Haines Logo Text
Column Archive
October 17, 2009:

A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN

Bruce Kimmel Photograph bk's notes

Well, dear readers, I have to tell you that heaven, for me, is being in the studio with a good singer. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, heaven, for me, is being in the studio with a good singer. Such was the case yesterday, when we recorded Niki Scalera doing the Rosie songs from Nudie Musical. Not only is Niki a terrific actress and comedienne, and not only did she get all her laughs in the staged reading, but her delivery of the Rosie songs (none of which are in the film) were a constant delight. And so it was yesterday – she basically did a run with the track so she could get used to my very odd piano playing, and then she basically nailed each song in one take, with only a couple of “punches” to fix rhythm things. Her singing of Rosie’s ballad Simply is simply divoon – so simple and heartfelt. And we kept putting her in more numbers after hearing her sing. Niki is a keeper because not only is she wonderful in all the departments listed above, she’s also a genuinely nice gal with a genuinely positive personality and she’s just a pleasure to be around. I’d work with her anytime, anywhere. There, I’ve said it and I’m glad. The session got off to a rough start because Grant couldn’t get the files to open on the computer. Once he goes into “I don’t know why I can’t get them open” mode it’s best to just leave him on his own because he always figures it out. So, Niki and I toddled off to Mel’s Diner and had sandwiches. By the time we got back everything was working fine. And we got all the songs done and only ran about fifteen minutes later than we were supposed to. After the session, I went to the post office to ship one overseas package. The wait was really long, because heaven forbid anyone should actually know what they want before getting up to the window and heaven forbid they should actually be prepared. I, of course, was prepared – well, I wasn’t prepared for what happened at the window. Normally, I plop the overseas priority box on the counter and hand them the filled-out customs form. They weigh the package, put that information on the slip and then put the slip in a plastic pouch and that’s it. Only that wasn’t it because once again the post office has come up with a new rule and one that’s guaranteed to annoy everyone, including the postal workers, and to slow things down even more. So now the postal person has to enter all the information on the slip into the computer – this new rule went into effect this week. How bloody stupid are the people who keep coming up with these new insufferable rules? And then, of course, the reason gets stated: “You know, if you do this online and then print out the form all we have to do is scan it in.” Of course – put it on the consumer because, you know, the rates being hiked every six months doesn’t mean that service improves. Just make it so the consumer, so sick of the wait and the time at the postal office, will do all the work him/herself. Another fine instance of our dollars at work. After that, I went to the mail place to find no mail and, more importantly, no packages. Yes, Virginia, you got that right – no packages. One package, which I desperately need for the upcoming Kritzerland Holy Grail release was sent on the 9th. The last time that company sent me something it arrived in two days. Personally, I think it’s there and I will say as much this very day. After that I came home and decided to do the long jog, which was very difficult and very pathetic, not necessarily in that order. I did have one fun thing happen on the jog – at the halfway point I jogged by a fellow talking on his cell phone in front of his apartment building – he looked at me and shouted out, “Nice to see you, Mr. Kimmel.” I turned around to say thanks, and he continued, “I’ve enjoyed your work.” I said a happy thank you and continued on. Of course, the ninety-five degree weather wasn’t making the four-mile jog any easier. I did finish it and then I just had to sit on my couch like so much fish, catching my breath.

After that, I took a shower and then headed over to the Gardenia to see and hear an evening of songs by the composer and lyricist of the long musical. I saw lots of folks I know, had a nice, light dinner consisting only of two calorie-friendly appetizers (a shrimp cocktail and prosciutto and melon) and a teeny-tiny salad with Eyetalian dressing. I had nice chats with the likes of my pal Barbara Deutsch, Andrea Marcovicci, our very own Jason Graae (we’ll be having lunch this week), and I met several people I didn’t know. The show was fun, and Jason and Andrea both sang. I was introduced (as the director of the long musical, which they sang five songs from), and even my close personal friend Mr. Guy Haines got a callout when the composer of the long musical was introducing his song The Sweetest of Days and Finest Of Nights, which, of course, Mr. Haines recorded.

I hung around for a while after the show, and then toddled back to the home environment. Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because it’s ever so late and I look like I’m 103 years old and I really need my beauty sleep.

Today, I shall try to be up by nine to do the long jog, which will hopefully be a little less difficult. Then I have a work session with the composer of the long musical. That will probably last a couple of hours, then I have errands and whatnot to attend to, and then I do the nice, long drive to Thousand Oaks to see our very own Miss Alet Taylor and Mr. Barry Pearl have their way with Guys and Dolls. We’ll be supping before the show at the California Pizza Kitchen, which is apparently located next to the theater. I’m looking forward to seeing the show.

Tomorrow, I may or may not be taping a radio show with our very own Mr. Donald Feltham. We shall see. Otherwise, I’m not doing a damn thing, other than finishing my second set of liner notes. I shall, of course, watch the latest Mad Men, and hopefully catch up on my Blu and Ray viewing.

Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do the long jog, have a work session, do errands and whatnot, sup, and then see Guys and Dolls. Here’s a bit of useless trivia – did you know that the original plan for the first Guy Haines solo album was to do a duets album with Guy and all my stable of girl singers, to be called Guy and Dolls? Today’s topic of discussion: If you could take our patented haineshisway.com Time Machine back and attend any recording session in history with either a male of female singer, which singer would it be and why, and which album would it entail? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland.

Search BK's Notes Archive:
 
© 2001 - 2024 by Bruce Kimmel. All Rights Reserved