Cd Isle...CDs by BC island recording artists

" I am going to play the truth of what I am." Charles Mingus

The ensemble is essentially a working trio (Rob, Clint, and I) which has been augmented with a guest (first Lou and then Louise). I didn't start out with the intention of playing so many instruments but as the arrangements came together it seemed to make sense. The tunes, a mixture of originals and standards, also suggested themselves as we began to discuss the recording.

I have worked regularly with Rob Cheramy for many years. His playing and writing have been a constant source of inspiration not only for me but for musicians throughout the western Canadian jazz community.

Someone once said old musicians need to work as often as possible with young musicians. I don't think I quite qualify as old but Clint Ryder certainly qualifies as young. He is perhaps the most serious 22 year old I know and is definitely one of the finest bass players I've worked with.

Lou Williamson is both a great percussionist and a great friend. The role of the drums on this date was very delicate. Everything was to be recorded live off the floor so Lou had to provide energy without being too strong. As usual his playing was perfect.

You can never do as much as you like on a project like this so early on I began to imagine the next one. Our moments in the studio with Louise Rose were like a wonderful dream which ended too soon. I am already looking forward to the next opportunity.

Louise's strength, both musical and personal, is well known. We recorded Dreamsville twice. Both versions can only be described as magical and it was the clock that decided which one we used.

Paul Horn is a legend. His incredibly vast experience in all aspects of the music business make him the kind of producer anyone would love to have. I can't thank him enough for all the help, inspiration, and friendship that he freely gave all of us.

GORDON CLEMENTS soprano & alto sax, clarinet & bass clarinet, flute
ROB CHERAMY guitar
CLINT RYDER contrabass
LOU WILLIAMSON drums & vibes
LOUISE ROSE piano & voice

Recorded October 1997, Seacost Sound, Victoria, BC
Produced by PAUL HORN
Recorded and mixed by BOB BENSON
Assistant engineer JESSE BANNERMAN
Mastered by MARK FRANKLIN
Original artwork by ROBERT AMOS
Photography by ART TURENNE

Very Rare and Out of Print

The CD was produced by Ken Jensen of D.O.A. And the Hanson Brothers, who tragically died in a house fire just before the CD was released. The CD includes bonus tracks by Red Tide, Ken's earlier band. A nice collectible of a very rockin' band.

It’s A Matter Of Heart was produced between 1994 and 1996. It features Holly with David Sinclair on guitar, and other well known Vancouver musicians including guitarist Stephen Nikleva, bassist Tom Christiansen and harmonica player Keith Bennett. The title track was composed by Stan Rogers. The album addresses the issues of environment and social justice. It was produced by Tom Newman, the co-producer of "Tubular Bells I & II" (Mike Oldfield), and Bill Buckingham (Skywalk).

Artists: Hugh Fraser (piano), Christine Duncan (voice)

Artists: Hugh Fraser (piano, trombone), Jean Toussaint (tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone), Arnie Somogyi (bass),Keith Copeland (drums)

"We thought of the classic animated 'cat on a fence howling at the moon' idea, we took a zillion pictures of our cat, Picard, thinking maybe we'd get some ideas from that. But ultimately, we wanted something that would be upbeat to represent the feel of the title cut.

"What you always hear in discussions about album cover art is that they should reflect what's inside...well DUH! But it's true that you can't always judge a CD by its cover :-) Keeping this in mind, people have often described my music as a throwback to the 60's and 70's singer/songwriter styles of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and others of that era. That's when the idea of giving the cover a 60's look came up. Dave went to the library and got a feel for colours and designs used in that time period from 'Life Magazine'. We also knew we wanted him to design a cat character...Dave has received many awards for his television animations over the years. If you live in the Vancouver/Victoria area, you'll often see his CHEK Television animations on station ID's!

And what's with the martini? Why, that's the 'people's catnip' :-) Doesn't music give YOU a buzz??"