Josh, Jack, & Eric

I can still remember the first time I walked through Studio C. It’s raw in nature, but instantly feels like home. Something like your grandmothers living room meets the shed in your backyard that you and your high school friends would smoke crappy pot in. Time slips away, and you surrender your senses to the art.

Many an artist have felt that vibration while working in Studio C. I’m sure the vibe has always been there, even when it was occupied by hens, but the man who really put his stamp on this space is Tom Waits. Studio C’s vibe is instantly audible on ‘Bone Machine,’ ‘Mule Variations,’ and the other records Tom recorded in his time here.
   
Seeking such vibe, Josh Klinghoffer of The Red Hot Chili Peppers gave Studio Manager, Eddy Strickler, a call. Josh had been working on a set of song ideas with Producer/Engineer Eric Palmquist, and the time had come to commit them to tape(well, Pro Tools to be exact). To add some rhythm to the songs, Josh enlisted the aid of legendary drummer Jack Irons, of Pearl Jam, and the original line up of The Red Hot Chili Peppers (Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade too!). 
   
The songs have an almost haunting quality, only deepened by Eric Palmquist’s use of The Prairie Room, and The Waits Room. Mostly written on piano, the record is a departure from Josh’s well known work with the Chili Peppers. Universal emotions of love, loss, lost love, uncertainty, and perseverance are intertwined with moving melody, and interesting rhythms.

You can hear excitement, and exploration in every song. Adding even more vibe, Josh rediscovered a long lost upright piano behind a baffle in Studio C originally brought by Tom for use on the ‘Mule Variations’ sessions. Our fearless Piano Tuner, Bob Stanley, worked magic, and brought it up to tune. Jack Irons brought a fully steel drum kit for use in heavier songs, and Josh brought his vintage Gretsch kit, along with lots of odd cymbals, and auxiliary drums.

​Other notable instruments on hand were a 1950’s Strat, Vintage Gold Top Les Paul, and a Fender Bass VI. We want to give a big shout out to our Staff Engineer, Nate Nauseda, who was on hand as 2nd engineer, helping to keep the vibe flowing, and the equipment running well. 
   
We can’t tell you when this, as of now, untitled record is coming out, but keep your ears to the ground for more news of Josh Klinghoffer. In the meantime check out this video interview we did with Josh.

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