Chalkboard is a perfect example of what happens when a producer and an artist “get” each
other. Singer/songwriter Christian Cuff and producer Brian Coombes, along with co-
producer/musician Joey Pierog, have crafted an intimate yet powerful record that brings an
intensity that is often missing in the singer/songwriter genre.
This album is very much a progression, not so much a diversion, from the feel of Christian
Cuff’s debut album, Silo. The songs show a much more elaborate representation of the
songwriter’s style, as they were written over a period of two years, during which Cuff went from
touring internationally full time, to trying his hand at domesticity, to forcing himself to finally
learn to read and write music properly; the album paints these transitions beautifully.
Chalkboard starts with “South.” There is a drive and pace to this track that was only hinted at
on Silo, with the inclusion of vintage keyboards and a full string ensemble, as well as subtly
placed woodwinds. The low-lit coloring throughout the song beautifully brings the intention of
the lyrics forward.
“The Prophet” features internationally renowned songwriter Ingrid Chavez, best known for her
work with Prince and Madonna. Her distinctly personal voice, layered with the full
orchestration, is both intimate and ethereal. Again, strings and woodwinds provide the lush
backdrop for Cuff’s and Chavez’s vocals.
The third track, “War,” begins simply but builds to a dynamic peak , revealing not only the
depth of the studio, but also all the facilities of a songwriter's intention. The track features
orchestral horns, vintage keyboards (Hammond, Optigan, Rhodes), and backing vocals from
bassist Joey Pierog and New Hampshire singer/songwriter Will Kindler.
There are groove songs like “Chalkboard,” with muted trumpet and ominous mellotron,
and “Hobo Island,” with clarinet, baritone horn, and cello all intertwining, evoking drunken
chaos on a cold Brooklyn night.
The stately “Red Rum” again features string players from the New Hampshire Philharmonic
performing in the large and lush hall at Rocking Horse Studio.
A sense of fun and camaraderie in the bluesy “Awful’ displays the range of Cuff’s songwriting
and arranging.
Apart from the “big production” tracks, Chalkboard also features tracks that are quiet,
intimate, and introspective. Songs like “Home,” (which again features Ingrid Chavez),
“Bessy's Wedding,” “On & Over,” and “E’s Fever” would have fit comfortably on Cuff’s debut
disc.
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Rocking Horse Studio
1380 Upper City Road
www.rockinghorsestudio.com
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Rocking Horse Studio
1380 Upper City Road
www.rockinghorsestudio.com
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Produced by Brian Coombes and Christian Cuff
Recorded & mixed by Brian Coombes at Rocking Horse Studio, Pittsfield, New Hampshire
Additional production & recording by Joey Pierog
Additional recording by David Pierog & Roxey Connelly
Mastered by Jonathan Wyner at M Works, Cambridge, Massachusetts
String arrangements by Joey Pierog & Christian Cuff
Brass arrangements by Brian Coombes, Christian Cuff & Richard Gardzina
Musicians:
Christian Cuff: vocals, guitars, percussion
Brian Coombes: optigan, mellotron, hammond, wurlitzer, DX7, toy piano
Joey Pierog: upright bass, bass guitar, piano, rhodes, percussion, vocals
Dan Boyden: drums, Wurlitzer
Jeremy Harman: cello
Richard Gardzina: woodwinds, conductor on "The Prophet"
Matt Young: harmonica
Will Kindler: banjo, backing vocals
Ingrid Chavez: vocals on “The Prophet” and “Home”
Rick Black: accordion, piano
Steve Blunt: baritone horn, slide whistle
Amanda Schwersky: cello (string leader)
Kimberly Plummer: violin, viola
Steve Poirier: violin, viola
George Stevens: trumpet, flugelhorn
Steve Lundahl: trombone
Sofia Kouninis: backing vocals on “Hobo Island”
The Hobo Choir: Steve Blunt, Scott Mohler, Brian Coombes, Richard Gardzina, Will Kindler
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