Meeting Topic: The Humans Return to the Studio - Grant Ave Studios in Hamilton
Moderator Name: Earl McCluskie
Speaker Name: Bob Doidge, Grant Ave Studios Hamilton
Meeting Location: Hamilton ON
The meeting was both a tour of Grant Avenue Studios in Hamilton and a focus on how the human element interacts with and through the technology. As a RADAR user, owner Bob Doidge focused on how he uses a digital system to record organically as if he were still using 2" tape, though he does admit that RADAR is both consistent and sounds better. Bob brings his own style to make a product that is both passionate and filled with those "Let's give it a try" moments.
Bob Doidge had an early start in music. At a young age, he began formal training in piano, trumpet, and bass, which led to his mastery of a variety of other instruments. The recent release of Bob's debut solo album 'Orion's Ghost', showcases these abilities.
In the 1970's Bob and his band-mate Daniel Lanois began recording in the Lanois'
basement along with Daniel's older brother. Soon, they found themselves working with artists such as Raffi, Bruce Cockburn, and countless other local acts. The decision to expand was imminent, and so began Grant Avenue Studio. Bob took ownership of the studio in the early 1980's when Daniel went abroad to work with U2.
Bob's discography as a producer and engineer boasts a long list of artists such as Gordon Lightfoot, U2, Johnny Cash, Ani DiFranco, Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn, Brooks Williams, and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings .His work has resulted in some major accomplishments, including a Gold album for The Cowboy Junkies, and a double-platinum record for The Crash Test Dummies. In 1995, Bob was nominated for a Grammy for his work with the gospel group The Torchmen. Recent projects include John P. Allen's(Prairie Oyster) 'Canadian Portrait', and Gordon Lightfoot's Massey Hall concert series in May 2008.
