The following excerpt is from a story published recently in our city’s newspaper... thanks Owen & Ted!
On Overdue CD, Theaker gets with the program
Ted Shaw / The Windsor Star
Photo by Jason Kryk
The Windsor Star
John Theaker has waited all his musical life to release a CD, and he wants to savour the moment. Theaker has just released his debut solo album, “Orion Rising”, consisting of 11 self-penned and produced tracks.
“It has been a while coming, that’s for sure,” said the Windsor musician, who has spent the last two and a half years on the project.
He enlisted the help of several long-time friends, including producer-musician Larry Thompson, guitaristst Vic Bortolon, and musician-visual artist Scott Hughes.
He also hired some young, local talent in singers Melissa Danese, Sara Mullins, and Christina Fabischek.
“It’s my first CD,” he said, “so I’ve tried to cover a lot of bases with it.”
“Orion Rising” is a throwback to the highly polished pop of the 1980s, recalling groups like Toto, Mr. Mister, and Journey.
He plays keyboards and saxophone, as well as singing on most tracks, along with Bortolon on guitars and Thompson on synthesizers, organ, and guitars. Danese takes lead vocals on two songs: “I Know What I Want” and
“I Could Love You (the Key)”.
There are two instrumental tracks on which Theaker plays everything; the title track “Orion Rising”, and “Kinder Joe”, a variation
of the Benny Golson jazz original, “Killer Joe”.
There were two primary recording locations: Thompson’s home studio, “Larry’s Place”; and Theaker’s “Bedroom Too!”, which is actually a converted bedroom in his home.
His friend Hughes, who designed the cover and took the liner photos, created the cover art using a NASA photograph of the Orion Nebula.
In a way, Theaker said the artwork represents the music on the CD in that it was produced using the latest in computer programming.
“The album as it stands would not have been possible (to produce) 20 years ago.
The technology certainly made the process a whole lot easier.”
Theaker paid for the expenses. He estimated about $8,000... out of his own pocket, paying the guest musicians and having it mastered by the best in the business in Canada, Toronto’s Joao Carvalho.
“Orion Rising” is available at Theaker’s solo and duo gigs here and in the United States.
“Orion Rising CDs are also available directly from this site as well as digital download from iTunes worldwide and Amazon (US only). OR also available at “Made in Windsor”, 1465 Ottawa St. (near Gladstone) in Windsor Ont. 519.973.0776
February 24/10
“Buy this CD - I can make another...
Share this CD - I can make no more”
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