From the category archives:

Music Photos and Stories

|| New Film: “Weird Al” Meets Mr. Bonzai ||

by MrBonzai on August 2, 2009

THIS JUST IN: new “Internet Leak” from Al, a White Stripes spoof called CNR: http://tinyurl.com/kno97q

Coinciding with my interview with “Weird Al” Yankovic appearing in RELIX magazine, now on the newstands, I have just posted my new BonzFire Film of the conversation (scroll down for the links).   Here is an excerpt from the text interview:

There is a great tradition of musical parody in the history of American culture.  Such stars as Spike Jones and Stan Freberg achieved huge success through their talent for mocking the classic pop songs of the day.  “Weird Al” Yankovic is today’s reigning king of pop parody, gifted as a comedian, recording artist, concert performer and video director.
weirdal_14web

In the summer of 2009, Al decided to release four new songs individually as singles on June 16, July 14, August 4 and August 25.  These four and others will be included on his next album, slated to be released in 2010.  It was during the recording of these “singles” that we met up with Al at Westlake Recording Studios, and then again at Bernie Grundman Mastering.

BONZAI: These days are you recording analog or digital?
YANKOVIC: Now I am recording full digital.  For a long time I was deferring to the audiophiles who said there was something about analog tape.  There probably is, but I can’t hear it.  Most people today listen to crunchy MP3s or YouTube versions of songs and seem to be more inclined to getting music that is convenient as opposed to sonically superior.  But having said that, I just enjoy working with digital more.  It’s more convenient, more flexible.  I do not miss the tape.

Click to view the filmed interview in HD on YouTube and at MIX magazine.

To view more of the text interview, visit my Berklee College of Music Blog.

Read my interview with Al in Relix Magazine:  WeirdAl_MrB_RELIX

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|| Spinal Tap: LIVE & Back From the Dead! ||

June 28, 2009 BonzFire Films

During this 25th Anniversary of the film and album This is Spinal Tap, the band has reunited to set the record straight, once and for all.  What a stupendous relief for the countless fans who empathized with Tap’s well-documented fall from grace and money.  All of the original album has been re-recorded along with much [...]

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|| Ross Hogarth “Delivering that Analog Sound in a Digital World” ||

May 31, 2009 Music Photos and Stories

I’ve seen Ross Hogarth at work many times and he is not only smart, he’s got a lot of heart.  He creates a roomful of comfort, with special considerations for each of the musicians.  It’s a pleasure you can feel in the music he’s recorded with artists such as REM, Ziggy Marley, Keb Mo, Jewel, [...]

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BORN TO BE WEIRD

April 26, 2009 Music Photos and Stories

Last Friday, we visited “Weird Al” Yankovic in the studio.  Al’s most recent parody is “Whatever You Like,” which can be downloaded from various music services by going to the offiical Yankovic website. Just click on his site to the right in my “Friends” category.  This tune is from Al’s forthcoming album, and he is [...]

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Jim Scott “Engineering Success” — Got MUSIC SMARTS?

March 8, 2009 Music Photos and Stories

Ace recording engineer/mixer Jim Scott may be one of the best examples of a disappearing breed.  He started his career in the analog days as a gofer at Record Plant LA and worked his way up through the traditional tiers from janitor to assistant engineer, and eventually “super-assistant.”  His first gig as a fledgling solo [...]

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Join Jack Johnson in the studio with Mr. Bonzai

February 7, 2009 Music Photos and Stories

The Surfer’s Path   surfers_path_jack-johnson1
Mix magazine    jack-johnson-instudio1
SchoolJam auf Deutsch   jack_johnson_mrb_german1

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Ozomatli: Don’t Mess with the Dragon!

February 5, 2009 Music Photos and Stories

Ozomatli is a celebration waiting to happen – a fiery brew of jazz-funk, Latin salsa, and urban hip-hop. Basic tracks for their album, “Don’t Mess With the Dragon,” were recorded in Ocean Way’s Studio B with engineer Robert Carranza and KC Porter, who wrote and co-produced with the band. The project was completed at KC [...]

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