Album Notes

Wendy writes about recording in Guadalupe:

The old Royal Theatre in Guadalupe, California, provided the perfect atmosphere for recording this album. From our vantage point in front of the big screen, we could look out and imagine the diverse audiences that have occupied the seats over the years. Recording on stage gave the project a live-performance feel. We also tracked vocals upstairs in the isolation booth next to the projection room. It was formerly the “Crying Room” used by mothers with noisy babes in arms.

The Ghost of Guadalupe is the result of collaboration between central coast artists. David Radmacher (producer, engineer, guitar, percussion) and Butch Boswell (guitar, vocals) and Adam Farber (electric bass) are members of the band Virgil Cane. Tim Novoa played drums and percussion, and Piper Heisig played upright bass. Singer-songwriter Jude Johnstone added vocal harmonies. Bette Byers and Sal Garza of Candle Light Strings played violins. Rick Sutton of Sutton Sound in Atascadero did the audio mastering. Barry Goyette provided the hauntingly beautiful graphics, based on his stark photos of Guadalupe.

The songs range from western, or alt-country (Trace of Longing, Lonesome for You) to personal (Mother Love, Legacy) to transcendent (Something Strong, Universal Mother).

To reach the studio, we drove south-west from San Luis Obispo, over the Nipomo mesa and through agricultural fields. Looking out at the open space and long stretches of patchwork colors, my mind was in the proper mood to sing those high lonesome songs. And the best part was that after a productive session we were rewarded with enchiladas from La Simpatia or lobster tacos from Garibaldi’s.

Links to press reviews:

http://www.newtimesslo.com/music/

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/entertainment/

____________________________________________________________

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I’ve been listening to, and enjoying Bob & Wendy’s music for several years now. It seems each release is better than the last (and the first one was damn good).

They have a nice Alt Country/Americana style that I’ve come to love more and more over time. Wendy’s voice is in fine form and matches the music perfectly. It’s got a touch of smoke and so much emotion.

They have a gift for writing intricate and interesting melodies. It’s amazing to me that there are still new songs to be written since there are only 8 notes. So those who can write unique melodies are gods to me.

Another thing I greatly admire is being able to write intelligent lyrics (anyone can write pop-tart songs) and Bob & Wendy are masters here as well. I honestly don’t know why these two aren’t super famous.

Stand outs: Trace of Longing , Something Strong, Perfect Pitch but they’re all good.

http://www.blog.collectedsounds.com/