- Source: Collection (Jason Becker album)
Collection is an album by Jason Becker released by Shrapnel Records on November 4, 2008. The album includes three new songs in addition to some older recordings. It includes many musicians and features guitarists such as Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Joe Satriani, Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, and Steve Hunter.
Collection
This album contains a mixture of remastered songs from Becker's previous projects, as well as three new songs. Even though he can no longer move and speak due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, he was still able to compose for the album. He explained his method in an HTML file included on the album disc.
"I used a music software program called LogicPro with a Mac computer and a synthesizer keyboard hooked up to it. My father had invented a very fast and effective communication system for me when I was losing my voice. It is a sign language that requires only eye movements and is faster than any computer. I would try to explain to my caregiver (usually my dad, mom, or my close friends) what to play on the keyboard. When they got fairly close, I would have them take me into LogicPro where I could edit every part of every note. After composing in this way I got together with my friend and co-producer, Dan Alvarez. We worked on arrangements and sounds to make it better. Then we got musician friends to add their talents to the mix."
In addition to 13 tracks, the disc also includes bonus features that are playable on a computer. These features include demo versions of Becker's piece End of the Beginning recorded while he could still barely play, as well as a demo of Go Off! from Cacophony and a recording of Becker "noodling" on guitar.
Track listing
Musicians
Jason Becker - Guitar, Producer, Mixing
Dan Alvarez - Organ, Piano, Arranger, Keyboards, Choir, Chorus, Synclavier, Drum Programming, Keyboard Arrangements
Caren Anderson - Soprano
Atma Anur - Drums
Jennie Bemesderfer - Alto
Mike Bemesderfer - Flute, Throat Singing
Gregg Bissonette - Percussion, Drums
Matt Bissonette - Bass, Vocals
Joey Blake - Vocals
Deen Castronovo - Drums
Bryan Dyer - Choir, Chorus
Cathy Ellis - Soprano
Michael Lee Firkins - Dobro, Guitar
Marty Friedman - Guitar
Steve Hunter - Guitar
Danny Griffin - Throat Singing
Greg Howe - Guitar
Raz Kennedy - Vocals
Marc LaFrance - Vocals
Alison Lewis - Choir, Chorus
Dave Lopez - Guitar
Salar Nader - Tabla, Dhol
DJ D Sharp - Beats
Jimmy O'Shea - Bass
Melanie Rath - Vocals
Steve Rosenthal - Cymbals
David Lee Roth - Vocals
Joe Satriani - Guitar
Anisha Thomas - Soprano
Brett Tuggle - Keyboards, Vocals
Steve Vai - Guitar
Production
Mike Varney - Executive producer
Ashley Moore - Mastering
Jason Becker - Producer, Mixing
Dan Alvarez - Producer, Mixing
Mike Bemesderfer - Producer, Editing, Mixing
Matt Bissonette - Bass, Vocals, Producer
Steve Fontano - Producer
Marty Friedman - Producer
Greg Howe - Producer
John Lowry - Engineer
Bob Rock - Producer, Mixing
Personnel
Gary Becker - Cover Painting
Mark Leialoha - Photography
Tony Masterantonio - Graphic Design
Ross Pelton - Photography
Dave Stephens - Graphic Design