rogerglover.com - the official site

Studio / Recording / Producing

Eddie Cameron on 2004-04-18:
Hi Roger,
I'm thinking of getting a John Diggins' Jay Dee bass. Have you had any experience in playing or owning one?

When recording bass in the studio, do you combine DI with close Mike' recording & mix the sounds or do you favour one over the other and do you sometimes use a slight Reverb to give the Bass a live feel?

Thank you for your feedback on these points & I promise I will never instigate the chanting of Black Night over your Bass solo when you play Plymouth UK again. So sorry, I got carried away!

Cheers Eddie from 'Backlash'
RG:

Hi Eddie,

No idea about that particular bass, sorry. I usually mix DI with amp in the studio but no, I don't put reverb on it, or much else, come to that, just some compression on the mix.

RG

Simon Johnston on 2004-03-26:
Roger,
I am a fellow bass player, progressing beyond beginner status finally, and i'm wondering how to begin writing my own tunes. Bought a cheap old rust bucket with 6 strings on it to try and get some chord progressions going. Do you write entire songs by yourself, or would you leave certain parts open to the rest of the band you're playing with. IG has an amazing way with words and i was wondering if he's sometimes handed tunes to find lyrics to.

Also, I was wondering if you've seen many inflatable bananas on your tour so far?:)
See you at Wembley Arena in the winter!
Simon
RG:

Hi Simon,

Yes, I do write entire songs by myself but as far as DP is concerned, we all write together, usually from a jamming situation. It seems to have become our tradition - the backing track gets written and recorded with only a vague idea of what the vocals will be and then IG, alone or sometimes with me, will figure out what to put on top.

RG

Chris Brodbeck on 2004-03-22:
Perusing the site even more, I find that you are as a humble a man can be, especially when given your credentials.. Of course, I could laud you with kudos, but I am sure you get plenty of those.
You have been, always, an inspiration to me, and the quintessential bassist. Just plain "cool" before cool was cool.
I particularly want to comment on your solo in "Gemini Suite" (BBC and Jon). Man, it is killer. I had the album, with the original cover of a fish head rising towards to moon, I believe, but through several divorces, have lost lots near and dear to me. Hell, lost guitars, amps, rigs, etc. Nasty stuff divorce. Just wondering if you might be able to enlighten us as to how that was done. Sounds as if you are thumbing the bass of the bass, while picking (fingers?) the melody/higher parts. Surely not double tracked..?
Thanks for any input. You the Man, Rog. Always have been, and always will be in my book.
Chris
RG:

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the thought. The bass solo on The Gemini Suite was indeed, double tracked. To be really impressive, I'd love to able to say that is not so, but it is so. It was played on a Fender Mustang, as I recall.

RG

Steve Sowerby on 2004-01-14:
Having been involved with making pieces of music that are looked on by the public as 'classics', are you aware when you first hear the song and lay down the track that 'this is something special'?

I was involved in international sports for many years and remember those feelings when everything went right and winning was involved. The same amount of effort went in as on the days when it didn't work out like the text book.

It was thinking back to the time when I didn't have advancing forehead syndrome (cough) but had a trimmer figure that brought this thought to mind.

Keep up the good work - I very much like the latest solo album, by the way.
RG:

Hi Steve,

Thank you. Judging by the fact that we spent a lot of time perfecting Never Before as a single and completely ignored Smoke On the Water, no we are not aware.

RG

Nika on 2003-12-26:
Hello Roger!
I'm your great fan from Poland,so first of all I want to thank you for fantastic show in Katowice.you ,and of course Steve,Ian,Ian& Don were...just great!!;)
one more thing- please excuse my English;)
and now my question.I don't know if you'd answer that,but i do not know where can i find out something about it.. producer--what does he really do?why you decided michael should be the producer of 'Bananas'?
thanks,keep rockin'!!!
Take care,
Nika
RG:

Hi Nika,

The producer has many roles; instigator, arranger, psychiatrist, mediator, therapist, musical overseer, go-between, masseur, business advocate, musician's advocate, chef, unpaid servant, punch bag, wise man, magician... the list is endless. It is no wonder that I am happy not to be the producer for a change, I'm exhausted. πŸ˜‰

RG

Nobody on 2003-09-18:
What kind of synths did you use on Dawn on the Butterfly Ball Album

Thanks
RG:

Hi Nobody,

I used an ARP 2600.

RG

terry o'grady on 2003-08-20:
Hi roger i've been a fan since 1970.
Could you tell me how you and ian gillan get your inspiration for your lyrics?.
Cheers roger and good luck with the new album.
Best wishes terry o'grady london
RG:

Hi Terry,
Where do we get inspiration? In a word... life!

RG

Jimmy LaRue on 2003-05-01:
I have played bass for some 25 years now, and you have always been one of my major influences. Thanks much for the enjoyable listening!

One question, concerning "No One Came" (my very favorite DP song): Did you write the lyric or did Ian? It is one of the best rock lyrics ever written. As you might imagine, as I've been playing for 25 years and you've never heard of me, I identify a bit with some of those sentiments πŸ™‚
RG:

Hi Jimmy,

Thanks for the good thought. Ian wrote the words to No One Came and I agree, they are brilliant. There is an example of a set of lyrics that I could not have written.

RG

Phil Caine on 2003-01-06:
Hi Roger,

While you're recording in L.A., would it be possible to stop by and say "Hi". I promise not to bring 100s of records along to be signed πŸ˜‰

Also, are you planning any 'secret' club gigs while you're here? If so, I'd be forever in your debt if you could let me know.

Thanks!
Phil
RG:

Hi Phil,

That time has gone, sorry. When we are recording it is always difficult, if not downright impossible, to arrange meetings, lunches, drinks, coffee mornings, get-togethers, signings, chats, cocktails, photo ops, cups of tea, rendezvouses (!), picnics, appointments, trysts, t?te-a-t?tes, jam sessions, yard sales, gatherings, studio tours or just plain everyday encounters. I am usually too busy contemplating the fact that the number of strings on my bass guitar is the same as the usual count-in for most of our songs; an observation so profound that it leaves me speechless. As for secret gigs, yes we did loads but I can’t talk about them. Apologies Phil, I’m in that sort of mood!!

RG

Alex on 2002-12-24:
Why Deep Purple nicknamed Martin Birch as "The Wasp"?
RG:

Hi Alex,

I haven?t a clue, sorry. I?ll ask around though and if it is a good story I?ll post it.

RG

Raj Tiwari on 2002-12-20:
Dear Roger,

You were in production for a large period of time and if I remember correctly you have produced albums for Nazarath, Judas priest and Rainbow among other artists. My question to you is what do you think makes DP stand out amongst these other good bands and why does the band have such a large international following ( I am from India and have been a fan of the band since '82 )

Regards,

Raj
RG:

Hi Raj,

Of course it?s a danger to analyze things too much because... who knows? The one thing I do know about DP is that it has always been a band that?s about music, above all else. I learned a long time ago that DP was a band of musicians who wanted to be as ?natural? as possible. In other words all one had to be was oneself. It sounds simple, but sometimes the strongest things are the simplest. Throughout it?s life, DP has also had some really gifted musicians who love to play and are not motivated primarily by the trappings of show business. This can be as much a blessing as a curse, but at least it?s a blessing. We were also fortunate enough to have been present at the start of a new era, something that cannot be engineered, and as such gained some credibility for being forerunners.

RG

Danny on 2002-12-17:
Roger a couple of questions further to my first one.

1)Are you going to take care of the production of the rereleasing of the Burn and Storbringer albums that you were not part of the original recording team?
You worked with David Coverdale in the past
and I still like your work then.

2)Is there a chance that with Steve Morse growing on the old stuff while he was young , the band will include some Coverdale or Tommy bolin stuff to the repertuar of the live act songs?

3)Can you compare the first reharsing with blackmore in1970 and 1984 reunion with the first time when steve came along to the band?
thanks for your time
waiting for the new music

Danny
RG:

Hi Danny,

1) No I am not. I had intended to explore what I could bring to BURN and I did go into the studio to do just that. However, there was not a lot Peter Denenberg, my engineer, or I could contribute. Furthermore, I had an uncomfortable feeling about it because I was not in the band at the time. So, ultimately I decided that the project was not for me and I can't imagine the situation on Stormbringer being any different.

2) No. It's all down to what IG will sing, and he won't do anything from that time period.

3) I can't compare. However, they were both wonderful and each heralded a new departure for both the band and the individuals in the band.

RG

Ghassan Barbour on 2002-12-07:
Mr Glover,

I have two questions that I hope you will answer to in details.

1 - I adore all the music Deep Purple does (and all the branched if I may say of that band = Rainbow, Blackmore's Night). My favorite Deep Purple song is, by far, Wasted Sunsets (I read once that you wrote that particular song, is that true ?), for the melody, the lyrics and above all, the Fantastic guitar solos of the greatest guitar player of all time : RITCHIE BLACKMORE.(Well, you guessed it , I am a Die Hard RB fan, with no offence to anybody), Could you please tell me how RB came up with these solos and how was it while he was recording them ... Very few guitarists can play with such heart and soul. Only one track can equal it, it is the Rainbow instrumental Maybe Next Time. GREAT MELODIES !!!!! ... and ... what do you think ?

2 - This is a very personal question that I would like you to answer with your Heart, regardless of the business thing and all these things... Don't you feel that Deep Purple isn't really Deep Purple without Ritchie Blackmore (and now Jon Lord) ? I mean, again, with no offense, I find your music really great now, and my heart still beats fast when I grab a new Deep Purple cd ... but maybe, for people like me there is something or someone(s) missing.

I thank you is advance for your honesty that I am sure you have plenty.
RG:

Hi Ghassan,

1. Most of the songs that we write in DP start out as instrumentals and IG and I, together or individually, write the top lines and words. On this particular song I wrote most of the lyrics one night and showed them to IG the next day. He liked them, made a few changes, and that was that. As for Ritchie's solos, I don't how he came up with them, he just played and there they were. Sometimes he'd try a few different experiments and would listen to suggestions from me as a producer. Occasionally a solo would end up being a composite of two or more takes. He had an unconventional way of approaching a solo space, I don't think he always knew himself where he was going to end up, but that is the mark of a great musician - to be able to 'think on one's feet' as they say. Pure instinct.

2. I feel that Deep Purple is what it is even though some personnel changes have happened over the years. Was it Deep Purple in 1968? 1974,75,76? The band is an evolving spirit, always has been. I wouldn't be in it if it hadn't changed in 1969. It is only because the so-called mark 2 line-up sold millions of records that people immediately equate that time as the band's defining moment. In some ways it was, I agree. Obviously for you, that is the case, and you are not alone. However, that fact that we don't sell in those kind of numbers any more doesn't mean that the band is not still valid, or that I enjoy myself any the less, in fact the opposite is true. I feel that the band is the band as long as we are producing good music and performing to enthusiastic audiences around the world. Of course, people are entitled to their opinion, I would never try to influence that. All I know is that I believe in what we do. To me, that is Deep Purple.

RG

Thomas Higginz on 2002-11-30:
Hi Roger!

I've been following the great music of Purple since mid seventies. But (no offence) my main band has always been Nazareth. I know that you produced 3 of their all time masterpieces in the 70's. And I just wanted to compliment you for that. Splendid job!.
Now to my question; If asked again - would you take on the task of producing the upcoming Naz album? (2003). (This question I know many Nazfans is curious to read the answer to)
Now, good luck with Purple, and your new solo album. I will check it out soon - I promise!.

Cheers!
Thomas
RG:

Hi Thomas,

Nazareth were very good for me, and to me. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them, they are great guys. I wouldn't accept production work for purely nostagic reasons, I don't have time for that. In fact I don't have time for any production work right now. If I did have time, however, I would evaluate Nazareth the same as I would any band; whether or not I could add anything positive to the equation.

RG

Theresa westphal on 2002-11-30:
Hello Roger,
I would like to extend a warm birthday wish to you !! My question is, are you going to tour with your band from your latest album? I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Moon dance jam in Walker Minnesota this summer. You were so kind. Thank you for giving me a lasting memory.

Respectfully, Theresa
RG:

Hi Theresa,

I would love to tour with The Guilty Party and we are looking at the possibilities. However , it's dependent on two things; the business (it would cost money and I would need an agent and promoters to be convinced that we could generate enough interest) and time constraints (I am in another band right now). Time will tell. If enough airplay happens in the States then it would look promising.

RG

Eirik Solum on 2002-11-28:
Hi Roger!

Congrats on the new site! I have a few questions.

1. Earlier Gillan talked about the next DP album as a possible concept album. After the Albert tour there where also talk about bringig a small string orcestra into the studio. Are those plans abandoned? Is it more like "let's see what happens" now?

2. What made you choose Bradford as a producer? Will you write music with him, or just as the five of you?

3. Will you record the songs you wrote before Don became part of the band? (Long Time Gone, Up The Wall...)

4. Will you write in a jam situation, or do you write stuff individually before the sessions?

5. If you where asked and had the time off to do it, would you join a "reformed" Rainbow (with Dio) to do some gigs? Or would that be "disrespectful" to your role in DP?

All The Best!

Eirik Solum
RG:

Hi Eric,

1. IG has a lot of enthusiasm, a great quality. The idea of a concept of sorts may or may not transpire, it's all down to what happens when we get together. There is no such thing as a bad idea. That has been our motto since _l_. Small string orchestra, small string vest, anything is possible.

2. He chose us. His motivation is that he is a fan, and can see a great possibility. How much better could that be? I hope it works.

3. Probably, but too early to say.

4. Jam mainly. I've no doubt that everyone will be coming with some rough ideas, but it's all of us that fleshes them out.

5. Right now I wouldn?t have the time. If I had the time ... well that's a different story, I don't know.

RG

richard poustie on 2002-11-18:
Hi Roger,

Great album!

I read on the Purple Heart that the boys are going back into the studio in December - great news. My question is will Jon be there?

Cheers

Rich
RG:

Hi Rich,

No Jon won't be there, at least not initially. We have not reached the stage where we can make those kind of decisions yet. We did write a few ideas with Jon and I for one would like him to be a guest on the album for one or two tracks, but it is important that Don be represented well, he is our keyboard player now and that's that. We'll see.

RG