Production values undermine release

Page 10

Review

Pat Braden: Listen to your heart

Self-produced, 1994

In May, Pat Braden released his second solo recording ? on cassette. He plays an interesting and seldom-promoted instrument called a Chapman Stick. This extra-wide fret-board incorporates 10 strings of both the bass and regular guitar and is played by plucking, strumming or striking. It's not to be confused with a double-necked guitar. Depending on the equipment it's run through, it can sound like either a guitar or a synthesizer.

The title and opening song, Listen to your heart, was the track that disturbed me most. It was also his video release and has seen air play on the Indie segment of MuchMuchMusic. What troubled me about his floating melody is Braden's vocal part.

Is this an expression of pain or is it a struggle to stay in key? Reportedly, this is Braden's interpretation of sadness about the passing of a loved one. I've listened to the song six times. The message is fulfillment in the experience our oldest relations share with us, including after death through our memories, and all you have to do is, you know listen to your heard.

People of the Northland is layered over Native rhythms. Pauline Lamb performs the sweet siren lead vocals; beside them, Braden provides the spoken-word vocals. Nicely balanced and a good cut.

The first song that grabs my attention and feels alive is Shake up the status quo. Lively, jazzy and lightly rocking, it got me to turn-up the volume.

Braden is never guilty of being stuck in a groove. Each new song confirms what his biographical notes say. Braden has extensive music experience, including a number of blues groups and projects. This doesn't dominate his own compositions. The blues influence is there in some blues scales in some solos.

Side B starts with a reggae-based song called On my TV, which relates the view of the white world through images seen on television. Only seems like yesterday, is his most energetic song. It's mixed with jazz rock and a '70s influence similar to what came from Steve Winwood.

Winter Solstice is the tape's strongest cut. Braden comes across most confident in his vocals and the melody's execution. He has lived in Yellowknife for 29 years, so I'd guess Braden is well-qualified to express views on living in the winter dark. Made me glad I live closer to the 49th parallel.

The rest of this tape just passes by ? unremarkable with an instrumental finish in Winter's end. I find it easier to pinpoint what's wrong with this recording that what's right with it. Braden's musical performance leaves me the way the latest wave of "New Age Music" does; just more background for the dentist's office or a National Film Board feature.

The quality of the production is muddy. The quality of the tape reproduction leaves you experiencing drop-out and volume fluctuations. It's not enjoyable to listen to a tape that makes you wonder if your machine is becoming defective. Whatever virtues were executed in performance are bogged down in production limitations.

The lack of production quality is the part that hurts the most because I can't really find fault with the music. Braden's talent is not well captured. You can hear why he has inspired praise and recognition from many of his local peers and from within the industry, but this recording just covers it.

Fault can only be laid on Braden, as he takes credit for all the production and mixing. Perhaps he lost the sound due to a too-close involvement in the music. He should find a proven producer who can recognize a clean recording and not lose it in the mix; then maybe the Braden sound will fly.

The problem with Braden's vocals may not only be in the sound of the recording. I'd like to see him live, then I'd know fore sure. For now, all I have is the straining vocals on Listen to Your Heart.

You can find this tape in stores in western Canada or by writing to Box 33, Nelson, B.C. V1L 5P7.