Terry Wollman's Music Journal

Cafe Cordiale with SOGO

2011-06-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150276999601804

Fun night playing with ya'll...Herman Matthews, Curt Bisquera, Bill Churchville, Jeff Paris, Ed Wynne, Brandon Fields, Timothy Owens, Melanie Taylor, and Dan Lutz.

Prince concert

2011-05-25T17:36:00.001-07:00

Julie Delgado and I, just plain wore out (just kidding around) ... final encore... Prince at the Los Angeles Forum.

photo by Melanie Taylor

Terry Wollman - Buddha's Ear CD performance

2011-05-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to support "Feed The Future." We had a great time playing our new music and are happy to support this wonderful cause.
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Join hands with Annie Morgan, owner of Taste Buds (a creative eatery) as she raises funds to travel to Zambia, Africa this summer to teach and share her culinary talents with the students of Northrise University!
Come hear Annie's story as you BID, EAT, and SHOP for a wonderful cause!

Mission Stetement:
TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR
IMPACT NDOLA 2011
AT NORTHRISE UNIVERSITY, NDOLA, ZAMBIA

In July, Annie and her team will be traveling to Zambia (Sub-Saharan Africa) to prepare and coordinate some 400 meals a day for volunteers and students who will be expanding and promoting programs at the University.

Northrise is an educational institution dedicated to equipping men and women to work in ministry and business so as to contribute to the spiritual and economic transformation in Zambia.

Northrise University seeks to equip its students to become future leaders through their rigorous academics and spiritual training. Graduates are encouraged to stay and work in Zambia after graduation to help change their nation from within.

With your support, Annie will take her passion for feeding children and adults to another level. She not only will be nourishing the desire for education, but she also plans to inspire a “Hospitality Program” at the University. Her vision is to share her knowledge and skills in the culinary arts and the hospitality business with the students of Northrise.

Annie is grateful for your many years of business and friendship!
AND, she is looking forward to sharing this time with MANY of you as well!

If you are not able to attend, donations may also be made the following ways:

On-line:
www.northrise.org
Designate your donation under Impact 2011
FOR: Annie Morgan

Family

2011-05-05T20:53:00.001-07:00

This is me with my Uncle Len who will be 91 in a couple of weeks. It's nice to be with family.

And the Pips... on The Richard Pryor Show

2011-04-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Check this out! Anybody remember this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdN27HzoyO4

Recording with Singer/Songwriter Joe Oliva

2011-04-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

in my studio last night recording with Herman Matthews (drums), Joe Oliva (songwriter), Jervonny Collier (bass), and me (guitar/producer). Thanks guys... we rocked the house!

Kevin Cloud Late 80's Early 90's Promo

2011-03-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Kevin Cloud, just showed my this vintage video he posted on youtube. There are some great shots of us on the Byron Allen Show (ABC) featuring my all star band with me, Gerald Albright, Nathan East, Marc Hugenberger, Luis Conte, and Kevin Cloud. Also some historic footage of us with Jack Mack and The Heart Attack on The Late Show (Fox) playing with Ginger Baker.

English Laundry's Chris Wicks Parties With Fashion Industries Guild - ApparelNews.net

2011-02-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of performing on John Lennon's birthday at the annual Fashion Industry Guild party. Adam Chester and I did a set of John Lennon songs to honor Chris Wicks, founder of Defiance USA, as Man of The Year.

http://www.apparelnews.net/people_events/102210-English-Laundrys-Chris-Wicks-Parties-With-Fashion-Industries-Guild

Me and my Apple... @ the Mac Apple Store

2011-02-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

Me and my Apple.

I have been a fan of Apple since I bought my first Mac. It was 1988 and I used it to record my first album. For those of you who don’t remember, that is how we used to release music before iTunes.

I just had my faith renewed in Apple. Recently I had some technical problems that quickly went from bad to catastrophic. The good people at the Apple Store have gone out of their way to fix the problem. They are doing the right thing. In a time when we seem to have forgotten the importance of pride and integrity, Apple employees believe in their product, and it shows.

My first computer was a Mac, not counting (I guess) my abacus. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to use. Simply put, they work. And more importantly… when they don’t, Apple stands by their product.

I have been, and will continue to be… an Apple fan.

(This is a photo of me at the Apple Store with Store Leader-Danya Bonnett and Senior Genius Tech-Gerard. Thank you Danya, Gerard, and Atom!!!)

Recording Magazine article-Terry Wollman On Miking Acoustic Guitars | Interviewed by Lorenz Rychner. Vintage and new, conventional and strange...

2011-02-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. Lorynz Rychner, editor of Recording Magazine, dropped by my studio to take some photos and talk about my approach to recording acoustic guitars. Go check out the current February 2011 issue of Recording Magazine. It is at your local news stand now!

www.recordingmag.com/issues.html

Writing with Jorge Bermudez

2011-02-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

I had a nice visit from Percussionist/Composer Jorge Bermudez... just in for a few days from San Francisco. Here we are in my studio.

Planet Waves & D'Addario at the NAMM Show 2011

2011-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Rob Cunningham, Planet Waves Product Specialist, for showing me all the great new Planet Waves gear!!! D'Addario is my "one stop" for ALL of my guitar accessories and strings. Go check them out... now!

http://www.daddario.com

http://www.planet-waves.com

NAMM show 2011 at the Remo Booth

2011-01-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

I dropped by to say hi to my friends at the Remo booth. Here I am with Chalo Eduardo, Carla Rigolin Hassett, and Hector Torres. Tom Zygmont is not in this picture but got to see him as well!

Hokto Kinoko 100% Organic mushrooms

2011-01-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

Just cooked up some amazing 100% Organic Bunapi (White Beach) mushrooms from a company called Hokto. They are located in San Marcos, California and taste delicious and are healthy!

Hokto Kinoko
www.hokto-kinoko.com

Today's Caregiver Magazine-Gary Barg

2011-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

This was written by Gary Barg, a lifelong friend of mine, about helping families work together to provide good elder care for their parents. If there is ANYTHING you need to know about elder care, look up Gary...

Gary Barg is founder and editor in chief of Today's Caregiver magazine and www.caregiver.com and author of The Fearless Caregiver. Contact Gary at gary@caregiver.com.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/oct/06/band-leader-makes-a-good-caregiver/

Music score for "Locked Out"... a documentary by Joan Sekler. Mixed at RH Factor post production studio.

2010-10-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Over the past 2 weeks I have been in my studio, with fellow composer Daniel Walker, scoring a new documentary called Locked Out. This film, produced by Joan Sekler, is about the mining community of Boron California where workers fought and won to keep their "union" jobs from being taken away by an international corporation named Rio Tinto. Here is a photo of us (Joan Sekler, me, Peter Kelsey) at the final mix session.

Selling my 1978 American Made Strat!!!

2010-09-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-stratocaster-1978-blue

I am selling my 1978 Fender Stratocaster, Made in America, Custom wiring (3 toggle switches), Seymour Duncan pickups (2 Hot Rails & JB Humbucker), Floyd Rose bridge (currently blocked, easily reversed if desired), Custom paint job (blue), Ebony neck, Vintage tweed case. This is the ULTIMATE studio guitar... For sale by session guitarist Terry Wollman, previously owned by Dean Parks.

TrueTone Music E-Commerce Sales,
Santa Monica, Ca.
310-393-8232
www.TrueToneMusic.com
www.MySpace.com/TrueTone_Music

CIty of Darkness-The Walled City of Kowloon

2010-09-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hak Nam, The City of Darkness, in Kowloon China was a cultural masterpiece. What started as a collection of squatter's shacks became a massive group of buildings connected together at some points up to 14 stories high. This "city" within a city occupied 6 1/2 acres and housed 33,000 people.

My good friend, and composer, Daniel Walker has written a musical about this city that was eventually taken down by the Chinese government. We had 10 people working in my studio (a new record for Ollie Llama Studio) to record the vocals for this new show. I will definately keep you posted on this one.

(For background read "City of Darkness" by Greg Girard and Ian Lambot, and "Kowloon Walled City" by Ryuji Miyamoto.)

Gregory Manning CD promotional performance at Borders

2010-09-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I performed with recording artist Greg Manning to promote his new CD "The Calling." Vocalist Melanie Taylor (just off the road with John Mayer) joined us on a cool version of Bonnie Raitt's "Nick of Time." Thanks everybody for coming out. We will be doing another performance this Saturday at the Borders on Westwood Boulevard from 2-4 pm. If you live in Los Angeles come on out and say hi.

Abbey Lincoln - Memorial Service

2010-09-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Just recorded Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" in my studio with bassist Reggie Carson for Abbey Lincoln's memorial service, being held on October 1st in New York City. Reggie performed a 3 bass accompaniment for chanteuse Ms. Evelyn Mason (Abbey's niece) who will be performing it at the memorial.

Sharing great art... Nina Shortridge-award winning quilt maker

2010-08-20T23:02:00.000-07:00

I believe it's important for Artists to support each other. I just saw the beautiful and vibrant artwork of quilt-maker Nina Shortridge. Let me tell you about this Artist I just had the pleasure of meeting.

Nina Shortridge is a Marin County textile artist, whose award winning artwork has been displayed in numerous publications as well as juried exhibits and galleries throughout the United States, Europe and the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work is displayed in corporate buildings and museums and is included in several private collections. Ms. Shortridge can be seen in the documentary film “Woman’s Work: Making Quilts – Creating Art”, a film by Charlotte Grossman featuring the Faultline Studio Artists, of which she is a member.

www.ninashortridge.com

Memphis Beat with Keb' Mo'

2010-08-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've been working with multi-talented TV composer Keb' Mo' on the new series Memphis Beat. If you want a good dose of authentic Memphis blues surrounded by a cool new hour long cop drama featuring Jason Lee, Alfre Woodard, DJ Qualls, Sam Hennings, Leonard Earl Howze, Abraham Benrubi, and Celia Weston... tune into TNT on Tuesday nights. The show features some great writing, superb guest stars, and the music of Keb' Mo'. We've been giving my studio a run for it's money.

More vintage TV with David Cassidy on the Howie Mandel Show

2010-07-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

This performance features the infamous "shirt" incident along with a great performance of David Cassidy and the band. Thank you to Vail Johnson for posting these shows. Good times...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQK4RrlNik8

Vintage TV performances with David Cassidy on The Magic Hour

2010-07-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

My friend Vail Johnson just sent me these video links from 2 television performances we did a few years back with David Cassidy. Check out the great musicians in both bands... Vail Johnson, Terry Wollman, John Ferraro, Kurt Rasmussen, Ron Powell, and Lance Lee. FUN!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2nd0qMmihw

Terry Wollman Trio performs for President Barack Obama

2010-04-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of being asked to perform for President Obama at the Los Angeles Barbara Boxer fundraiser on April 19th. The trio was myself on guitar, Tom Evans on tenor sax, and Billy Childs on piano. We were introduced to the President, had a moment to talk, and had our picture taken with him (which will be posted soon). I will not forget this moment.

Duesenberg Guitars

2010-04-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Nathan Frawley of Duesenberg USA for a great visit to the West Coast show room. These guitars are spectacular and worth checking out! You will be able to hear this (red) guitar on my new album... stay tuned. For more info on these fine instruments. I recommend going to www.duesenbergusa.com.

Wearing a bamboo t-shirt from the Trubu collection

2010-04-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Check out www.trubu.com. This has got to be the MOST comfortable t-shirt I have ever worn. I may never take it off.

Julie Delgado's birthday celebration!!!

2010-04-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

What a great day celebrating my good friend Julie Delgado's birthday. She just turned 39... plus shipping and handling (thanks Nita).

Taxes with CPA "Scott Rubentstein"

2010-02-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

Today I met with Scott Rubenstein, my CPA, to file taxes... good times! The good news is I got them done. If you are based in Los Angeles, and looking for a great tax guy, I suggest you call Scott at 323 658-5271. I don't normally use blogging to promote local businesses, but I thought I'd make an exception. It's good to know who you can count on.

Recording Magazine interview with Lorenz Rychner

2010-02-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

Lorenz Rychner, Editor of Recording Magazine, recently came by my studio to interview me for an upcoming article on recording techniques for acoustic stringed instruments. The interview focuses on how I approach recording on my upcoming album. Lorenz took some great photos of microphone placement on my Taylor 912-C, Martin D35, Ramirez, High String, and Vihuela. Stay tuned for details on the article and album.

Gregory Manning recording session with Jan Stevens (Composer for Scrubs/Samantha Who)

2010-02-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

Just finishing final overdubs for Pianist/Composer Gregory Manning's debut album. Here I am with Gregory and Jan Stevens after a great take of hand claps... "OLD SCHOOL" baby!!!

The Wollman brothers

2010-02-14T15:12:00.001-08:00

This is me with my brothers Scott (on left) and Michael (right). I just discovered this photo which was taken 5 years ago in Miami. Since the napkins are still in the water glasses I guess that's us patiently waiting for food.

Haiti Benefit Concert

2010-01-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

"Yea, it looks a bit like Sanford & Son's on the inside during the day but when the camera starts rolling, it looks amazing."

Photos and quote courtesy of Herman Matthews.

Photo 3: Herman Matthews (Drums), Robbyn Kirmsse (Vocals), Terry Wollman (Music Director/Guitar), and Jervonny Collier (Bass)

Photo 4: Terry Wollman, Karen Black (Vocals), Herman Matthews

Photo 5: Terry Wollman, Jervonny Collier, Stephan Oberhoff (Piano), Herman Matthews

This event was produced by Catte Adams (Singer/Songwriter) and Paul Kulak. Thank you to my amazing House Band... Tom Evans (Sax), Herman Matthews (Drums), JV Collier (Bass), Stephan Oberhoff (Keyboards), and all the talented singers who helped make this a great night!

Haitian Earthquake Live Video Webcast Fundraiser Telethon

2010-01-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

I was asked to Music Direct for a fundraiser this Sunday January 24th. The band will be myself on guitar, Herman Matthews-drums, JV Collier-bass, Stephan Oberhoff-piano, and lots of other amazing artists dropping by to perform. The evening will feature some of L.A.'s top singer/songwriters and comedians. Please come by or watch the webcast from home.

Kulak's Woodshed
www.kulakswoodshed.com
5230 1/2 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91607

Contact: Paul Kulak
Tel. 818-766-9913
Email: paulkulak@earthlink.net

Haitian Earthquake Live Video Webcast Fundraiser Telethon

On Sunday January 24, 2010 beginning at 7pm, acclaimed live music venue Kulak's Woodshed in North Hollywood, California will host a Live Video Webcast Telethon to raise money for Hatian Earthquake victims. Many of L.A's most celebrated Singer Songwriters and Comics including #1 hit writers and Grammy winners will perform.

Donors will be encouraged to give to The Red Cross, and Doctors without Borders.100 % of all donation pledges go to charities the above charities. All donation pledges must be made directly to donors charity of choice. Kulak's Woodshed will not accept payments in any form for this event. Those hoping to attend in person here in North Hollywood will be required to participate in an auction for available seats. Those who make the largest donation pledges will have 1st priority on seating.

The webcast will be free to watch at www.kulakswoodshed.com
Instructions on how to make your donation pledges to the Hatian Earthquake victims will be provided during the show.
If you’d like more information, or to schedule an interview, please email paulkulak@earthlink.net or call 818-766-9913

Terry Wollman ... music on television Mango Eater Music (ASCAP)

2010-01-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

I currently have my music being performed on Scrubs, The Shield, Kickin It Old Skool, and (drum roll)... Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

New Years Performance 2009-2010 at Disney Hall with Brandon Fields and Ron Pedley

2010-01-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

Welcomed in 2010 with my friends Ron Pedley (piano) and Brandon Fields (sax). This was our 3rd year performing together on New Years... possibly qualifying it as a tradition. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Boys and Girls Club of Carson

2009-12-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

I recently did a "mentoring" session on performance for the Boys and Girls Club of Carson. The kids were great... talented, enthusiastic, and open. Here is a picture of me on stage at the performance event. Apparently there was some concern that I would forget my name (see photo).

The Allee Willis Museum of Kitsch

2009-09-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

I was just invited to a really fun "art" exhibit by my friends Michael Mishaw and Melanie Taylor... both excellent singers/artists, and appreciaters of pop culture. Anybody who loves Americana history and objects of Kitsch will love seeing this collection. Allee is a world class songwriter who has collected some amazing pieces through her personal travels. To find out more, go to www.AWMoK.com. Have fun...

String Quartet session with Singer/Songwriter Robbie Brooks

2009-08-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

My friend Robbie Brooks asked me to co-write a song with her called "Second Chances." Her husband (Keb' Mo') and I have been in the studio tracking it and thought it would be nice to add strings... so I wrote a String Quartet arrangement and called one of my favorite violinists, Calabria McChesney, to put a quartet together for us. Here we all are after a great session. Pictured left to right are me, Robbie Brooks, Terry Glenny (violin), Keb' Mo', Kirstin Fife (viola), Calabria McChesney (violin), Tina Guo (cello). There is NOTHING in the world like live strings!

Performing at the Hollywood Music Awards with Artist/Songwriter Robbyn Kirmsse

2009-07-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

Robbyn just sent me these live concert photos from our performance at the Hollywood Music Awards. It was a vibey band and fun show with my fellow musicians Keb' Mo' (mandolin), Larry Antonino (bass), Robbyn Kirmsse (songwriter/vocalist), Tony Shogren (cajon), and me (guitar).

Line 6

2009-07-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

I want to give a shout out to my friends at Line 6. I have been using their pedals for years, starting with the original POD... which by the way, I still use! My current favorite is the ToneCore Echo Park Delay. It is easy to use, versatile, light weight, and sounds wonderful. The tap tempo is a great feature that really works well for live performance. Thanks for continuing to make great sounding pedals!!!

Guest Artist clinics in Tucson with Beth Horn

2009-06-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have been working in Tucson Arizona with my friend Beth Horn and some pretty amazing kids. We have been doing music workshops, performing (Flute and Guitar) for the students and talking with them about living the life of an artist. I would like to thank Beth, and Orange Grove Middle School, for continuing to invite me back to their school as well as their neighboring local elementary and high schools. The Tuscon school system really supports their students in their artistic endeavors and are lucky to have teachers like Ms. Horn!

In the studio with Terry Wollman and Percussionist/Composer Jorge Bermudez

2009-06-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Recorded yesterday with my good friend Jorge Bermudez on his latest song Cha Cha Cha. You can hear his music on shows like Dexter, Desperate Housewives, The Shield, and CSI Miami. We had a great time making Latin music and catching up. Here is a picture of my dog Ollie trying on Jorge's hat while I was busy working on guitar overdubs.

Las Vegas performance at the Liberace Museum with Melanie Taylor

2009-06-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

I was invited to perform with my super-talented friend Melanie Taylor (www.melanietaylormusic.com) in Las Vegas at the Liberace Museum. There is a new show in Vegas at VS (www.vsrockcabaret.com) featuring talent from the biggest shows on the strip. Melanie Taylor and Keely Vasquez both performed in the show and are featured vocalists/dancers in Barry Manilow's band . This is a cool venue where you can hear some amazing talent "step out" and shine on their own music. Melanie asked me to do 2 arrangements and play acoustic guitar for her. Here is a picture of us working it out with the band at soundcheck. The other picture is with Chris Gray, the trumpet player from Barry Manilow's band, and Liberace. He seemed nice but didn't say much...

Sambagura Concert with Katia Moraes

2009-06-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Just performed with one of my favorite Los Angeles bands... "Sambaguru" with Kevin Ricard (percussion), Katia Moraes (voice), Tony Shogren (drums), Bill Brendle (piano/accordian), and filling in for Hussain Jiffry... Rene Camacho (bass). WOW! This is samba at it's best. We had a blast and the audience was great. Thanks for a fun time!

Sweat Pilates with Kenna Ramsey

2009-05-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

I just took a Pilates class this morning with Kenna Ramsey at the new location she and Moe Daniels recently opened in Los Angeles. WOW... what a workout!!! It is located in Culver City (Los Angeles) and I recommend to anyone who wants to get their sweat and stretch on to check it out. This is a great workout for people of all levels, sizes, genders, and ages. Just bring a great attitude and willingness to work... and you won't regret it. www.sweatpilates.com

Mercy House "Living With Heart Gala" May 16, 2009

2009-05-17T21:52:00.001-07:00

I had the honor last night of being asked to do a Solo Guitar performance for a great organization in Orange County California called "Mercy House." Here I am with the producer of the event, Kim Washington. One of their corporate sponsers, "Western Digital," stated beautifully that their intention is to create a space "where everyone will have a home to live in, food on the table, and love in their heart." These folks are doing some great work. Please take a moment to check them out.

"The Question" - JT Horenstein's new Indie Rock Ballet at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre

2009-03-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

I just saw a wonderful performance of a new Rock Ballet written and choreographed by JT Horenstein. I produced and arranged his debut album "All Dressed Up"... yes, he's also a singer! We cut tracks live with myself on Guitar, Wally Minko/Piano, Tom Brechtlein/Drums, Luis Conte/Percussion, and Abe Laboriel/Bass. You can find it on iTunes or cdbaby.

Scrubs recording session with composer Jan Stevens, Dean Parks, and myself.

2009-02-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

We just completed recording the music score for the final episode of Scrubs. Here I am with my good friends Dean Parks (Guitar) and Jan Stevens (Composer/Multi-Instrumentalist) after our final session. We thought it would be great to take a picture of our last cue together. Thanks Jan... it's been GREAT!

MusicStar - Swiss Idol music director Greg Manning Wachter

2009-02-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is my good friend Greg Manning Wachter who is currently back in Switzerland music directing the Swiss version of American Idol. I had the opportunity to work on a few charts for the new season. Best of luck to Gregory, the band and all of this season's contestants!!!

Celebrating the inauguration of President Obama.

2009-01-21T13:54:00.001-08:00

With friends, Al Jenkins and Melanie Taylor, as we celebrate the first day of our new president... at Motherland Music.

Scrubs - I'm No Superman

2009-01-08T00:42:00.000-08:00

Just finished recording an acoustic version of the theme song "I'm No Superman" for the final episode of Scrubs. The banjo is a featured instrument in this arrangement so I borrowed composer Jan Steven's fancy banjo to get the best performance possible. Also, played Ukelele on another Scrubs cue with Jonathan Grossman producing a track... great fun!

New Years Performance at Disney Hall

2009-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone. I had the pleasure of performing last night with Brandon Fields (Sax) and Ron Pedley (Piano). It was our second year doing this event and everyone had a great evening. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2009... go after your dreams.

The new movie "Swishbucklers," a Three Musketeers style comedy produced by Francois Petit.

2008-12-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

I was recently invited to a screening of the movie "Swishbucklers" which I had the fun experience of acting in. It is a modern day comedy based on a remake of The Three Musketeers. World renowned martial artist Francois Petit, my Karate Sensai, cast me as one of the Guards. We had intensive sword training (rapier) and etiquette classes to prepare us for our roles. Our fight coordinator was Luke LaFontaine... an excellent coach. I learned a lot and had a blast being a part of this film.

Yes We Can

2008-11-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

What a proud day for us all! Congratulations to President Barack Obama for a race well run.

Recording with composer Daniel Walker, conductor Ashley Irwin, and engineer Peter Kelsey at Capitol Recording Studio

2008-09-17T18:04:00.001-07:00

We just completed a wonderful orchestral session at one of my favorite studios, Studio A in the Capitol Records building in Hollywood. Composer Dan Walker and I recorded the guitar tracks at Ollie Llama Studio, my personal studio. I was invited to the string session and did not want to miss the opportunity to hear live strings being recorded in one of the best sounding studios in the world. Dan wrote some beautiful music and the session was a success!

Dirty Sexy Money on ABC

2008-09-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

It's always something different, and I guess that's part of what keeps living the life of an Artist so interesting. I was asked to perform on camera for the new season of ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" as a band member at a black tie affair. The party scene was taped on a 120 foot yacht in a beautiful marina in South Long Beach. Since it was shot on location, we filmed for two nights until the sun came up... I'm still tired!

Mindi Abair and Terry Wollman in the studio recording "Mandela" ... composed by Keb' Mo' and Terry

2008-08-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

This is about two very good friends of mine... Keb' Mo' and Mindi Abair. A few months ago Keb' Mo' and I wrote a song called Mandela. We both thought it would be great to have Mindi play alto sax on it, and as ususal, she played her heart out... MINDI ROCKS! Here is a photo of recording engineer Kenji Nakai, Peak Records recording artist Mindi Abair, and me during our session. It's great to be back in the studio again working on my new record!!!

Robbyn Kirmsse, Tony Shogren, Jervonny (JV) Collier, Basil Fung, Guy Moon, Michael Levine, and myself performing at Kulak's Woodshed

2008-07-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Performed for a live "webcast" last night at Kulak's Woodshed with the exquisitely talented Robbyn Kirmsse. The band was Robbyn (Vocals), Tony Shogren (Cajon & Drums), Jervonny Collier (Acoustic & Electric Bass), Basil Fung (Guitars & Gizmos), and me (Music Directing & Acoustic Guitar). We also had sitting in with us award winning television composers Michael Levine (Electric Violin) and Guy Moon (Piano). Robbyn also invited a few other amazing songwriters to perform and it was an inspired evening. We all had a blast! This is a picture of JV Collier (bass), Robbyn, and me right after our show. Go check out Robbyn at www.robbynkirmsse.com to hear some of her original songs... she is a fantastic songwriter and singer... I mean it! Go hear for yourself.

Kenneth Cole

2008-06-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

We just performed for a West Coast "Kenneth Cole" event to kick off their cool new summer clothing line. I was very happy to get Tom Evans (sax) and Gregory Wachter (piano) to join me in this Trio for a really fun show. Check out our new wardrobe...

Disney Hall - Los Angeles performances

2008-05-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

We recently performed at the beautiful Disney Hall for a few "high end" corporate parties. My band was invited to play for both IBM and for The Neil Bogart Foundation's annual fundraiser for T.J. Martell Foundation. Both events were a huge success.

Amia Dane, Lori Barth & Terry Wollman - Songwriting Team

2008-05-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Just released, Amia Dane's debut CD entitled "Have Mercy" has a new song we wrote called "Waiting." It is a cool vibey vocal tune written by me, Amia Dane, and Lori Barth. I also added guitars and keyboard parts. We will performing in June at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles to celebrate the release of Amia's new album.

Samantha Who on ABC

2008-05-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

Just completed working on an episode of "Samantha Who" with Emmy nominated composer Jan Stevens. This episode featured some of Jan's musical influences from around the world... covering styles like Brazilian Bossa and French Gypsy music on the nylon string guitar, and even breaking out the Wah-wah pedal for some contemporary underscore. Check out Samantha Who and Scrubs to hear some great tv music!

Terry Wollman and Kevin Chokan playing the "Gibson L5" at the Gibson Artist Relations West Coast Showroom

2008-05-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

My long time friend Kevin Chokan (Diana Ross, Jeffrey Osborne) and I had the opportunity to visit the Gibson Artist Relations showroom in Los Angeles. We got to sample some of their amazing vintage and new instruments... more fun that 2 kids in a candy store. The L5 guitar I'm playing is the same one I played on Desperate Housewives.

Terry Wollman, Ken Stacey, Ron Walters Jr., and Melanie Taylor

2008-04-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

In the studio with session vocalists Ken Stacey and Melanie Taylor (not pictured), along with music director Ron Walters Jr., recording background vocals for Barry Manilow. Ken and Melanie can SING!!! Melanie is the one taking the picture.

In the studio with Terry Wollman and Bill Conti, working on the upcoming feature film "The Perfect Game."

2008-04-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished working with legendary film composer Bill Conti on the score of his next feature film, “The Perfect Game”. Mr. Conti's music, as usual, was beautiful.

I recorded all of my nylon guitar, steel string guitar, and vihuela parts in Ollie Llama Studio, my personal recording studio. The orchestra and trumpet soloist Wayne Bergeron were recorded and mixed at Capitol Studios. The film is slated for a summer release and stars Clifton Collins Jr., Cheech Marin, Moises Arias, and Louis Gossett, Jr..

Go see it with your kids. If you don't have your own... borrow some from a friend or neighbor. It's a great movie based on a true story!

When Opportunity Knocks

2008-01-17T23:54:00.000-08:00

As musicians we work, or at least hope to, in a business that is based on contacts, opportunities, and one's reputation. In most cases, the ones who are successful get there by working hard and developing lasting relationships.

Many major producers hire the same people to work on their big budget recordings as they hired on their earlier low budget demos. It is so important to do your best work always, regardless of the pay. You just never know who is going to be the next big time recording artist or film/television producer.

Be "open" to work possibilities. I have lost count of how many times something that initially seemed like a bad deal has led to major work opportunities. Consider other factors besides the money. We are in a service business and certainly should be compensated fairly for our time. The problem is there will always be another musician willing to do the job for less money than you and your clients will not hesitate to let you know this.

I have seen many a composer walk away from an opportunity to get their music heard just because the contract wasn't exactly right or the money was too low. I am not suggesting you give your music away, just that you stay flexible in your decision making process. Although it is crucial to thoroughly review all contracts and legal agreements, it's also important to consider the other benefits of accepting a job. Keep in mind, the more your work is out there, the more momentum and income your catalog will generate.

Set a standard of excellence in whatever you do. Be dedicated in your writing and humble about the work you create. Composing with this work ethic will raise the quality of your music, benefit everyone involved, and will propel your career forward. Don't just look at the individual situation . . . stand back and try to see the larger picture. Remember, there is no room for arrogance in our business, just confidence. You might think that your work is as good as everyone else's, but until your work is out there nobody will ever know your talent.

There are many ways to create income as a composer and the fees can range from low to quite high. It is important to remember that this is not your first and will certainly not be the last song you will ever write. An experienced composer knows that there are more songs where that one came from. As much as you might love the song you're holding on to, it is wiser to get it out there than to keep it on the shelf. I know many talented writers sitting on great songs that might never be heard.

Remember, there is no shortage of composers who are capable of sitting down and completing a well crafted song in a single afternoon. They are able to do this because they have studied their craft and because they are constantly composing and creating new music. These writers have built up a catalog of songs that have found there way on to films, television shows, and CD's. Their deals have ranged from work for hire, keeping/splitting/or giving away publishing, and collecting or waiving sync license fees.

Every deal is different. Some good, some great, and some disappointing. The important thing is to keep writing and to actually find ways of "releasing" your music. Try to keep in mind the act of releasing implies a certain degree of letting go. Having a long career requires dedication and flexibility, both in your ability to compose and in your willingness to take a broader look at your business options. So, next time, when opportunity knocks . . . remember to open the door.

Grammy-nominated guitarist / composer Terry Wollman has enjoyed a successful career in film and television music.