Use the embedded player below to hear a sample of “EVIL KIRK” by Kathryn Ladano, featuring yours truly
The initial concept was Kathryn’s. She liked that Star Trek the original series had a lot of audible bass clarinet in the music. Often just before a red shirt was about to die, you’d hear a bass clarinet melody…and then ZAP!
We decided to add a vocal element. I compiled some of my favourite Captain James Tiberius Kirk quotations, and Kathryn had a general direction for the music but otherwise she improvised. We performed it live in four takes at Wildrid Laurier University’s Seminary building. A couple effects were added in mixing and voila — “Evil Kirk”!
My pal Craig Feehas returned from Jerry’s Records in Pittsburgh with a bag full of goodies for me!
Craig strongly recommended a two to three day stay at Jerry’s Records should I ever find myself in Pittsburgh. That’s how much vinyl they have. He also told me that they had a whack of old Van Halen picture sleeves. I said cool, bring ’em back to me! So he did, every single one that they had. He also picked up a promo Helix 12″ single for “Wild in the Streets” on red vinyl! That and some Triumph 12″ promos, plus a surprise that I think tops them up. I think the real treasure may be David Lee Roth’s “Stand Up”, from Skyscraper — a 12″ remix vinyl single that I was previously unaware of! Pretty exciting huh? Additionally, the Van Halen “Best of Both Worlds” contains the live version from the Live Without A Net video on the B-side.
Total expenditure? $45 bones. Craig is a great shopper. Thanks man!
All of these will come in handy in the future, because they coincide with a couple different series ideas that I was already going to work on. Now, those series will be even cooler. Stay tuned.
Lemon Kurri Klopek – Living the Dream! (On the road with Steve Earle)
I immediately liked Lemon Kurri upon meeting him. I was introduced to LK (who also goes by the excellent real name of Mike) as our newest franchise owner and fellow Kiss fan. I spent a lot of hours training him, and he was one of the best people I met through the record store. He was easy to work with, and genuinely appreciated my help. One thing I will always remember, is that Lemon Kurri and his business partner Greg sent me notes of thanks for my help, and even cool records or CDs that I wanted. It was Lemon Kurri who gave to me a treasured copy of Bruce Dickinson’s 12″ single for “All the Young Dudes”. He also gave me Thin Lizzy’s “Gary Moore album”, Black Rose: A Rock Legend for my birthday one year.
When I eventually left the company, Lemon Kurri was supportive of my decision. We stayed in touch and remained friends. Two years later, LK himself moved on to new horizons. I’m pleased to report that he is now living the dream, working for one of my own idols, Mr. Steve Earle himself. Lemon Kurri is Steve’s “Merch Guy” and “unofficial drum tech” today. He travels the world, and gets to hear one of the true greats playing at night. Hard work but somebody has to do it.
Lemon Kurri has given me permission to share with you a selection of snaps of his life on the road with Steve Earle. Enjoy. Each picture tells a story! Click a pic to enlarge and read the description. Thanks letting me use these photos, Mike!
Lemon Kurri – drum tech!
Mike worked for Aimee Mann in 2009
“The Crew”
John Sebastian and Steve Earle
Steve gave him his own custom picks
Steve at the Vic in Chicago
Boulder Theater, Colorado
The kit
Jackson, WY
Goodies
Neil Young’s tour bus, parked outside Jack White’s studio
Portland, OR
Allman Brothers, Big House, Macon, GA. Steve Earle on the right.
Not quite a year ago, Aaron and I went to Toronto to splurge on music. Today I have returned from what is hoped to be a regular occurrence. I present to you, the spoils of war below. This is just a teaser. My goal is to edit together another documentary video like I did last year. This year I shot everything on my new BlackBerry Z10, which means I have to do some file conversion. With any luck I’ll be showing you all the details and fun soon. Until then, enjoy this teaser.!
This arrived in the mail today. Haven’t even taken off the shrink wrap yet! Thanks @mitchlafon!
A World With Heroes – A KISS Tribute for Cancer Care – A 40th Anniversary Celebration.That’s a buttload of songs, people! (I love that Ron Young of Little Caesar SINGS “Little Caesar”.)
By unfortunate coincidence, this album featuring the New York skyline aflame, was released on 9/11/2001. The album was recalled and re-released with new cover art. I’m glad I have an original, but I never really listen to it, because it always reminds me of that day.
This was a gift from Mrs. LeBrain. Johnny Cash, the Man in Black! This figure, from 2005, captures a younger, tougher Johnny. I love the little details like the nylon guitar strings, and the gold dots on his necktie. Not much articulation here, so this one has some very limited poses. He does come with a nice, detailed railroad track figure stand.
mikeladano.com 