HOME
Ron's Corner
A while back I was sitting in the studio with a client/ friend of mine talking about the road and his life of Rock n' Roll. His story has always been interesting to me, but it was when he turned the story around and asked, "but Ron, what is your story, everyone has one?", that these words and pictures come from. So here is my little story through pictures and words.
These pictures start off respectfully enough with the plaque of my father's resting place. It was this man that for the 16 years I got to spend with him before he was taken away from my family and I that encouraged me to 'Go High', strive to enjoy life to it's fullest. His passion was sailing and there is not a moment that goes by when I walk by a sail boat where I do not feel him. He was the one that put a soldering iron in my hand at 8 years old and filled our house blasting 'the 1812 Overture' or Herb Albert (gosh, what an album cover!) through his Fisher Stereo and Wharfdale Speakers.
So here you go. My little story, my little snap shot of life through my eyes as I travel 1300 miles back and forth each week from the ski slopes of Mt. Shasta, California to the great pacific coast of Southern California (thanks SouthWest Airlines!), home of ALIVE SOUND CENTER. Yes, like my friend said, everyone has a story. This is mine. Maybe someday on a chairlift, or a beach stroll, or waiting for a flight at an airport I can hear yours. That would be great.
Enjoy!
These pictures start off respectfully enough with the plaque of my father's resting place. It was this man that for the 16 years I got to spend with him before he was taken away from my family and I that encouraged me to 'Go High', strive to enjoy life to it's fullest. His passion was sailing and there is not a moment that goes by when I walk by a sail boat where I do not feel him. He was the one that put a soldering iron in my hand at 8 years old and filled our house blasting 'the 1812 Overture' or Herb Albert (gosh, what an album cover!) through his Fisher Stereo and Wharfdale Speakers.
So here you go. My little story, my little snap shot of life through my eyes as I travel 1300 miles back and forth each week from the ski slopes of Mt. Shasta, California to the great pacific coast of Southern California (thanks SouthWest Airlines!), home of ALIVE SOUND CENTER. Yes, like my friend said, everyone has a story. This is mine. Maybe someday on a chairlift, or a beach stroll, or waiting for a flight at an airport I can hear yours. That would be great.
Enjoy!
Dad's Resting Spot
So there I was with WADDY WACHTEL (Stevie Nicks). Just a few moments before this picture was taken as we were trying to figure out a sound issue, Waddy sat down with his guitar and started to play Stevie Nick's 'Landslide'. Whhoooaaa!. Incredible! But then again, that is how I can best describe Waddy and his wife Annie. Yes they are not only real- awesomely- great- wonderful people, they are also the greatest couple. Thanks Waddy and Annie for the warmth you have given me and the rest of the world. Stevie Nicks is very fortunate to have Waddy, so are we all.
At ROY BITTEN's home in Malibu. Roy and I are standing in front of the EQ and Mic Pre rack we built for him. And I am still asking Roy when he is going to do his solo album?? I guess maybe when he and Bruce Springsteen slow down on touring? Maybe???
Yes, a Sandy and GLEEful moment.
SIENNA and KELLEN proudly showing off their Linkin Park back stage passes. They are still mesmerized from the Linkin Park concert the night before. Thanks Renson, Joe, Chester, Rob, Brad, Phoenix, and Mike. The spirit of Martin Luther King thanks you to I am sure.
Wow, we were young. JON ANDERSON, while recording YES's 'Keys to Assension' album in an old church. And speaking of food, that was an awesome Sushi restaurant we went to in Kehei, Maui Jon, Thanks
The 2011 NAMM Boys club. Steve, Doug, my Boy Kellen and cousin Griffin, oh and Mickey Mouse too.
If you were ever wondering why Neil Young's bass sound was so great, it is because of this man, RICK (the Bass Player) ROSAS. and yes, you could see him and Waddy play at the Joint in West LA - if you are lucky!
The keyboard extroarinaire of my all time number one favorite band 'Spock's Beard', RYO OKOMOTO. Not only does Ryo take me to the unique restaurants, but he also is one hell of a cook!
My VK man RANDALL CUNNINGHAM of Guitar Center. This guy rocks, plus has a heart of Gold.
Yes, KADY is right. It is much better to be a lover than a fighter.
With JOHN LEE at his and Ginya's home in Woodstock. Thanks John for all the business. Miss you living on the west side of the country.
Someday I will get to Peru with ART (Luners Pro Sound and Lighting) and see why he always says, 'what happens in Peru stays in Peru'.
Many many year's back (decade and a half!) JIM GREINER (of Latin Percussion) came up to Mt. Shasta and put on a drum circle. Till this day, Jim still does drum circles and keeps his band going and still keeps LP products fresh and new and still, always smiles!
No words need to be said. It is all just Glee.
If you ever get a chance to hear the music of TIM MOYER, you will be moved to feel 'heaven' and feel 'peace'. Tim, Susan and boys, you guys are 'heaven'.
What? Yes Governor MIKE HUCKABEE is a Republican and supports the arts big time. Mike believe's as I do, that equally as important as any other academic study, teaching music to the world's children should be top priority in our schools.
I don't drink beer like KEITH and his band, the Young Dubliners but I tell you, it is hard not to move when you hear the Young Dubliners play live!
RYO OKOMOTO an KEIKO . Yes, for those in Mt. Shasta, they will be skiing with us soon!!
Some are still asking TERRY REID why he turned down Jimmy Page when asked to sing in a band called 'Led Zepeelin' many eon's ago. Well, I am kind of glad he did not join for I may not have possibly had the great cooking of Terry's. Here we are with his wife Annette at his home in Palm Dessert.
There is a part in Herald and Maude where Maude says to Herald, "you just got to live" and then spells out L. I . V . E., and with that smile Maude makes the point of 'Go High', yes, L. I. V. E. !!
Somewhere in Scotland, from the quietness of Findhorn came this brilliant lad who gave us the great music and vocals of The WaterBoys, MIKE SCOTT. Yes Mike, you are right, there is a green hill, and it is right where it has always been.
So there you have it and yes, I will update it as pictures are found, etc. This is my little snap shot of LIFE. While it may not have much to do about our company ALIVE SOUND CENTER, in actuality it has everything to do with it. The name itself came from just being alive, and trying the best to live life to the fullest. It has been a great ride so far and if I have the gene's of my Granny (who is still kicking butt at over 100!) than there is a lot more to come and I thank each and everyone of you for that.
At the near end of these photo's, there is a photo of my mascot, a boy that everyday teaches me something. Even though Little Lukey is no longer here, his legacy has left many of us with the reason to live, to go high, and to not take one eincy bit of life, or anyone, or thing in it, for granted. Life is precious.
Stay in your heart - be you - be spirit - live kind - do right - L O V E
Yours, Ron G Garrett
PS, I would love to hear YOUR story. We all have one. Feel free to contact me if you would like at rgarrett@alivesoundcenter.com
At Ron Mael's Studio (SPARKS)
'Thanks Russell (SPARKS) for allowing Alive Sound to keep some of your gear and mic's performing awesomely! We are waiting for Sparks again!