Mark Carter Productions
Adventures in Music
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
Just sharing stories with you all as the world is turning slowly back to live performance.
In today’s world of recording music, the internet is your partner. Files (recorded music) are transfered everyday to different musicians working on a song or project and then someone will possibly edit your track and slide it in to make musical sense. The first time this happened with me was on my West Coast Groove CD.I had written a tune called “Brand New Love” We worked on an arrangement and sent the file to the drummer, who from his home sudio, recorded a great track and sent it back to us and we finished the tune.
I was thinking about this the other day and a memory from the 1980’s came flying by…..
There was a “Music Producer” in Hollywood who had an ad in a national songwriting magazine. Songwriters around the country would see this ad and send him their home made tape of their songs. The producer would listen to the tapes, then write an arrangement and call in a rhytm section to work on the tunes. He would say…” I want this to sound like a Eagles tune, or Fleetwood Mac tune, or Barry Manilow, or Lionel Richie or whoever” So we would talk over the tune and ad guitar effects or licks or musical ideas to fit the style the Producer was going for. We would knock our 4 or 5 tunes in a session and did this 3 or 4 times a month..no computers, no internet, no files. Just live musicians working together in a studio making music…what a concept !!..and what a great training ground for me.
Those skills and memories are priceless as any musician will tell you.The good news is today you can record and work with musicians from around the globe from your home studio. But every now and then, you remember where it all started.
Stay Well, Stay Blessed….Mark (626) 485-9266
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
Diggin through my files and I found this little gem,
I hope you enjoy…
Back in 2004 I became the owner of a beautifully restored 1966 Mustang Coupe. Actually the cosmetics were great and I have learned the art of spending time and money under the hood 🙂 It is a crazy obsession and it has NEVER been my work car, until….
In 2007 I also had a work car, 1994 Chevy Astro Van.
I kept it for 14 years and put 359,000 miles on the original engine. I was busy playing all over So Cal. I got a call to play at a 50th birthday party in Pasadena.
The day of the event came and my Astro Van broke down on a errand I was running before the gig. It was a 100 degree day and I was 10 miles from home The Van would not get out of second gear and the Air Conditioner and electric windows would not work I had to drive side streets with the door open to get air.I got home, put on a old classic car shirt and put some nice clothes and my equipment in the Mustang
Off I went to a very nice home in Pasadena where the husband of the birthday girl was standing in the driveway. He stepped back and took a good look at the car and said “Wow Mark, what a great idea to bring that car !! I want you to take that car right down to the end of the driveway. Can you set up your gear and perform there ? ”
Sooooo ALL DAY at the party, the guest were coming up to the CAR !! Guest asking me….
” Can we take a picture with it ? “
” Did Bob buy this for his wife’s 50th ? “
” Will you play Mustang Sally AGAIN ? “
“Oh honey you didn’t have to buy me THIS !! “
I’ve played second fiddle to a lot of great musicians and artist in my time. But on this day it was all about The Pony !!
Stay Blessed , Stay Well
Mark
626-485-9266
mcpgtrtrax@aol.com
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
Earlier this year I read a great biography from legendary recording engineer and record producer Al Schmitt “On The Record”. Al has done so many things including the magical digital duet with Nat and Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable” in the early 1990’s. Engineers Al Schmitt, David Reitzas, and mega producer David Foster worked together on that recording.
(A little Techno Info… a 4 minute recording CAN equal 100’s of hours worth of work for musicians, engineers, producers and anyone involved.)
The agent that booked me for last month’s wedding also booked me as bandleader for David Reitzas’ wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. This job was in the 1990’s (David Foster played the wedding ceremony on a white baby grand piano in the garden.) Now, usually with a very nice wedding such as this, there would be pages of instructions, a minute by minute event list …but not today. The agent called and said “ I haven’t got any details, the bride and groom are real relaxed about things, just do what you do Mark Carter”……OK !
Time for the first dance came and I asked the female vocalist for a list of her current favorite songs to sing for this dance. I walked over to David Reitzas and said “May we do Unforgettable for your first dance?” and he said “NO !! I don’t want to ever hear that song again, I worked on that record !! “….I just stood there for a second and then looked at the list, How about “Through The Fire” by Chaka Kahn ? and again he said “NO, I don’t want to ever hear that song again I worked on that record !! “…ahhhh…How about “Wind Beneath My Wings” By Bette Midler ? and again he said “NO, I don’t want to ever hear that song again I worked on that record !! …Oh man I was sinking fast !!…..So I reached back…..How about Elvis Presleys“Can’t Help Falling In Love With You “ ?”Perfect !! he said “I did not work on that record”
Well, I was really trying to feature our great female vocalist that day but the ball bounced right back in my corner so I sang the song and the bride and groom were happy campers….If I’ve learned one thing in my 40 plus years of playing music for people, it’s this…You NEVER know what’s gonna work at any given moment……be prepared and say a prayer.
Stay Blessed , Stay Well
Mark
626-485-9266
mcpgtrtrax@aol.com
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
I’ve always looked at the music biz as one big pie.
If you choose it as a career, you might get a slice or two. I’ve been really blessed and fortunate in 40 plus years in many areas as a performer, studio musician, band leader, guitarist for hire, guitar teacher and music composer, music contractor and yea even
a jingle writer !
With the performing world in such a mess right now,
I thought it might be a good time to share some memories. Here’s a favorite….
I was working as a band leader for a “entertainment agency” and was contracted to lead a band at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, (now I’m a wedding singer). The agent gave me all the details which can be page after page and then said “at a certain point in the reception you will have a guest singer and you will know what to do, have fun !! “
So, it’s a beautiful reception and for the first dance the father of the bride wants to stand on stage and give a toast. Well, he goes on and on about his love for his little girl and all the stories of her growing up and not a dry eye in the house and I’m getting choked up just thinking about my own daughter ! Then he says ” There’s nothing I would not give my daughter on her special day, so today I give you The King” and out of a side door in the room pops “Elvis”! All of a sudden the room is full of laughter and everyone is rolling in the floor !! “Elvis” walks up to me and says “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You in the key of E ” The band was laughing so hard we could hardly play….It was one of those moments. 🙂
Stay Blessed , Stay Well
Mark
626-485-9266
mcpgtrtrax@aol.com
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
How are we doing friends ?
I hope everyone is safe and healthy.
Well, here we go………
with social distancing in place, a mask, hand sanitizer,
in a dining room, and performing in person !!
June 6 2020 6-9 pm. Saturday Night
Cara Mia
7945 Vineyard Ave, Ste d-7,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 360-1498
As we all know, things have been changing rapidly
so please call before you make the drive.
I’m hoping for the best !
Summer is here and it’s a great time to get those kids
busy …. and some adults too!
So I will continue teaching guitar students over the internet for the time being.
In closing I want you all know that if you need anything and I can help, or if you just want to call and say hi, don’t hesitate. Now more than ever we need to stay in touch.
626-485-9266
mcpgtrtrax@aol.com
Stay Well……Mark
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
How are we doing friends ?
I hope everyone is safe and as healthy as can be.
The Good News..
I received a phone call last week from a couple
that have come to see me work for many years
and offered to send me a gift. My heart melted.
I told them I was fine and I didn’t spend everything.
I’m fortunate and thanked them for reaching out.
Thank God for the good folks in this world
….Blessed
So…..In all my spare time now I wrote and recorded
a new piece of music, a bit different, but fun !
I sent it to my friend Phil Brickner and he
came up with a cool video. It’s posted on YouTube
“A Surf With No Name” by Mark Carter.
Get ready to ride the waves !!
And..
The past 3 years I have become a Yoga student and a friend of mine was a Yoga instructor at a local
gym that had to close their doors. So Linda is giving me online Yoga classes overFacetime.
She’s excellent and knows how not to hurt us folks
…..over 30 🙂
If you want to get rid of some of that quarentine..
contact her at Ctlindatan@gmail.com
And …
I’m adding a few more guitar students this month over the internet. If you are interested,
please feel free to call or email me at
626-485-9266
mcpgtrtrax@aol.com
Stay Well……Mark
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
Sending out my prayers and love to all.
May we be safe in this world
from this virus that has taken so many and
praying for a speedy recovery for those in need.
Amen.
I have been teaching AND studying guitar since I was in Jr. High School. Now after 47 years of performinig
on a weekly basis performing it is no longer an option.
So now what ?
I am involved in online Guitar Lessons.
Using Zoom, Skype, and FB Messanger
I am teaching children and adults the
in’s and out’s and joy of music.
You or your children with time on their hands
might want to explore this world.
It’s a great place to put your energy in times like this
or actually anytime.
If you are interested,
please feel free to call or email me at
626-485-9266
mcpgtrtrax@aol.com
With all my love and prayers
until we meet again
Mark
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
This year is off and running my friends !
Working on some new music in my studio,
teaching, and performing has got me
busy. but it's a good thing .
I enjoy this journey way too much.
Hope you are enjoying yours .....
Stay blessed.....Mark
Friday's 6:00-9:00
Dattilo Ristorante Italiano
2288 E. Florida Ave.
Hemet, CA
(951) 658-4248
Saturday's 5:30-9:30
Toasted Barrel
1300 El Sobrante Rd,
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 737-946
4 Private Event evening I.E
5 Private Event afternoon I.E
6 Dattilo 6:00-9:00 Hemet
7 Toasted Barrel 5:30-9:30 Corona
11 Private Event afternoon O.C.
13 Dattilo 6:00-9:00 Hemet
14 Toasted Barrel 5:30-9:30 Corona
17 Tartan Room 7-11 Orange
18 Private Event afternoon I.E.
20 Dattilo 6:00-9:00 Hemet
21 Toasted Barrel 6-10 Corona
24 Tartan Room 7-11 Orange
25 Private Event afternoon I.E.
26 Private Event afternoon I.E.
27 Private Event morning O.C.
27 Dattilo 6:00-9:00 Hemet
28 Toasted Barrel 6-10 Corona
31 Private Event afternoon I.E.
Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
Happy Valentines Day all you lover's !
I've got a couple of new weekend gigs
in the 951 area code, so if you are out that
way stop by and enjoy a night of love songs !
Be sure and make your reservations
and...
Another birthday rolls around on the 9th.
This is the one where my health insurance changes
I understand its a good thing :)
Stay blessed.....Mark
Friday's 6:30-9:00
Dattilo Ristorante Italiano
2288 E. Florida Ave.
Hemet, CA
(951) 658-4248
Saturday's 6:00-!0:00
Toasted Barrel
1300 El Sobrante Rd,
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 737-946
1 Toasted Barrel 6-10 Corona
5 Private Event evening I.E
7 Dattilo 6:30-9 Hemet
8 Toasted Barrel 6-10 Corona
13 Private Event afternoon I.E.
14 Private Event afternoon I.E.
14 Dattilo 6:30-9 Hemet
15 Toasted Barrel 6-10 Corona
18 Tartan Room 7-11 Orange
19 Private Event afternoon I.E.
21 Dattilo 6:30-9 Hemet
22 Toasted Barrel 6-10 Corona
25 Private Event afternoon O.C.
26 Private Event afternoon O.C.
27 Private Event afternoon I.E.
28 Private Event morning O.C.
28 Dattilo 6:30-9 Hemet
29 Toasted Barrel 6-10 Corona
Mark Carter Productions, 1217 N Hacienda blvd, La Puente, CA 91744
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Dear Friends Fans and Music Lovers
Happy New Year !
Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays,
family and friends !
I'm hitting the ground and running again,
so I'll make this short and sweet. New music
and good times are coming this next decade !
God bless you all and hope to see you soon
Mark
1 Private Event afternoon I.E.
3 Private Event afternoon O.C.
5 Tommy Bahama 5-9 111 Palm Canyon PS
8 Private Event evening I.E.
9 Private Event afternoon I.E.
10 Datillos 6-9 2288 Florida Av Hemet
11 Private Event evening I.E.
18 Tommy Bahama 5-9 111 Palm Canyon PS
20 Private Event afternoon I.E.
22 Private Event afternoon I.E.
26 Tommy Bahama 1-5 111 Palm Canyon PS
29 Private Event evening O.C.