Stories in the Room: Michael Jackson's Thriller Album

In this segment Matt tells us how Quincy wanted to learn from those around him. He was always open to receiving new things at the same time as he was giving so much to the world. We discuss how Michael and Quincy understood how to harness the power of music to inspire and transform people. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt tells us about how to find a “state of flow” in the studio and how he taught himself to be a mix engineer in Syracuse New York, to reach his goal of working in LA. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode Lorraine shares with us how she got started as a dancer at the young age of four and how the music itself was her first inspiration. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Larry tells us how his dad mentored him to become a multiple instrumentalist on clarinet, flute, saxophone and keyboard while growing up in a small town in Kansas. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Greg tells us about his early years, schooling, musical influences, the Motown sound, and an amazing story about auditioning for Stevie Wonder's band Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt tells us how quickly he worked up the ladder from trainee at Westlake Studios to become a member of the most successful artist, producer and songwriter team in music history. He also reveals profound insights about his mentor Quincy Jones and other mega superstars, Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment we hear about Steve's childhood piano lessons, studying with his dad's studio musician friends and how he learned something new from every musical situation. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we share how Michael and Quincy wanted a bigger cinematic sound than the previous album “Off The Wall”. We see how the wind sound for “Thriller” was created on the Arp 2600 and how it blends seamlessly with the Jupiter-8, achieving the goal of creating layers with dramatic tension. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode Lorraine revels how she met young Michael long ago, how he always wanted to learn more about dance and tap (having been a fan of the great Fred Astaire), how he picked her to dance next to him in multiple videos and the profound legacy of excellence he left us. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt describes more about his quest to discover the secrets of great songs, how he soaked in all the information he could while in the room with Quincy, Rod, Bruce and Michael, and how they were always pushing the envelope. Matt also tells us how he discovered a way to be focused and well rested on only 4 hours sleep. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Op...

In this segment The Waters Family tells us about growing up together in South Central Los Angeles, their musical education, how their natural voices make up a complete choir, first gigs with Phil Spector and their Gold Star family history. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Paul tells us about his early years growing up in LA, his time at USC, playing with George Duke and the LA Club scene that supported young and upcoming musicians. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Matt tells us why some songs have emotional ingredients that make them more special than others and how Michael and Quincy tapped into this pathway when making Thriller. Matt’s profound technical expertise created a perfect atmosphere for success. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, while reviewing the original Union Contracts, we discuss how "Billie Jean” was recorded with the late great Ndugu on drums, Louis Johnson on bass, Greg Phillinganes on keys and the live string section performed at Allen Sides great Ocean Way studio. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we discuss Michael's work ethic and the importance of continuing to grow as an artist. One of many things he and Quincy had in common. They were constantly exploring and always reaching for more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Steve talks about his early projects working with Quincy Jones, programming for David Foster, working on Michael's Off the Wall solo album. his contributions on "Human Nature" and other songs for the Thriller Album. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Greg Phillinganes shares his storied journey from a young musician in Detroit, meeting Stevie Wonder and meeting Quincy Jones to become one of the top season players in music.  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode Lorraine talks about her years at the High School of Performing Arts, where she met Michael Peters the great dancer choreographer of Thriller. When Michael Jackson wanted the two best dancers flanking him in the video, Michael Peters picked her to be one of them. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment, Greg Phillinganes is in the studio reviewing the digital pipe organ sound performed on “Thriller, the Billy Jean bass double and how he and Anthony worked together to create unique sounds. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment The Waters Family discusses the accusations against Michael, working with Michael before and after Thriller, how MTV changed the music industry and how Michael knocked down the color barrier. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment we'll hear about Michael's fun side, Muscles the snake, making two records per household and the magical chemistry in the room creating Thriller. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"In this episode Greg and Anthony show us how the spooky theremin sound was created on the Arp 2600 as well as the “Falling Star” sound on “Thriller”, how Michael would say “I want them to “feel it” and constantly experimenting until the right sound and vibe was created. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment, Paul talks about how Quincy Jones put together the brilliant core team of recording engineers Bruce Swedien and Matt Forger along with songwriter Rod Temperton. They delivered arrangement options for the musicians...giving us great performances that will live forever. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://red...

In this segment Matt describes how everyone in the room working on Thriller were all grooving together with the flow of the song as if they were thinking with one mind. Matt also reminds us how well prepared Michael was. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this segment Greg tells us about the recording process, his role for each of the songs on the album and together we share our personal stories about them...including Paul McCartney. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy