Peter Erskine on his DW kit with Zildjian cymbals

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing drumming legend Peter Erskine at his studio during a recording session for the “Beato Band Project”. Started by top drum bag manufacturer Fred Beato, the project has had the endorsement track by track of many professionals that have left their mark by playing on the new record. Peter put his mark on a 1940s jazz standard called “Old Black Magic” by adding his drum sound in more modern rock style. Peter Erskine has played with a variety of artists from Stan Kenton, Steely Dan, Weather Report, and Diana Krall, to Christina Aguilera.

Peter Erskine Jazz Drumming Legend

Peter Erskine Jazz Drumming Legend

The session was engineered by Christian Robles using Digital Professional on Peter’s recording set up. After some microphone set up and adjusting, the session started and went very quickly. With just 3 takes everyone felt like they had what they needed. Over all the session was just under two hours, that is how you roll with pros! Fred Beato and Percussionist Raphael Padilla helped produce as the tracks progressed.

Peter Erskine's Recording Studio

Peter Esrkine uses Drum Workshop Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drum Sticks, and Beato Bags exclusively.

Looking for a cozy place to stay next time you are in Woodland Hills? One of my new clients, Holiday Inn Express can provide that with their new Ventura Boulevard location. Featuring 85 rooms, plus several large suites, pool, and breakfast service daily. The comfortable lobby has a large screen TV and a is a perfect spot for a casual client meeting. This area of Woodland Hills is centrally located and has great access to freeway off ramps and on ramps. The Hotel also features a huge motor court and plenty of protective parking. Most of the architectural photography was done during the day as the sun exposure was perfect to light the interiors using some additional lighting. The exteriors and parking structures were saved for the exotic Night Time Photography which is my trademark.

Holiday Inn Express Ventura Boulevard Woodland Hills California

If you decide you have the taste for some exquisite French food, one of LA’s finest french resturants Brandywine, is a few short blocks walking distance from the hotel. As Photo Editor and Senior Staff Photographer for “Spaces” magazine, it was my job to photograph outstanding chefs and restaurants for magazine publication. Food Photography is always fun as there are wonderful added benefits! I was lucky to have been to able to enjoy the Brandywine experience first hand. The small but efficient kitchen turns gourmet meals daily for lunch and dinner. This dining adventure will cost you a bit, but you will enjoy the fresh daily menu of the finest fresh meats and vegetables.

Holiday Inn Hotel Lobby

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

Chef Jean Luc in the Brandywine kitchen

Lunch anyone?

Plank grilled Salmon with rice

After an evening out of fine dining or a romantic lunch, you will need to return to your Holiday Inn private suite for a little rest and relaxation. The short walk back to the Hotel will help you walk off your dinner!!!!!!!

Business Suite Holiday Inn

Contemporary Architecture In Beverly Hills

Contemporary Dining Room Beverly Hills

The Modern Paintings of William Laga currently adorn the walls and add to the Museum like quality and feel of the home. Large sliding doors open to a stylish private lap pool and spa. The stunning lines of architecture were begging to be photographed at night, and over two separate night of photography these new images were created.

Night Time Architecture, Shubin & Donaldson Architects

New Contemporary Architecture, Shubin & Donaldson Architects

Castillo Del Lago, Los Angeles

Property One -Los Angeles has many interesting properties that are historical gems as well as outstanding works of Architecture. The famed “Castillo Del Lago” sits in hills of Los Angeles with a view of the city out to Catalina Island. The famed property/compound was built in 1926 and was once owned by the Chicago/Las Vegas Gangster Ben “Bugsy” Siegal, and more recently by Madonna. Bullet holes in the banister staircase remain from a rumored shoot out at the property.

The Mediterranean style property is very eclectic with its lush garden landscape and unique 6 sided Moroccan Style Master bath. The home is several levels and uses a modern elevator to access the various rooms. The stunning clock tower turret is visible from all sides of the property.

View of Los Angeles Over Lake Hollywood from Castillo Del Lago

Moroccan Style Bath, Castillo Del Lago, Los Angeles

Property Two- A Lloyd Wright gem also known as the “Taggart” house and Cultural Landmark Landmark #521, is an outstanding example of modern architecture, only this was built in 1922. The home sits in Los Feliz with great views of the Griffith Park Observatory. Located on a small knoll of its own, the house has been completely restored and is a joy to behold with its modern styling and surrounding cactus garden.

Taggart House, Built 1922 by Architect Lloyd Wright

Taggart House, Built 1922 by Architect Lloyd Wright, Cultural Landmark #521

Property Three- Ok, so I am almost done! A unique 1927 Hollywood Lloyd Wright Studio Residence has a classic modern feel with a bit of Mayan style stone work added. The open feel is of this property is created by large pocket doors that open and dissapear to expose the private garden. The house has a very unique live work feel to it and creates a world all its own. Normally I shoot my Architectural subjects at night, however to show the office/garden off in the best way, the decision was made for a day time photo shoot. Did I mention I love my job?

1927 Lloyd Wright Studio Residence, Hollywood, California

1927 Lloyd Wright Studio Residence, Hollywood, California

Crazy Cat Art by Glenn Fox

On Friday the 20th of November 2009, Glenn had a major art show opening that was staged at the West Hollywood offices of Ncompass Marketing. I was fortunate to have been hired to document Glenn’s work in a gallery setting and had the great pleasure to be able to study his 70 pieces over the course of the day. Ncompass was a perfect place to display Glenn’s work as the office has a very distinct modern art feel to it all on its own.

Architectural Photography in a modern, creative setting is always a pleasure for me. Along with copying 12 pieces of art for reproduction, I was also able to document the show under both day and night lighting. In the dark, many of Glenn’s art pieces glow under black light as he frequently use phosphorescent paint in his work.

Glenn Fox Art work Under Black Light With Vodka

New work included many sculpture pieces and masks done in Glenn’s unique style using heavy epoxy lamination as part of the look and protective qualities of his art. Pieces are still available, you may contact Los Angeles based artist Glenn Fox through his web site at www.glennfox.com.

Glowing Masks by Glenn Fox

Glenn Fox art show at Ncompass

House of Blues Opera Box, Chicago

Foundation Room House of Blues, Chicago

The concert hall is filled with precious rare art along with the “Crazy Quilt” curtains which close off the opera boxes and stage when needed.

Many top musicians and groups have filled this room with great music over the years, and it still continues on a nightly basis which brings me to my next story.

After refueling on famous late night House of Blues Cajon cooking, a local blues band took the stage at “The Porch” which is the stage area inside the restaurant. While photographing the venue in full swing, dinner, music, and drinks, some of the crowd starting whispering about the guest musician that had just stepped onto the stage with his guitar.  One of Chicago’s most famous living blues players, Jimmy Johnson plugged in to sing and play a full set of traditional Chicago style blues at the House of Blues on a Monday night. Right place, right time I guess !

Jimmy Johnson, Chicago Blues Guitarist, House of Blues Chicago

Hanging out and working at the House of Blues is always a treat for me. As a fan of Blues music and collector of Outsider Art, I try to view as many pieces of the art in each venue as I possibly can. Many of the rooms are decorated not only with outstanding art, but with the famous photo series of blues artists in black and white done by photographer Jeff Dunas.

Foundation Room, House of Blues, Chicago

Chicago is a special city to begin with, in particular in September when the nights are cool but old man winter has not started shutting down streets and waterways. The Marina City area of downtown Chicago is alive at night with activity and a perfect place to work the magic of my Night Time Architectural Photography. Did I mention I love my job?

House of Blues, Chicago

House of Blues Restaurant, Downtown Houston, Texas

House of Blues, Downtown Houston, Texas

On the final leg of the House of Blues summer photo tour we ended up at the beautiful new House of Blues in Downtown Houston, Texas. Texas is hot and clammy in the summer, so we limited our exposure by working inside during the day and shooting the exteriors at night. The huge new restaurant has many large windows facing out side so the shoot started at around 11 pm and finished up around 2:30 am, nothing like a long day of Architectural Photography! The next night we tackled the exterior of the House of Blues using a tall ladder, stopping traffic, and ending up with the moon and super blue night sky as the background.

Club Oba, House of Blues, Las Vegas, Nevada

After soaking up the Houston vibe and some killer food at the Goode Company Barbeque, we were on our way to Las Vegas. The House of Blues Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the original venues and is loaded with great outsider art that adorns every part of the venue. Huge art pieces with real guitars and suitcases sticking out by Patterson and Barnes, line the entrance to the concert hall. Along with great food and entertainment, the private “Foundation Room” club at the top of Mandalay Bay boasts the best view of the Las Vegas strip at night. House of Blues special events services offer private party rental of club “Oba” which looks over the restaurant from one side and into the concert hall from the other.

House of Blues live music and Cajun food, Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas at night from the top of Mandalay Bay

Our last night we were able to enjoy some live blues in the restaurant that was filled with people eating, drinking, and having a great time. The next morning we had and early call to complete an architectural shot of the same restaurant space with no crowd.

House of Blues Porch Restaurant, Las Vegas, Nevada

It was great to see the House of Blues Las Vegas again to photograph the changes since my first House of Blues photo shoot there 10 years ago!

The Boston House of Blues is Located on Landsdowne Street which comes alive with activity on game day. The Boston venue has all the features including a massive concert hall, restaurant, Foundation Room, and a huge collection of Outsider Art including many works by Glenn Fox.

Boston House of Blues at night on Landsdowne Street

Crazy Fish by Glenn Fox

Vintage Style Coca Cola signs in Fenway Park, Boston

Fenway Park from the House of Blues, Boston