Wedding season is in full swing and after a little break from writing blog posts, I’m back! On March 24th, 2012 I was at Spring Mill Country Club in Bucks County, to rock out the wedding reception of Noël and Rich.

When I met with Noël and Rich for the second time a few weeks before their wedding, we came up with a timeline to squeeze in as much time for dancing as possible during the five hour reception. Instead of going with a traditional sit down dinner, the bride and groom decided on food stations. The theory here was that people would eat when they were ready and we would have dance music played most of the evening. Typically, at a party with a wide variety of guests, I would play music to cater to the older crowd first, getting more and more current with the music as the night went on. The thought behind this is that older guests are often the ones who leave an event early, while the younger people stay till the very end. I also feel that younger people will dance to older music, more often than older guests would rock out to newer songs. However, since at this wedding the guests had the choice of when to eat and when to dance, I had to keep a close eye on which folks were on the dance floor and which were at their tables eating.

I noticed that older people chose to eat first while the younger set packed the dance floor, so I shifted the game plan and started by playing new music from Taio Cruz, Rihanna, and Enrique Iglesias, at the same time I had my assistant DJ walk around the room to make sure the music was not too loud for the people eating at their tables. I always keep a close ear on the volume during the party; to me it is one of the most important parts of a DJ’s job. After about thirty minutes of dancing, I noticed a shift as younger people started to head to the food stations, so I shifted to music from the sixties and seventies as I now had the older guests on the dance floor. Finally dinner ended and from that point on, people were partying, celebrating, and most importantly dancing.

The photographer for this wedding was Nina Perini who did an excellent job capturing great moments from the reception. Noël and Rich are an awesome couple and huge Phillies fans. I hope their wedding reception was a great start for a long and wonderful marriage. Congratulations to you both!!

-Richie

Images courtesy of Nina Perini Photography

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Wedding DJ and Lighting
Bucks County

Disclaimer: No, we don’t offer photography as an add on to your wedding.  Our core competency is Disc Jockey, and we leave the photography to the Photographers.   Photographers are people who love photography enough to make it their lifelong study, and they practice with a passion.  Anyone can take a picture, but none can truly capture image after image of exciting and breathtaking perfect moments like a photographer.

Photographer Nicole Leigh works with our own DJ Richie quite often, as a matter of fact, he was even the DJ at her wedding.  Whenever Richie and Nicole come together as DJ and Photographer, Nicole always manages to catch Richie in a moment.  That’s one of the things a great photographer does… capture moments.

I was inspired to write this blog after reading a fantastic blog post from Wedding Consultant Mark Kingsdorf titled ‘The Worst Wedding Photos Ever’, where he offers some invaluable advice to brides in the planning stages of a wedding on what to look out for.  Great article for anyone looking to hire a photographer really.

The two photos here – in my opinion – are just the opposite of that.  The first, taken at a Cairnwood wedding where Richie was the DJ, shows Richie in a pensive moment, just before the bride and groom introduction.  It’s a great moment – with the bride and groom standing on the landing just beyond – and Nicole seems to have truly ‘captured’ it, as the subject seems unaware of her presence.  The second, again with Richie as the Wedding DJ, shows Richie on the microphone, engaged with the guests.  Again taken by Photographer Nicole Leigh, she catches Richie in a true Wedding DJ moment, at a wedding at the Joseph Ambler Inn.

Thank you Nicole for these images.

~Craig

Images courtesy of Nicole Leigh Photography

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Wedding DJ and Lighting
Philadelphia

A few years back I made what – in my estimation – was a bold move. I reached out to one of the worlds foremost rock and roll photographers and asked his permission to use one of his photographs on our company blog. To my surprise, he said yes.

That photographer is Bob Gruen.

I wanted to use a John Lennon photo for a review I wrote on a book about John Lennon, and I’m sure I could have just grabbed an image someplace and gotten away with it, but I have a great deal of respect for photographers and photography. After a bit of research, I honed in on the iconic rooftop photo of Lennon in a ‘New York City’ t-shirt. I discovered that the photo was taken by Mr. Gruen, a man I was to eventually meet, and, since becoming familiar with his body of work, can honestly say I’m a big fan.

Although Gruen was in John Lennon’s ‘inner circle’ during Lennon’s years in N.Y.C., he has also photographed countless other performers, and has recently published a beautiful book of many of his works called Rock Seen, an illustrates the evolution of rock and roll through the lens of one very talented photographer. There are so many photos of so many legendary rockers that it’s mind-boggling.

Led Zeppelin from Rock Seen taken June 24, 1973

After reading Rock Seen (a book I highly recommend), I thought to myself, “How cool would it be to feature more of Bob’s work on our blog?”, and I sent off an email to Sarah in Bob’s New York office. After negotiating the terms, conditions, and applications of the images I wanted to use, it was a done deal.

One of the things I appreciate most about Bob is how protective he is of his work (as he should be). He always wants to make certain of how exactly the digital images will be used, no matter what the price. And although I’m sure he’s looking out for his work, after meeting the man, I know it’s more than that… He has great respect for his subjects.

~Craig


Below are a few links to the images that Bob Gruen has been generous enough to let us share here on our blog, which coincidentally appear in Rock Seen.

John Lennon

Debbie Harry

Suzi Quatro

Rock Seen available at Barnes & Noble

www.bobgruen.com

Dick Clark
November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012

Long before Dick Clark was known for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, or the host of the game show $10,000 Pyramid, he was a young twenty-three year old who moved from New York to Philadelphia, and took a job at ABC affiliate radio station WFIL as a Disc Jockey.  In a string of “right place, right time” opportunities, Clark found himself co-hosting and then in 1956 full-time hosting the Philadelphia based television program Bandstand, a television show that featured teens dancing to Top 40 music.  Bandstand (and Clark) were hugely influential in breaking new artists and music to it’s viewing audience (both James Brown and Buddy Holly made their national debuts on Bandstand in Philadelphia). Bandstand was instrumental in establishing Clark as the face of Top 40,  coining him “America’s oldest teenager”. The program continued to be taped (filmed) in Philadelphia even after it was picked up nationally by ABC in 1957 and changing it’s name from Bandstand to American Bandstand, and on it’s national premier in August of 1957, Clark interviewed the King himself – Elvis Presley.  Clark would go on to produce the show.

In February of 1964, ABC moved the American Bandstand studios from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, California.

Coincidentally, Don Cornelius, best known as the host of Soul Train and perhaps the only rival to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, passed earlier this year.  The passing of Clark and Cornelius (within months of one another) marks the end of an era for American television’s  love affair with popular music, and a type of program often imitated but never duplicated since both shows ceased to air.

It has been said that Jim Morrison idolized Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, and rock historians suggest he modeled his stage presence on an amalgamation of both. Morrison was also well-read, and favored works by writers like Friedrich Nietzsche and poets like Arthur Rimbaud. Morrison was dark and arcane, with his background and origins shrouded in mystery, much of which due to his own revisionist account. At the same time, Morrison was the real deal, and more like Sinatra than Elvis, he didn’t follow the rules but instead forged his own path.

Jim Morrison lived hard and died young, and when he wasn’t falling down wasted on stage, he was perhaps one of the most charismatic front men in rock history. The Lizard King partied harder than Presley (and subsequently died younger), while getting into trouble like Sinatra, which – by today’s standards – is almost cliché for a rock star, yet at the height of Morrison’s popularity, he was trailblazing the Rocker personae into previously uncharted territory.

Now one could argue that The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger was the true Rock Star prototype. One thing is certain: Jagger and Morrison had distinctly different energies. While Jagger’s eccentricities were (and still are) large and loud, Morrison’s were succinct and brooding. Jagger pranced and danced the stage, while Morrison prowled it. Jagger had wardrobe, Morrison had a concho belt and black leather pants.

Although James Douglas Morrison died in July of 1971, only four years after the release of The Doors’ debut album, his on stage presence was already being emulated by front men like Robert Plant and Roger Daltrey. Later, emulations of Morrison permeated the punk and new wave scenes, perhaps even lending to the Goth scene. Even the ever-skeptical John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) must have looked to Jim Morrison with more than a morsel of respect as the original bad boy of rock, although it’s likely he’d never admit it. And Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain – another member of the “27 Club” – epitomized a glimpse of Morrison, for a glimpse of time.

But – like Mr. Mojo Rising – disappeared into legend.

~Craig

Jim Morrison illustration by Sean Gallo

I must be one lucky guy to get to work with some amazing families like I did on Saturday, February 25th, I had the honor of being the MC/DJ at Evan’s Bar Mitzvah at Jericho National Golf Club in Bucks County. What an awesome family! Once again, from the start I knew we were going to have a great party because Anne and David (Evan’s mom and dad) wanted to do away with candle lighting to leave more time to party and dance. During cocktail hour, our staff got the chance to hang out with the kids and start the night off right.

Once cocktail hour ended, it was time for the party to begin. When Evan came into the room things really started to heat up. We had the entire family on the dance floor for a Hora, which was so packed that other guests who couldn’t find room in the packed floor were standing on the outskirts clapping and cheering.

The party was non-stop and the energy was amazing all evening long. My dancers, Ashley, Brittany, Sean and Long all had an amazing time with the family, while Long showed off his astounding break dancing moves to some of the kids (who gave it their all to try to imitate them). There were games, dancing, and crazy Bar Mitzvah fun from start to finish.

I was sad to see the celebration end, but the just as the kids were leaving they got a bonus surprise when they were presented with the sweetest (literally) candy table I’ve seen at a Bar Mitzvah in a long time, filled with all sorts of goodies!

The staff at Jericho National Golf Club were an absolute pleasure to work with, and were really on top of their game. I work with Hy Paul Photography quite often and as always they were on top of the action all night long. Thank you to my DJ and dancers who did an amazing job! And last but certainly not least, mazel tov to Evan, Anne, David and Will! You are a great family and I look forward to Will’s Bar Mitzvah in a couple of years!

-Marc

Images courtesy of Hy Paul Studio

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
MC, DJ and Dancers
Philadelphia

Spring is fast approaching, as it’s getting warmer each and every day. Before the winter of 2012 is forgotten, I want to post a blog about a December Wedding I had the opportunity to DJ at the Joseph Ambler Inn. Dean and Wendy – the bride and groom – first contacted me because my good friend Nicole, of Nicole Leigh Photography. She was very generous to refer them to Cutting Edge Entertainment, and we really appreciate when other industry professionals refer us as the DJ. I later met them at our office about a week later, where they booked me as their DJ. Cutting Edge wedding clients have the option of locking in their personnel for no additional fee. It makes sense to us, that if you meet a DJ or see an individual perform at another event, you can lock in that specific Wedding DJ for FREE. There is no guessing who you will be matched up with for your wedding, instead, the name of that DJ is on the contract.

Joseph Ambler Inn is another wedding venue I’ve worked at many times in the past, and I’m happy to finally get the chance to post a blog about an awesome party at this facility. Even though cocktail hour was held in the Farmhouse, which is a separate building from the main ballroom, I was still able to provide music. Cutting Edge Entertainment has different options for satellite speakers and all of our wedding packages include us playing during cocktail hour. This wedding had a much bigger emphasis on dancing than my usual weddings. The bride and groom shortened the length of dinner by having food stations. The staff at Joseph Ambler Inn did a great job of getting guests through the stations quickly, before any lines could form. This was a perfect crowd for me, as I was able to play all types of different music from different artists, genres, and eras. I played everything from Motown, to Disco, some 80′s, Rock Tunes, and of course some Top 40 pop music.

Dean and Wendy were an awesome bride and groom, and I had so much fun getting to know them both. It was great to see them both enjoy their entire reception. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this celebration.

Before this blog comes to an end, I need to thank my good friend Nicole Leigh. She is an amazing person that I am happy to have become friends with over this past year. Oh yeah did I also mention that she is also a very talented photographer. I look forward to working with her many more times in 2012.

-Richie

Images courtesy of Nicole Leigh Photography

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Wedding DJ and Lighting
Philadelphia

On the first week of April in 1964, and with the release of the single “Can’t Buy Me Love”, The Beatles broke old records, established new records, and made pop music history.  As a matter of fact, they established a total of five records in April of 1964, which have not been broken yet and quite likely never will be.

1) “Can’t Buy Me Love” had the largest advance sale in the history of recorded  music, with an international advance order of over two million copies.

2) “Can’t Buy Me Love” made the greatest leap to the Billboard #1 spot.  In the history of Billboard’s Top 100, very few songs have managed to jump to the #1 position from outside the Top 20.  The Beatles “Can’t Buy Me Love” was the first.

3) In December of 1956, Elvis Presley had nine concurrent singles on the Top 100 chart.  On March 28 of 1964 The Beatles had ten… by April 4 – with the release of “Can’t But Me Love” – they had twelve.

4) “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles bumped, “She Loves You” by The Beatles from the #1 spot, which had previously bumped “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – also by The Beatles – from it’s #1 spot.  Elvis Presley had done this twice in 1956, and it hasn’t been done three or more times since.

5) The week of April 4, 1964, The Beatles dominated the Top 5.  No artist had ever done this before, and none have done it since.

Ironically, it would be Jazz great Louis Armstrong’s first and only #1 Billboard hit “Hello Dolly” to bump The Beatles.

-Craig


Source: Billboard

For other thoughts and suggested reading on The Beatles, click here
The Beatles

An alternative title for this book might have been, “When I was fifteen I got a really cool job working at E.M.I. and got to work with The Beatles”.

Geoff Emerick’s book, Here, There and Everywhere – My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles, is both a memoir and an archive.  It not only chronicles Emerick’s personal experience and interactions with The Beatles, but it paints a vivid picture of how many of The Beatles songs – for which Emerick was involved producing – were produced and recorded.  It is this that attracted me most to this book, and I found it to be absolutely fascinating.  It’s a ‘behind the scenes’ look at what went on not just at the E.M.I. Abbey Road Studios, but later at Apple, AIR, and even Lagos, Nigeria where Paul McCartney and Wings recorded the Band On The Run album. There’s a lot of who played what instrument on which track in the book, as well as how it was recorded, how it was mixed and ultimately how it was produced.  The whole recording process really came alive and, at points, I almost felt as if I were there, experiencing it all for myself. In addition, the author sheds a great deal of light on The Beatles creative process, and how their songs were shaped and molded from concept to completion.

Of course Mr. Emerick has quite a bit to say regarding the interactions of the band members during the sessions, and the evolution (or de-evolution) of their relationships… but other than the sorted details – all from Geoff Emerick’s point of view – are nothing that we didn’t already know, with The Beatles ultimately breaking up in the end.  I found Emerick’s perspective on all this to be entertaining and enjoyable to read, although in reviews I’ve read about the book, Geoff Emerick’s has been accused of being (of all things) biased.

Well, of course he is biased… he was there.

In the title of the book it reads “My life recording the music of The Beatles”.  Having read several ‘insider’ books, from Beatles tour reporter Larry Kane, Brian Epstein’s assistant and Beatle friend Tony Bramwell and Beatles producer George Martin, each book holds elements of bias, as each was written from the perspective and opinion of the respective author.  Like me, Emerick was clearly pro-Paul McCartney, and made no bones about favoring Macca over the other three.  At the same time, he wasn’t wholly unfair to John Lennon, particularly in the absurdity of the bringing a bed into the studio for Yoko to sleep in while they recorded.  However endearing Lennon’s antics may be to avid Beatles fans, I can understand why Emerick saw them as an absurd distraction.  He was pretty hard on George Harrison, but, again, it was his perception and his book… and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn some of the goings-on in the studio during The Beatles recording sessions, and applaud the Grammy Award winning Geoff Emerick on his role in helping to create The Beatles recordings.  With great humility he shows gratitude to the artistry of the band for creating great music for him to mix and engineer, and for the most part stays away from drama for drama’s sake.  He was not nearly as critical of Yoko Ono as Tony Bramwell was in his memoir, nor as dismissive of George Harrison as Larry Kane was in his books.  I think he was fair in an entertaining way, even giving credit to Harrison in the end after minimizing his contributions earlier in the book.

Geoff Emerick was the Balance Engineer, turned Engineer, turned Producer, and I found his book Here, There and Everywhere – My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles to be written from that perspective. In many ways, he may have been the luckiest fifteen year old of the sixties – right time, right place, and a place ever etched in Beatles lore.


-Craig

For other thoughts and suggested reading on The Beatles, click here
The Beatles

On New Years Eve (2011 into 2012) I had the great honor of being the DJ for the wedding of Ann and Kevin. I was excited to get to work with this bride and groom, and after months of anticipation the wedding day finally arrived. I have always enjoyed getting to DJ on New Years Eve, likely the biggest party night of the entire year.

My staff and I arrived at the Hyatt Bellevue in Center City, Philadelphia about two and a half hours prior to the start of the reception. Not only did we provide music, but we also did a monogrammed gobo and overhead intelligent lighting. Out of all the different lighting options that Cutting Edge Entertainment provides, my favorite is intelligent lighting. These lights are the same type you may see at a concert or at a nightclub. Not only will it add that party feel during dancing, but they also have a spotlight function. The spotlight is perfect for the bride and groom’s first dance, cake cutting, and to feature anybody giving a toast.

Working with Ann and Kevin before the wedding helped me out tons during the wedding itself. Getting to know them and their musical tastes, along with them filling me in on what their friends and family like to dance to helped me keep the dance floor full. Cutting Edge’s very own percussionist Ben added energy to the party, like only he can.

One of my favorite parts of my job is a few weeks after the wedding is over, getting to see the images from the photographer. When you are working with a photographer as talented as Philip Gabriel, it makes it that much better. It was a joy to see moments during the wedding that I helped create, come out looking so amazing. I look forward to working with Gabe and his staff, many more times in the future.

Congratulations to Ann and Kevin! Thank you for letting me share your special celebration.

-Richie

Images courtesy of Philip Gabriel Photography

Cutting Edge Entertainment
Wedding DJ and Lighting
Philadelphia