i just finished reading david axelrod's interviews in wax poetics and was amazed at his range as a producer, arranger, and musician. i've never listened to much of his work - a little as a producer, very little as a musician. i'm thinking the edge: david axelrod at capitol, 1966-1970 would be a decent place to start. i also plan to track down song of innocence at some point. any other suggestions?

the introduction to the interviews asks if there'll ever again be someone like him who's so successful as a producer across genres and on their own. my first thought was jon brion, but, as far as i know, his only venture away from what i'd expect has been late registration. although, that may propel him to make other such forays. so, what do you think? will there be another producer that can work so broadly while also maintaining a career as a performer? or are those times over?

I always run hot and cold on Axelrod. Song of Innocence is great however... as that is one vinyl that is always on heave rotation at the crib. The Edge comp is a good place to start... but keep in mind that while Axelrod can be great, he is mostly cheese. I wouldn't reccommend digging any deeper past these two selections.

I thought you were talking about John Edward's media guy

I just want to express my love for Wax Poetics. I'm a bit behind and haven't read this issue yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I don't see any reason why there couldn't be producers today that work in a broad array of genres and as an artist.

I'm sure there are some that you aren't aware of. Think of all the work Joe Henry's done with soul artists lately for example. George Clinton's done a lot of production and arrangement work over the years and I think a fair amount of its rock rather than funk. Typically, I think the guys with a broader focus tend to be more classically trained musicians who'd be more likely to start in jazz and broaden their palette to include soul, funk, hip hop and rock. This was a lot more common in the early 70's but I don't see any inherent reason why it couldn't still occur.

That Wax Poetics article is almost word for word from The Edge linear notes.

I agree with Odds Bodkins, The Edge is real hot & cold for me. There's some great stuff on there like Human Abstract & there's some cheese. Ironically I found both that CD & the Mizell Brothers Comp used at the same time & have the same feeling about both releases.

Out of curiousity, what don't you like on the Mizell Brothers comp. Only reason I didn't buy that is I already own and love most of the source albums.