LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Music to My Ears |
by Jeffrey Newman |
Dan Chadburn, Solo Piano, DC Recordings Have you ever bought one of those new age, piano CDs that when you put it on, dim the lights and close your eyes takes you to a calm, remote place in your mind, where your body shuts down and you lie in a state of relaxation and trance? Such is the result of the unique, gorgeous piano music of Dan Chadburn, on his debut recording. The openly gay artist has crafted a collection of piano solos that rivals well- known and established artists found on such labels as Windham Hill and Private Music. Chadburn brings forth a quality similar to David Lanz, without seeming like a copy cat imitation. You can hear the influence of classical music in his self-composed songs, notably that of J.S. Bach, as he fuses elements of the classics into his own unique compositions. Whats even more unusual, is that seven of the 13 pieces on the disc were the result of improvisation sessions over a years time. Four others were composed and recorded simultaneously in the sound studio in single takes. This all makes for a real time, live listening experience and an even greater appreciation of Chadburns gifted ability to compose and perform. Chadburns original and refreshing approach to piano music separates him from his peers, as he brings forth a less predictable style and creates an aural journey filled with vivid colors and soft, soothing textures. Ethereal and mystical at times, this is a brilliant and inspiring debut from a newcomer who deserves major label attention in a genre that is too-often overlooked and ignored by the masses who seek out the Yannis of the world to fill this craving. The few lucky ones who discover a talent like Chadburn, whose music evokes emotion through its passionate and melodic sounds, get a rich, full and deep musical experience. In Rehoboth, the CD is available at Abizaks, Earthly Wonders, Lambda Rising, and Music For A Song, or from his website at http://www.DANCHADBURN.iuma.com. Garage Records For Mel Cheren, buying back West End Records, the New York indie label hegave up control of nearly 14 years ago, is a coming home of sorts. One of the early pioneers of the 12-inch record, Cheren, known as the Godfather of disco, has been away from the scene for a long time, but is coming back with not one, but three record labels. "I take my role as the Godfather of Disco very seriously. I know I still have a lot to offer, which is why I have come backespecially in light of the resurgence of dance music into popular culture," he says. "What I have set out to do with these labels is to use my experience and resources to further the development of the genre, and at the same time, help those people in need." The 65-year old Cheren is CEO of Payback Records. With partner Kenny Nix, president of Payback, Cheren has created two new dance labels, Garage Records, named after the former Chelsea disco owned by Cheren in the Studio 54 era, and Payback Records, in addition to revitalizing West End Records. Nix and Cheren, inspired by Paul Newman, whose companies donate all proceeds to needy causes, created the new labels in an effort to create music with a true purpose. All proceeds, less taxes and expenses, will be donated to charity. "What is most important to me, is that I continue creating music with a purpose and allow it to serve as a model, so that others may do the same," he says. Cheren got his start in the music business in 1959 with the now-defunct ABC Records and eventually become the head of its production department. When the company decided to move the operation to Los Angeles, Cheren left his post and in 1970 landed the position of head of production for Scepter Records. He worked there until it shut its doors in 1976, at which time he started West End. One of West Ends first signings was with Karen Young, whose "Hot Shot" single sold 800,000 copies and became one of the biggest selling 12" in record history. The label went on to have other smash hits with The Bombers "Get Dancin," and Taana Gardners "Work That Body" and "Heartbeat." "There was no disco when I stared West End. It was called danceable R&B," recalls Cheren, who in 1982 was dubbed the Godfather of Disco by then industry bible Dance Music Report, and who started the first record pool. "I knew people into dance music. I was the one who talked Scepter records into putting the first instrumental mix on B-side," he adds, referring to "Were on the Right Track" by Ultra High Frequency. "It was unheard of. We thought we would insult people, but we didnt. We released one track. It took off. All the DJs were playing it. We ended up winning the Trendsetter award from Billboard Magazine for 1974/1975." Cheren met Nix in 1979, when as Taana Gardners manager, Nix signed her to West End Records. Nix then went on to produce many of the labels mega-hits such as "Heart Beat," which Ini Kamoze later sampled for his top selling, "Here Comes the Hot Stepper." In 1981, Nix left West End Records to join the production department at Atlantic Records where he wrote and produced for the artist Gwen McCrae. After a brief time out of the music industry, Nix became involved in the worlds of publishing and film. It was his discovery of R&B ingenue Shakeema, though, that brought Nix back into touch with Cheren in 1997. Later that year, when Cheren formed Payback Industries, he named Nix President of the corporation, and each of its labels. Nix is also currently producing the soundtrack for the feature film "Hi Rise," and is working on a pilot for a television show featuring Tito Puente. Cheren left West End not too long after Nix. Cheren was starting to lose close friends to what would later become known as AIDS. West End was on the verge of going bankrupt, and Cheren was desperately in need of a healthy break and a mental recharge. During his tenure with West End, he bought a bed and breakfast in Chelsea and was the financial backer of the legendary Paradise Garage, a hip downtown New York nightclub owned and operated with his former partner, the late Michael Brody. During the Garage years, Cherens relationship with DJ Larry Levan (the predecessor to Junior Vasquez and Danny Tenaglia) blossomed and together they created some of the most unforgettable dance music of the late-70s and early-80s. In 1982, with the onset of AIDS and the dying out of disco, Cheren donated his building in New York Citys Chelsea area to a group of gay men who were starting an organization to battle AIDS, or GRID as the disease was known then. The group, which became known as the Gay Mens Health Crisis, is now New Yorks largest AIDS service organizations, "I was very proud to be able to give the building to them," says Cheren, who was one of the organizations early members/founders. In 1987, Cheren, still on hiatus from the music industry, founded 24 Hours For Life, a not-for-profit organization of media and music professionals, which produces fundraising events for AIDS relief and education, for which Gladys Knight served as chairperson. "It was a way to get the music industry to do something about AIDS," he says. In 1989, the foundations hosted "Thats What Friends Are For," a host of benefit concerts with Dionne Warwick and a slew of other big names, who helped raise money for people with the disease. He soon became a fiscal sponsor for the then burgeoning LifeBeat organization, which today is the music industrys primary AIDS fundraising organization; 24 Hours For Life gave LifeBeat its non-profit status. Cheren is on the board of directors for LifeBeat. "Ive lost over 300 friends to AIDS. I believe one of the reasons Im still here and HIV negative is to do something while Im here," he says. "Otherwise when I get to heaven my friends will kick my ass." Dancing Into the Millenium The new, revamped West End and Garage Records will feature "danceable R&B" as well as compilation projects. Garage Records first release will feature a compilation of live performances of the late DJ Larry Levan from his years at NYCs infamous Paradise Garage club. West End Records first release, which will feature new material by Taana Gardner, is due out later this summer. Payback Records will focus mainly on R&B artists and acts, such as their recently signed R&B ingenue, Shakeema, whose first release will also be this summer. "A lot of very talented DJs havent had their shot at the brass ring, and now, we would like to give them the opportunity of creating a new mega-star," says Cheren. "As in the past, we have no plans of following the pack. We will, as before, pioneer the use of unknown DJs as mixers and producers." Nix, who has worked closely with Cheren through the years, says the dynamic between the two should help propel the new labels to the top of the indie charts. "I am very excited to be working with Mel again. He has such an exceptional ear for music and the energy and zeal to really make things happen," says Nix. "In reopening West End Records and forming two new labels, we have the opportunity to create music in several genres and keep the music versatile." Cheren has documented his colorful past from the disco era through the AIDS crisis in his new book, "Keep On Dancing," about his life in the music industry. His share of the profits will also be donated to charity. One of the things he tries to do in the book is pay homage to the great music talents who have died from AIDS over the last 17 years. "All of my friends who died were mentors to kids. Theres a whole generation who didnt have one or more of these guys as mentors, because a lot of them are gone," he says. "But nothing happens in life by accident. It took me until I was 56 to realize the depth of that. My getting into the music business was through accidentally meeting someone. Those casual meetings in my life changed everything." He also hopes to pay tribute to the Garage. "If you ask people around, it was more than a club. It was a church to most people," he adds. "It was patronized mostly by minorities, who dont have houses in the Hamptons. It saved a lot of those kids lives. It gave them a place to go and feel safe. It was the only place you could hang out if you were gay, straight, black or white. It didnt matter there. While hes still shopping for a book publisher, World of Wonder has expressed interest in optioning the book for the big screen. Cherens goal is to buy back the former Paradise Garage space and use it to film the movie. "I want to buy back the Garage, put it back to way it was. And after the movie is made, turn it over to a charity," he says. "Look, Im not one to wear Gucci or Versace. Its more important for me to live simply and give it back." Jeffrey L. Newman is a New York music writer and can be reached via e-mail at editorjeff@aol.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 12, August 28, 1998. |