Robert Margouleff Discusses David Sanborn, As We Speak, and Revisits His Work with Stevie Wonder

Send us Fan MailGrammy Award-winning producer, engineer, synthesizer programmer, studio owner, film producer and author Robert Margouleff stops by YMAAA to introduce Al to David Sanborn’s 1982 album As We Speak—an album that he produced. Robert talks about how he came to produce the saxophonist’s album and why the album had the novelty of two tracks with vocals by Michael Sembello. Robert and Al covered a wide range of topics, from how drum machines changed the nature of recorded music from the ‘80s forward to the demise of fade-outs to the drawbacks of noise-canceling headphones to the use of AI in music. Robert also discussed his recently-released memoir Shaping Sounds: Stevie Wonder, DEVO, The Synth Revolution and My Life Behind the Music, and he delved into his work with Stevie Wonder (along with his production and engineering partner Malcolm Cecil) during the early- and mid-‘70s.Robert’s website (which links to sites where you can buy his book) and socials:https://www.margouleff.com/Instagram: @robertmargouleffFacebook: @robert_margouleffBe sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/youmealbum.1:41 Robert’s introduction3:05 Robert talks about the archive of songs that provided tracks for Stevie Wonder’s albums from Music of My Mind to Fulfillingness’ First Finale6:08 Robert delves into his first foray into digital recording for As We Speak8:37 Robert points out the novelty of having tracks with vocals on a David Sanborn album10:13 Robert and Al talk about some of the unquestioned conventions of album-making12:31 Robert makes the case against noise-canceling headphones (and for cursive handwriting)15:28 Robert mourns the loss of rubato and “objective listening” in recorded music19:07 Robert explains why he wanted to record As We Speak as live as possible20:19 Robert talks about how he came to produce As We Speak22:48 Robert recalls the recording process for the album27:08 Robert and Al talk about Michael Sembello’s contributions to As We Speak and why the album didn’t break him out31:31 Robert talks about the impact of cocaine and drum machines on ‘80s music (plus an aside on crating dogs)38:13 Robert pinpoints what makes Taylor Swift’s live performances powerful39:18 Robert explains why he does not fear the use of AI in music46:03 Robert shares his final thoughts on As We Speak and some observations about recording drums and percussion51:55 Al sums up his reaction to listening to As We Speak52:41 Robert explains why Music of My Mind has a joyous, human feel1:01:16 Al cites one part of Robert’s book that made a big impression on himOutro music is from “Boogie On Reggae Woman” by Stevie Wonder.Support the show