He sometimes comes across a little gruff and has ruffled a few feathers, but I'm here to tell you that, from a musician/recording expert standpoint, Diki is a monster, on top of being one of the "experts" on all things technical around here.

He and I make a good bit of our living writing and recording proprietary music, which, contractually, we can't share on the internet.

I do film scores for the industrial films I produce. I've only had one rough in the last few years that I could share, with the client's permission (posted a while back, with Don Mason's help). When you share that kind of production, you immediately make excuses; not about the musicianship, but about the kind of production. Scores can't be too busy. They are repetitive, and generally have a hokey head and tail, which is intentional, to give room for intro's and endings. The whole production is mixed down to lay under a voice-over, and is not a good example of "stand alone" music.

Diki produces and plays on a variety of independent productions. We have shared a few with each other, with strict reciprical agreements not to share under any circumstances, and, when he has the lattitude, he produces a final product as good as the material on a Foreplay albumn. Of course, he and I both have our share of productions where we don't have a lot of lattitude (think grandpa financing his talent deprived granddaughter's first recording).

From a longivity standpoint, at least, I think I have a bit of "cred" in this area, and Diki is on my "short list" of the committed, experienced, talented folks I've been associated with in this business. We're working towards a joint project and may get the fabulous Rory to play on. That would be a real pleasure.

I'm glad I know him and count him as one of my industry associates and friends.


Russ (old softee) Lay




[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-13-2009).]