Studiophile: April 2012

ilentertainer | March 30, 2012

Scott Lucas is best known as the singer/guitarist for the two-man, Chicago rock band Local H. But recently, he has broadened his musical scope and greatly expanded his lineup, pulling together a collective of musicians — The Married Men — that currently numbers seven and includes violin, accordion, and organ. The result is quite different than Local H and a perfect fit for Lucas’ more personal, introspective songs. Reviewers have compared the band to American Music Club, The Waterboys, and Lambchop. Lucas calls the group’s evolving sound, “country-ish alt-rock for people who like metal.”

As they did with their first two releases, the Married Men engaged Andy Gerber (Smoking Popes, The Tossers, The Effigies) to produce their new LP, Blood Half Moon (due June 5th), and recorded it in their native Chicago. But instead of working exclusively in Gerber’s Million Yen Studios, they laid down the bulk of the record at Steve Albini‘s Electrical Audio, bringing in engineer Greg Norman (Neurosis, Pinebender, Russian Circles) to assist. And, to infuse just the right amount of heaviness, they turned to metal guru Sanford Parker (Yakuza, Pelican, Bloodiest) to mix it.

Kevin Lee & The Kings recorded basic tracks for a new album at Rax Trax in Chicago with producer Todd Jones and engineer Rick Barnes.

Originally released in 1971, Poems, Prayers & Promises introduced John Denver‘s iconic songs, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Sunshine On My Shoulders.” It is now the third in a series of vinyl releases from Daytrotter, the only physical products in the site’s six-year history. Daytrotter is the popular website best known for their live sessions recorded at The Horseshack studio in downtown Rock Island.

The Poems, Prayers & Promises 40th Anniversary Edition will be released on April 3rd on limited-edition vinyl with new Daytrotter artwork by Johnnie Cluney. Digitally remastered from the original recordings, the album will also be available for download at digital retailers worldwide via Sony Legacy.

Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters, came onto the Chicago blues scene scene nearly five years ago. His closeness to his father in voice, appearance, and mannerisms are inmpressive. Severn Records released Son Of The Seventh Son, Morganfield’s first national release last month. The CD, produced by Bob Corritore, features a great backing band consisting of Rick Kreher, Billy Flynn, Barrelhouse Chuck, E.G. McDaniel, Kenny Smith, and Harmonica Hinds and Corritore switching off on the harmonica chores

Mat Lejeune just tracked at CRC’s newly renovated 5.1 mix suite Studio 12, with Damon Ranger, frontman of Blackbox . . . Lejeune entered the final stages of overdubbing at The I.V. Lab with Chicago mainstays Cyclesomething.

Hey Studiophiler: To get your studio or band listed in “Studiophile,” just e-mail info on who you’re recording or who’s recording you to ed [at] illinoisentertainer.com, subject Studiophile, or fax (773) 751-5051. We reserve the right to edit submissions for space. Deadline for May 2012 issue is April 15th. After you mail your taxes, send us your news. We need your news, you need us to print it.

Tags: Cyclesomething, Damon Ranger, Daytrotter, John Denver, Kevin Lee & The Kings, Local H, Mud Morganfield, Scott Lucas