Eric Townsend
Encyclopedia
Eric W. Townsend is an American
musician
and record producer
best known for his work with music and video releases by Daniel Amos
, The 77s
, The Swirling Eddies
and The Lost Dogs, through the record label
s Stunt Records
and Fools of the World
.
Townsend's great uncle was author Ira Jones
, former sergeant of singer Elvis Presley
.
In 1996, Townsend with brother Jason Townsend
started publishing the underground Giovanni Audiori Catalog, named in tribute of the late songwriter Mark Heard
whom sometimes used the name Giovanni Audiori. The catalog was used primarily by record collectors, and independent record labels like Heard's Fingerprint Records
, Larry Norman
's Solid Rock Records
, Daniel Amos
' Stunt Records
as well as music stores to advertise their merchandise, which - in the cases of independent or fan club releases - often didn't receive a lot of attention in the regular media. The catalog also became the primary source of promotion for a number of very limited edition releases, including a CD of Heard's earliest LP, Setting Yesterday Free
. The catalog also included in-depth discographies from a variety of artists and even the occasional "readers" interview, in which the readers of the catalog themselves were able to submit questions which were then given to a musician to answer. Many musical artists also contributed to running columns, such as a "top 10 records of all time" series which featured top 10 lists from musicians like Gene Eugene
and Jon Knox of Adam Again
, Mike Roe and Mark Harmon
of The 77s
, Ashley Cleveland
, Phil Madeira
, Randy Stonehill
, This Train, Rob Watson
, Brian Healy, David Raven, Mitch McVicker
, Jimmy Abegg
, Mike Stand, John Fischer
and others. Comedian
David Brenner
also contributed an unusual comment or two to the catalog. The name of the catalog was later changed to the simpler Audiori's Catalog before finally coming to an end in 1999.
That same year, the Townsends began to work more closely with Stunt Records and, later, The 77s
' Fools of the World
label. In the years that followed, Townsend contributed to numerous Stunt and Fools of the World releases with work in the areas of photography, audio restoration and editing, video editing, graphic design and layout, and more. In 2007, both Townsends were mentioned by name in a song by The Swirling Eddies
, "A Medley of our Hit," from the album The midget, the speck and the molecule
.
In 2011, Townsend was part of a new effort to rerelease parts of Daniel Amos' back catalog with Born Twice Records. The first release, Shotgun Angel
, included a remastered album, a brand new 24 page booklet, newly uncovered photos, studio outtakes, demos and more. The studio outtakes and demos were mixed by Townsend.
Townsend currently lives near St. Louis, Missouri
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
best known for his work with music and video releases by Daniel Amos
Daniel Amos
Daniel Amos is a rock band formed in 1974 by Terry Scott Taylor on guitars and vocals, Marty Dieckmeyer on bass guitar, Steve Baxter on guitars and Jerry Chamberlain on lead guitars. Current members include bassist Tim Chandler, guitarist Greg Flesch and drummer Ed McTaggart...
, The 77s
The 77s
The 77s are an American rock band consisting of Michael Roe on vocals/guitar, Mark Harmon on bass, and Bruce Spencer on drums.-Scratch Band:...
, The Swirling Eddies
The Swirling Eddies
The Swirling Eddies are a band that began as an anonymous spinoff from the band Daniel Amos, along with new drummer David Raven.-Career:For each Swirling Eddies release, band members adopted pseudonyms for the liner notes; "Camarillo Eddy" , "Berger Roy Al" , "Gene Pool" , "Arthur Fhardy" , "Spot"...
and The Lost Dogs, through the record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
s Stunt Records
Stunt Records
Stunt Records is an independent record label formed in 1990 by Daniel Amos, Terry Scott Taylor and Tom Gulotta.The original intent of the label was to focus on reissues and special releases by D.A., but soon, the label was releasing CDs by a variety of artists including two Various Artists...
and Fools of the World
Fools of the World
Fools of the World is an independent record label founded in 1996 by rock band, The 77s.Fools of the World, based out of Sacramento, California, started as an independent label for the band to release their own special projects and fan club releases...
.
Townsend's great uncle was author Ira Jones
Ira Jones
Ira Jones was an author, best known as the first sergeant in charge of Elvis Presley for a portion of the time Elvis served in the army. Elvis drove Jones' jeep for nine months while the two were stationed together in Germany...
, former sergeant of singer Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
.
In 1996, Townsend with brother Jason Townsend
Jason Townsend
Jason R. Townsend is an American artist and record producer best known for his work with music and video releases by Daniel Amos, The 77s, The Swirling Eddies and The Lost Dogs, through the record labels Stunt Records and Fools of the World....
started publishing the underground Giovanni Audiori Catalog, named in tribute of the late songwriter Mark Heard
Mark Heard
John Mark Heard was a record producer, folk-rock singer, and songwriter originally from Macon, Georgia, USA....
whom sometimes used the name Giovanni Audiori. The catalog was used primarily by record collectors, and independent record labels like Heard's Fingerprint Records
Fingerprint Records
Fingerprint Records is an independent record label formed in 1990 by Mark Heard and Dan Russell.The label went on to release not only Heard's albums, but also albums by The Call, The Vigilantes of Love, Ramona Silver, bob., as well as two tribute albums to Heard after his death in 1992.Heard also...
, Larry Norman
Larry Norman
Larry David Norman was an American Christian musician, singer, songwriter, record label owner, and record producer, who worked with Christian rock music...
's Solid Rock Records
Solid Rock Records
Solid Rock Records is the record label of Larry Norman. It was set up in 1975 to distribute his own work, after he had been released by Capitol Records. Solid Rock had a distribution deal with Word Records until 1980....
, Daniel Amos
Daniel Amos
Daniel Amos is a rock band formed in 1974 by Terry Scott Taylor on guitars and vocals, Marty Dieckmeyer on bass guitar, Steve Baxter on guitars and Jerry Chamberlain on lead guitars. Current members include bassist Tim Chandler, guitarist Greg Flesch and drummer Ed McTaggart...
' Stunt Records
Stunt Records
Stunt Records is an independent record label formed in 1990 by Daniel Amos, Terry Scott Taylor and Tom Gulotta.The original intent of the label was to focus on reissues and special releases by D.A., but soon, the label was releasing CDs by a variety of artists including two Various Artists...
as well as music stores to advertise their merchandise, which - in the cases of independent or fan club releases - often didn't receive a lot of attention in the regular media. The catalog also became the primary source of promotion for a number of very limited edition releases, including a CD of Heard's earliest LP, Setting Yesterday Free
Setting Yesterday Free
Setting Yesterday Free is the title of the first and only album by a band called Infinity+3. It happens to be the first recorded appearance by songwriter Mark Heard...
. The catalog also included in-depth discographies from a variety of artists and even the occasional "readers" interview, in which the readers of the catalog themselves were able to submit questions which were then given to a musician to answer. Many musical artists also contributed to running columns, such as a "top 10 records of all time" series which featured top 10 lists from musicians like Gene Eugene
Gene Eugene
Gene "Eugene" Andrusco was a Canadian born actor, record producer, engineer, composer and musician. Andrusco was best known as the leader of the funk/rock band Adam Again, a member of The Swirling Eddies and as a founding member of the roots music supergroup Lost Dogs.-Acting:Andrusco was a child...
and Jon Knox of Adam Again
Adam Again
Adam Again was a rock band founded and led by vocalist Gene Eugene, with Riki Michele on vocals, Paul Valadez on bass, Jon Knox on drums, Greg Lawless on guitar...
, Mike Roe and Mark Harmon
Mark Harmon (musician)
Mark Harmon is an American record producer, songwriter, and bass guitarist best known for his work with the rock and roll group The 77s.Harmon and 77s lead singer Michael Roe collaborated on the instrumental releases, DayDream and Orbis...
of The 77s
The 77s
The 77s are an American rock band consisting of Michael Roe on vocals/guitar, Mark Harmon on bass, and Bruce Spencer on drums.-Scratch Band:...
, Ashley Cleveland
Ashley Cleveland
Ashley Cleveland is an American singer/songwriter perhaps best known as a background vocalist and Grammy-winning gospel singer. Ashley Cleveland was born in Knoxville, Tennessee...
, Phil Madeira
Phil Madeira
Phil Madeira is an American songwriter, producer, musician and singer from Nashville, Tennessee. He was raised in Barrington, Rhode Island and attended Taylor University, which he graduated from in 1975....
, Randy Stonehill
Randy Stonehill
Randall Evan "Randy" Stonehill is an American singer-songwriter from Stockton, California, best known as one of the so-called "fathers of contemporary Christian music". His music is primarily folk rock in the style of James Taylor, but he has assayed other styles, with various albums focused on...
, This Train, Rob Watson
Rob Watson
Robert D. Watson is a keyboard player, producer and composer best known for his work with the rock bands Daniel Amos and The Swirling Eddies...
, Brian Healy, David Raven, Mitch McVicker
Mitch McVicker
Mitch McVicker is a GMA Dove Award-winning Contemporary Christian Music singer-songwriter.-Biography:McVicker attended Friends University in Wichita Kansas, in the early-1990s where he met and befriended the late CCM recording artist, Rich Mullins...
, Jimmy Abegg
Jimmy Abegg
Jimmy Abegg aka Jimmy A, is an American guitarist, composer, director, photographer and artist, currently living in Nashville, Tennessee....
, Mike Stand, John Fischer
John Fischer (Christian musician)
John Fischer is a Christian author, singer, songwriter, and speaker. He is one of the credited founders of Jesus music and was a Senior Writer with PurposeDrivenLife.com.-Personal:...
and others. Comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
David Brenner
David Brenner
David Brenner is an American standup comedian, actor, author, and filmmaker.-Career:Born and raised in poor areas of Philadelphia, Brenner found comedy a major source of relief from the daily trials and tribulations he faced in his youth. His neighborhood has been one of the top-ranked crime...
also contributed an unusual comment or two to the catalog. The name of the catalog was later changed to the simpler Audiori's Catalog before finally coming to an end in 1999.
That same year, the Townsends began to work more closely with Stunt Records and, later, The 77s
The 77s
The 77s are an American rock band consisting of Michael Roe on vocals/guitar, Mark Harmon on bass, and Bruce Spencer on drums.-Scratch Band:...
' Fools of the World
Fools of the World
Fools of the World is an independent record label founded in 1996 by rock band, The 77s.Fools of the World, based out of Sacramento, California, started as an independent label for the band to release their own special projects and fan club releases...
label. In the years that followed, Townsend contributed to numerous Stunt and Fools of the World releases with work in the areas of photography, audio restoration and editing, video editing, graphic design and layout, and more. In 2007, both Townsends were mentioned by name in a song by The Swirling Eddies
The Swirling Eddies
The Swirling Eddies are a band that began as an anonymous spinoff from the band Daniel Amos, along with new drummer David Raven.-Career:For each Swirling Eddies release, band members adopted pseudonyms for the liner notes; "Camarillo Eddy" , "Berger Roy Al" , "Gene Pool" , "Arthur Fhardy" , "Spot"...
, "A Medley of our Hit," from the album The midget, the speck and the molecule
The midget, the speck and the molecule
the midget, the speck and the molecule is the title of the latest album by rock band The Swirling Eddies, released in 2007 on Stunt Records....
.
In 2011, Townsend was part of a new effort to rerelease parts of Daniel Amos' back catalog with Born Twice Records. The first release, Shotgun Angel
Shotgun Angel
Shotgun Angel is the title of a 1977 album released by Daniel Amos. The album itself is named after a song written by Bill Sprouse Jr.. For additional information on the song itself, see "Shotgun Angel "....
, included a remastered album, a brand new 24 page booklet, newly uncovered photos, studio outtakes, demos and more. The studio outtakes and demos were mixed by Townsend.
Townsend currently lives near St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
.
Selected discography
- Mark HeardMark HeardJohn Mark Heard was a record producer, folk-rock singer, and songwriter originally from Macon, Georgia, USA....
- On Turning to Dust Limited Edition CD reissue (1998) - Mark Heard - Infinity Plus Three - Setting Yesterday FreeSetting Yesterday FreeSetting Yesterday Free is the title of the first and only album by a band called Infinity+3. It happens to be the first recorded appearance by songwriter Mark Heard...
Limited Edition CD reissue (1998) - Rich MullinsRich MullinsRichard Wayne "Rich" Mullins was an American Contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter born in Richmond, Indiana. He had two sisters and two brothers....
- The Jesus RecordThe Jesus RecordThe Jesus Record is the ninth and final album by American singer/songwriter Rich Mullins, released posthumous on July 21, 1998, ten months after his death....
(Assistance) (1998) - CCM Magazine 20th Anniversary Radio Special, (1998)
- The Lost Dogs - The Best of the Lost Dogs (Photography) (1999)
- Mark Heard - Mystery MindMystery MindMystery Mind is the title of a posthumous album by Mark Heard, released in 2000 on Fingerprint Records.This collection of never before heard interviews and demos by Mark Heard was originally intended as a prerelease EP, paving the way for a full length collection of more unreleased music that was...
(Producer, Editing) (2000) - Daniel AmosDaniel AmosDaniel Amos is a rock band formed in 1974 by Terry Scott Taylor on guitars and vocals, Marty Dieckmeyer on bass guitar, Steve Baxter on guitars and Jerry Chamberlain on lead guitars. Current members include bassist Tim Chandler, guitarist Greg Flesch and drummer Ed McTaggart...
- The Alarma Chronicles Book Set (Research, Compilation Production) - Terry Scott TaylorTerry Scott TaylorTerry Scott Taylor is an American songwriter, record producer, writer and founding member of the bands Daniel Amos and The Swirling Eddies . Taylor is also a member of the roots and alternative music group, Lost Dogs. He is currently based in San Jose, California, USA.Taylor is highly regarded for...
- Imaginarium (Producer) (2000) - Various Artists - When Worlds Collide: A Tribute to Daniel AmosWhen Worlds Collide: A Tribute to Daniel AmosWhen Worlds Collide: A Tribute to Daniel Amos is an indie tribute album by a variety of artists that pays musical tribute to the band Daniel Amos and its chief songwriter Terry Scott Taylor. It was released in July 2000 by Ferris Wheel....
, and the music of Terry Scott TaylorTerry Scott TaylorTerry Scott Taylor is an American songwriter, record producer, writer and founding member of the bands Daniel Amos and The Swirling Eddies . Taylor is also a member of the roots and alternative music group, Lost Dogs. He is currently based in San Jose, California, USA.Taylor is highly regarded for...
(Producer) (2000) - The Choir - Never Say NeverNever Say Never: The First 20 YearsNever Say Never: The First 20 Years is the first boxed set from Christian alternative rock band The Choir, released in 2001.-Disc 1: Voices in Shadows / Shades of Gray:All songs written by Youth Choir.# "Someone's Calling" – 4:21...
Boxed set (Research) (2001) - Daniel Amos - Mr. Buechner's DreamMr. Buechner's DreamMr Buechner's Dream is the title of a 2001 double album by the rock band Daniel Amos.Although the album includes over 30 songs, the band did not set out to record a double album. "I think Chris Colbert thought we were a little crazy...
(Executive Producer) (2001) - The 77sThe 77sThe 77s are an American rock band consisting of Michael Roe on vocals/guitar, Mark Harmon on bass, and Bruce Spencer on drums.-Scratch Band:...
- Happy Chrimbo (Blood, sweat and tears) (2001) - Randy StonehillRandy StonehillRandall Evan "Randy" Stonehill is an American singer-songwriter from Stockton, California, best known as one of the so-called "fathers of contemporary Christian music". His music is primarily folk rock in the style of James Taylor, but he has assayed other styles, with various albums focused on...
- Uncle Stonehill's HatUncle Stonehill's HatUncle Stonehill's Hat is a children's album by Randy Stonehill recorded in 2001 and produced by Terry Scott Taylor. The album is a blend of songs and stories narrated by Stonehill, featuring voice acting from Noelle Taylor & Pj Clarke....
, (2001) - Daniel Amos - When Everyone Wore HatsWhen Everyone Wore HatsWhen Everyone Wore Hats is a Book set, from rock band Daniel Amos, released in 2001 on Stunt Records.The collection included a softcover book with a new story written by frontman Terry Taylor, and three CDs of music. One CD featured the original Songs of the Heart album by Daniel Amos. A second...
(Executive Producer) (2002) - The Lost Dogs - The Green Room Serenade, Part Tour (Photography) (2002)
- Terry Scott Taylor - Avocado Club Exclusive Volume 1 (2002)
- Terry Scott Taylor - LITTLE, bigLITTLE, bigLITTLE, big is the title of the fifth solo album by Daniel Amos frontman, Terry Scott Taylor, released in 2002 on Stunt Records.The album is named after the novel, Little, Big by John Crowley.-Track listing:# "LITTLE, big"# "Lovely Lilly Lou"...
(Executive Producer) (2002) - Terry Scott Taylor - Random Acts and Hodgepodge (2002)
- The 77s - Guilty Pleasures (Blood, sweat and tears) (2002)
- Various Artists - Suffer the Children (Mastering) (2002)
- Daniel Amos - Live in Anaheim 1985Daniel Amos Live in Anaheim 1985Daniel Amos Live in Anaheim 1985 is the title of a DVD released in 2003 by the American rock band Daniel Amos on Stunt Records.The 90 minute concert film was created by Dave Perry, who went on to work with the band on its cover artwork for the Darn Floor - Big Bite album and the Swirling Eddies...
DVD (2003) - Mark Heard - Hammers and Nails (rerelease of Mystery Mind) (2003)
- Terry Scott Taylor - Avocado Club Exclusive Volume 2 (2003)
- Terry Scott Taylor & Michael RoeMichael RoeMichael Roe is an American record producer, songwriter, guitarist and singer.-Career:Although he has released several solo albums since the mid-1990s, Roe is primarily known as the lead singer and lead guitarist for the rock band The 77s...
- All Day Sing and Dinner on the Ground (Blood, sweat and tears) (2003) - Various Artists - Come As A Child or Not At All (Mastering) (2003)
- Terry Scott Taylor - Imaginarium: Songs from the NeverhoodImaginarium: Songs from the NeverhoodImaginarium: Songs from the Neverhood is the title of a soundtrack CD released in 2004 on Stunt Records. The 2-disc collection includes 77 songs performed by Daniel Amos frontman Terry Scott Taylor for the Douglas TenNapel created video games The Neverhood, Skullmonkeys, and Boombots...
(Producer)(2004) - Cornerstone FestivalCornerstone FestivalCornerstone Festival is a Christian music festival put on by Jesus People USA and held annually around the 4th of July near Bushnell, Illinois. In a given year, many artists that play at Cornerstone also play at other events such as Creation Festival and mainstream festivals and tours such as the...
20 Years and Counting DVD (Cinematography) (2004) - Daniel Amos - The Making of Mr. Buechner's DreamThe Making of Mr. Buechner's DreamThe Making of Mr. Buechner's Dream is the title of a DVD released in 2005 by the American rock band Daniel Amos on Stunt Records.The 90 minute film was edited together from over nine hours of randomly filmed home movies and footage made while the band was recording their epic 32 song album, Mr...
DVD (Producer, Editing) (2005) - The 77s DVD Collection (Cinematography) (2006)
- Daniel Amos - Daniel AmosDaniel Amos (album)Daniel Amos released their self-titled debut album in 1976 on the Maranatha! Music label. This eponymous album was produced by Al Perkins....
30th Anniversary reissue (2006) - Daniel Amos - Instruction Through FilmInstruction Through FilmInstruction Through Film is the title of a DVD released in 2007 by the American rock band Daniel Amos on Stunt Records.The two hour film was edited together from a variety of home movies, interviews, television appearances, rehearsals, promotional films and other footage filmed between the early...
2007 DVD - The Swirling EddiesThe Swirling EddiesThe Swirling Eddies are a band that began as an anonymous spinoff from the band Daniel Amos, along with new drummer David Raven.-Career:For each Swirling Eddies release, band members adopted pseudonyms for the liner notes; "Camarillo Eddy" , "Berger Roy Al" , "Gene Pool" , "Arthur Fhardy" , "Spot"...
- The midget, the speck and the moleculeThe midget, the speck and the moleculethe midget, the speck and the molecule is the title of the latest album by rock band The Swirling Eddies, released in 2007 on Stunt Records....
CD 2007 - Terry Scott Taylor - Random Acts and Hodgepodge, Expanded Edition, (2008)
- The Swirling Eddies - Swirling Mellow, 2008 Edition
- The 77s - Happy Chrimbo, Reissue (2008)
- Terry Scott Taylor & Michael Roe - All Day Sing and Dinner on the Ground, Reissue,(2008)
- Daniel Amos - Darn Floor - Big Bite Deluxe Reissue, (2008)
- Terry Scott Taylor - An Intimate Evening with Terry Scott Taylor, Special Tour Release (2009)
- Michael Roe - Michael Roe, Special Tour Release, (2010)
- Terry Scott Taylor - Swine Before Pearl, Vol.1, Standard & Deluxe Editions (2010)
- Terry Scott Taylor - Madness and Blindness and Astonishment of the Heart, Swine Before Pearl Vol 2 (2011)
- Daniel Amos - Shotgun AngelShotgun AngelShotgun Angel is the title of a 1977 album released by Daniel Amos. The album itself is named after a song written by Bill Sprouse Jr.. For additional information on the song itself, see "Shotgun Angel "....
Collectors Edition Deluxe Reissue, (2011) - Daniel Amos - Mr. Buechner's DreamMr. Buechner's DreamMr Buechner's Dream is the title of a 2001 double album by the rock band Daniel Amos.Although the album includes over 30 songs, the band did not set out to record a double album. "I think Chris Colbert thought we were a little crazy...
Deluxe Reissue, (2011) - Daniel Amos - Daniel Amos, 35th Anniversary reissue (2011)
- The 77s - Guilty Pleasures reissue, (2011)
- Michael Roe - Roesbuds reissue, (2011)
External links
- Internet Movie Database Profile
- [ AllMusicGuide Profile]
- AllMovieGuide profile