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Never Say No to a Rock Star: In the Studio with Dylan, Sinatra, Jagger and More

By Nicholas F. Mondello
January 2, 2018
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Never Say No to a Rock Star: In the Studio with Dylan, Sinatra, Jagger and More
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 vocals
b.1941

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Dylan,

Paul Simon

composer / conductor
b.1941

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Simon,

James Brown

vocals
1933 - 2006

" data-original-title="" title="">James Brown,

Frank Sinatra

vocals
1915 - 1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Frank Sinatra, Mick Jagger, Bette Midler and many more. The author describes his life in the round-the-clock process of creating both hit and art—and, he does that with duende—a Spanish word he uses which is defined as "a looking back with pride, some sadness and with deep emotion."

Berger, who went on later to be a successful Ph. D. psychologist, showcases all the highs (of all kinds) and lows—his 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, Ramone—a 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

piano
1922 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Ralph Burns,

Patrick Williams

" data-original-title="" title="">Patrick Williams, Don Costa,

Steve Gadd

drums
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Gadd,

Richard Tee

keyboards
1943 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Richard Tee,

Paul Shaffer

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Shaffer Marty Markowitz, and others whose skills added significantly to the hit recipe.

Berger 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 stars—and by including his own soul-searching—offers dimensions that make the book work exceptionally well. His telling of projects with Paul Simon -a cold, narcissistic, never-satisfied, snot -Frank Sinatra—the Chairman, a pro's pro and master of mic technique—and 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.

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