Unfinished Business is the first official production from The Bam Bam Project. The CD features a variety of original and cover material encompassing several styles of popular music. Some of the material was recorded and produced by Thom, and some of the material was co-written by Thom. Virtually all of the material and artists on Unfinished Business have a close relationship to Thom in one way or another including some of Thom's live drum parts that were digitally recreated.
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1. Televangelist 3:47 - J. Smith, T. Parisi Play
2. Dock Of The Bay 5:04 - O. Redding, S. Cropper Play
3. Best Love 3:49 - L. Migliore, T. Parisi, K. Eichler Play
4. Gonna Boogie 3:52 - J. Smith, T. Parisi, K. Eichler Play
5. If I Could Paint A Picture 5:01 - K. Eichler Play
6. Bullet In The Heart 3:15 - G. Eichler Play
7. Only The Blues 3:49 - L. Migliore, T. Parisi, K. Eichler Play
8. Voodoo Love 3:34 - J. Smith, T. Parisi, K. Eichler Play
9. Harvest Moon 5:51 - Neil Young Play
10. Watch The Children 4:36 - J. Smith, T. Parisi, K. Eichler Play
11. Atlas Chugged (I Like The Foam) 3:26 - G. Eichler Play
12. Unfinished Business 5:41 - K. Eichler, K. Crutchfield Play
13. Love You All Over 4:40 - L. Migliore, T. Parisi, K. Eichler Play
14. Beat Your Drum 4:43 - E. Denise Play
This song is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face (unless of course you are a staunch supporter of Jimmy Swaggart.) Televangelist was originally conceived of and written by Joel Smith during a short bout with unemployment and cable TV. After hearing Joel play the song one day, Thom encouraged him to record the song and offered up Studio Parisi as the place to get started. Thom's mark is all over this recording including a great drum part, background vocals, bass, keyboards and production. (The only part digitally added to the original analog Parisi production from 1993 is a "twangy" guitar part in the last break.) Joel Smith was responsible for the growling lead vocals, driving rhythm guitar and rock-a-billy gone heavy metal guitar solos.
This classic song was a staple of the Hip Pocket Band's repertoire. Dr. C had an old video tape that included a version of this song from a gig we played on the Blues Cruise on the Klondike some ten or so years ago. The audio quality on the video tape was pretty poor so instead of re-releasing it, we programmed Thom's drum part into a sequencer and layed down new supporting tracks. Special mention should be made of Dr. C's lead vocal which many say is as good as or even better than Otis' original. The song also features solos by Ken Eichler (guitar) and Steve Seche (sax.) Eddie Denise layed down a tasty bass line and Kenny Armstrong provided the funky clavinet and organ tracks. Rob Freeberg topped off the production with some terrific trumpet stabs.
Larry Migliore and Thom Parisi collaborated on this little diddy and then The Bam Bam Project gave it an island flavor. Featuring Larry Migliore on lead and background vocals along with Maura McCabe's background vocals, this song also includes a steel drum solo and reggae influenced rhythm guitar. Eddie Denise shared bass guitar responsibilities with Ken Eichler while Ken provided rhythm guitar parts and synth/midi sequencing.
Larry and Thom had known one another since they were neighborhood pals in elementary school and continued to collaborate musically until the time when Thom could no longer work. Thom and Larry played together in Eric Von Zipper and The Flies, The Thom and Larry Show, Almost Human, and of course, The Bam Bam Project. Ken also played together with Thom, Larry and Micahel Parisi (Thom's brother) in Eric Von Zipper and the Flies. For those of you who are old enough to remember and somehow care, Eric Von Zipper was a character in the Annette Funicello Beach Party movies from the 60s. As to whom the Flies were...?
This is a fun song with a driving beat and some great musicianship. Unfortunately, this song was originally going to be recorded by Thom but as the saying goes, we ran out of time. Though Thom himself is not on this cut, we tried our best to emulate his drum style through careful midi sequencing. Dr. C provided the lead vocals and shared the background vocal responsibilities with Joel Smith and Ken Eichler. Gonna Boogie also features a Duane Allman influenced guitar solo and synth/midi sequencing by Ken Eichler, screaming Sax Solos by Baron Raymonde and a blistering Dregs-like guitar solo by Joel Smith. Rob Freeberg also played some great trumpet - a veritable one man big band providing over 20 tracks by himself (there just wasn't room at Sliding Door Studio for the real thing or we might have tried.) Oh yes, that was Ken Eichler and Joel Smith on the finger snaps. Check out Eddie Denise's driving bass, especially during the solo section.
Be careful not to listen to this one too loud while driving - we cannot take responsibility for any speeding tickets you receive.
This is a love song that may indeed be worth a thousand words. Written and performed by Ken Eichler, this song was originally recorded on a small Yamaha 4 track that Thom sold to Ken some 20 years ago. Though this song was not written by or about Thom, there is a connection between this song and the entire project that can be understood only by the some of the project's participants. Suffice it to say that Thom was an inspiration to all of us.
Another love song - so to speak. This song features Dr. C on lead and background vocals along with Ken Eichler on background vocals.
Thom Parisi and Glenn Eichler (the author of this satirical look at love) met in their 9th grade homeroom class at New Rochelle High School. It wasn't long thereafter that the Eichler brothers found themselves jamming with Thom and Joel Smith in Edmee Parisi's basement. This was the beginning of some very long and very close friendships and more than a few migraines for Edmee.
Bullet In The Heart was written some twenty some-odd years ago and was first performed by "The Hard", a band comprised of Glenn and Ken Eichler, Thom Parisi, Joel Smith and Dr. C (Kevin Crutchfield.) Though The Hard was a very short-lived entity, Bullet In The Heart remains a funny and relevant tune.
Another cool tune from the Larry and Thom writing days. Larry shows off his blues vocal talents in this song about the dark side of love. It also features some great fretless bass work by Eddie Denise, some blues-tinged guitar work by Ken Eichler, Dr. C and Larry on background vocals and Joel Smith on piano. Oh yes, that's Larry on tambourine.
This song has a great beat - kinda like Joel Smith meets the Neville Brothers. Originally the product of a Saturday night jam session at Ted's, Joel Smith and Thom ultimately crafted this into a very cool tune. Much of this version of Voodoo Love is based on an original recording produced by Thom and Joel at Studio Parisi. Lead vocal and lead guitar work by Mad Dog Smith himself and the bass was Mr. Eddie Denise. Ken Eichler and Joel Smith provided background vocals.
This song was a favorite of Thom Parisi and his wife, Theresa. Maura McCabe sings a beautiful rendition of this Neil Young classic, backed up by her own soulful acoustic guitar work. Ken Eichler provides bass guitar accompaniment and other background music.
Maura and Thom spent many years together in a band called the Cat's Pajamas or the Pajamas, for short. Maura had performed Harvest Moon at both a benefit concert for Thom and at his funeral. We felt compelled to include it on this CD.
This song was originally written for The Hard and continued to be performed by The Hip Pocket Band for many years. It is a sad statement about our world that not much has changed since the song was written, it is as relevant today than it was then. This studio version attempts to frame the song in the technology of the day. Dr. C gets credit for the screamin' lead vocals and Ken Eichler backs him up. All instruments and programming by Ken Eichler.
Larry's wife, Kerry, was the inspiration for this tune while Thom's passing was the impetus for completing it. Featuring soaring lead vocals by Mr. Migliore himself, the song also includes a terrific background vocal arrangement that includes Ms. McCabe, Eddie D., Dr. C and A.B. Franklin (aka Ken Eichler) and Larry. The awesome sax solo and fills were sent in by the mysterious and talented Steve Sechi. Living in the digital world as we do, Mr. Sechi's contributions to this project were provided in bits and bytes and not in person. Though we had several warm and friendly phone conversations during the course of the project, I have yet to lay my eyes on Steve. I am starting to wonder if he isn't really Clarence Clemons in hiding. All kidding aside, Steve really came through for us and was a pleasure to work with - even if it was from a digital distance. I only hope that someday we will meet in person and I get the opportunity to thank Steve in person for his contributions to the project. Joel Smith and Ken Eichler shared the guitar responsibilities while Eddie D. took care of business with the bass.
This Joel Smith (words and music)/Thom Parisi (music) composition dates back to the day Saddam Hussein first bombed the Israelis during the Gulf War but its sentiment still rings true today and it does so with a beautiful melody. This track also is loosely based on a version recorded by Thom many years ago but has been updated to include the "New World Digital Orchestra" (otherwise known as Yamaha and Roland digital synths.) Joel is featured in the lead and background vocals along with Maura, Dr. C and Ken on background vocals. Joel also played the reggae influenced rhythm guitar and Ken played the lead guitar solo. And yes, the drums and percussion are supposed to sound mechanized (as they are in Atlas Chugged, too - I am confident Thom would have approved of the concept.)
The last project I worked on with Thom was a blues tune. Though we finished the song (Thom played a mean mandolin on it and Dr. C sang) we (TBBP) have yet to uncover the original tape on which it was recorded - perhaps when we find it, it will be part of our second effort (this is how rumors get started.)
This song is a weak attempt at ridding myself of the guilt I feel from once having hurt a very close friend. It is about the struggle between friendship and survival (or would that be greed?)
This song was written by Eddie Denise during Thom's final days. Eddie performed and recorded most of the basic tracks and overdubs at his own studio (J-Vet Studio.) Some additional overdubs were added by Ken Eichler at Sliding Door Studio where the song was ultimately mixed.
Musicians
 | Kenny Armstrong – Keyboards |
| Dr. C (Kevin Crutchfield) – Vocals |
| Eddie Denise – Bass, Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards |
| Ken Eichler – Guitar, Bass, Programming, Vocals, Keyboards |
| Rob Freeberg – Trumpet |
| Jocelyn (Eichler) Kenner - Background Vocals |
| Maura McCabe – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar |
| Larry Migliore – Vocals, Tambourine |
| Thom Parisi – Bass, Drums, Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards |
| Baron Raymonde – Sax |
| Steve Sechi - Sax |
| Joel Smith – Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards |
Production
| Recorded and Produced by Ken Eichler at Sliding Door Studio, New Rochelle, NY* |
| Mastered by Christopher A. Granger at Granger Musikwerks, Eastchester, NY |
| Art Direction and Cover Design by Lyndon Lorenz |
| Ted Muller - Production Assistant, Cover Photography |
| Catherine Ryan Eichler – Production Assistant, Catering, Cheer Leading |
* Televangelist was recorded and produced by Thom Parisi at Studio Parisi.
Beat Your Drum was recorded by Eddie Denise at J-Vet Studios.
Cathy Eichler - for her love, patience and support during the 20 months of music production in our home. She is always an inspiration. (And - to top it off - she's got amazing ears.)
Kerry - for letting Larry have more than a little time to himself and the project.
Cathy Denise - for her strength and support of Eddie and the project.
Roberta and Alexandra Smith - for keeping Joel in line.
Kenny Armstrong - for being a good friend and fine musician.
Giancarlo Colaianni - for being generous with his time and energy for someone he never met.
Rob Freeberg - for being a great musician and one of my oldest friends.
Ralph Perucci - for being a close friend of Thom's and a good friend to the project.
Baron Raymonde - for sharing his talents, time and good will towards the project.
Mark Rivera - for being a good friend and for offering up his services - hopefully next time we will be able to coordinate it and take him up on his offer.
Chris Granger - for opening his heart and studio for Thom.
Steve Sechi - This gentleman has never met most of the project members yet was still willing to spend his valuable time and energy to make some wonderful musical contributions.
Thea & Larry Eichler - for the kind of support only loving parents could provide.
Steve White - for his professional advice on the music business.
Ed Murphy - for his generosity and expertise with Talia's 529 plan.
Teresa Parisi - for loving Thom and for giving him comfort and care. Also, for offering us the use of Thom's gear for this production.
Ted Muller - for being there for Thom and for showing me Cakewalk - it's all your fault.
The Crutchfields - for bringing Dr. C into this world.
Paul Ryan - for letting me use his Les Paul and gizmos for the recording.
Jen Ryan - for keeping the studio smelling pretty with scented candles.
Maureen Ryan - for helping to keep the engineer fed.
David Eichler - for loaning me some gear to get the studio going.
Glenn Eichler - for writing some great material and letting us record it.
Jocelyn (Eichler) Kenner - for her wonderful singing voice and support.
Teresa (Eichler) Wager - for being a great sister and role model.
Paul Connors - for playing keyboards at Thom's benefit concert.
Vincent Pastore - for hosting our CD release party.
John Giamara - For doing a great job filling in on drums for our CD Release party. Thom would have been proud.
John Ramhorst - For his hard work in sequencing a million and one parts and playing keyboards for our CD Release party.
Producing this CD was one of the most rewarding experiences I ever had. It was a dream of mine to produce music but until recently the cost of recording in a professional quality studio was prohibitive.
Thom was the first person I knew to install a personal digital recording studio (DAW - Digital Audio Workstation) at home. After he installed it, he was so excited that he called me up and said "...you've got to come over and check this out. You're gonna love it...an entire recording studio on a Macintosh computer." He was right - I was going to love it.
I never got a chance to see Thom's DAW because at that time, I always had some excuse and was "too busy" to stop by. And, as fate would have it, Thom fell ill soon thereafter and was forced to pack up his studio and put it in storage. Luckily, I did get a chance to see Ted Muller's DAW featuring Cakewalk and it was as if I had caught the "producer bug" all over again.
Within days, I installed my own DAW in my home and Sliding Door Studio was born. My only regret is that Thom was not there to help - I know he would have made the entire installation easier and would have provided some great advice. Not to mention the fact that I missed his companionship, dry sense of humor and powerful drumming.
The other aspect of this project that touched me so deeply was the willingness of so many people - some of whom never even met Thom - to contribute their, time, energy and monies to see this through. I will do my very best never to forget these deeds and thank all of them from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, if there is one painful lesson I learned from Thom's passing and working on this project, it is never to take your family and friends for granted. Easier said than done.
Ken Eichler
Purchase a copy of this CD now for only $9.99!
All purchases are secured through PayPal
| Unfinished Business - $9.99 | |
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*All profits from the sale of this CD will be donated to the Talia Parisi College Fund and to support brain cancer research at Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in New York.
