That was the week that was! Over four days, August 30 through September 2, Sheri and Lincoln assembled a dream band of musicians for their second album together. The ensemble was remarkable not only for the high level of individual artistry, but for individual creative contributions and team spirit the likes of which Lincoln says he has never seen in his many decades in the studios.

While Lincoln assumes the demeanor of a producer, the Newman-Oltman Guitar Duo rehearse. Michael Newman took Lincoln's harmonization of two folk songs, "Robin Adair" and "Black Is The Color of My True Love's Hair" and arranged them for classical guitar duo. He and Laura put the caviar on the cracker with their beautiful, intimate accompaniments for Sheri.

Sheri lights up after singing a great take. On the wall, Lincoln's father gives tacit approval from the picture frame, while reading.

The entire house was turned into a recording studio. Engineer Greg Steele (Derek Recording Studios) placed microphones everywhere, in the living room for Lincoln's 9 foot Mason and Hamlin, Arnold Steinhardt's violin, Otto Gardner's string bass, Loren Schoenberg's tenor saxophone, and guitarists Michael Newman and Laura Oltman. Microphones for Sheri's vocals were in the bedroom, shown above, in the office for Sam Zucchini and his drums, in the loft for the harmonium, and in the basement for the Uprighteous Steinway. A network of headphones made it easy for everyone to hear and communicate.

In the photo above, we trust Sam and Otto are discussing musical matters, and not telling funny stories. Otto and Lincoln play regularly on Wednesday nights at the Blue Plate Restaurant in Chatham.

Bassist Otto Gardner and saxophonist Loren Schoenberg (director of The Jazz Museum in Harlem) shown above.

Lincoln met Loren when he visited Chatham last spring to do a workshop and concert with Mark Giordano's middle and high school jazz bands. Loren was an inspiration to the students, not only with his teaching, but with the authority and brilliance of his playing. Sheri and Lincoln were delighted when he accepted their invitation to participate in the recording. Future collaboration is in the works.

Sam Zucchini is well known for his public radio program as half of the Zucchini brothers and for his regular appearances on "Dancing on the Air." He is a drummer and percussionist of extraordinary versatility, capable of playing everything from bebop to swing, to country, to Latin, to funk and heavy rock. Above he is seen keeping the groove in the basement office turned drum room.

Engineer Greg Steele bamboozles with a baffling gizmo in his hand.

Lincoln overdubs harmonium (pump organ) on the Randy Newman song, "Louisiana." His foot pumping chops are the result of many hours at the gym.

Wrapping it up on the last day with Laura and Michael, seated, Arnold, Lincoln and Sheri. Arnold Steinhardt, first violinist of the Guarneri String Quartet, has been a close friend and collaborator with Lincoln since they were in the seventh grade. There was a time when they dazzled adolescent audiences with "The Hot Canary."

Sixteen songs were recorded, in addition to three piano solos. It was not only an inspiring week, but an efficient one, and never was heard a discouraging word.

Please participate in our project. For details, click on  The TownHall Recording Society.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES

Upcoming events in California: Lincoln Mayorga and Bruce Belland, otherwise known as 2HistoryMakingHitMakers2.com, will be presented in concert

Wednesday, October 4, 2006 (7:30PM) at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills.  23388 Mulholland Drive in Woodland Hills. The home is located at the junction of  Valley Circle Drive and Mulholland just off the #101 Freeway. For directions go to: www.mptvfund.org. Click on “MPTV Map” and ask for directions to the “Wasserman Campus”.  Admission is FREE.

and

Saturday, October 7 at 7:30pm in Ramona (near San Diego) by the Ramona Community Concert Association.  Tickets at the door, $15.  Concert will be held at the Charles Nunn Performing Arts Center next to Ramona's Middle School, 1520 Hanson Lane in Ramona. For more information, call (760) 789-7474.

Don't miss this evening of songs and stories, from Chopin to Elvis, over a five decade career which these two have shared in music and zaniness.

For additional LINCOLN MAYORGA information, please visit www.lincolnmayorga.com.