Coming soon:
Producer’s Notes:
This whole thing started on March 26, 2004. I know that because I wrote that date down on my recording log. That was the day that Michele and I began recording guide tracks for the songs which would, almost one year later, end up as the tracks on our new album “unilluminated”.
Probably the most ambitious project undertaken by Word of Mouth to date, the goal was to record virtually everything we had; the newer stuff we had written as a band, the familiar songs we’ve played in our live shows, tunes we hadn’t even written completely yet – everything. Looking back on that today, I’m wondering what the hell I was thinking at the time….I must have been nuts.
The process produced almost every imaginable emotion and behavior: tremendous amounts of stress, false starts and restarts, frustration and aggravation, changes within the band, and eventually – a clear vision, and the ultimate cooperation and single-minded vision of what exactly it was we could accomplish. We indeed, were all reading off of the same sheet of music.
By the end of August 2004, Steve was recording his drum tracks with the most professional attitude and precision I had ever witnessed, completing most of them in one take – earning him the moniker of Steve “one-taker” Baker. As the songs became ready, Mich began laying down her Bass tracks; Matt would make special trips into Lorain to record his multiple guitar parts and vocals. Jim sang his songs with confidence and finesse, and I was able to add my contributions to an amazingly complex and growing body of work.
Finally, one Saturday evening in mid-January of 2005, Matt, Steve and I completed the last overdubs of lead and back up vocals for “wasted” and the actual recording was finished. Much jubilation was witnessed throughout the land (or at least in my heart). Now came the really interesting part – mixing and the finalization of all the tracks – creating an album, a thought, a clear picture and a coherent idea out of hundreds and hundreds of individual puzzle pieces.
I must say, that the, at times, tedious and often overwhelming responsibility of putting together all the dozens of pieces- parts for each song, over literally hundreds of hours during a 6 month period, was greatly tempered by the excitement and enthusiasm ( and yes, honestly, the obsession) that grew almost daily from what I was hearing through my studio monitors. It was extremely difficult for me to allow patience to rule, to allow myself to take my time, and give my co-mixers in the band the time to make the changes they felt were necessary. I am extremely grateful to them for their input and patience with me and this project. They all have taught me a lot.
As I write this, the music we have sweated, laughed, cried and bled over is in the very capable hands of Adam Probert, from Strangelove Recording in Lakewood, Ohio, for mastering. We are putting together the artwork and packaging ideas, and should have a finished product, an actual Word of Mouth album in our hands in about 6 – 8 weeks. I personally have waited 4 years for this.
Word of Mouth has not been seen or heard from since late October of 2004. Hopefully, if you have gotten this far with us, you now may understand why. In addition to the recording, editing, mixing, etc., over the last 5 – 6 months of our cloistered, underground (literally) existence, Jim and his wife Stephanie have become the proud parents of twin boys, born December 20, 2004. Matt has traveled extensively across this country and South America on business, Michele has started writing and singing material for the band, Steve has taken on some lead singing and keyboard duties, and we have accumulated enough new material to begin recording our second album, “Americana” which we hope to start working on in June, 2005. I have simply been working on “unilluminated”. I am obsessed. I have no problem admitting that….
Many, many thanks to my Word of Mouth band-mates, for all that we have been able to quietly accomplish over the last 12 months. Jim, Matt, Steve and Michele, I truly appreciate and admire your dedication, professionalism, your willingness to work so hard without reward. It is my hope that 20 years from now you will still be proud of this work, and look back on it fondly. I would also like to thank the many folks that have also helped us out and gotten us to this point; Greg and Katie Stead, Tony Atkinson, Ben Sanborn and Carol Neal. Chris Onyak and Dan Sweeney, Larry and Chessie Verhovic, the members and fans of Blu Sky, Corpus and Pyramid. Neville and Holly Meredith, and to all those people who have attended shows and followed Word of Mouth over the past 4 years. Thank you for your support, enthusiasm, and encouragement. None of this would be possible without you all.
Please get yourself a copy of this new album…details will be published as they become available. Please let us know what you think, your comments are always appreciated. We will continue to work hard, and earn your support. It is my sincere wish that you will enjoy what you’re hearing and experiencing. We hope to see you out there!
scott bakalar
Word of Mouth
Word of Mouth would also like to announce the departure of drummer, Larry Verhovec, from the band. We wish him well in whatever he decides to undertake in the future.
Never fear though, Word of Mouth will continue to spread the sonic gospel, thanks to the help of seasoned drummer and musician extraordinaire, Steve Baker. Steve, formerly of Blu Sky and the Michigan-based band Switch, will be lending a hand for Word of Mouth's next gig at Liquid Therapy in the ArtsTown Plaza on Lake Road in Avon Lake, Ohio on Saturday June 26th. Please make plans to attend this 8 PM performance, and show your support for Steve and the band - perhaps even encouraging him to stick around some! We all promise you a show that will be better than ever, with high-energy, more-fun-than-should-be-allowed-by-law Original Rock & Roll!
In case you didn't notice, the website has been updated. Please let us know if you like it, or if you have any suggestions.
WOM just finished an excellent show at Goulardi's. If you have never been there before, check it out. Nice place, and really big. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us, and special thanks to Pyramid for getting us on the bill! Thanks to NooSphere for coming out and sponsering the DVD giveaway.
Anyone who was onhand at Goulardi's witnesed the debut of the first live performance of the songs Palms and Set Him Free. Don't fret if you missed it! WOM will be playing this Saturday at the Grog Shop as part of the Planned Parenthood Benefit. Many other bands will also take the stage. Show starts at 4pm and will run through 12am. WOM is scheduled to take the stage at 7pm!
It may not seem like it from the website, but the band has been very busy as of late. We just finished recording a group of songs, and have been busy adding new songs to our arsenal. We also have been involved in the NooSphere video project, which will be released early next year. Check out their website for details.
Look for Word of Mouth to be playing in February - Details to come soon!
Woo-Hoo The Symposium was HOT & Steaming on Saturday 8.16.03!!! And the weather was warm and muggy too! Thanks to all the folks that showed up to see Word of Mouth perform with 2 fantastic bands - Sonic Absolution opened up the night's festivities with an emotional set of industrial alt. rock. These guys from Kent, Ohio sounded great, it was hard to believe, unless you saw them - that they're a trio - their sound was so full and rich. Word of Mouth especially liked the "going down" song! Thanks guys! Hopefully we can hook up again!
Word of Mouth played second on the bill, performing probably one of its best sets to date. The heat was oppressive, but the music was even hotter! Thanks again to all that showed up to support us - we are truly grateful for you all.
Krazy Jayn from Lorain, Ohio finished up the evening's festivities with a rousing, high-energy set of original acoustic/electric rock, that matched the enthusiasm of their fans who showed up to cheer them on. Word of Mouth wishes KJ the best of luck in the finals of the Quaker Steak and Lube "Battle of the Bands" in Sheffield, Ohio later this month! Way to go, guys!
Also, a happy birthday this month to Word of Mouth drummer (and youngest member!) Larry Verhovec. We're sure glad to have you on board!
