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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

KENNY JONES Exclusive Interview

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KENNY JONES Exclusive Interview



(*This is Part 2 of the "Exclusive, and for the First time ever" Interview of people related to Yim Jaebum (임재범)'s Musical journey. This time The Yim Jaebum Fanpage presents you Mr. KENNY JONES (케니 존스) : The producer and engineer of the ASIANA (아시아나)'s album. He reveals the details behind the unsung masterpiece in Yim Jaebum's Metal era. Hope you enjoy..)





Hello from Korea Mr. Kenny Jones (케니 존스), Thank you very much for granting this interview for the Yim Jaebum Fanpage. What goes through your mind right now ?

Hi there, Well, it's been a long time that has passed.





Now, you’re obviously a veteran music producer/engineer with well seasoned ears, , but for us Koreans could you please introduce yourself ?

My names Kenny Jones (케니 존스), I run Alchemy Studios (알케미 스튜디오) in London and work as the head producer and engineer, I been in studios making records since 1976. I know how its done.





And tell us some of your significant works that has your touch on, Records that became a big hit or musically very important.

Aahh, there are many, if you want info please check the studio's website.





Who are your influences or mentors in you becoming a producer and engineer ? Or maybe you started out assisting for a big name in the early days..

Main guys are John Porter, Nick Bradford, Richard Wailey, Simon Heyworth. All were greet engineers in different ways.

















(Kenny Jones' Alchemy Studio logo.)


Now, for the purpose of the interview. Now, I know it’s over 2 decades ago, But can you tell us how you got to meet Yim Jaebum (임재범) ? (or Kim Dokyoon if he came first)

All the band of ASIANA (아시아나) arrived at the same time, I met them all at once in the studio.





How was the very first meeting for the recording like ? I mean, you don’t just barge into a studio and bash out tunes right on the tapes now do you ? A nice cup of tea and a chat maybe (or was it beer) ?

I don't recall exactly, but usually we have coffee first.





The studio was MATRIX (매트릭스) studios back then, Was it a “cutting edge-state of the art” studio or was it a nice moderate studio but with very special hands on the board ?

Matrix was a special place, not cutting edge, but with special atmosphere all situated underground. A "cult" studio.




So how did the sessions go down ? Was it an easy task for you or was it a tough gig ?

It was rather an easy one.





Were the recordings all put down on analog tapes or was it in the early stages of any new media days ? If so, what kind of format was it recorded on ?

Digital recording didn't exist back then.. It was all done on analog 2 inch tape.





When you heard Yim Jaebum sing for the first time, what did you think right off the bat ?

He had a great voice, very LOUD singer!





Did his voice remind you of any singers ?

Not really.





Wow, his voice is known to be influenced by David Coverdale and the late great Ronnie James Dio.

Is that so? Hmmm





So, these two gentlemen gave you a “general” impression of Korean Rockers now, I only hope that it hasn’t got any worse since. (laughs)

These guys wanted to sound like a UK rock band, which is why they were in London.





So what did you think when you heard the album ?

Sounded rather dated, too much reverb. I only heard some tracks through youtube. I never got a copy of the album.





WHAT ? You never got a copy ? That sucks !

Yes, it's true. SOMEBODY should have sent me one.





Well, my guess is that since ASIANA broke up as quick as they got together, it all got lost in the turmoil. So sad. As far as the album goes, I’ll see what I can do.

Yes please.




(Kenny Jones credit in ASIANA album, LP version.)



I hope you like what you heard. Your name is on it as producer AND engineer, Now that’s an important mark and you deserve the credit Mr. Jones.

(laughs).. well, it was a long time ago.





Getting back to the recording, can you tell us of the equipments (amps, guitars, drums, mics etc.) that were used for it ? I’m sure it’s the same list of the house equipments from MATRIX studios from then, as far as you can remember.

My memory aint that good. And the notes from that era are all lost.





I think the drums tracks are very nice, clear and strong. Very '80s Metal sound which I totally dig. Was it hard to get the drum tones for ASIANA ?

No I don't recall it was any different than other rock bands. I set up my usual way and they played well.. that's half the battle..





Do you have the master tapes in your safe or did Yim Jaebum (or Kim Dokyoon) took it with him to Korea ?

No idea. They probably took it back to Korea.



(In Matrix Studios, 1990.  Mr. Kenny Jones wearing red shirt, and  
Yim Jaebum is showing you his state of mind)




Any fun studio tales or memories you wanna share ?

Sorry but i try not to 'tell tales' from studio sessions.. even if i could remember them! (laughs)





There seems to be a song called “Soldiers came” which was recorded, but it couldn’t be on the album due to sensitive “political” situations of Korea, Do you recall how the song sounded like ? Do you think you have a copy of the recording in your tapes somewhere ?

I think.. I may still have a cassette copy somewhere.





If you could “remix” the album, are there any parts of the recording that you might wanna fix ?

Yes, many.. some tuning issues, more uptodate sound etc..





Now, for a more delicate look into some songs. When the riff for the opening track “Breaking Out” starts, the sound of a motorcycle is dubbed in, giving a total “Hell bent for leather” feel to the album, Please tell me how it was recorded. Was it a real bike ?

I think it was.




Do you recall who’s bike it was and what brand it was ? (like Harley, BMW, Yamaha etc.) ?

Ahhh... No idea.





In the beginning of the song “Tom Kat”, there is a female sounding voice saying “Hey you”, and Yim responds “What ?”, can you tell me who that lady was ? I’m sure there weren’t a lot of females in the studio during this particular recording.

I... don't recall.





In the same song, a brass sounding keyboard parts are dubbed in. Can you recall who played it ? It’s not credited or even mentioned anywhere in the album.

Don't remembere that either, Sorry.





I’m guessing it was the house keyboards from MATRIX, can you recall what model it was ?

Probably a Roland Juno series which was there.





In the title track, “Out on the street”, there is a group chant for the chorus, Besides the obvious members , who were around the mic for that part ? Were you in on it by any chance ?

Ha ha, I never go  on mic, would have been all the band members.





Yim sings 1 track : “Missing you” in Korean, Was that the first time you heard a Rock track sung in Korean language ? And what was your feelings listening to it ?

He sounded more natural in his native tongue.





And in the band anthem “Asiana”, the drummer Yoo Sangwon plays a traditonal Korean rhythm. And Kim Dokyoon plays Korean folk melodies in his solo. What was it like to hear those ?

Didn't realise they were trad. melodies. But they sounded cool.





What about the 2 members who handled the rhythm section ? As a record producer, what’s your impression on them ?

They were very tight players.





Being a producer / engineer for so many years and having a career, you can probably tell if one’s “got it” when a singer makes a sound into a microphone. What was your impression when you hear Yim Jaebum’s vocals through the speakers for the first time ?

Yim jaebum was a good hard rock vocalist.. he had that special built in vocal distortion!





Please tell me about Mr. “Chve” Goddadrd who is enlisted with your name on “Recorded by” . What was his role and where is he now ?

He was one of the tape pops, I trained many, he went on to engineer, but I don't think he is still in the business,  I'm not sure.





All the lyrics are credited to one “Dave”, even down to the Korean lyrics. No one is sure who this is. Can you verify who this Dave was ?

Don't know, sorry.





(Kenny Jones credit in ASIANA album. CD version.)



When exactly did you leave MATRIX and opened your own ALCHEMY STUDIOS ? And would you say it’s a better studio ?

Last thing I did at Matrix was produce Mark Almond (마크 아몬드)  album "Open All Night". Alchemy opened in 2000. Alchemy is still going strong, Matrix is long gone… I guess that makes it a better studio!





I’m sure the goodies are all upgraded, Housing the best of both (analog & digital) worlds ? Please tell us about it.

I have plenty of goodies.. both valve and digital. I work in Protools.





So how is the old MATRIX Studios doing these days ? Still tracking ?

Like I said above, gone unfortunately.





What are your thoughts on all these digital or virtual software, and home recording gadgets that comes in handy sizes ? It might give you some things to think about and have a say about them. Having all them kids doing everything in their room via computers and etc. Leaving less Artists who actually hires a real studio (and engineers).

I can go buy a Steinway piano in a shop, but as I cant play keyboards it will never sound great, Same way you can now buy a studio in a box, but unless you know how to make records they will never sound great. It not the gear or plugins, its the vision and ideas.





Are you going “along” with them new gadgets or pretty much “old school” ? Preferring the real instruments and real boards and all ?..

It's a mixture and a compromise.. always.





If you had your way, what kind of recording (not considering the studio time and money) would be ideal for you ? (like : ALL real gtrs, drums, brass, string orch., grand piano, a whole choir, real hand claps by a dozen ppl.. recorded on a 2 inch tape reel..etc)

I prefer the speed of digital.. But I prefer to record real music made by real people.





What’s your most proud (or memorable) works so far ? (in producing & engineering each)

Don't wanna give that away, they are all important to me.





So, would you recommend them for music fans out here as well ?

Check the list and have a listen!





And in your view, what is the greatest album you think that is the best in terms of producing or engineering ? 

That would be a VERY long list. (laughs)..





Your pick : Alan Parsons or Brian Eno ? (And why)

Eno… Parsons is rubbish.





James Guthrie or Martin Birch ? 

Birch.. prefer his style.





Marshall or Blackstar?

Marshall !





Vox or Orange ?

Orange.





Which artist are you currently working with ? Be it recording or touring..

No one at the moment.





What’s your all time favorite Rock or  Metal band?

AC/DC & Tom Petty.




That’s interesting, As far as I know Yim Jaebum is a big fan of DEEP PURPLE and BLACK SABBATH. Coverdale and Dio eras to be precise.

Is that so?





Have you been in any contact with Yim Jaebum (임재범), or Kim Dokyoon (김도균) along the years since the recording of ASIANA (아시아나)?

Nope. Wish I had.




Have you had a chance to listen to any of Yim Jaebum’s works as a solo singer, or Kim Dokyoon’s Metal tracks as a member of BAEKDOOSAN (백두산)? And if so, your thoughts on them ?

I wish I could answer that.





If Yim Jaebum (임재범) enters ALCHEMY’s door, you think you can make another kickass record with him ?

No problem.





When you see him, what would you go for first ? Straight to the recording booth or down the pub first ? 

Depends, if he's buying the drinks! (laughs)



As a matter of fact, did you know that he was recently in London again ?

No, I had no clue.



Well, after his apprearance in the show “I’m a Singer”, he took off to London to “Recharge his batteries” I think, I’m sure London is a very special place for him. Would you be happy if he called you up ?

Sure no problem!





His “little brother" bands are DIABLO (디아블로), who played with Yim Jaebum (임재범) for his Metal tracks in his shows, And YB (윤도현밴드) who played with him in “I’m a Singer” (나는 가수다). You think you can one day work with these great Korean bands as well ?

Happy to work with anyone (unless they are unpleasant).





That would be great. I hope it happens.

Korean artists ! Come to Alchemy Studios!





How do you remember Yim Jaebum (임재범), as a “Person” or as you British would call : “lad” 

A person.. who wanted to be a lad





Well I’m sure he became wiser with age, and now that he has a loving family. I do hope that you can get together again, even for a buddie talk at a pub.

Cool!





And if you ever fly out to Korea, I’m sure he’ll be delighted to meet you.

Me too.





Now, this only album by ASIANA (아시아나) : It’s being highlighted again with Yim Jaebum (임재범)’s dramatic history and considered one of his important works. Your name and your touch is all over it. Your thoughts ?

It's very old! (laughs)





Yes, I hope your proud of your short but strong works of impact with Yim Jaebum. I can tell you as a witness, you did one hell of of job on this record. As a longtime fan of Yim Jaebum and Metal fanatic in general, I deeply appreciate your works and send you standing ovations Sir.

Thanks a lot man.





You are one of the very few foreign persons who had the opportunity to work with the greatest Rock vocalist of all time from Korea. I can tell you that as long as Yim Jaebum (임재범) Rocks Korea, your name will be along with his proud works in the list. And as far as I know, this was the very first case of a Korean band recording an album in the UK. You should be proud Mr. Jones.

Thanks again.  





Thank you so very much for a great interview about a great album Mr. Jones. I send you Metal horns and cheers. Please take care and all the best to you Sir.

You're welcome.
 





All the best and horns up from Korea to you Sir. Keep Rockin'....

You too!







Much gratitude and appreciation to Mr. KENNY JONES (케니 존스), for sharing unheard stories from ASIANA (아시아나)'s recording in London for this exclusive interview. The YIM JAEBUM Fanpage sends applause and respect to Mr. Jones.






* KENNY JONES now makes music at : 

- http://www.alchemy-studio.co.uk/







** Korean translation (한국어버젼) of this interview coming soon....








---- The YIM JAEBUM Fanpage 2011 ----