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Never Say No to a Rock Star: In the Studio with Dylan, Sinatra, Jagger and More
By
Glenn Berger
4569 (Kindle) Pages
ISBN: # 9781943156108
e: Schaffner Press
2016
"Never Say No to a Rock Star" is Glen Berger's lively account of his experiences participating in the production of some of the most successful recordings in recent popular music. A fascinating fly-on-the-studio-wall depiction, it covers his apprenticeship under hit-maker Phil Ramone at A+R Studios during the halcyon days of the New York commercial recording scene. And, yes, all the stars are here

Bob Dylan
guitar and vocalsb.1941

Paul Simon
composer / conductorb.1941

James Brown
vocals1933 - 2006

Frank Sinatra
vocals1915 - 1998
Berger, who went on later to be a successful Ph. D. psychologist, showcases all the highs (of all kinds) and lowshis own and that of his studio clients. The telling delivers a perfect balance of personal observations, technical activities, with a bit of a shrink's retro-analysis. He sheds light into the mayhem provided by Master of Masters, Ramonea relentless pursuer of "hit," one possessed with a volcanic temper and unpredictable personality. Berger also shows his deep respect for the arrangers and New York studio musicians, many who are well-known jazzers

Ralph Burns
piano1922 - 2001

Steve Gadd
drumsb.1945

Richard Tee
keyboards1943 - 1993

Paul Shaffer
keyboardsBerger recounts his respect-fear pas a deux with Ramone and his ascent from schlepper to his own engineering projects for the biggies. His description of recording the starsand by including his own soul-searchingoffers dimensions that make the book work exceptionally well. His telling of projects with Paul Simon -a cold, narcissistic, never-satisfied, snot -Frank Sinatrathe Chairman, a pro's pro and master of mic techniqueand the Divine Miss M (including a hilarious adolescent "sexperience" tale) shed human aspects to the entire coke-and-cannabis-gorged scene.
The author's writing style is direct, personal and filled with honesty and sly humor. The 24/7 activity, as well as the sheer terror inherent in the recording process, are described in a straightforward, easy to gather and appreciate style. And, technophobes fear not -there's little technical gibberish here to confuse or distract.
A fascinating experiment in which to engage after one reads this book would be to listen to the recordings referenced. Rest assured two things will probably occur: you'll have a deeper respect for the artists, studio musicians, production types, and the Sorcerer and his apprentice. And, you will probably never listen to that music as you did before. Go ahead, say yes to Berger and grab your ear buds.
Tags
Book Reviews
Nicholas F. Mondello
United States
New York
New York City
Schaffner Press
Bob Dylan
Paul Simon
James Brown
frank sinatra
Mick Jagger
Bette Midler
Ralph Burns
Patrick Williams
Don Costa
Steve Gadd
Richard Tee
Paul Shaffer
Marty Markowitz
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