Mel Carter “Continues” with
Exciting Big Band Album

Vocal legend Mel Carter (“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”) returned to Theta Sound Studio to record his third album here, with Randall Michael Tobin handling the tracking, mixing and mastering duties. “Mel Carter Continues…” builds upon Mel’s last two releases (“The Heart & Soul of Mel Carter” and “The Other Standards”) with an artistic selection of material by Mel, masterfully arranged by John Rodby, and passionately interpreted by Mr. Carter.

Making this album the most exciting to date, was recording half the material with a full Big Band featuring an all-star cast of L.A.’s top talent: John Rodby – Piano, Electric Piano, Strings; Grant Geissman, Ron Hershewe – Guitar; James Leary – Bass; Steve Pemberton, Mark Stevens – Drums; Harry Kim – 1st Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Bill Churchville – 2nd Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Nolan Shaheed, Brandon Phillips – 3rd Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Wendell Kelly, Duane Benjamin – Trombone; Robbie Hioki – Bass Trombone; Fred Jackson – 1st Alto Sax, Flute; George Shelby – 2nd Alto Sax; Rickey Woodard – Tenor Sax and solos on “Talk To Me” and “If I Didn’t Care”; and Louis Van Taylor – Baritone Sax. The balance of the record was tracked using the core quartet plus occasional overdubs and solos.

“Mel Carter Continues…” also features a special duet with Mel and Lenny Welch singing “The Legends of Rock and Roll,” a song written by Mel from a musical revue of the same name. Eric Butler arranged the band chart for that song (and the show). The recording session was filmed and a new, exciting video of Mel, Lenny and the Big Band performing “Legends” can be experienced right here!

“Mel Carter Continues…” Big Band recording session as seen from the Control Room at Theta Sound Studio

Mel Carter delivering the goods for “Mel Carter Continues…” at Theta Sound Studio

Grant Geissman and John Rodby during the “Mel Carter Continues…” recording sessions at Theta Sound Studio

James Leary on bass in the Control Room during the “Mel Carter Continues…” recording sessions at Theta Sound Studio

Steve Pemberton in the drum booth, laying it down for the “Mel Carter Continues…” sessions at Theta Sound Studio

Bill Churchville on 2nd Trumpet, Harry Kim on 1st Trumpet, Brandon Phillips on 3rd Trumpet, Duane Benjamin on Trombone and Robbie Hioki on Bass Trombone comprise the brass section for this “Mel Carter Continues…” session at Theta Sound Studio

Fred Jackson on Alto Sax, George Shelby on 2nd Alto Sax, Rickey Woodard on Tenor Sax and Louis Van Taylor on Baritone Sax comprised the woodwinds section for the “Mel Carter Continues…” sessions at Theta Sound Studio

Guitarist Grant Geissman and arranger John Rodby recording “Something to Remember You By” for the “Mel Carter Continues…” sessions at Theta Sound Studio

Grant Geissman, Steve Pemberton, Mel Carter and John Rodby listening to the playback of “Something to Remember You By” during the “Mel Carter Continues…” sessions at Theta Sound Studio

Fred Jackson, Duane Benjamin and James Leary listening to the playback of “Something to Remember You By” during the “Mel Carter Continues…” sessions at Theta Sound Studio

Special Feature Videos from “Mel Carter Continues…”

Mel Carter & Lenny Welch – “The Take-Outs”

Mel Carter & John Rodby – The “Mel Carter Continues…” Sessions