#71 Memories sparked by an introduction.. A letter I just wrote

Introductions on email are always interesting, you never know where they're going to go. I'll do a little research and more often than not, after 40 years in the music business, you find a common thread. After that, I'll write a brief history of “then to now” with that thread of commonality. Today's introduction reminded me of my days of bluegrass, Americana, roots and jam-band music. It was the 90's and Telluride Bluegrass Festival years. They were some very fun years with many of the artists on Blue Coast Records today.

I won't divulge who I was introduced to, but I was enjoying the memories of those times. Here's an (edited) version of the note.

"I took a quick tour of your website and it brought back a lot of memories. Before I became focused on our label, Blue Coast Records and audiophile recordings/distribution I worked with a lot of bands that performed at places like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The promoters of that festival became pretty good friends during the 90's and guinea pigs for me to explore new technology that came my way.

"Looking at the names of people and bands, you might know Bo Carper.. a dear old friend. Did you know Tony Furtado? Kelly Jo Phelps? Keith Greeninger? I have a recollection that I may have had very brief interactions with (your artist) about producing something for him 25 years ago.

"I had and still have a studio called OTR Studios, though we are less focused on taking outside recording projects these days. We still mix and master to a format called DSD, which the audiophiles enjoy.

"Blue Coast Records came around 2007 when I found my personal taste for music leaned towards the live rehearsals in the studio. The musicians were less conscious and delivered more fun, emotion, and storytelling. Blue Coast Records has become my version of an audiophile recording of Tiny Desk Concerts.

"After we developed a following of audiophiles and manufacturers, other acoustic labels (like SF Symphony, Mack Ave, indie labels) approached us about selling their music. We trademarked/created a process called SEA (Systems for Exceptional Audio) and now create 'Audiophile Edition" downloads in 9 formats - all the way to DSD256, which is a 10 gig album and our best seller. Our customers are 70% outside of the USA. The store is bluecoastmusic.com

"I'm looking at a future that is more about soundtracks for films, immersive sound, ambient music and pulling stem mixes from the 30 plus years of music I have in the vaults... at heart, I'm still a recording engineer/producer who once toured as an avant-garde musician. :)

"How about you?

"Kind Regards,
Cookie"