Salim Nourallah Previews Hit Parade, Sessions at OTN # 17, Aug. 8, 2010

I love when I get the opportunity to take Sessions on the road, and when I heard that Salim Nourallah was returning to Texas Treefort Studio to work on his own album, I jumped at the chance to visit this special place again. I had been out there in June to interview Rhett Miller about the forthcoming Old 97's CD The Grand Theatre (out on Oct. 12) and had an amazing time exploring this remote, vintage studio. This time out, Salim had assembled a superstar team, including Joe Reyes (Buttercup), John Dufilho (Apples in Stereo, Deathray Davies, I Love Math), Jason Garner (every band you like, including I Love Math and Buttercup) and Richard Martin, and Rip Rowan, all handily assisted by studio engineer Jim Vollentine. Learn more about the CD and how it was funded by fans through Pledge Music on the video.

The interesting thing as I talked to everyone was the theme of the bond across a community of musicians, the ways they work together, share and create are truly inspirational. And the results are stellar. The day I was there, they were working on a song called "The Quitter," which you can hear in the background. The opening and closing song is called "Unstoppable" and that's a finished track, and there's a snippet of "38 Rue de Sevigne" as Salim wrote it in Paris, as it was being filmed by his then 6-year-old son Gavin. Look for a release of what is tentatively titled Hit Parade late this year or early next.

Rhett Miller & Salim Nourallah, Sessions at OTN #15, June 14, 2010

 

I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than listening to Old 97's music while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Austin Hill Country. So, when I had the chance to visit with Rhett Miller and producer Salim Nourallah while they were mixing the forthcoming 8th studio album by the Dallas quartet, well... you can imagine what a perfect day that was for me.


Part I - Rhett talks about the studio, his mindset while he wrote this collection and previews a few tunes, complete with personal stories behind the songs. It's a rare look at the thought and insight that goes into the songwriting and recording processes.


Part II - Rhett previews a couple more songs and makes comparisons to Blame It On Gravity.


Part III - some words about Old 97's fans and the future!


Thanks so much to Rhett, Salim and Jack Rock for being such gracious hosts during my visit to Texas Treefort Studio. And thanks to everyone for watching!

 
 

Salim Nourallah, Sessions at OTN #10, Nov. 15, 2009

Salim Nourallah is a multi-talented musician-producer. Most recently he's worked with Old 97's, Rhett Miller and Buttercup, some of my favorite acts. And, his latest solo effort Constellation, which is a gem, was produced by Austin's Billy Harvey, another of my favorites. I was delighted when Salim invited me to his Pleasantry Lane Studios in Dallas last weekend, when I was in town for the Cystic Fibrosis Concert Series that he played along with Rhett Miller and The O's at the Granada Theater. Salim's a most gracious individual, and I loved learning more about his background and his craft.


Part I - Salim talks about designing his studio and his childhood in El Paso


Part II - Being in an early band with Bob Schneider and the Dallas music scene


Part III - Making videos and working with the Old 97's


Salim performs "Pictures Collected"