For those who left comments on the April 5 post regarding the recording of “Chasing Angels” and Records’ bassist Phil Bown, thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts.
A strange event happened at the recording studio, although I wasn’t present at the time. Its an amazing story, more than a coincidence I believe, and something I’d like to share with all who were privileged enough to know him or simply experience his extraordinary talent.
My manager, Keith Chagnon and engineer Ed Donnelly – two very down to earth and grounded gents – were engaged in the process of recording an alternate version of the song, using my lead vocals, but adding syncopated drums and keys, kind of Daniel Lanois-style, if you will. It’s a radical transformation of the song, the intention being, to have a version that might possibly get picked up for movies or whatever, by music supervisors.
Anyway, apparently, whilst Ed was working on the computer screen, all of a sudden, pieces of the track began to move around of their own accord, to his and Keith’s bewilderment! Ed had never in his long career witnessed such a thing, and immediately both Keith and he thought, ‘Phil Brown’s spirit, perhaps?!’
Of course when they related the story to me, that’s the thing that popped into my mind, too! ‘It’s Phil Brown!’ This alternate version – being so radical – had them both worried that it might have been an expression of Phil’s disapproval, however – knowing dear Phil and his eclectic musical tastes – I felt the exact opposite.
If it really was Phil’s spirit, I sensed he was somehow relaying his approval. Can’t scientifically prove that’s the case, but I honestly feel he somehow sent us all a cosmic message. Reason to believe in the power and energy of our parallel universes!
We love you Phil Brown!
Phil was a powerful presence. This doesn’t surprise me because Phil was always fiddling with the PA, guitar amp settings, and even MY guitar pedals, in order to get the greatest most bodacious sound possible. Another story in this vein may add some strength to the theory. After I had given an eulogy at Phil’s funeral a song by Todd Rundgren was played over the crematorium PA. The sound was affected by all kinds of crackling and extraneous sounds. Aterwards someone mentioned it and I offered the not entirely humourous explanation that it was almost certainly the mischievous Mr PB getting the sound right at his own funeral. What a guy!
(Cue “Twilight Zone” theme…)