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Also this issue: Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body April March |
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April 17-23, 2003
mixpicks
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Tick. Tick. Tick. It’s time for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy’s Annual Hero Awards.
Honored as outstanding residents who improved the city’s creative environment, this year’s recipients are arranger and cellist Larry Gold, soul crooner Musiq, producer extraordinaire Joe Nicolo, jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, and singer/songwriter, instrumentalist and producer Walter "Bunny" Sigler. They’re all top tier but it’s Larry Gold whom City Paper tracked down to discuss his forthcoming solo debut Don Cello (BBE Records), his studio and the music that makes his world go ’round. And, come on, the man played on every record in Philadelphia International Records’ catalog!
City Paper: How does it feel to get a Hero Award?
Larry Gold: Well I feel like I'm getting old if they're giving me an award. [Chuckles] No, I don't know, I feel like it's nice that the city says hi to you like that.
CP: You've played a key role in nurturing local artists. Are you a Philly fixture at this point?
LG: I imagine by this point I am. I've been doing this same thing for almost 40 years practically -- and the vocalists change and the musicians change, some of my old friends aren't even living. I love the music so much that I'm able to express that love no matter what the decade is. I am flattered that the young kids like me so much. That's the best part of the job. What I get from the kids and what I give to the kids is the most complete experience I have.
CP: How long have you had your studio?
LG: Six years. I've had studios for a long time. I had my own studio at Sigma Sound for a while. A Touch of Jazz, I built that room. I was over in Society Hill. This was the result of [circumstances which meant] I didn't think I had anyplace else to go. My daughter graduated from college and I thought to myself, how was I going to grow old gracefully in this business?
CP: Are people beating down your door to work with you and to come here, to your studio?
LG: Generally yes, they are. As an arranger, this year alone I had hits with Musiq and with Justin [Timberlake] and the next single with Christina [Aguilera], I did the strings on. I just finished Bubba Sparxxx with Timbaland. I enjoy making music every day of the week. I sometimes put in 15-hour days. Today I didn't have a formal job and my cello is out in the back and I'm back there playing and enjoying myself.
CP: Tell us about your new album.
LG: I didn't make a hip-hop record per se. I made an old soul record. Everybody sings. Floetry came and did a song. Gerald Levert flew in to do a song. McFadden & Whitehead did a song with Tariq [Black Thought] -- we redid "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now." It's definitely an old-school record. It's a classic sounding record in a lot of ways. It's a little bit of the old and new.
CP: Did enjoy being a part of MTV Unplugged with The Roots and Jay-Z?
LG: I had a great week. It was really fun and I thought it came off spectacular. I think The Roots had a good time with me too. The old man was on the road with The Roots! I know that Jay-Z could not believe how good the band was. I'm usually so busy working for other people; it's hard to go do other stuff. But I'm gonna promote the record. I don't know how people are going to react to my album. It doesn't matter to me; I'm going to put my best foot forward. I'm going to count on all of the press and Philly to be kind to me. And they already are.
--Ainé Ardron-Doley
Heroes Awards Dinner, Mon., April 21, 6-11 p.m. Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., $125-$175, 215-985-5411.
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