Once in a while, an idea grabs hold of an artist, or group of musicians, and compels them to create a work that takes in more than their music. FROM THE CAVES OF THE IRON MOUNTAIN is such a special project, in that it encompasses an atmosphere, a place so special that its presence is felt in every note.

Bassist Tony Levin, with longtime cohort Jerry Marotta on drums, and with Steve Gorn, one of the world's premier artists on East Indian flutes, heard about the historic site of the Widow Jane Mine, near their Woodstock NY home town, and arranged to play there. In two days of recording by the underground lake, a harmony between musicians and the almost pre-historic setting took place. In that unspoiled atmosphere, with the sound of Steve's Bansuri Flute, Tony's Chapman Stick, and Jerry's Taos Drums blending with the rock, dirt and water, a timeless resonance was achieved in the music that reflects more than the individual talents of the musicians. Who better to bring in to do the recording in such an unusual setting than renowned engineer/producer Tchad Blake, who has worked extensively on world music around the globe, and with Tony and Jerry on many records. Tchad used his unique binaural technique with microphones in his ears(!) so that the listener with headphones experiences the sound as if there in person. Because we wanted the production to be of the highest quality, it was taken for mastering to Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering.

The CD features unique packaging designed by Tony Levin, and his oil painting/on photography technique for the cover and artwork. The inside booklet tells the story of the music, while footnotes give the interested fan further tidbits about the music and musicians.

We have also produced a 35 minute companion video, TALES FROM THE WIDOW JANE MINE, the story of the making of this extraordinary CD. Produced and filmed by Jeff Cherun, it features creation of the music in the cave, along with rehearsals and interviews with the musicians. You can see and feel how the light, the texture of the rock, the gentle movement of the water in the underground lake, all contribute to, and are captured within the special sounds of the music, recorded live and partly improvised inside the cave.

Tony Levin currently plays bass and Chapman Stick on records and tours with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel. His solo CD, "World Diary" was the first release of Papa Bear Records. He has also recorded with John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Yes, Paul Simon, and many more. On this CD he plays Chapman Stick, NS Electric Upright Bass, and NS BoxBass with his innovative Funk Fingers.

Jerry Marotta has played on records and tours with many of the world's leading artists, including Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Susan Vega, Robbie Robertson, The Indigo Girls, and many others. On "From the Caves of the Iron Mountain," Jerry plays some unusual percussion instruments and a kit of Taos Drums, made by Indians of the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico.

Steve Gorn has performed Indian Classical Music and new American Music on the bansuri bamboo flute, soprano saxophone and clarinet in concerts throughout the world. His recordings include "Luminous Ragas," and "The Indian Bamboo Flute". He regularly performs and records with Glen Velez and Jack DeJohnette, and was featured soloist in a Jerome Robbins' New York City Ballet production.

Papa Bear Records is a small record company started by Tony Levin and located in Woodstock NY. We've chosen not to distribute this CD and video widely, preferring the more personal approach. The CD and video are available in the U.S. and Canada by mail or phone through us at Papa Bear Records.

   The Tracks

Approaching the Cavern: in which Tchad, our recording engineer, enters the mine, Steve playing soprano sax in the distance.

Man Walking from A to B: Jerry plays his Taos Drums, while wearing shakers on his wrists. Tony plays the Chapman Stick, Steve plays clarinet.

In the Caves of the Iron Mountain: in which Steve moves to his specialty: the bansuri Indian flute, Tony to the NS Upright bass.

Drumming on Water: Steve starts on double ocarina, Jerry on shakers, Tony on NS Upright bass. Steve picks up the bansuri as Jerry wanders about the cave, playing with brushes - Jerry ends up drumming in the water at the edge of the cave's lake.

Devil's Kitchen: begins with a quiet Steve and Tony duet on soprano sax and Stick. When Jerry joins in on drums, Tchad moves around the cave and among the players, microphones in his ears.

Shakers in Five: Jerry starts playing shakers, Tony drums with Funk Fingers on the BoxBass, and plays some notes (well, one note.) Steve plays bansuri.

Glass Beads: we segue to a duet with Tony on the Stick, Steve on bansuri, then piccolo bansuri. Jerry plays some quiet percussion.

Joyous Lake: Jerry's drumming begins.Steve plays clarinet, Tony the stick.

Catskill Gallery:

The Abandoned IBM Plant: Tony bowing on the NS Upright. Overlook Mountain: Jerry plays percussion, Tony moves to Stick. Swimming the Ashokan Rooftops: Steve joins in on bansuri. Woodstock, the Indian Burial Ground: quiets down to just drums, then a Stick theme similar to Overlook, this time with bansuri.

Shepherd's Song: in which Steve plays bansuri, Tony Stick, Jerry drums.

Catacombs: Tony on Stick, Steve plays bansuri.

Magic Meadow: Steve starts on bansuri, Jerry and Tony enter, Tony playing the BoxBass.

The Widow Jane Mine: in which Jerry plays percussion, Tony NS Upright, and Steve does some harmonic overtone chanting.

Squeeze Box: In which the sounds of packing up are mingled with Jerry playing the squeezebox he had smuggled into the cave midst his percussion.

Secure online ordering
	Papa Bear Records PO 498 Woodstock, NY 12498