Q&A

David Michael Curry on the latter days with Robert Fisher

Can you describe these last sessions? was Robert able to keep up with the recording schedule?

There was no schedule. Robert was resolute and forward-thinking. I was the one having a hard time keeping the music moving forward. When he moved back east from California, we lived an hour away from each other and juggled hectic lives. My own family was going through the death of my mother from cancer in 2014 and caring for my father. Amid all this, we’d occasionally make time together and he’d bring a song idea to the house. I’d record his basic tracks in my music room and he’d nail it like a song-carpenter. Tracking a song usually included hours of conversation over cigars and coffee on the porch. He later gave up cigars, but the ritual remained.

Day to day, what was the mood like?

This record took a long time. Before Robert’s diagnosis, it was easy and fun, but mostly a weekend thing. We’d discuss what the song needed, then I’d track overdubs or guest musicians alone during the week. Cellist Jonah Sacks gave valuable input towards mixing. There were some tears and heavy moments with some overdub sessions for a few musicians. Otherwise, it was a solitary experience.