Work on the forthcoming Audio Justice album ‘House of Cards’ continues apace. The songs are really starting to take shape, and with recent focus on the rhythm tracks, I am proud to announce that world-renowned drummer Carlos Hercules will be working his magic in the studio with me in the coming weeks.
Arguably one of the most respected drummers in the business, Carlos Hercules has shared the stage with some of the world’s biggest artists, including George Michael, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams, Eurythmics, Jamiroquai and Kelly Clarkson. He has been Beverley Knight’s drummer of choice for the past 12 years, and counts massive global events such as the American Music Awards among his recent achievements. When he’s not playing some of the world’s most prestigious venues (he was the first drummer to play at the new Wembley Stadium), you might see him on your tellybox appearing on shows such as ‘Later with Jools Holland’.
Carlos will be coming into the studio to play on the ‘House of Cards’ album shortly before he heads out to play on the North American leg of the current Leona Lewis tour. Longtime Audio Justice collaborator Dave Wooster, whose sound engineering credits include Van Morrison and Gary Moore, will also be contributing his expertise to the project and I’m really looking forward to being able to play you the fruits of our labour in the not-too-distant.
Drummer Carlos Hercules, seen here performing at Cardiff International Arena, will play on ‘House of Cards’.
It is poignant that I should be announcing Carlos’ involvement with the new album, as today marks the fifth anniversary of the untimely death of good friend and Audio Justice drummer Lee Haynes. As many will fondly remember, sat behind his massive red Peavey drumkit, Lee was an integral part of shaping the band’s early sound. His influence can still be heard, and one of the new songs to feature on the ‘House of Cards’ album is ‘Forever Young’, a tribute to the man himself. Taken at the age of just 25, Lee was a talent that continues to be missed not only by all those who heard him play, but by those who were lucky enough to count him among their friends.
Over the coming weeks I will endeavour to post an article about Lee and the fantastic amount of charity work in his name that continues to provide dialysis patients with hope.
Audio Justice drummer Lee Haynes.
In addition to ‘Forever Young’, other tracks that that are fighting for inclusion on the album include ‘Queen of Hearts’, ‘Empire City’, ‘Jeannie!’, ‘Love Love Love’, ‘Hollow Man’, the title track ‘House of Cards’ and rewritten/reworked versions of live favourites ‘When Push Comes To Shove’ and ‘Snakes and Ladders’. There are many more that I’ll give details of as work continues, but I’m very excited about how this project is coming together and hope you are too.
That’s it for now, but I’ll be in touch again shortly with more album news. In the meantime, you can be the first to get Audio Justice updates by clicking here to add yourself to the newsletter, or keep up to date by receiving news and blog items in your RSS reader as soon as they’re posted by clicking here.
Bye for now,
Dan
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I cant wait to hear the final sound! Looking forward to hearing the contribution the live drums will make in comparison to programmable drums.
Well that _is_ exciting. Congrats on the collaboration! How did that come about? A chance meeting at the recording studio? Mutual friends with Beverly Knight?
Really looking forward to the new album.
Tragic to hear about Lee Haynes. Just too young to be taken.
Thanks for the kind words all! I too am really looking forward to hearing the final tracks with Carlos' talents applied to them. The man is a legend and when it came to sitting down and deciding who I wanted to sit on the drumstool for the duration of the album I couldn't see any further than our dear friend Mr Hercules. It HAD to be him! Incidentally, if you haven't done so already, check the video I posted on this page of Carlos playing at the Cardiff International Arena.
Jon, you're right; Lee was a talent and friend taken too soon. He does, however, live on in the memories of those who heard him play, and I'm hoping to get some footage of him performing live up when I put together the extended Lee-themed article. Watch this space!
made to look so easy!! great work all. regards Derek