Awesome Review!

This morning I received a review of Cathexis, due to appear in the next issue of Fireworks Magazine. The reviewer is Nicky Baldrian, proprietor of Two Side Moon music promotion. The review is quite complimentary. Here it is:


'Cathexis' is the breathtaking hugely enjoyable new thirteen track album from St. Louis based solo artist Greg Goldman. This album has all the fundamentals I like about classic acoustic retro/rock albums with a modern slant that strikes a chord with me for it's rich diversity, fun energy and passion.

A lot of care and attention has gone into the creation of 'Cathexis', especially with the production and it baffles me as to why artists like Greg Goldman are not huge. This record have all the hallmarks that fans of this genre love.

It's the music that counts and all tracks are varied and easily addictive numbers. Raging from the irresistible 'Recipe For Ruin' which is a jazzy retro fusion style number, the guitar work is out of this world and the whole vibe is brilliant, soaked in a sun kissed texture. 'Turn it Home' is very easy going, almost Americana in style coming across like the band America jamming with George Harrison. I really enjoyed this song and its one of those beauties that grows the more you listen, and listen you must, you need to drift along with this gorgeous baby, superb. 


'Done (Where I'll See)' is more upbeat and melodic. Once again Greg sprinkles his special ingredients all over this track. This has a fuzzy retro vibe with a little Nirvana influences coming through, but far from grunge, this is retro jazzy 70's rock baby built for summer festivals. 'All' is another catchy song drenched in keyboards and makes me think of The Spencer Davies Group and Joe Bonamassa. 'Centre Of The Universe' is very catchy, again retro in style, think Lenny Kravitz jamming maybe Oasis, great song, cool chorus and the one Greg should aim at radio if he gets the chance, love the whole build up of this song, it could even be progressive with a slight Wings feel. 


Musically it's all here, there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout 'Cathexis' and Greg's music makes you listen and smile, we couldn't ask for more really an this is one of those albums I can play forever and get lost in. Watch out for Greg Goldman, one to look out for in the future and a band who play with feeling and style, and that’s a rare thing.

I've been busy!

I've been busy in the studio and in my personal life lately. I'm expecting my first child in a matter of days (due date is January 11, 2012) and trying to get a few things wrapped up in the studio before he comes. It's all hustle and bustle around here lately!

I ended up recording four cover songs:

Souvenir (Tella)
Frame (John Daly)
The Voice (Andy Goodson)
Sun On Fire (David Michael Tafe)

There may be more coming, but I'm not sure when. Check out the results on my web page.

I've also spent the last few months attending to another project near and dear to my heart. I've completely remixed and remastered tracks from my 2002 two-volume set of albums, and am releasing it as a single, self-titled CD. Twelve of the best and most beloved songs from that era are included, plus two songs that were started for that project but never completed. Here is what I've written about this project in the liner notes:

In 2001 I began tracking for my third album. I was rather prolific at that time and had enough material for two full albums, so Greg Goldman Volume I and Greg Goldman Volume II were released as a set in 2002. My equipment was rather limited, and many of the tracks were recorded in suboptimal conditions. Especially disappointing was the sound quality of the drums, which were played brilliantly by Andy Goodson, Charlie Platt and Justin Howell, but recorded to two channels by necessity (rather than seven or more which is standard studio practice). I borrowed a keyboard for a hurried one-day marathon recording session because I did not have one of my own, nor money to rent one. Even the vocal mics were borrowed from a friend.

Ten years and two solo albums later, I work in much friendlier studio conditions (though still barbaric by most standards). I have much better sound editing and processing software, a decent MIDI controller, and drum replacement capabilities. With these advantages I dug out the old masters and set about completely reworking the mixes. I added and/or replaced keyboards and guitars, replaced drum hits (but kept the original tracks for cymbals and ambience), and in one case replaced a vocal track. I rebuilt the mixes from the ground up, spending time on every instrument until I was satisfied.

I also decided to separate the chaff from the wheat, as it were. I selected the twelve best and most beloved tracks for the re-release, in order to pare the sequence down to a single album. I also found, reworked and added two songs that were recorded in 2001 but not included in the original releases due to technical limitations. In my opinion these two previously unreleased songs fit beautifully with the rest of the material.

Cedar Studios has now been in existence for fourteen years, has been based in seven states, and has advanced light years from the 386 computer and Shure SM58 that once formed its basis. This remaster is evidence both of where Cedar Studios came from as well as where it is headed.


And here is the track list:

1. Fulfill the Prophet
2. Parenthetic Pearl
3. The Pride Piece
4. Pieces of Hurt
5. Calliope
6. Either Way it Works
7. Concession Stand
8. Come Down
9. I'm Not Gonna Sit Back
10. Really You
11. Nowhere
12. Big Big Lie
13. Bad Brakes
14. Different


Things sound so much better, and I'm really excited to put this new, improved version of my work out there. Release date any day now! I just need to receive and approve the demo copy.

Until next time,
GG

John Daly Cover

I am continuing my project to cover some of the great musicians I have the pleasure to count as close friends. This weekend I recorded a version of John Daly's song, Frame. Here is John's original version:

Frame (original)

And here is my version:


Frame (John Daly cover) by Greg Goldman

Next up: Andy Goodson. Stay tuned!

Tella Song: Completion

Well, after a thoroughly enjoyable recording process followed by an incredibly frustrating several-day argument with my computer, I have finished and mixed down my cover of Tella's song, "Souvenir." First listen to her version here.

Now, check out my version:

Souvenir (Tella cover) by Greg Goldman

Pretty fun, no? This was an awesome project. I think I'm going to do a whole bunch of covers now. I have so many talented friends, why on earth not?! I've already gotten permission from John Daly to cover one of his songs. It's on!

Operation "Cover Tella"

I have begun the awesome and humbling work of covering a Tella song. For those who don't know (and if you don't, you're probably not reading this anyway), Tella is the musical moniker for my good friend Brandi Parker. We played in Sigmund Blue together in college and have been big fans of each other's music since. Last year Sigmund Blue released a new album, giving us a chance to work together again. Then a few months ago Brandi floated the idea of covering some of my music, which of course thrilled and tickled me to the core. Well B, I'm beating you to it!

In the last day and a half I have managed to work out an arrangement of her song Souvenir, and I have recorded a few guitars, bass and drums so far. Brandi's music is so much about the mood it creates, the textures and aesthetics of the sound palette, and there is just no way to reproduce what she does. Luckily, I'm not trying to. I'm bringing a "Greg" mood to a Brandi composition, and so far the results are intriguing to say the least. The big question will be: can I pull off the vocals? I'm excited to find out.

When the track is done I'll post it to my website. If things go well, perhaps I'll look into covering another one of my fantastically talented friends.

Happy (belated) album release

As of May 1, the new album, Cathexis, is out and available for purchase. Reviews have been positive, and for my part (no pun intended) I think it holds up well. The easiest way to listen and/or buy is to go to greggoldmanmusic.com. Or you can go to iTunes and search for Cathexis or Greg Goldman. Physical CDs can be ordered from greggoldmanmusic.com as well; just click on the link at the Cathexis page (under Albums).

What's next? Not sure. But I'll tell you one thing: the itch has started already. That didn't take long!

Stay tuned.

Tracking complete!

Tonight was the final recording session for my new album, Cathexis. The last three parts (two keyboard tracks and a tambourine) were laid onto "Done (Where I'll Be)" and the song was mixed down. I've been driving around with rough mixes on my iPod, making notes for little changes to make in the mixes. Soon comes mastering, and then, friends, it's time for release.

My old friend from the Somah days, Jenny Sarrat, graciously allowed me to use a photograph she took as the album cover. More artwork needs to be whipped up for the insert, back cover, etc.

I anticipate the album should be out by May 1 if not sooner. I can't tell you how excited I am! To my ears, this is some of my best work. Time will tell if it can top my current favorite, For My Part.

I'm considering a free download, but we'll see. I've to pay for some of my new studio toys somehow! Oh yeah - you haven't seen them yet. Pictures to come!