Popular west coast sideman and in-demand session guitarist Alex Schultz has worked with the likes of William Clarke, Hank Ballard, and Rod Piazza. On this outing, Alex put together a “dream session” with old friends and band mates including Lynwood Slim, Finis Tasby, and Tad Robinson, who lend their vocals to such gems as Guitar Slim’s “Done Got Over It,” Jimmy McCracklin’s “Think,” and Chuck Willis’ “Be Good Be Gone.” Schultz describes Think About It as “a classic ‘uptown’ ensemble playing swinging tunes with a sophisticated sound.”
LINER NOTES
This recording is a labor of love; a culmination of two decades in the Blues world. I believe my own strengths lie as an ensemble player, so for me a solo project needed to be about an exceptional band —a classic “uptown” ensemble playing swinging tunes and highlighting some remarkable singers. I brought together the best musicians I’ve met in that time for a dream session in September 2001. After cutting the initial 10 tracks, it was brought to my attention that perhaps an Alex Schultz CD should have some guitar features on it — giving me room to stretch out. So, in May 2003 I gathered another all-star band to cut 3 original instrumentals live in the studio. That’s my idea here, not a typical “guitar-slinger” record by any means. Great singers, players, and songs—it’s a “concept album” I guess. Hope you dig it, and…. Think About It! — Alex Schultz
Thanks to: Danielle Benintendi, Egidio ‘Juke’ Ingala, Ambra & Ranjana, Michael Nyemetz, Michael & Andreas Arlt & the Blues Shacks, Detlev Hoegen at Crosscut, Fred Lani, Michael Kneule, Misjel Daniels at BRBF Peer, Espen Fjele at Notodden, Gerd & Gabi Huke, Dani Gugolz & the Blue Flagships, Raphael Wressnig, Freimuth Fischkal, Jurgen Magiera, Mike Kahrs B3 rentals, Steve Fazio at Vero Amps, Mark Baier at Victoria Amps, John Carruthers guitar repair, Ken Daniels, Paul Flynn, truetone Dave, Russ & Jr. at TrueTone Music, Neil Sexton at Trinidaddio, Steve Roberts & crew at Cafe Boogaloo, Dave Childs & crew at Liquid Kitty, Rod & Honey Piazza, Bill Stuve, Eddie Nichols & RCR, Jan Garfinkle, Derrick Snyder, Laura Price, Jake LaBotz, Mitch Kashmar, Dave MacKenzie & Adie Grey, Ken Faranda, Jay ‘bluejay’ Gordon, Scott Chayet, Ross Garnick, Bill Barnett, Bruce Morse, Mantz Family, Salzman Family, Golden Lotus C.M. & Familie Miram, Ben, for Robert Capa and René Magritte, Mom, and Daddio, for playing me ‘Solo Flight’.
Special thanks to: Alberto & Gio for their big ears, hard work and patience—grazie mille, buoni amici.
Thanks for inspiration on the instrument: David Maynard, Steve Samuels, David Bernstein, and George Barnes
In memory of: William Clarke, Lester Butler, Marco Fiume
MUSICIANS
Alex Schultz: Guitar
Larry Taylor: Bass (tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13)
Bill Stuve: Bass (tracks 4, 8 and 12)
Alberto Marsico: Hammond Organ (tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11)
Gio Rossi: Drums (tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13)
Daniel Glass: Drums (tracks 4, 8 and 12)
Carl Sonny Leyland: Piano (tracks 4, 8 and 12)
Mando Dorame: Tenor Sax (tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11)
Finis Tasby: Vocalist (1, 6, 9, 13)
Lynwood Slim: Vocalist (2, 5, 10)
Tad Robinson: Vocalist (3, 7, 11)
With Royal Crown Horns: Scott Steen (Trumpet- tracks 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10); Jim Jedeikin (Baritone Sax – tracks 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10); Mando Dorame (Tenor Sax – tracks 4, 8, 12); Scott Steen (Trumpet – tracks 4, 8, 12); Jim Jedeikin (Baritone and Alto Saxes – tracks 4, 8, 12)
CREDITS
Produced by Alex Schultz
Engineered by G. Preston Boebel
Recorded at Clearlake Audio, Burbank, CA
Mixed and Mastered by Joe Bellamy at Peace In The Valley, Arcadia, CA
Edits by G. Preston Boebel at Clearlake and Joe Bellamy at Peace In The Valley
Horn Arrangements by Mando Dorame (Courtesy Royal Crown Revue)
Rythym Arrangements by Alberto Marsico, Gio Rossi, Alex Schultz
All Photos by Bill Leigh Brewer
Except: Back Cover Photo and Collage by Rens Horn
Design by Al Brandtner, Brandtner Design, Chicago, IL