lft to rt: IPR Students Christopher Weeks and Andy Springer with Bella Ruse

Audio Production 282: This week Kevin Bowe and class were working with Minneapolis based duo Bella Ruse.

Impressively skilled, Kay Gillete (vocals), Joseph Barker (piano and guitar), and Alex Young (Drums, percussion) performed all basic tracks together live. Overdubs forthcoming, Bella Ruse used no click track and evidenced focus on song as art: a treat in today’s world of studio trickery.

lft to rt: Kay Gillette discusses vocal performance with Producer Kevin Bowe

Vocalist Kay Gillete describes Bella Ruse as “indie folk pop”. The band was hard at work on what Gillete called a “short French album” (3-4 songs); they plan to release this one on vinyl.

What makes the album French? Vocals. Turns out Gillete sings as flawlessly in French as she does in English. I’m looking forward to the final result.

lft to rt: Kay Gillette, Alex Young, and Joseph Barker

IPR's Kevin Bowe interviews Audio Production Legend Peter Asher

Audio production Instructor Kevin Bowe arranged for another IPR first: a visit from legendary Grammy-winning producer, performer, artist manager, and record executive Peter Asher. Often known for his work with such diverse artists as James Taylor, Cher, Linda Ronstadt and 10,000 Maniacs Mr. Asher was in town for two nights @ Minneapolis’ famed Dakota Jazz Club and agreed to a meeting with IPR students.

Peter’s visit to IPR, hosted by Kevin Bowe, took place to a packed house in Robinson Hall @ 11:30 AM on Tuesday earlier this week. Asher’s visit was reminiscent of IPR’s DIY 360 series in that it followed a talk show format with career highlights spanning Asher’s career from the 60’s all the way to the present day. Asher delighted the crowd with stories about discovering James Taylor and signing him to Apple Records, friendships with The Beatles, running the art gallery where John Lennon and Yoko Ono met, producing for Linda Ronstadt, Cher, and 10,000 Maniacs amongst many others.

Peter Asher greets IPR's Dean of Faculty, Dr. Madeleine Hengel and other guests

As this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, IPR made a student appreciation 20 ticket buy out for students to win by name draw for Tuesday night’s Asher gig at the Dakota.

IPR is very grateful that Mr. Asher took the time to visit; he is always welcome here.

Seated lft to rt: Lance Sabin, Sue Ferkingstad, J.R. Hunte (standing)

The Institute of Production and Recording’s second floor is filled with new students here for the winter orientation. Spirits are high, and lines are long as eager new starts wait to finish last minute Admissions requirements. To pass the time in line, a beat-boxer and free style vocalist put together a memorable performance preview for fellow student bystanders (right outside this blogger’s office). As is typically the case, this new crop of IPR talent brings a high level of creativity to the table, and we can’t wait to see where they will take
the industry!

IPR President Lance Sabin, Director of Admissions, Sue Ferkingstad, and Director of Financial Aid, J.R. Hunte, take time at every orientation to meet with parents and encourage them to tell us how the IPR team has done throughout the enrollment process. We always look forward to serving IPR families as we prepare to offer our quality best to the industry’s up and coming talent.

Woody Woodman and Nels Cline

As if it wasn’t cool enough that Kevin Bowe is writing with his friend Paul Westerberg (The Replacements fame), I just learned that Nels Cline, Wilco guitarist, threw down a solo for the Bowe/Westerberg track “Everybody Lies”. According to Kevin, Nels came to visit MasterMix with their mutual friend Woody Woodman (“luthier to the stars and inventor of the “Mastery Bridge”, a high end replacement bridge for Fender Jazzmaster guitars all over the world”). It’s a good thing that Kevin and Woody are friends… Kevin’s students should be taking notes about music business networking while tweaking nobs. If you’re good at audio production and engineering, you still need to understand how the entertainment business works.

“Everybody Lies” will be a featured track on Kevin’s upcoming album. Surprise! It’s a good song (duh). After listening through a rough mix only two times this morning I still have the melody lodged in my mind’s ear.

Nels Cline, a guest at IPR: I love this place!

Though audio production is a skill that’s both natural and acquired; it can take years to master. So it’s not every day a Grammy winning songwriter/ producer has time to offer an unknown singing group. But, when IPR Instructor Kevin Bowe learned about non-profit The A-List, he saw a chance for applied learning; IPR students could help others while putting their audio production chops to the test, “I think it’s a cool opportunity for our students to realize that they are already far enough down the road to provide help and inspiration for kids who are just starting out in music.”

The A-List singing group “One of Many” with Kevin Bowe’s AP 282 Class

The A-list was born out of the desire to help teach youth to become entrepreneurs through practical application. This organization is structured so that the youth decide what, and how to bring entrepreneurial ideas to fruition. “One of Many”, an A-List singing group, was created, choreographed, and marketed by A-List youth from the ground up. In essence this group of teens is learning a DIY approach to the music business.

A-List Managers Jeanne McMahon, and Scott Kelly, contacted IPR because “One of Many” had formed with the intention of releasing a holiday CD. Scott was hoping IPR could donate some studio time to help them record their project. What they landed was world class  Master Mix recording studio, the audio production knowledge of an industry proven producer, and the help of some of IPR’s most experienced students.

Like his instructor, audio production student Guy Tarrents feels helping “One of Many” record their holiday project is a gauge of how far his IPR education has brought him, “When I first came to IPR, I didn’t know much that first quarter and now I have a lot to offer these guys.”

Because of Kevin Bowe, and his Audio Production 282 class, IPR welcomes The A-List as a new community partner.

“One of Many” will hold a CD release party at The A-list Tuesday, December 13th, from 7-9 pm. 7652 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443. Call for details: 763-566-4545.

 Conversation Piece

Todd Burrell / Keys, Vocals / Work History: Has performed and toured with:Alexander O’Neil (2002-2004), Recorded on Prince’s CD “Emancipation” (1996) NPGRecords. Has also performed toured with The Steeles, Anne Nesby, Best Kept Secret,Curbfeelers, TKO & High and Mighty. Todd performed with Conversation Piece for 3years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artistssuch as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

Walter Chancellor / Saxophones, Vocals / Work History: Has performed withvarious local and national groups in the Twin Cities music scene such as:Prince, The Steeles, Chaka Khan, Bobby Lyle, Musique, Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, Maceo Parker, TKO, Best Kept Secret, Debbie Duncan, Thomasina Petrus. Walter performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

Through his own production company founded in 1993, SAX U UP MUSIC COMPANY & UPTOWN PRODUCTIONS, Walter provides production, songwriting, and session work for local record companies, artists, corporate establishments, and non-profits. Walter also is an Instructor and teaches Desktop & Audio Production at The Institute of Production and Recording in Minneapolis. And is Program Director & Instructior for the Ideawerks after school programs.

Chance Howard / Bass & Bass Keys, Vocals / Work History: Has performed with The Time (1995-2004, recorded & toured with Prince. Candy Dulfer, Solo, Karen White, countless amount of recording credits. Chance performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

Kirk Johnson / Drums, Vocals / Work History: Has performed and recorded with Prince (1990-2004), has recorded & produced several tracks on the CD “Emancipation” NPG Records, El Debarge, HBO, Chaka Khan (1990 – 1999) (The CD “Come to My House” 1998 ) NPG Records, The Kaj’ Orchestra, (TKO) (1994-1998) Kitchen Records, Co-Produced Walter Chancellor’s Solo CD Release “Saxophone Man” (1998) Kitchen Records, Kirk toured with ”Georgia” a very well-known Italian pop star throughout Italy and Europe. Kirk performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club, and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

George Scott / Guitars / Work History: Solo Guitarist, self produced Solo Release “Power Of Seven”, Has performed with Prince, Musique, Maxx Band, Mod-Squad Band & Soul Tight Committee George performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

For Bookings contact: Walter chancellor Jr., Phone: 612.998.1122 Email: waltzplace@me.com

Brittany Stewart

Brittany Stewart will be visiting the following high schools this week:

Wednesay, December 14th - Moundsview High School, 10 AM

Thursday, December 15th - Irondale High School, 10 AM

Sammy Johnson

Sammy Johnson will be visiting the Following high schools this week:

Wednesay, December 14th – Columbia Heights High School, 1 PM

Thursday, December 15th - Washburn High School, 10:30 AM

If your school isn’t listed, talk with your counselor about scheduling an invite. We’d love to meet with you.

Jackie Lee Robinson

I’ve been impressed over and over at the quality of company Jack Robinson kept. Based on this alone, it’s no surprise that his legacy continues to impact many who never knew him. Jack had vision, purpose, and high expectations for those in his charge, and IPR was but one outgrowth of Jack’s desire to see others succeed.

lft to rt: Stephan Slater, Lance Sabin, friend

You see, Jack wanted to help people, and he wanted to use music education to do it. He had a philanthropic bent and a concern about giving back to the community. As a universal language, Jack understood that music speaks to people. And, as a self-made entrepreneur, he also understood how a love for music can drive people to succeed.

Pre-IPR, Jack owned and operated The Electronic Musicians Workshop, as well as his own recording studio for more than ten years. At EMW he taught music production, audio engineering, music business, music theory, songwriting and digital video production. Jack Robinson’s goals were centered around getting music back on the minds of youth; an inspiration to anyone wanting to get into the industry as a self-created entrepreneur and artist.

Jackie saw IPR as an extension of the work he’d already began. When he and 3 other businessmen (Terry Myher, Lance Sabin, and Tom Tucker) began talks to birth a technology college that would fill an educational void in the in the media arts, it was a no brainer for Jack to be on board.

Beyond IPR, his friend and business partner Lance Sabin, along with the hard work of others in the IPR fold, have continued the pursuit of Jack’s dream. A foundation has been established in Jack’s name for the purpose of bringing to fruition that which Jack ran out of time to accomplish: The JLR Foundation (Jackie Lee Robinson).

Born out of the JLR Foundation for the purpose of fulfilling Jack’s original vision, a music production and technology program has been implemented in the Minneapolis parks and branched into the public library system: Ideawerks (www.ideawerks.org).

Ideawerks teaches kids ages 12-17 how to use music technology to record, mix and edit. Jack wanted a way to provide accessible music and technology training to those who couldn’t otherwise afford it; Ideawerks fills this role free of charge to program participants.

Through Ideawerks others (IPR, MSB, etc.) have provided a vehicle to exercise the work Jack started many years ago, but Jack’s spirit is still very much alive at IPR.

Jackie Lee Robinson Day, November 11^th, 2011

VIP Guests

Since JLR Day lands squarely on Veteran’s Day, IPR’s goal was to respectfully identify and thank the many veterans amongst IPR staff and students, while reminding everyone of Jack’s impact on both the birth and sustenance of what has become known as one of the premier media arts colleges in the United States.

Walter Chancellor Junior

To this end, Walt Chancellor Junior, former Marine, IPR Instructor, and man of many musical hats hosted the November 11^th installment of IPR’s DIY 360 featuring the band Smart Mouth. To Walter and the members of Smart Mouth, Jack was more than just a name, he was a dear friend. So it was fitting that these men lead the morning’s charge. Jack would’ve been proud; DIY sizzled, and IPR students and staff made it clear they’d like Smart Mouth to return for an encore performance. Even so, the day’s celebration wasn’t relegated to one event.

This year, IPR President Lance Sabin wanted to plan a dedicated evening to celebrate Jack’s life and contributions to IPR and its surrounding community. Short of the memorial display outside the Student Services office, the current lot of IPR students has limited knowledge of who Jack Robinson is. So it made sense for IPR to recognize Jackie Lee Robinson Day with a Friday evening reception which included a personal invite list, hors d’oevres, and live entertainment. Students were invited along with a whole host of friends, family, and even a few folks whose only knowledge of Jack is his connection to Ideawerks. Those who knew Jack were invited to share personal stories and remembrances as well.

Michael Bland

Erica West, Student Services Director, was able to secure an impressive band of Jack’s friends for the evening celebration: Kevin Anderson (guitar) Michael Bland (percussion), Walter Chancellor (Saxophone), Billy Franze (Bass Guitar), and Todd Burrell (Keyboards). Erica guested on a few songs herself; she’s a crazy good vocalist. The band made a night of complex jazz phrasing look like “kid’s stuff”. It was fun and refreshing to experience musicians of this caliber come together in honor of Jack. 

Billy Franze

Stephen Slater, S4 Designs, has played a continual role in the development of the JLR Foundation; he and Walter Chancellor have been a key component to the vision and maintenance of the Ideawerks programs in the Minneapolis public park systems. As a VIP guest, Stephan Slater took the stage to offer a few words about his late friend, the foundation, and why it was each table had been outfitted with Butterfinger candy; it was Jack’s favorite. Others found sharing too emotional and elected to maintain anonymity, but many were gathered to remember their late friend and appreciated Slater’s contribution.

November 11^th, 2011 was planned as a memorial, but was fulfilled in a celebration. It’s clear that Jack’s friendships were meaningful and his life’s work was rooted in something much bigger than himself; Seven years since his passing, his legacy remains and reminds us how the life of one man can truly make a difference.

Lft to Rt: Ashley Battle with Jerome Benton, Terry Lewis, Jimmy Jam, of "The Original 7ven", IPR Director of Career Services Norbert Kreuzer, and IPR Campus Communications, Christian Groves

Today at WCCO, BMA Networks IPR graduate Ashley Battle gave Norbert and I a chance to meet Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Jerome Benton of “The Original 7ven”while she filmed the BMA interview. Prior to this, WCCO’s Angela Davis invterviewed Jam, Lewis, and Benton for a live WCCO broadcast.

We’re super excited about what Ashley has been doing since graduation. Special thanks to BMA Director Pete Rhodes, and Operations Manager Kimberly Bedell Rhodes for inviting Norbert Kreuzer and myself to be a part of watching Ashley at work. Check back soon for more on Ashley in a graduate success story.

Jack Robinson

Allow me to re-introduce you to IPR Co-Founding Father, Jack Robinson. Many of you are aware that Jack was quintessentially important to the birth and establishment of IPR…

…But did you also know?

Jack Robinson was a teacher: helping students to define their powers and abilities. Jack Robinson was a visionary: synthesizing ideas and incorporating breaking technologies while continually exploring new methods of marketing. Jack Robinson was a friend: cultivating relationships with all the lives he touched, and always pushing for the best in people as well as himself. Jack Robinson passed away in 2004, and although his physical presence is gone, his spirit is very much alive here at IPR.

Jack was known throughout the industry as Jack “Blackjack” Robinson, he had over 20 years of experience as an artist, session musician, engineer, producer, studio owner, and educator. His album credits include work with Prince, Larry Graham, Brandy, Monica, Ann Nesby, and Rahzel of the Roots. Countless tours took him across the world as a front-of-house engineer, and around the world as a performer. Jack’s educational experience includes working as a teacher and curriculum developer for The Institute of Production and Recording and Music Tech College as well as his own distance education program: the Electronic Musician’s Workshop (EMW).

Jack owned and operated The Electronic Musicians Workshop, as well as his own recording studio for more than ten years. At EMW he taught music production, audio engineering, music business, music theory, songwriting and digital video production. Jack Robinson’s goals were centered around getting music back on the minds of youth; an inspiration to anyone wanting to get into the industry as a self-created entrepreneur and artist.

We miss you Jack.

Jack Robinson Memorial Display

As part of the yearly IPR calendar, we recognize the importance of Jack’s birthday: November 11^th.  This year’s celebration will include a special evening reception in IPR’s Robinson Hall. Learn more about Jack’s work and experience below:

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

Institute of Production and Recording – Co-founder, Minneapolis, MN

BlackJack Productions – Owner, President – Minneapolis, MN

EMW Records – President/CEO – Minneapolis, MN

Record Labels: Warner Brothers – MCA – Virgin – Motown – Paisley Park Records – NPG Records – Flyte Tyme Records – EMW Records

Television: TPT – Channel 2 – Channel 9 – FOX – Cable Networks – HBO – VH-1 – ESPN

Artists: Prince – Larry Graham – Ann Nesby – Chaka Khan – Cynthia Johnson – Carmen Electra – Keith Crouch – Brandy – Martin Lawrence – Monica – Tears for Fears – Kiss – Sesame Street Revue – Minnesota Timberwolves – Razel (The Rootz)

Film: Miramax – HBO Pictures – Frontline / Mark Levin – Pat Proft (Producer Naked Gun Series) – Independent Featured Film Projects

Recording Studios: Paisley Park – Flyte Tyme – Oarfin – Tricord – 45RPM – Battery Studios (New York) – Sugar Hill Studio (New York) – Studio 57 (L.A.) – Creation – Blackjack Productions