Bandtraxs

Thursday 9 November 2023

'Walk Away The Winner'/CDO - Nov 2023 Demo 70s 'Sounds Like Vinyl' Mix 8

I am working on this update of my 'Walk Away The Winner', a mid 70s east coast sounding instrumental. This is the latest version on YouTube👇 Just click the image to play and get dancing!

Music Publishers/Labels

This song/audio does NOT contain the 1974 'TSOP' (MFSB) song melody, any Salsoul drum samples or include any Philly musicians on the recording.

Philly/Funky/Disco fans in Italy (Bologna) This composition is from 2009 (and some elements of the 2009/2013 demo versions/release) and not 1975. The official released (x 2) version was 2013. Any Italian '1975 mix' tapes that contain this song features one of my 2009 demos which is currently not posted anywhere or available. All versions may sound a little 'Philly' here and there, but are not. That was/is my intention. There is a sample hi hat figure a number of times in these productions which was only recorded in 1999. It is on every demo and released version that has been available. So the demo that is spuriously on the 1975 mix tape contains a drum sample only recorded in 1999. Go figure!

BOBBY ELI R.I.P. - MFSB, TSOP, Salsoul Orchestra

This song/production (version), when/if released will be dedicated to my Philly friend Bobby Eli who recently passed away. We co wrote (along with Chiquita Green) and produced 'Soul Recession'/Double Exposure & 'There I go falling in love again'/Chiquita Green. He, along with all the MFSB, Salsoul, TSOP, PhillyGroove musicians, writers, producers etc inspired me and gave me hope for my music. I thank them all.

SALSOUL RECORDS

Demo 22 of 'WATW' from 2009 contains 2 Salsoul samples and I have decided not pursue clearance of these. I hoped it would be easy and would release it with the 2023 makeover of the song on an album I am working on (play this for latest version). It's a complicated procedure and will be expensive. Therefore I'll concentrate on updating the song, adding better guitar work, writing lyrics and recording a vocal. If that works, I'll release it. If not, back on the shelf so I can concentrate on another project. The updated version will contain elements from that 2009 demo 😊

WRITTEN & PRODUCED IN ENGLAND

Not Philly, not Detroit, not the USA, but London & MediaCityUK

++ NOT for airplay - thank you ++

Stay tuned for 'Sounds Like Vinyl' Mix 9

Wednesday 8 November 2023

'He's Always Mad About Something' by The Formellas

PRESS RELEASE

NOW AVAILABLE 2023

(official release date 2nd April 2023)
‘He’s Always Mad About Something’

Bandtraxs (PPL) ℗ 2023

performed by
THE FORMELLAS

Can be purchased from Amazon, iTunes etc and streamed via all leading digital services

LISTEN HERE

Bandtraxs are delighted to release 'He's always mad about something' performed this time by The Formellas. This is a throwback to a mid 1970s east coast disco style production which may have emanated from the likes of Philly & New York. The recording process is over, the mix/masters are complete for an official release on the 2nd April 2023. The original version was by The Delgonives released in 2017.

The drums were recorded in Detroit, the guitars, bass and horns all recorded in Nashville. Thank you to Drew, Sam, Gary, Mark, Roy and Mike as usual. The track listing looks like this:

He’s always mad about something (Vocal Radio Mix) GBXNE2200001 3:31
He’s always mad about something (Instrumental Radio Mix) GBXNE2200002 3:30
He’s always mad about something (Extended Vocal Mix) GBXNE2200003 4:34
He’s always mad about something (Extended Instrumental Mix) GBXNE2200004 4:32
He’s always mad about something (Trombone Vocal Mix) GBXNE2200005 3:31
He’s always mad about something (Mono Vocal Mix) GBXNE2200006 3:31
He’s always mad about something (Sounds Like 70s Vinyl Mix) GBXNE2200007 3:31
He's always mad about something (Vocal Deluxe Mix) GBXNE2200008 3:31

A number of mixes exist which may appeal to Music Supervisors for their programming/production needs and those who may just like instrumentals or alternative versions. This release includes a first 'Vocal Deluxe' version and features an octave difference on some of the strings, a male background vocal in addition to the female ones and a glockenspiel punctuating the strings in places. The 'Trombone' mix changes the last chorus by removing the lead vocal and only using the solo ad lib which is on all the other vocal versions with the chorus. In addition there is extra trombone in that same segment which makes it uniquely different compared to the other vocal versions. I have had some positive feedback regarding previous 'Sounds like vinyl' mixes which has encouraged me to make available on this release too. Dust, warp, hum, noise can be added digitally and here with a view to replicate a mid 70s stereo 45 rpm vinyl record.

Title: He's always mad about something

Writer: Carl Dixon

Published by: Carl Dixon (PRS/MCPS)

Artist: The Formellas

Label: Bandtraxs (PPL)

ISRC number: GBXNE2200001 to GBXNE2200008

UPC: 198004307048

This release: 2nd April 2023

Recording location: London/Nashville/Detroit/Salford

Drums: Drew Shultz

Baritone, alto & tenor sax: Sam Levine

Trombone: Roy Agee

Trumpet: Mike Haynes

Guitar: Mark Baldwin

Bass guitar: Gary Lunn

Keyboards/tambourine: Carl Dixon

Drew Schulz

https://drew-music.com/

Sam Levine

http://samlevinemusic.com/

Gary Lunn

https://www.facebook.com/garylunnbass

Mark Baldwin

https://markbaldwinguitar.com/about/

Mike Haynes

https://www.facebook.com/mike.haynes.5494

Roy Agee

https://www.instagram.com/royageemusic/

Written, produced, mixed and mastered by Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

For more information about other Bandtraxs releases please visit

www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com

Tuesday 7 November 2023

'A little of the big stuff' by The Formellas

PRESS RELEASE

'A Little of the Big Stuff'

Performed by

THE FORMELLAS
Written by: Carl Dixon
Published by: Carl Dixon (PRS) © 2011 (℗2017

The official release date is the 1^st June 2017 and can be purchased from, Amazon, iTunes and all leading streaming services.

Listen here on YouTube

If you enjoy retro sounding mid 1970s soul, this new album release features no less than fourteen mixes to capture the spirit of disco music prevalent around that time. These productions have been carefully crafted with respect to a period that gave us the likes of Love Unlimited, The Three Degrees, The Sound of Philadelphia, The Salsoul Orchestra and MFSB. The instrumentation remains faithful to a more traditional style of arrangement from the days when sequencing and midi did not exist. Although using modern techniques to record these tracks, the essence of the music here still sounds organic and collaborative. The main influences for this music are the 1970s and particularly the Philly Sound. Nobody will ever recreate that music successfully without the musicians who made it and arrangers that so eloquently added their input to the songs in the first place. The likes of Bobby Eli, Earl Young, Vince Montana, T G Conway, Jimmie Williams, Phil Hurtt, Tony Bell, Larry Washington, Ronnie Baker, Norman Harris, Thom Bell, Richard Rome and Bobby Martin are a few names that come to mind, but there are so many other individuals responsible for that sound too numerous to mention. The writers, producers, musicians, arrangers and artists are greatly appreciated and are celebrated here with efforts to write and produce similarly.

This song was originally an instrumental released on the Bandtraxs album named 'Make five' and was merely a notion that one day lyrics would be written and vocals added. These are the fruits of that idea with studio recorded drums, horns, guitars and bass guitar. Studio pro’s in LA provided the horn and the female vocal tracks with LaTisha on lead and b/v's, whilst Bobby Eli recorded Jeff Leonard on drums in his ‘The Grooveyard’ studio in Philly on the main tracks of this album. From a trivia point of view, the Loft mixes are specifically with early looped drums I was experimenting with before I commissioned Philly studio drums. These are real drums professionally recorded for producers to use with their productions whether demos or commercial releases, but I wanted a real Philly groove on this hence Jeff Leonard's contribution. The Moss mixes are the original London drums by Simon Moss from the instrumental version of ALOTBS off the 'Make Five' album released previously, except this time accompanied by vocals and other instruments not recorded previously. Simon was the drummer with Manchester 80s group 'The Clouds'. The bass guitar by Gavin Morris is on all versions, also from Manchester.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Title: A little of the big stuff

Writers: Carl Dixon (PRS)

Artist: The Formellas

Label: Bandtraxs

Production: Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

ISRC number: GBXNE1700031 to GBXNE1700044

This album version release: 1st April 2017

Recording location: Philadelphia, LA, Nashville and London

Original song incarnation 2011 and released on the album ‘Make five’ by Bandtraxs

For more information about the track please visit www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com

Artists and session musicians on ‘A little of the big stuff’:

Lead Vocals:

LaTisha (Studio Pros, Los Angeles)

Backing vocals

LaTisha (Studio Pros, Los Angeles)

Carl Dixon (London)

Musicians

Drums 1: Jeff Leonard, The Grooveyard, Philadelphia. Thanks to Bobby Eli.

Drums 2: Loopmaster

Drums 3: Simon Moss, London

Guitar 1: Mark Baldwin, Nashville

Guitar 2: Carl Dixon, London

Bass guitar: Gavin Morris, Manchester

Horns: Studio Pros, Los Angeles

Keys/percussion: Carl Dixon

A little of the big stuff (vocal Radio Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Radio Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Extended Vocal Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Extended Instrumental Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Vocal Loft Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Loft Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Vocal Moss Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Moss Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Vocal Middle Eight Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Middle Eight Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Organ Mix)

A little of the bif stuff (Instrumental El Piano Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Vibe Mix)

A little of the big stuff (Instrumental Sweet Mix)

Written, produced, mixed and mastered by

Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

Monday 6 November 2023

Detroit Session Pomo 2008

This short promo showcases the talent used to create some great Detroit music in March this year (2008). Retro in style, the songs feature great musicianship and performances from all concerned including the legendary Dennis Coffey, who produced the session and the singing talent which featured Spyder Turner and Pree. This proves without a doubt great sounding soul can still be recorded in the city in this day and age.

The arrangements were by David J. Van De Pitte (Motown/MarvinGaye 'What's Goin' On', solo Sax by George Katsakis of The Royaltones fame and Gil Bridges from Rare Earth. Drums by Uriel Jones and Spider Webb, Percussion by Denis Sheridan and Larry Fratangelo, Vibes by Rob Pipho, Guitars by Dennis Coffey, Ray Monette, Bass guitar by Bob Babbit and the Steinway Grand featured Robert Jones.

See further down this blog for full versions of those recordings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKuRfjNmY-E

Sunday 5 November 2023

'Suddenly There's You' by Pree (Original 2008 Studio Mix)

PRESS RELEASE

‘Suddenly There's You’

(original full studio mix)

CHD Publishing (PRS, MCPS) ℗2020 Bandtraxs/Carl Dixon

Performed by

PREE

Listen to the full studio mix here

The unmistakable voice of Pree who performs "Suddenly there’s you” a rhythmic piece of danceable soul with overtones from the 1960’s. The original song concept was written in London 2003 and made its final journey to Detroit, Michigan for completion in 2008. Dennis Coffey and Carl Dixon produced the track for Bandtraxs Productions at ‘Studio A’, Dearborn Heights, Detroit. The arrangement was by the renowned David J. Van De Pitte and in addition the track features some legendary session musicians from the heart and soul of the city. Pree played an important role in providing her vocal and song arranging talents to make this project work as well as being a co-writer of the song.

This release features the original full length studio vocal and instrumental versions which have never been available before and in addition, three original demos that helped pave the way for this being ultimately being recorded in Detroit. The 2003 and 2006 demos were first aired by UK soul connoisseur DJ Harry Grundy in 2006 giving credence to the song and his conviction meant a studio booking for real two years later to record the song. The official digital release for the shorter version was 2009 and in addition, 45 rpm 7” vinyl pressings were commissioned later utilising the same shorter mix.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Title: Suddenly there’s you (short/full studio versions)
Writers: Carl Dixon (PRS)/Pree (ASCAP)
Artist: Pree
Label: Bandtraxs
Production: Dennis Coffey & Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions
Artwork: Michelle Melkman
Studio Sleeve Art Photo: Johnnie Sue Bridges
ISRC number: GBXNE2000001/2/3/4/5
This release: 15th June 2020
Original song incarnation: 2nd March 2003 (first demo version)
Recording location: Studio A, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, March 2008
Demo recording locations: London 2003/6
For more information about the track please visit www.bandtraxs.com

Artists and session musicians on ‘Suddenly there’s you’ - studio version
Lead Vocals: Pree
Backing vocals: Spyder Turner, Gayle Butts, Pree
Drums 1: Uriel Jones
Drums 2: Spider Webb
Percussion 1: Dennis Sheridan
Percussion 2: Larry Frantangelo
Guitar 1: Dennis Coffey
Guitar 2: Ray Monette
Bass guitar: Bob Babbitt
Steinway Grand Piano: Robert Jones
Horns 1 Trumpet: John Trudell
Horns 2 Trumpet: David Jennings
Horns 3 Trombone: Edward Gooch
Horns 4 Tenor sax: George Benson
Horns 5 Baritone sax: Mark Berger
Vibraphones: Rob Pipho
Arranger & Studio Conductor: David J. Van De Pitte
Produced by
Dennis Coffey & Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions
Recording location Studio A Recordings Inc
5619 North Beech Daly
Dearborn Heights
Michigan 48127-3927
Engineered and mixed by Todd Fairall
Assistant engineer Jezreel Santos
Mastered by Eric Morgeson
Demos written, produced, mixed and mastered by Carl Dixon in London between 2003 and 2006
Musicians on London/England demo versions
Guitar, bass guitar, keys: Carl Dixon
Drums Uriel Jones and Pistol Allen from 'The Drummers of Motown' collection painstakingly sequenced and edited by Carl Dixon

© Carl Dixon 2020

Saturday 4 November 2023

'Tell Me (Crying Over You)' by Spyder Turner

PRESS RELEASE

'Tell Me (Crying Over You)'
Performed By

SPYDER TURNER
(Carl Dixon/Spyder Turner)

Listen here on YouTube

The unmistakable vocals of Spyder Turner who performs "Tell me (crying over you)” a rhythmic piece of danceable soul with overtones from 1960’s. The original song concept was written in London, October 2004 and made its final journey to Detroit, Michigan for completion last year. Dennis Coffey and Carl Dixon produced the track for ‘Bandtraxs Productions’ at ‘Studio A’, Dearborn Heights, Detroit. The arrangement was by the renowned David J. Van De Pitte and in addition the track features some legendary session musicians from the heart and soul of the city (see list). Dennis Coffey provides the outstanding guitar solo which uplifts the song to another level. Spyder Turner played an important role in providing his vocal and song arranging talents to make this project work as well as being a co writer of the song.

The official digital release date was the 1st July 2009 and the track can be purchased from Amazon.com/co.uk and iTunes. In addition, the 45 rpm 7” vinyl pressings are now available from selected bespoke high street record stores.

Title: Tell me (crying over you)

Writers: Carl Dixon (PRS)/Spyder Turner (BMI)
Artist: Spyder Turner
Label: Bandtraxs
Catalogue number: MFM002
Production: Dennis Coffey & Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

ISRC number: GBXNE0800007
UPC: 859701891017
This release: 1st July 2009
Original incarnation: 21st October 2004 (first demo in London)
Recording location: Studio A, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, March 2008

For more information:

Artists and Session Musicians

Lead Vocals

Spyder Turner

Backing vocals

Spyder Turner, Gayle Butts, Pree

Musicians

Drums 1 Uriel Jones
Drums 2 Spider Webb
Percussion 1 Dennis Sheridan
Percussion 2 Larry Frantangelo
Guitar 1 & guitar solo Dennis Coffey
Guitar 2 Ray Monette
Bass guitar Bob Babbitt
Steinway Grand Piano Robert Jones
Horns 1 Trumpet John Trudell
Horns 2 Trumpet David Jennings
Horns 3 Trombone Edward Gooch
Horns 4 Tenor sax George Benson
Horns 5 Baritone sax Mark Burger
Vibraphones Rob Pipho

Arranger

David J. Van De Pitte

Produced by

Dennis Coffey & Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

For more information about Bandtraxs releases please visit

www.bandtraxs.com or contact carl@bandtraxs.com

Tuesday 26 July 2022

'Blame' by The Delgonives

PRESS RELEASE

11th MARCH 2022

‘Blame’

℗ 2022

Performed by

THE DELGONIVES

Listen here on YouTube

Bandtraxs are delighted to release 'Blame' performed by 'The Delgonives' written during a song writing retreat in 2014 at the Monnow Valley recording studio, Monmouth, Wales. This is the fruit of that labour after the three of us, myself, Steve McCarthy-Hunt and Sean O' Connell walked into the studio control room with just a guitar, pen & paper and an iPad with GarageBand, plus we had never met or collaborated together previously. The remit was simple: write a song together, so we did.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Title: Blame

Written by: Carl Dixon, Sean O’ Connell, Steve McCarthy-Hunt

Artist: The Delgonives

Label: Bandtraxs

ISRC numbers: GBXNE2000031 to GBXNE2000037

UPC:191924033004

Sleeve art: Michelle Dixon

This release: 11th March 2022

Recording location: London/Salford/Nashville/Detroit

Drums/Percussion: Drew Schultz (Detroit)

Baritone and tenor sax: Sam Levine (Nashville)

Trombone: Roy Agee (Nashville)

Trumpet: Mike Haynes (Nashville)

Guitar: Mark Baldwin (Nashville)

Bass guitar: Gary Lunn (Nashville)

Keyboards: Carl Dixon (London)

Harmonica: Alan Jones (The Piccadilly Rats -Salford)

That tinkly piano idea: Simon Moss (The Clouds - Manchester)

Listen to 'Blame'👇

'Blame' on YouTube

'Blame' on Spotify

Thanks to all the musicians Stateside mentioned above.

Big thanks for Sean and Steve for making it easy to come up with something from scratch like this. It's a great story and maybe one day we'll be able to it tell together somewhere.

Thanks to Rita Campbell of BASCA (at that time) who organised the song writing retreat in 2014 at Monnow Valley and sent us in to the control room to collaborate.

Thanks to Simon Moss who has always been one of the best sounding boards for anything musically I create. His attention to detail and knowledge is unrivalled especially as being the drummer from the 90s Manchester band 'The Clouds'.

Thanks also to Alan Jones of 'The Piccadilly Rats' for listening to the recording demos in its early days of production in MediaCityUK/Salford. It took a while to realise that some harmonica on the track would be special, which he kindly did.

Big thanks to Michelle Dixon for the excellent sleeve art completed well before I needed it. The photo is of the River Humber facing south from North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, England. Photo © Carl Dixon

1) Blame - vocal radio mix

2) Blame - instrumental mix

3) Blame - vocal guitar mix

4) Blame - vocal hornless mix

5) Blame - saxophone inst mix

6) Blame - Mono vocal mix

7) Blame - Sounds like 60s mono vinyl

Monnow Valley Residential Recording Studio & Rehearsal Facility

http://www.monnowvalleystudio.com

Drew Schulz

https://drew-music.com/

Sam Levine