Music Production
The key to music production is bringing the artist forward - out of the musician or the singer. Everyone - and I mean everyone - has an artist within. But the key is mutually deciding what that artist stands for, who they are, what their unique voice and message is, and manifesting that in sound and presentation. That's what makes a great artist and a great production that is natural, unforced and powerful emotionally. And that is what creates a market and an audience. Anything short of that, makes no sense to put effort into.
I have been producing singers and musicians since the early 1990's. During that time, I've been fortunate to be entrusted with the production for some extraordinary artists. A few examples are presented below:
- Ester Nicholson: Make Me Stronger :: Album: Child Above the Sun
- Charles Holt: Tapping :: Album: I Am
- JD Martin: Everywhere :: Album: One Heart
- Jami Lula: Imagine :: Album: Something's Calling Me
- Equator: Starting Over :: Album: Equator
- David Newman: Soul Freedom :: Album: Soul Freedom
- Andre Delano: Footsteps :: Album: Full Circle
My studio is comprised of a ProTools HD3 system combined with great microphones, mike pre's and my living room for live sessions. It's a home grown thing, because it is my home. I have two extraordinary grand pianos (1920's vintage Mason & Hamlins), a Korg Oasys (the most powerful synthesizer in the world), a ton of special sonic software tools and the best synth voicing and sound libraries anywhere. This system permits me the freedom to develop each song the way it needs to be done, using the very best of the very best.
I use live musicians where ever I can within the limits of budget. I have found that - over time - live playing brings an energy and sound that can not be captured by sampled instruments or performances. Yes, sometimes a sampled part actually works for the production. Interestingly, if a live performance is what is needed, it is typically cheaper to use a real player than to spend the hours needed to sculpt a sampled performance to an equivalent level.
My rates are scalable, in order to get the project as a whole to the finish line. My deal is that my time is paid for, so I can make the time available for your creative project. Then, if I am the producer of the recording, I get an industry-standard percentage of the sales. These future sales are how my creative work is paid for. This model allows an artist to have a lower cost of entry - while being fair to my creative efforts in their behalf.
Often, I am consulted on a recording project as an executive producer. This allows an artist who has another producer to plan their production and costs in such a way as to get the best result from their work. This is an invaluable service for an artist who has yet to put their production plan into form, and it is the same consultation I give to any artist that I produce. During the executive production consultation, we get under the hood on who the artist is, how they need to present themselves and work up a rough budget for getting the project to reality - at the kind of quality required for today's market.
For more information regarding my production services, lease contact me.
Piano Meditation DVD

The Path of Peace
Powertools for TransformationA gorgeous audio/visual journey featuring the solo piano of Ben Dowling and the evolving art of visionary painter, Mark Wagner.
With rave reviews from around the world, The Path of Peace generates a multi-sensory field of contemplative, unhurried loveliness - for listening, creating and meditation.
Regular Price: $19.95. Special Price: $14.95. More than one: $12.95 each!
Latest Record!

World Rising
Inspired by Hancock & Zawinul
Keyboardist Ben Dowling brings jazz, world and funk influences together in a percussion-rich groove-centric CD featuring Mindi Abair, Will Kennedy, Bob Sheppard, Satnam Ramgotra, Niki Haris and the late, great Carl Anderson.