GRAMMY AWARD WINNING Triple Hyphenate (Producer-Engineer-Musician-Songwriter) Gary Gold was raised in the recording studio when analog tape and tube compression were the standard. He toured the world as a freelance drummer with Robben Ford, Phoebe Snow, Chuck Berry and many other greats. As the digital age approached, Gary was asked by the Dai Ichi Kosho division of Sony to head up their production department. There he was trained by the finest engineers of the day. With the advent of digital technology, Gary was positioned at the forefront of "computer assisted" music. His knowledge of the vintage gear he was raised on synthesized with the new technology. He learned to speak Pro-Tools and Logic-Pro fluently (he is an artist endorser for Logic) and aside from generating a large body of work of his own, became a musical and technical consultant to the stars. All the while he remained a highly in demand recording and touring drummer. He produced the smash success album for Sugaro (which included the particiption of 11 Grammy winners!) and the multi platinum Salsa Picante for Wayne Gorbeas.
Rolling Stone Magazine called Gary Gold "a true musical renaissance man for the millennium."
Today his unique skill-set of musical knowledge (ears), technical fluency and craftsmanship (mind) and dedication to deep feeling and truth in the music he works on (soul) places him at the forefront of the production world. He brings a sensitivity to the table that is unique in that it is the result of a "triple hyphenate" who grew up on the cusp of changing technological eras.
He recently said in an interview with EQ magazine: "its all about the performance... striking that fortunate rhythm. And it must be absolutely necessary for the artist themselves to express their ideas. If they feel they have a choice in the matter... something is missing. Probably the spiritual component. Capturing and molding the sound, although critical, is always secondary. Its the feeling in the music that creates the wonder in the listener." Or as Jimi Hendrix once put it "Its not the guitar that makes the sound. Its the hands of the person who’s holding it."
Born in New York City, Gary began his career at the age of 14 when his drumming attracted the attention of Gene Krupa, who recognized Gary’s passion and musical prodigy. Seeing Gary’s potential, Krupa gave him a recommendation. Gary became the protégé and only student of the Miles Davis Quintet’s legendary drummer Tony Williams. By the age of 17, Gary had a regional hit (MARYANNE) and was on tour with his band 300 Years, opening for Chaka Kahn and Rufus. Gary has since played with a diverse group of performers that include Phoebe Snow, Keith Richards, Michael Brecker, B.B. King, Dr. John, Robben Ford, Chuck Berry, George Harrison, Howard Tate, Steely Dan and Bruce Springsteen. He has performed around the world, been on numerous TV shows such as Late Night with David Letterman; and has appeared in the movie’s NIGHT IN THE CITY, THE WHOLE NINE YARDS, and most recently HART’S WAR.
He has written songs with Smokey Robinson SATISFY YOU, Chaka Kahn DELICIOUS, Dr. John THE BONE, Danny Kortchmar LOST BALL as well as the penning the classic Neville Brother’s Anthem CARRY THE TORCH.
In 1999 his interest in the recording process lead his career in a whole new direction... engineering and eventually production. Since then he has produced and mixed music for many famous artists including Bonnie Raitt, The Neville Brothers, Bobby Womack, Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone, Brandi Carlile and Sara Barielles.
This year Gary was honored with a Grammy nomination for Smokey Robinson’s TIMELESS LOVE. He also had the honor of producing and engineering for jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker on the historic Grammy winning album PILGRIMAGE.
He owns recording facilities in New York and Los Angeles. He has been quoted as saying "the beauty of it is... as long as I have my box of mics... I can record anywhere." He has recorded sessions with Keith Richards in Keith’s basement "playroom", Aaron Neville at Bruce Willis’ house, and recorded his last Smokey Robinson record live in a huge rehearsal hall at Center Staging, a rehearsal facility in Los Angeles (while U2 was rehearsing in the room next door.) He has said "I had to stop our sessions several times because I would walk down the hall to get a soda and be stopped dead in my tracks. They are just that good!"
Currently he is producing, writing songs, engineering and playing some drums for Smokey Robinson’s next record, which includes collaborations with Carlos Santana and Stevie Wonder...
Gary also continues to tour with the legendary Howard Tate.
Triple hyphenate indeed.
Recent Press:
Gary Gold Producing Ivri Lider’s First English CD
Interview in EQ Magazine
Interview in The New York Observer
