"Cardo & Friends Live" was recorded live at The Mint in LA by the Record Plant mobile unit with John Falzarano behind the board.
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Production Credits:
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Engineers: John Falzarano, Dave Jenkins
Associate Producers: Dave Jenkins, Pat Regan
Producer: Cardo
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The Players:
Vocals: Cardo
Guitars: Jeff Kolman, Moni Scaria, Mitch Brownstein
Drums: Gary Mallabar
Percussion: Scott Breadman
Bass: Chuck Wright
Keys: JT Thomas, Pat Regan
Killer Choir: Delbi Smart, Lynn Fanelli, Shaun Williamson
This was such a fun show! The Mint is a smaller intimate type of club with a great atmosphere and very enthusiastic audiences, which makes it a thrill to play. There's nothing like an appreciative involved audience.
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To make the night even better, joining me on stage to sing my songs were several guest vocalist including Teddy Zigzag, Dilana, and John Payne. It was truly an evening of Cardo & Friends, very good friends.
The Songs:
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Make no mistake; drums, percussion, 2 keys, 3 guitars; this is a ROCK album.
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1. It Could Happen To Anyone ( AK 47's)
This song is about the drug cartel violence on the border. All the lyrics are from my own personal experience, or the personal experiences of people I know that were directly affected by it. This wasn't another just news headline; it was very real, and very close to home.
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2. Don't Mess With Me (The Preacher)
I wrote this song, along with Jeff Kollman, about the Jack Reacher character from the Lee Child novels. I just love that series of books, and really wanted to bring the lead character, Jack Reacher, to life in song. Lee Child has developed the character so well, I only hope that I did him justice through the lyrics. This song features the great Teddy Zigzag on vocals and harmonica; he just nails it.
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3. One Of These Days
Here is a rousing live version, with a killer piano lead by JT Thomas, of a song from the "Restless Spirit" record. It's a really fun song to do live, especially with JT at the keys.
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4. Welcome To The Real World
I guess you could say this is an angry song. It's about the injustices that all of us experience at one time or another: the feelings of being played, or taken advantage of, or being used. The actions of others that make you feel angry and betrayed; not good feelings to have. Dilana totally delivers the mood of this song with her incredible performance.
5. Restless Spirit
This is a very upbeat and rock oriented version of the title cut from my first record. Between the keys, the drums and percussion , and the dueling lead guitars, it really moves. Dilana and John Payne each take on verses in this version.
John Payne and Dilana
Teddy Zigzag