I Am Winkle: D.W. Fearn Studio Recordings
Mark recording at D.W. Fearn Studios in 2016.
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After his long hiatus from the music scene, Mark decided to adopt the name "I Am Winkle", a reference to “Rip Van Winkle,” the famous short story by the author Washington Irving. One of the first things he did was to try and acquaint himself with some of the newer (at least new to him) songwriters that had emerged. He learned of artists such as Amos Lee, Damien Rice, Ben Howard, and Ray LaMontagne. But there was no getting away from his roots in the 60s, 70s and 80s. If you listen closely, you will hear the many influences that permeated his creative efforts. It was not long after he began writing and placing a few live videos on YouTube that his old friend D.W. Fearn contacted him, wanting to record the songs in his studio. The results of their efforts follow below, along with Mark’s descriptions of the story behind each of the songs.
By the way, the photo on the left was taken by Doug's very talented daughter, Hannon Calla Fearn. |
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See Mark's commentary on each song below.
Sandy Way |
My love of 60s pop-music and the desire to write something about the Chester County neighborhood in which I now live led me to write this song. In the spirit of “Penny Lane” and “Itchycoo Park,” I strove to create something that reflected my immediate surroundings, albeit in a mystical kind of way. I
frequently walk the streets mentioned in the song, i.e., Sandy Way, Tina Lane, and Coffroath Road, on my usual two-mile jaunt. Chester County has a unique combination of elements, from Amish buggies and woodland creatures, to the more modern sites of new residential developments scattered amongst the farms and open spaces. The idea was to capture the essence of all that in a dreamy kind of way. It was recorded and produced by my good friend Doug Fearn at his studio, D.W Fearn Studio (also located in Chester County). We strove to include many of the elements from the recordings of the late 60s, including a Mellotron, typical harmonies of the time, and a Hofner Beatles Bass pushed through a VOX AC10 for good measure. A special ‘thanks’ goes out to Wills Gillan for capturing the lyrics in his wonderful cover artwork for Sandy Way and Carolyn Asti for her heavenly background vocals. So take a stroll down Coffroath Road and say “hello” to Mr. Toad.
frequently walk the streets mentioned in the song, i.e., Sandy Way, Tina Lane, and Coffroath Road, on my usual two-mile jaunt. Chester County has a unique combination of elements, from Amish buggies and woodland creatures, to the more modern sites of new residential developments scattered amongst the farms and open spaces. The idea was to capture the essence of all that in a dreamy kind of way. It was recorded and produced by my good friend Doug Fearn at his studio, D.W Fearn Studio (also located in Chester County). We strove to include many of the elements from the recordings of the late 60s, including a Mellotron, typical harmonies of the time, and a Hofner Beatles Bass pushed through a VOX AC10 for good measure. A special ‘thanks’ goes out to Wills Gillan for capturing the lyrics in his wonderful cover artwork for Sandy Way and Carolyn Asti for her heavenly background vocals. So take a stroll down Coffroath Road and say “hello” to Mr. Toad.
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Comments:
■ You’ve created a nice song. Reminds me a bit of the good old days. ~ Giuseppe Comu ■The song is so crazy, we need to leave a vote for you ;-) ~ DIPTYCH: Eloise & Timo |
Credits:
Sandy Way Copyright 2019 Mark Minassian Recorded at D.W. Fearn Studios (2019) ~ Produced by D.W. Fearn Cover Photography: Wills Gillan ([email protected]) Vocals: Mark Minassian Background vocals*: Carolyn Asti Guitars (acoustic and electric): Mark Minassian Bass: Mark Minassian Keyboards (Mellotron, pianos, synthesizer): Mark Minassian Drum and string sequencing: Mark Minassian *Recorded at Rosemill Studios by sound engineer Leo Valentino. |
They Don't Know You (smooth jazz version) |
A completely different version of They Don't Know You (as opposed to my home Rosemill Studio version) produced by D.W. Fearn. It was a lot of fun to collaborate with some great musicians on this tune and come up with a totally different approach to the song. The basic rhythm track was cut live in the studio, with only a B3, some added percussion, electric guitar, and the vocals overdubbed.
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Credits:
They Don't Know You Copyright 2017 Mark Minassian Recorded at D.W. Fearn Studios (2017) ~ Produced by D.W. Fearn Cover Photography: Scott Liddell (Morguefiles) Graphic Design: Mark Minassian Mark Minassian: vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars Geof Hazelrigg: upright bass George Hazelrigg: piano, B3 organ Andy Vernon: cajon, bongos, percussion |
Creeper |
Creeper was written in 2014 and was produced by longtime friend D.W. Fearn at his home studio. It was the first time we recorded together in over 40 years, yet we fell back into our old comfortable creative spirits, as if no time had really passed at all. During the first session we did with accompanying studio musicians, we cut two original songs of mine, Creeper and Stooge.
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Comments:
I LOVE YOUR WORK!!!!! Your vocals are pitch-perfect, your dynamics are something that is missing from almost everything on the radio (do people still listen to the radio?), and the guitar work is terrific. Love the harmonies. Love it, love it, love it. Keep writing and keep putting out videos. ~ Elizabeth Sutor aka Elizabeth May |
Credits:
Creeper Copyright 2014 Mark Minassian Recorded at D.W. Fearn Studios (2015)~ Produced by D.W. Fearn Graphic Cover Design: Mark Minassian Mark Minassian: acoustic guitars and vocals: Geof Hazelrigg: upright bass George Hazelrigg: keyboards Hugh Hamilton: electric guitar Steve Nicely: electric lead guitar Steve Nicely: drums |
Stooge |
Stooge was the other song recorded at the session. Same line-up of studio musicians, all of whom did a great job and without pay. All for the love of making music.
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Credits:
Stooge Copyright 2014 Mark Minassian Recorded at D.W. Fearn Studios (2015) ~ Produced by D.W. Fearn Graphic Cover Design: Mark Minassian Mark Minassian: acoustic guitars, electric guitar, and Vocals Geof Hazelrigg: upright bass George Hazelrigg: keyboards Hugh Hamilton: electric guitar Steve Nicely: electric lead guitar Steve Nicely: drums The Markie McDougal Horn Section: sequenced and performed by D.W. Fearn and Mark Minassian |
The Hourglass |
The Hourglass was recorded soon afterwards. This song was a return to my folk roots and written in "D down". it's a mysterious song about running from the things you've done in your life that you wish you hadn't, and ultimately the need for redemption.
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Credits:
The Hourglass Copyright 2014 Mark Minassian Recorded at D.W. Fearn Studios ~ Produced by D.W. Fearn Graphic Cover Design: Mark Minassian Mark Minassian: acoustic guitars and vocals Geof Hazelrigg: upright bass George Hazelrigg: keyboards, recorder, and percussion Additional parts: sequenced and performed by D.W Fearn and Mark Minassian |
Need To Know Basis |
Need To Know Basis is a song about the freedom people are willing to give up when scared. But as one of the founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin wrote, "They that can give up essential freedom to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or freedom."
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Credits: Need To Know Basis Copyright 2014 Mark Minassian Recorded at D.W. Fearn Studios (2016) - Produced by D.W. Fearn Graphic Cover Design: Mark Minassian Mark Minassian: acoustic guitars, electric guitar, and vocals Geof Hazelrigg: upright bass George Hazelrigg: keyboards Tony D'Addono: tenor saxes David Namerow: percussion Steve Nicely: drums |
Mysterious Rover (a modern day cowboy song) |
Mysterious Rover was a song I wrote back in the 80's when working with the Bomp Zone. I always liked the song and decide to re-record it with a different arrangement and feel than the original. You can hear the original by clicking here.
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Credits:
Mysterious Rover Copyright 1983 Mark Minassian Recorded at D.W. Fearn Studios (2016) - Produced by D.W. Fearn Graphic Cover Design: Mark Minassian Mark Minassian: acoustic guitars, electric guitar, and vocals Geof Hazelrigg: upright bass George Hazelrigg: keyboards Tony D'Addono: tenor saxes Steve Nicely: drums |
Comments:
■ Me: ...thanks for the like (SoundCloud) on Mysterious Rover.
Marc Snader: You're welcome, but you've nothing to thank me for. The truth is, from the first moment Doug played it for me in his studio (D.W Fearn Studios), I've loved Mysterious Rover.
■ I listened to the song several times, it holds up over time. Great guitar work and singing. Youtube also led me to his more recent recordings, all interesting music Mark writes. ~ Dave Tobias
■ Love this!! Something quite ‘Sting’ about it 🔥🔥 ~ aliwhaley
■ Me: ...thanks for the like (SoundCloud) on Mysterious Rover.
Marc Snader: You're welcome, but you've nothing to thank me for. The truth is, from the first moment Doug played it for me in his studio (D.W Fearn Studios), I've loved Mysterious Rover.
■ I listened to the song several times, it holds up over time. Great guitar work and singing. Youtube also led me to his more recent recordings, all interesting music Mark writes. ~ Dave Tobias
■ Love this!! Something quite ‘Sting’ about it 🔥🔥 ~ aliwhaley
