Never Came Down
Released: July 2011
The Never Came Down album marked a departure in Allister’s studio recording career. Having benefitted from the fine production work of Darren Walters at Stonehouse Studio for the first two albums, Allister intended to record this album himself. So when Mike Pinder (The Moody Blues) called to say that Allister had won Pinder’s SongWars songwriting contest, including studio time at Allister’s choice of locations, the game changed a lot.
Allister rehearsed the album with drummer Adam Bowman and bassist Matthew Lima before the trio travelled to Barber Shop Studios in Hopatcong, New Jersey. Under the hand of studio engineer Jason Corsaro (Queen, Foreigner, The Rolling Stones, The Cars, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Soundgarden, and so many more), the trio recorded most of this album in Barber Shop’s inspiring Studio A. Subsequent recording sessions with Andrew Kolu at VNG Productions and final recording and mixing sessions at Allister’s own Left Side Studio rendered the album complete and ready to rock. Guitars for the project were performed by Dave Thompson (Jamie Warren, Beverly Mahood, Kellylee Evans, Kenny Munshaw…).
Of special note are the illustrations included in the album artwork. These illustrations were drawn by artist Paul Montgomery based on his impressions of each song.
All tracks written and arranged by Allister Bradley (SOCAN)
Produced by Allister Bradley
Drums and Percussion (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9), Bass Guitars (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9) and Pianos (1, 4) Recorded by Jason Corsaro with Dante Portella at The Barber Shop Studios, Hopatcong, New Jersey
Drums (6, 8) and Bass Guitars (8) Recorded by Andrew Kolu at VNG Productions, Guelph, Ontario
Pianos (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10), Bass Guitars (2, 6), Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Electric Pianos, Organ and Vocals Recorded by Allister Bradley at Left Side Studio, Kitchener, Ontario
Drums and Percussion: Adam Bowman
Bass Guitars: Matthew Lima
Electric and Acoustic Guitars: Dave Thompson
Lead and Backing Vocals: Allister Bradley
Piano, Electric Piano, Organ: Allister Bradley
Orchestral Arrangements: Allister Bradley
Mixed by Allister Bradley at Left Side Studio, Kitchener, Ontario
Mastered by Peter Letros at Wreckhouse Mastering, Toronto, Ontario
Photos by Brian O’Brien
Illustrations by Paul Montgomery
Art Design by Allister Bradley