blues Magazine as "an explosive debut." He soon joined forces with fellow blues guitarist Susan Tedeschi, with whom he toured and recorded, laying down tasteful lead guitar work on her Gold-certified Tone-Cool debut "Just Won't Burn".

In 2000, Costello released "Cuttin' In" on Landslide Records, which earned him critical acclaim as well as a prestigious W. C. Handy Award nomination for 'Best New Artist Debut.' With 2002's "Moanin' For Molasses", also on Landslide, came a Blues Revue cover story touting Costello as "the top contender to be the next blues star - and soon." Costello's hometown paper The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called his guitar playing "masterful" and of "remarkable maturity." The paper also compared him to such legends as B. B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

In 2005, his self-titled fourth CD "Sean Costello" was released by Artemis Records. Produced by Steve Rosenthal (The Rolling Stones, Suzanne Vega, Freedy Johnston), it was an appealing blend of soul, funk, upbeat rock. He was joined by some very special guests: Levon Helm of The Band sits in on two tracks, as does his daughter, Amy Helm, with her group, Ollabelle. Steve Jordan, Willie Weeks and the Conan O'Brien horn section also appear.

Costello was fortunate enough to earn the respect and admiration of many of his own idols, and had the opportunity to perform with his mentors. He shared stages with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, and Bo Diddley among many others. He recently said, "All I've ever wanted to do was play the guitar well. I've been fortunate to be able to make a living doing it, and I plan to keep it up for the rest of my life."

www.DELTAGROOVEMUSIC.com

Nervous Boogie 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:39:00 +0000

The Kraft Quartet's first full length album "Nervous Boogie" contains 14 classic blues and surf tunes including songs by Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Sunnyland Slim, the Chantays, John Brim and Elmore James. Special guests for this album include bluesman Sean Costello, winner of the Memphis Blues Society's talent award and nominated for the W.C. Handy "Best New Artist Debut" award; the legendary Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, who was guitarist for Muddy Waters from 1973 til 1980 and has won multiple W.C. Handy awards for solo or group efforts through the years including best blues guitarist; and blues/rockabilly musician and W.C. Handy multiple time winner Tom "Mookie" Brill on harp and vocals. Aaron Bachelder lends his percussion skills on the vibes and marimba. Bob Margolin and Sean Costello both have recent solo albums, as well as back catalog available through their websites. These special guests bring an authentic blues flavor to the project, juxtaposed with the jazz artistry of the trumpet/double bass performances and the rock-n-roll drums/rhythm guitars creating a truly unique sound, undeniably new while washed in vintage feeling. The album was produced by Morgan Kraft, mixed by Mitch Easter and mastered by Brent Lambert.

"Nervous Boogie" is available for purchase through Amazon.com, CDBaby and iTunes

Track Lisiting
1. I Wish You Would
2. Ice Cream Man
3. Continental Missile
4. Tom Cat
5. Pills
6. Tragic Wind
7. Johnson Machine Gun
8. Roller Coaster
9. El Conquistador
10. Nervous Boogie
11. Boss
12. Whose Muddy Shoes
13. Pipeline
14. Ice Cream Man (reprise)

You can view the All Music Guide entry here

October 2007 News

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:25:00 +0000

NEW RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON MYSPACE

Check out the Kraft Quartet's myspace page for several new recordings. Two songs were composed by guest Aaron Bachelder. One of Morgan's original tracks, "Bar Nine Blues" was mixed by recording legend Mitch Easter and features blues sensation Sean Costello on lead guitar. The rest of the songs are part of their second full length record, "Boiled Peanuts" set to be released December, 2008.

"NERVOUS BOOGIE" MIXED AND MASTERED

The Kraft Quartet's first full length album, Nervous Boogie was recently mastered by Brent Lambert at Kitchen Mastering. Recorded in spring of 2007, it was mixed by Mitch Easter and features special guests Sean Costello (guitar), Mookie Brill (harmonica) and Bob Margolin (guitar). It features 14 songs published by ARC Music Group (NYC) including such blues staples as Ice Cream Man, Whose Muddy Shoes, and Roller Coaster, as well as surf classics Pipeline, Tragic Wind and Boss. It is scheduled to be released on Microearth Records on April 1, 2008.

PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK CITY, NORTH CAROLINA

Always available for live gigs, the KQ mainly performs around New York City or Philadelphia, and sometimes in North Carolina. The live group ensemble includes Trumpet, Fretless Guitar, Double Bass and Drum Kit. The quartet has a complete set each of Blues, Surf/Rock or Jazz, or can mix it up for the more sophisticated crowd. To inquire about booking availability email kraftquartet@microearth.com or call (917) 512-4614.

LEX SAMU AND MADISON RAST DUET AVAILABLE

KQ members Lex Samu (trumpet) and Madison Rast (double bass) were on their way to record the second quartet album, when car trouble, weather, and fate intervened and they were unable to make the session. They took advantage of the lost evening to record an amazing free improv duet, "Alpaca Dance" which is available for sale through www.microearthrecords.com or cdbaby.com.

www.kraftquartet.com

Custom Fretless Guitar

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:15:00 +0000

In August of 2007, John Bolin of Bolin Guitars in Boise, ID finished building me a custom fretless "Stratocaster" guitar. While I've been playing self-converted fretless Fenders since 2003, this was the first guitar I owned that never had frets touch the fingerboard. It sounds amazing and plays like a dream. Bolin Guitars is famous for making guitar for Keith Richards, Ron Woods, Steve Miller, Lou Reed, Albert King, and they are most widely known for making many of the guitars for Z.Z. Top from the Eliminator periord fowards. www.bolinguitars.com

Kraft Quartet EP 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:47:00 +0000

The Kraft Quartet's first release "Kraft Quartet EP" was recorded March 6, 2007 in New York City and features Lex Samu playing the flugelhorn, with Madison and Wesley Rast on double bass and drums, and Morgan Kraft on fretless guitar. It was released summer of 2007 on Microearth Records. It is currently out of print.

Track Listing
1. Cross-Ties (EP Version)
2. Bar Nine Blues (EP Version)
3. Freddy Freeloader
4. Blue Monk
5. Autumn in New York (Flugelhorn/Double Bass duet)

You can view the All Music Guide Entry here

Show Archives 2002-2006

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 22:00:00 +0000

You can view a complete list of the gigs I played from 2002 through 2006 at microearth.com/morgankraft/shows

CD Release 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:33:00 +0000

My first full length "Don't Fade Away" was released on November 7, 2006 with a CD release party in New York City at Bar Nine. Other than myself (fretless guitar, bass and vocals) Featured musicians are Luke Mueller (drums), Ryan Crowley (guitar) and Will Wilson (drums). Crowley and Wilson arranged songs songs 3 through 8 and Ryan Crowley wrote the two instrumentals, "Have Fun" and "Two Weeks". "You Belong To Me" is a cover of an Elvis Costello tune. All other songs were composed by Morgan Kraft. Basic tracks were recorded between 2002 and 2005, with vocals and mixing completed in Spring 2006. The album was mastered at Kitchen Mastering in August of 2006. Like the previously release EP, this album was panned by critics and sold almost no copies. While the production work was considered adequate, the vocal were deemed unlikeable. The instrumentals received praise and seem to be the only highlights of the effort. This CD is currently out of print.

Track Lisitng
1. She Said (I Love You)
2. Yeah Yeah Suzy
3. Peggy Sue Ain't Got Nothing On You
4. Have Fun (written by Crowley)
5. The Particles One (written by Crowley)
6. Two Weeks (written by Crowley)
7. You Belong To Me (written by Elvis Costello)
8. The Particles Two (written by Crowley)
9. Wide Open Spaces
10. Don't Fade Away
11. One More Broken Heart
12. What You Want

The All Music Guide entry can be viewed here

EP Release 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan) — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 20:00:00 +0000

My first solo effort, Morgan Kraft "EP" was released summer of 2006. The CD contains songs I recorded in Northampton, MA and Marshall, NC from 2003-2005. It includes Aaron Bachelder and Luke Mueller on drums, and features the first recordings of me playing the fretless guitar and singing. Currently, this release is out of print. It sold very few copies and was panned by critics for poor vocal delivery and lo-fi recording quality.

Track Lisitng:
1. Peggy Sue Ain't Got Nothing On You (Single Mix) 1:46
2. My Heart on the Line (B-Side Mix) 2:55
3. Mo Tucker on the Stereo (B-Side Mix) 2:31
4. Don't Fade Away (Single Mix) 2:52
5. Poor White Taste (Single Mix) 2:38
6. You Were Always There (B-Side Mix) 4:19

The All Music Guide entry can be view here