Prema talks about In Fusion

Continued (Pg. 4) – I found The Cutting Room online (definitely a pattern emerging here!) and got in touch with them. The guys there were fantastic and we established an immediate rapport. Patrick Ermlich (studio manager) and his superb team made us feel so welcome and promptly a part of the family. They bent over backwards to help us with this project and that in itself ensured a more relaxed and rewarding atmosphere in the studio, easing what would have undoubtedly been a daunting process.

Once we got to the studio, we had two days to record Peter, Luis & Damian ‘live’, tracking all 13 songs one after the other. It certainly was an ‘old school’ way of making an album! With the masterful help of Anthony ‘Rocky’ Gallo (engineer) and also with the band being such consummate pros, it was accomplished with ease and great finesse. I sang and played guitar during these sessions and while laying down the final track, said to myself, ‘Look at where you are and who you’re playing with!’ I could not get the rapturous grin off my face. The music was electric and there was a genuine sense of camaraderie which accentuated the fact that these extraordinary people had come together to make great music and to have fun doing it; that was the key.

On day 3 Peter came in to record percussion for some of the songs, which was an unexpected bonus. He also suggested that we get a percussionist for a few other tracks, especially Mystical Rhythm (which being a reworking of the Tito Puente song, warranted Timbales and Congas). So with the help of the always affable Eshy Gazit (engineer) we contacted Bashiri Johnson. Now, this man is one of the most sought after percussionists in the world and what he can do with a shaker defies belief! Not only that but he is the sweetest soul and gave so much during his session, which came a few days after the band’s ‘live’ recordings. Bashiri’s performance put the sparkle on Mystical Rhythm by adding dynamics with his compelling percussive presence, giving the song its salient energy. As we watched him record with all his ‘toys’ laid out on the floor, we were energised by his playing; it was a truly rousing performance. He weaved in and out with breathtaking fluidity and yet simultaneously kept immaculate time; adding his singular gleam to the music.