Mike and Andy have known each other for around 40 years - from their days working at Soundtrack Recording Studio. Mike as a session pianist and Andy as a recording engineer. They met up again when they realized they had a mutual friend in Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller. Andy spends these days taking wildlife photography and directing voice over artists. He has a fascinating take on growing and working in the audio industry.

Mike Jones and Andy delve into the profound impact of music on their lives, exploring early influences, family connections, and the evolution of their musical tastes. They reflect on the significance of concerts, the role of radio, and the nostalgic memories tied to record stores and cultural experiences. The discussion highlights how music shaped their identities and continues to resonate in their lives. In this conversation, Mike Jones and Andy discuss the evolution of music consumption, the decline of liner notes, and the challenges faced by modern musicians in the industry. They reflect on their college experiences, the influence of various music genres, and their early careers in music. The discussion highlights the nostalgia for the past and the difficulties of navigating the current music landscape. In this conversation, Andy shares his journey from college to a successful career in commercials and jingles, detailing his experiences in Boston and his eventual move to Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of being part of a creative community, the unique vibe of Las Vegas, and the influence of iconic figures like Tom Jones and Penn and Teller on his career. The conversation highlights the lessons learned from legends in the industry and the significance of professionalism in show business.

Check out Andy's photography website: Andy Lerner Photo

Welcome to The Stereo Image! Host Mike Jones talks with creative and interesting people about how music fits into their lives. As the music director for Penn & Teller for over 20 years, Mike has met and discussed music with dozens of interesting characters over the years. Even though he's dedicated his life to music, he realized that there is much to discover from discussing how music shapes and influences people.

Our first episode is with the owner of Mike's record label, Tom Burns. Tom lives near Denver, Colorado and makes his living not just from jazz records but also from comic book collecting. In this conversation, Mike Jones interviews Tom Burns, the owner of Capri Records, discussing his journey through music, from early influences to starting a jazz label. Tom shares insights on the jazz community, the importance of music in life, and his unique perspective on listening habits and the intersection of music and comics.

Takeaways

• Tom's early exposure to music came from his mother's love for swing-era artists.
• He discovered jazz at 17, which captivated him and changed his musical direction.
• Tom started collecting records at a young age, focusing on instrumental music.
• His passion for music led him to start a jazz label, Capri Records.
• The jazz community has been incredibly supportive of his endeavors.
• Tom emphasizes the importance of allowing musicians to express their creativity.
• He believes that music adds significant meaning to people's lives.
• Tom's love for comics parallels his passion for music, both being forms of art.
• He enjoys listening to a variety of music, including guilty pleasures.
• Tom reflects on the impact of music on personal relationships and community.

Check out Tom's record label: Capri Records