The Genesis of "Almost Midnight" Album

Over the years, as a Producer & Recording Engineer, a great deal of artists from all around the world have sent their demos to audition.  I have always made a genuine attempt to give each my attention.

I spent fourteen years of my career working with Italians artists such as Umberto Tozzi, Pino Danielle, Raf, Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti to name a few.  In this case, I received a guitar and vocal cover version of Amos Lee’s “Keep it Loose Keep it Tight,” from Italian vocalist Filippo Perbellini. 

One evening, sitting in my room at the London Hotel in NY, after a day of working on a score for a Motion Picture, I decided to give this artist a listen. 

When I hear a demo for the first time, there is a certain “spark” that will catch my ear.  I recall receiving Prince original demo for the album “For You” which I produced in 1975.  From the moment I heard the first song - I knew it was a winner.

Similarly, when I heard Filippo’s voice and potential, it moved me.  He stood out. While speaking with Filippo, he expressed that he wanted to make an “old school” R&B Pop record.  This genre was the launching of my career, and having worked with some of the best in the field, I knew exactly what he was aiming for. 

In an attempt to do something different, I called upon the best artists I knew, who had made some of the best R&B records ever. The idea was to treat it like an “independent film” with the intent of getting it done.  This short story is a peak of how we made it happen. 

Enjoy!