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Issue #60 – Catching Up
by L. Swift and Jeff McQ
This week, sitting down with Brian for some Italian pasta and cool beverages was award-winning producer, mixer and engineer extraordinaire Ross Hogarth. Yes, THAT Ross Hogarth: the main man behind the board for such varied acts as Van Halen, Sick Puppies, John Mellencamp, The Doobie Brothers, Keb’ Mo’, R.E.M., and literally hundreds of others!
The conversation revolved around Ross’s early experiences in the studio with the late legendary producer Greg Ladanyi and mega-talents Jackson Browne and David Lindley, as well as how important relationships are in building a career and body of work. Ross also talked about some of his first experiences in the music business on the road, doing whatever needed to be done and jumping in wherever he was needed – a role that he feels totally prepared him for the big time in the studio. Ross also talked about his recent live stint recording Flogging Molly at the Hollywood Palladium with no soundcheck!
At this point in the conversation, the legendary producer-engineer Al Schmitt, who had been dining on the patio, pulled up a chair and joined the conversation with his old friend Ross and new friend Brian. The talk revolved around family, friends, some of their favorite artists, engineers and producers, and how it’s important to remember that this is a “people” business and to look out for each other.
Ross recalled that when he received a GRAMMY nomination this past year for his engineering on Keb’ Mo’s album, he got a call from fellow producer and engineer Joe Chiccarelli congratulating him, something that really touched his heart. Ross also shared his passion for passing along his knowledge and experiences to the up-and-coming. As a matter of fact, Ross noted having taken one young, budding engineer, Matt “Linny” Linesch, under his wing, who has since gone on to become a sought-after engineer/mixer in his own right, and who is now a mentor for the Recording Connection!
In coming months, Ross will join Recording Connection’s Master Class Series, and who knows who else he’ll turn into the industry’s next coveted engineer!
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