Friday, 19 February 2021

'Rough & Ready' by Bandtraxs and The Trenton Independents


PRESS RELEASE
15th March 2021


'Rough & Ready' (Album)
Twelve badly written, produced, mixed and mastered instrumentals by Carl Dixon
 for Bandtraxs productions ℗2021

Performed by

BANDTRAXS & THE TRENTON INDEPENDENTS







Bandtraxs are delighted to release this terrible album showcasing twelve badly written, produced, mixed and mastered songs from the last twenty years never officially released before. 

These productions have a 60s Detroit and 70s Philly feel and utilise real drums on some tracks recorded in Philly for example. Elements on other tracks were recorded in Los Angeles, whilst others use 'The Drummers of Motown' on the rhythm tracks. All the other musical elements were produced in London, England.

In essence, these songs are now ready for vocals and a more fuller production in the future. This album is showcasing these songs and their potential with a view to exploiting them further.

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'Caesars Reply' was written around 2011/2012 and was originally called 'The night we called it a day', but a search proved there was another song already with this catchy title. Drums were done by Jeff Leonard at Bobby Eli's Studio E/The Grooveyard in Philadelphia.

'Stretchin' Out' commenced its first journey around 2000 with some Salsoul samples which were free with a magazine called 'Future Music'. They invited song writers to contribute a song using those samples in a competition they had organised. At that time there were simple lyrics/vocals, but not used here and doubt they ever will be again.This production does not have those samples. The drumming style is similar to that of Earl Young (TSOP, MFSB, The Trammps 1972/75) as indeed the MFSB musicians who are a massive influence.

'Teasing Georgia' a song written in 2014 with TSOP/MFSB in mind.

'Latte Straight' similarly to 'Caesars Reply' with drums recorded at the same session in Philly.

'Clearly' a song written in 2013 with TSOP/MFSB in mind.

'Boo' written specifically for Dennis Coffey around 2004. I had hoped he may use it for his live performances in Detroit. It wasn't his style he said :-) 

'Lover Unknown' was written for a UK female soul singer as a demo circa 2014. However, it never got as far as this version. It was just a few synth bars when conceived and was never sent to the singer. There are plans for a vocal and fuller production in the future.

'The Swing' and 'Flaming Pie' both written in 2004 as a TV theme and break bumper attempt for the Detroit 'Ryder Cup' golf tournament being covered by a UK satellite station in this territory. It never worked out because I was not a member of the PRS/PPL back then and knew nothing about the music business.

'Whether you like it' from 2004 was a vocal song idea for a late 60s non Detroit, maybe Chicago sounding number. There are some demo vocals that will never be released and it is something I may work on in the future.

'That creaky old chair' was an attempt in 2003 to create something 60s Detroit and specifically Ric Tic in sound. They were a competing label to Motown, but also had some of The Funk Brothers moonlighting there in the studio after their sessions 'up the road'.

'Dear Tammi' written circa 2000 as a tribute to Motown, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Part lyrics were published in 'My Sister Tommie - The Real Tammi Terrell' by Ludie Montgomery and Vickie Wright (Bank House Books 2005). The drums on here feature 'The Drummers of Motown'. There are scratch male vocals and are work in progress.

******

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Album Title: Rough & Ready
All songs written by: Carl Dixon (PRS/MCPS)
Artists: Bandtraxs & The Trenton Independents
 Label: Bandtraxs
ISRC number(s): GBXNE2000011/GBXNE2000024
UPC: 191061388777
Sleeve art: Michelle Dixon

This release: 15th March 2021
Recording locations: London/Philadelphia/LA


Caesar's Reply 
Bandtraxs
Drums: Jeff Leonard (Recorded at The Grooveyard/Studio E by Bobby Eli) USA
Guitar 1& 2: Studio Pros LA
Guitar 3: Carl Dixon
© 2012

Stretchin’ Out
Bandtraxs
Bass guitar: Studio Pros LA
Guitars: Carl Dixon UK
© 2001

Teasing Georgia
Bandtraxs
© 2014


Latte Straight
Bandtraxs
Drums: Jeff Leonard (Recorded at The Grooveyard/Studio E by Bobby Eli) USA
© 2013

Clearly
Bandtraxs
© 2013

Boo
The Trenton Independents
Drums: Drummers of Motown
© 2004

Lover Unknown
The Trenton Independents
© 2020

The Swing
Bandtraxs
Drums: The Drummers of Motown
Bass guitar: Carl Dixon UK
Guitars: Carl Dixon UK
© 2004

Whether You Like It
The Trenton Independents
© 2004

Flaming Pie
Bandtraxs
Drums: The Drummers of Motown
Bass guitar: Carl Dixon UK
Guitars: Carl Dixon UK
© 2004

That Creaky Old Chair
Bandtraxs
Drums: The Drummers of Motown
Bass guitar: Carl Dixon UK
Guitars: Carl Dixon UK
© 2003

Dear Tammi
The Trenton Independents
Drums: The Drummers of Motown
© 2000


Terribly written, produced, sequenced, mixed and mastered by Carl Dixon for Bandtraxs Productions

For more information about Bandtraxs releases please visit

© Bandtraxs/Carl Dixon 2021

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