S5.05 Ducky
"Ducky" by Bleu
Ducky Carlisle article in Motifri
The world and the Greater Northeast music scene recently lost one of its finest recording studio wizards. Ducky Carlisle, who operated his studio Ice Station Zebra in Medford, MA, died earlier this month. A drummer, singer, songwriter, and most notably a three-time Grammy-winning recording engineer, Ducky has left an enormous hole in the hearts of those who were lucky to know and work with him....
Ducky remembrance with Bleu's track "Ducky"
Living in Medford, Carlisle ran his basement studio, Ice Station Zebra, for many years. He worked with and was a client of many artists, including The Major Labels, Animal Talk, The Figgs, Modern Day Idols, B.B. King, Susan Tedeschi, Rooney, Parks, Mike Viola, Bleu, Waltham, Air Traffic Controller, The Flashcubes, Bang Camaro, The Sheila Divine, Andrea Gillis, and a host of others (too many to mention them all).
Ducky Carlisle's Discography
Grammy award-winning mixing engineer, Boston drummer/studio wizard, producer, and recording engineer.
Bleu McAuley
BLEU is an award winning songwriter, producer, composer, and recording artist. EMMY nominated for his work on HBO's The Golden Boy, he also composed music for the EMMY nominated documentary The Murders At Starved Rock. Bleu has had songs released with Gold and Platinum selling acts such as Demi Lovato, Big Freedia, Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, and K-Pop idols including Super Junior and NCT Dream amongst many other celebrated artists. Once signed to Columbia Records, he has released 6 studio albums, various cult side projects, and has worked with some of the biggest labels, film/TV studios, and show runners in the industry. His music has been featured by networks and brands all over the world including eBay, Swarovski, Bose, NFL, and hit shows like Shameless, The Good Place, and Insecure. Bleu wrote and/or produced all the songs for Disney’s Legend Of The Neverbeast film including a duet with Grammy nominated KT Tunstall. In addition to his numerous musical adventures, he wrote the first Masters degree course specifically on the subject of sync for Berklee College of Music entitled "Songwriting Sync Success," and he is about to launch his first virtual instrument plugin, plus new music in 2024.
Bleu Music on Bandcamp
Bleu is an award winning songwriter, producer, composer, and recording artist.
Mike Gent Music
Founding member of The Figgs (started in 1987), The Gentlemen (started in 1999), and The Rapid Shave (started in 2009). Has played with many other artists and bands as well, including Graham Parker, Mike Viola/Candy Butchers, Tommy Stinson, etc... Mike's 4th solo record is now available at thefiggs.com
The Figgs
35 years after forming in Saratoga Springs, New York, Mike Gent (guitar, vocals), Pete Donnelly (bass, vocals), and Pete Hayes (drums, vocals) are still going strong. Hayes – the new guy – replaced founding member Guy Lyons in 1989. Lyons returned as 2nd guitarist in 1992, departing once again in 1997, and there have been other fourth members, but the core three – PeteMikePete – have been inseparable for over 3 decades. They signed with Imago in 1993, moved to Capitol in ‘95, and have since released a dozen more records on smaller labels or under the band’s own Stomper imprint. They’ve served as Graham Parker’s band for multiple tours & records, toured as the backing band for Tommy Stinson (The Replacements), and performed with a who’s who of the rock hall of fools! In 2021, they were inducted into the Capital Region Music Hall of Fame and 2022 saw the release of their 16th LP, Chemical Shake.
Shaun Wolf Wortis
Leader of the band Slide, Bearmonster, The Legendary Vudu Krewe, Gato Malo, King Jubilee, etc.
Slide
Slide (1993-2000), was a neo-Americana/roots bands active in the 1990s, based in the Boston area. They were contemporaries of Wilco, Ray Mason Band, Charlie Chesterman & the Motorbikes, etc. Slide was noted in Rolling Stone Magazine and shared a Billboard cover story with Wilco. Like many of their contempories, Slide was influenced by both blues rock and by punk rock, however Slide was also heavily influenced by New Orleans rhythm & blues music, as well as electronica.
The Same by Bleu
The Major Labels: Aquavia
The only album by a power group consisting of Mike Viola, Bleu McAuley, and Ducky Carlisle. Recorded at Ice Station Zebra, in Medford, MA. One of Jim's favorite albums of all time.