Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman's A Troll's Story

PRESS RELEASE:

"Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman have released a web-based children's story called "Troll's Story".

Perrey and Countryman wrote the text for the children's book and scored all the original music, and they have made both the text and music available for free downloading on the internet.

It can be found here

The narrator for the children's story is Tricia Meier-Countryman. The project is a spin-off from Perrey and Countryman's recent Oglio Records CD "The Happy Electropop Music Machine." The duo re-edited and re-scored their original synthesizer music to fit the story, which was written and inspired by their original "Troll's Story" music from the Oglio CD.

Perrey and Countryman are making the project a free download, to be enjoyed by children of all ages.

To find out more about "The Happy Electropop Music Machine", go to: link

Artist Information:
Jean Jacques Perrey: Synthesizer.com synthesizer, Moog synthesizers and Ondioline Dana Countryman: Synthesizers.com synthesizer.

Jean Jacques Perrey is a legend in the electronic music field as a pioneer of that genre. He was the SECOND musician to ever own and record with the Moog Synthesizer, back in 1967. His music has been sampled by countless popular acts, including Ice T, Gangstarr and Fatboy Slim. At age 78, he is still creating and still touring.

Perrey's musical partner is arranger and musician Dana Countryman, who co-composed the music and co-wrote the story for "Troll's Story."
Perrey and Countryman released their first CD for Oglio Records, "The Happy Electropop Music Machine" in 2006.
It is available on Amazon.com and on iTunes.com, among many other outlets.

The duo are currently writing and recording their next CD for Oglio Records, due out in the summer of 2009. In the last year and a half, Perrey and Countryman have performed in Berlin, Seattle, San Francisco, Hollywood, Amsterdam, Russia, France and Norway. They are heading off to England next."

You can also find more info on Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman in these previous posts.

Update: some notes on the instruments used via Dana:
"We predominately used my big modular from Synthesizers.com. We also used my Korg MS-2000R a lot. My loyal DX-7 was used (sparingly), especially for the bass line in the "Furioso Disco" section. I also love it for it's "organ" sounds and bells. Jean-Jacques played his trademark Ondioline for the solo in the first segment ("Morning Theme".) In addition, we ran samples through Reason, mostly for JJ's crazy "tape loops". Analog, digital: whatever it takes to get the 'sound.'"

RIP Jean-Jacques Perrey 1929-2016

The image to the left may be a little blurry, but it comes from the one time I actually got to see Jean-Jacques Perrey live with Dana Countryman, back in 2006. I took that photo. That was one of the rare times I could sum up an experience in one word: magical. Well maybe two: magical, and joyful. That may sound cliche to some, but it is 100% accurate, and I do have to say, with the absolute upmost respect, Jean-Jacques Perrey (and Dana Countryman) put on one of the funnest shows I've been too. The man brought absolute joy to life. When I was a kid I had no idea I was listening to his tunes while watching Disneland's Main Street Electrical parade! He was a pioneer of electronic music that brought humor and playfulness to his music throughout his career. I still remember his pet elephant (you'll need to go through numerous posts here on MATRIXSYNTH to find it. :) As you'll see his presence influenced many posts here on MATRIXSYNTH over the years. His main instrument was the Ondes Martenot.

Image credit: Mal Meehan, in via Dana Countryman, who had the following to say (Update: you can find his full words here - do take the time to read it for a fascinating bit of synth history):

"My dear friend and mentor Jean Jacques Perrey passed away today, November 4th, 2016. His illness came on quickly, and he did not suffer long, for which I’m happy. I’m extremely sad that I’ll never see him again, but I have been playing some of his happiest music today, and it immediately cheered me up. I know that’s what he would want --- for everyone to be happy, and not to be sad."

He will be missed, but his music and memories will continue to bring joy to people for years to come. He brought so much joy to the world. Thank you Jean-Jacques Perrey!

Update: Dana Countryman wrote a longer piece on Jean-Jacques Perrey here. Do take the time to read it. From that piece:

"For those who don’t realize it, Jean-Jacques rst started recording electronic music in 1952, long before the Moog synthesizer was rst made for sale in 1967. Relocating from Paris to New York City, JJ actu- ally owned and recorded with the second Moog ever produced, and with his musical partner Gershon Kingsley, they released their rst Moog album -- almost two years before Wendy Carlos released her rst Moog album. Jean-Jacques was truly the pioneer of popular electronic music.

His crazy, happy music has been heard everywhere from commercials, to Sesame Street - in hip-hop songs, in dance remixes and most famously, for decades in the delightful featured music in Disneyland’s 'Main Street Electrical Parade'. In recent years, his music has even made appearances on the Simpsons, and on Comedy Central’s 'South Park'."

Update2: one more sent my way via @bronwenjones:

Jean-Jacques Perrey & Dana Countryman - Funky Little Spacegirl - Music Video

Uploaded on Jan 19, 2009 mee3d

"View a High quality version here - www.funkylittlespacegirl.com

Celebrating 80 years of Jean-Jacques Perrey's Legendary Happy Electropop Music here is the Music Video for "Funky Little Spacegirl", released from the new album with Dana Countryman 'Destination Space'. Available on Oglio Records. Music Video Created by Mal Meehan from mee3d"

Moog_Tastic Offer from Dana Countryman

"The future of electronic music is now, and the legacy of Bob Moog's musical genius is alive. -- Dana Countryman

Bob Moog's inspiration spans generations of people who love music, technology and making a difference! That is why Dana Countryman—musician, composer and Jean-Jacques Perry musical partner and biographer—is offering something truly special for people who support Bob Moog's legacy with a donation to the Bob Moog Foundation

The Dana Countryman/ Jean-Jacques Perrey Holiday Moog Inspiration Gift Package

Dana's 2010 release of Moog-tastic: Electronic Melodies from the 24th Century

plus

Dana and Jean-Jacques Perrey's second collaboration, Destination Space, “a Moog-fueled trip dripping with Space Age Spy Pop and Funky Science Fiction”

plus

A handsome autographed photograph of Moog synth music legend, Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman in the studio.

All for your donation of $75 to the Bob Moog Foundation..."

Full details here. Also, don't forget to vote for the Bob Moog Foundation today and every day in December.

Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman at the Radiophonic 08 Festival

via Dana Countryman:

"Just a quick note to mention the upcoming lecture and concert by Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman at the Radiophonic 08 Festival in Gateshead, England. It all happens on March 1st, 2008. More info here and here"

Be sure to check out these previous posts on Dana Countryman and Jean Jacques Perrey.

During their previous shows (where I actually took this shot myself) Dana played his MOTM/Dotcom modular and Jean Jacques Perrey played his favorite istrument, the Ondioline which is similar in concept to the Ondes Martenot and Tannerin.

"Moog-Tastic!" Podcast Pt. 1

YouTube via happymoogman — May 31, 2010 — "Part One of the "Moog-Tastic!" video Podcast.

Mark Griswold of Oglio Records interviews musician Dana Countryman about his first Solo Moog release.

More info at http://www.danacountryman.com"
All posts featuring Dana Countryman here.
All posts featuring Jean-Jacques Perrey here.

Lovesick Martian Boy.mov

previously posted

Update:

"Moog-Tastic!" Podcast Pt. 2

happymoogman — June 05, 2010 —

Part Two of the "Moog-Tastic!" video Podcast. Mark Griswold of Oglio Records interviews musician Dana Countryman about his first Solo Moog release.

"Moog-Tastic!" Podcast Pt. 3 (Final segment)

YouTube via happymoogman — "June 06, 2010 —

Part Three (the FINAL part) of the "Moog-Tastic!" video Podcast.

Mark Griswold of Oglio Records interviews musician Dana Countryman about his first Solo Moog release.

http://tinyurl.com/23e24t2

More info at http://www.danacountryman.com"

Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman

Box of Textures has a review of the recent Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman show in NY. Definitely worth checking out. You'll find more images including one of the opening act, Circuit Parade.

The following is an excerpt:
"Perrey was absolutely charming and totally hilarious! He introduced every song with a story, sometimes also pointing out some of his musical partners who were in the audience (Gershon Kingsley, for example). Perrey and Countryman played mostly analog equipment. Countryman had a Prophet ’08 as his main instrument, and Perrey had a Poly Evolver Keyboard, Minimoog Model D and an Ondioline. Countryman also had an Arp 2600, but it sounded like it was constantly playing a sample and hold pattern in the background while Perrey was talking, so Countryman leaned over and switched the 2600 off."

Destination Space

via Dana Countryman

"Just a quick note to mention that my new CD with French synth pioneer (80 years old!) is out now on Oglio Records. It's called "Destination Space", and features 17 brand-new compositions. Out on Amazon and iTunes.

It's a Moog-filled potpourri of Spy Rock, Science-Fiction theme, Perrey's usual trademark fun songs, and even a little Spaghetti Western flavor on one tune! Lots of retro sounds, and JJ's amazing tape loops....

The final track "Beyond The Milky Way" features a computer-programmed singing voice -- singing the first lyrics EVER on a Jean-Jacques Perrey recording Ð this being his 22nd album in his long 50-year career. We're doing two RARE concerts, to debut the new CD:

NEW YORK CITY
Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman, with Circuit Parade
Oct. 1st, 2008, 7:00 PM
(Le) Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 11205
Info Line 212.505.FISH

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA
Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman, with Unireverse
Oct. 3rd, 2008, 8 pm
MONTREAL POP FESTIVAL
Cabaret du Musee Juste Pour Rire
2111 Boul St. Laurent
Montreal, Québec
(514) 845 - 2014

The NY show will be the first time JJ has been back in the Big Apple in 38 years!

Hope some of your blog readers can catch these shows. This will likely NEVER happen again...!
Sound samples are here.

Thanks,
- Dana"

Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman Live

Reminder that the first show in Seattle this Sunday, other dates below. Title link just takes you to my original post. The following is the press release:

The Most Senior Touring Pop Icon ... At 77 Jean-Jacques Perrey Is a Legend and Electronic Music Pioneer. Fans Can See Him Live in Seattle on Aug. 27, San Francisco on Aug. 29 and Los Angeles on Aug. 31

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23, 2006 -- This August, Oglio Records will release a new Jean-Jacques Perrey/Dana Countryman CD, THE HAPPY ELECTROPOP MUSIC MACHINE. The CD is an insanely happy instrumental collection of original tunes, and also includes five melodies by other composers. Using classic "Moog"-style analog synthesizers, as well as acoustic instruments, the CD is styled to be very retro, and very happy.

Jean-Jacques Perrey is a legend, and a pioneer in the popular electronic music field. He was the second musician to ever own a Moog Synthesizer, and one of the first to record with it, way back in 1966. Over the past five decades, Perrey has released many classic MOOG albums, featuring his trademark crazy tape loops and his catchy original melodies. His theme "Baroque Hoedown" (co-composed with Gershon Kingsley) has been featured as part of Disneyland's much-loved "Main Street Electrical Parade" for over 30 years. Even today, Perrey's music has been sampled by countless popular Hip-Hop and Rap artists, including Ice T, DJ Premier, Gangstarr, and many others. At age 77, Perrey is still very much active, and still creating "Music for Smiles and Laughs."

A recent Perrey/Countryman concert in Berlin, Germany had a sell-out crowd, and that performance will be released soon on DVD. To support the release of new THE HAPPY ELECTROPOP MUSIC MACHINE, Perrey and Countryman will be performing the new album in a mini-tour of concert venues this August, starting in Seattle, and continuing on to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

A tour of the United Kingdom is planned for the Spring of 2007, followed by a tour of Japan, later that year. THE HAPPY ELECTROPOP MUSIC MACHINE is a refreshing "blast from the past," focusing on catchy melodies, at a time when interest in the Moog Synthesizer is suddenly in vogue again.

Show Dates for THE HAPPY ELECTROPOP MUSIC MACHINE:
Live in Seattle
Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, 7:30 pm
The Triple Door - 216 Union Street - 206-838-4333
$15.00 advance, $18.00 door

Live in San Francisco
Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, Doors open: 7 pm - Show, 8 pm
Recombinant Media Labs -
763 Brannan @ 6th St. in San Francisco's SOMA District
For more information: 415-863-3068
Tickets are available by emailing info@researchpubs.com

Live in Los Angeles
Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006, Doors open: 7:30 - Show, 8 pm
Knitting Factory - 7021 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles 90028
323-463-0204
See online artwork at the photolink:
http://www.danacountryman.com/promo1/HEMM_art.html

Please contact:
Craig Melone
Hands On Public Relations
(310) 341-3201
Handsonpr@aol.com

Perrey and Countryman's web sites:
http://www.jeanjacquesperrey.com
http://www.danacountryman.com

Oglio Entertainment's web sites:
http://www.oglio.com
http://www.coolcds.com

Happy Birthday Jean-Jacques Perrey!

I posted the video below earlier. I just found out it is Jean-Jacques Perrey's birthday today! He turned 81! You can wish him a Happy Birthday here.



Jean-Jacques Perrey & Dana Countryman in NYC, 1st October 2008 YouTube via mee3d http://www.jean-jacquesperrey.com/ "After almost 40 years, Jean-Jacques Perrey returns to New York City, the birth place of his seminal 1960's moog albums. For one night only, on the 1st October 2008, Jean-Jacques performed with musical partner Dana Countryman at (le) poisson rouge club to celebrate 50 years or recording and performing. Part One... featuring the following songs:- Atomic Twist, Pizzicato Samba, Destination Space, Kittens On The Moon, Strangers In The Night, Chicken On The Rocks and Baroque Hoedown." click here for all posts featuring Jean-Jacques Perrey.

Update:

Jean-Jacques Perrey & Dana Countryman in NYC, 1st October 2008 (Part Two)

"When You Wish Upon A Star", played by Dana Countryman

Published on Jan 14, 2013 Dana Countryman·38 videos

"Dana Countryman plays the classic 'When You Wish Upon A Star' on his homemade 'Martenot Controller for Modular Synthesizer'. Easier to play than a Theremin! For more information about the Martenot Controller, please visit www.danacountryman.com"

I believe that is a synthesizers.com modular.

Also see:
Isao Tomita - When you wish upon a Star

Touring Dana Countryman's Modular Synth

YouTube via happymoogman — June 07, 2010 — "Dana Countryman gives a tour of each module of his synthesizer, mostly from synthesizer.com.
Recorded on June 7, 2010."
All posts featuring Dana Countryman
Features Blacet, STG, MOTM, Analogue Systems, Modcan, JH and DIY as well.

Jean-Jacques Perrey Biography by Dana Countryman

via Dana Countryman

"My biography, "Passport To The Future: The Amazing Life and Music of Electronic Pop Music Pioneer Jean-Jacques Perrey", is out NOW!
312 pages, and over 250 photographs. Interviews with Angelo Badalamenti, Robert Moog, Gershon Kingsley and many more...
Available online, and in select bookstores.

Order online here:
https://www.createspace.com/3489660

More info here:
http://passport-to-the-future.com/

- Dana Countryman
http://www.danacountryman.com"

Also on Amazon.

Added to the Synth Books section.

Mark Evans Rock and Moog Party

via Dana Countryman on Facebook

"One of the coolest versions of "Caravan" I've ever heard.... on the MOOG!"

Dana Countryman plays with Jean-Jacques Perrey.

A search for Dana Countryman on the top right will bring up numerous posts featured here on MATRIXSYNTH.

Destination Space

Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman have a new CD coming out on Oglio Records. It will be out on September, 2008. You can hear a few of the tunes on their Myspace page. They are also doing two special shows, one in New York City on Oct, 1st, 2008, and one at the Montreal Pop Festival on Oct. 3rd, 2008. You can find more info on Dana Countryman's website.

I'm not sure what they will be bringing to the shows this time around, but when I saw them perform in 2006, it was an absolute treat to the ears and eyes.

If you aren't familiar with Jean-Jacques Perrey or Dana Countryman explore some of these previous posts. You'll find videos and more.

Jean-Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman Live

For those of you in the Seattle, San Francisco or Los Angeles area, here's your chance to see one of the pioneers of electronic music, Jean-Jacques Perrey along with Dana Countryman. You can read more about Perrey's influence on wikipedia. Title link takes you to more info on the shows. They play Seattle on August 27, San Franscisco on August 29, Hollywood on August 31, and a special in store meet and great at Analogue Haven on August 30. That would be a pretty sweet gear fest.

Here are links to some excerpts:
Chicken On The Rocks
Furioso Disco
Atomic Twist
Harry's Rag
Podcast Interview

Via Dana Countryman on his gear and the upcoming shows:

"Hi Friends,

Jean Jacques Perrey and I have finished recording our upcoming MOOG CD. It will be out on September 25th, on Oglio Records.

We'll be doing special concerts in Seattle (Aug. 27th), San Francisco (Aug. 29th) and Hollywood (Aug. 31st).
Please check our web sites for more info.

http://www.jean-jacquesperrey.com
http://www.danacountryman.com"

"I have a big ol' modular synth in my home studio.

link

It's mostly Dotcom, with about 25% MOTM modules. I've been working with the legendary Jean-Jacques Perrey for the last couple of years, and we've just completed a new CD of crazy, "Moog" tunes. It comes out on Oglio Records next month.

We're doing a series of concerts on the West Coast at the end of this month to promote the CD. BTW, these are the FIRST concerts that Jean-Jacques has ever done in AMERICA. At age 77, he is still going strong, but who knows what will happen in the future. He is still one creative and brilliant guy, and it's a pleasure to be so lucky to work with him.

Meanwhile, I'm continuing to add to my modular -- trying out different modules from various companies, - selling off ones I don't use, etc. I have no problem, having a "Franken-synth"!"

Dana Countryman at the PNW Synth Gathering 2010 Pt1

YouTube via matrixsynth | July 28, 2010

http://danacountryman.com/

"Dana goes over the Ondioline and his DIY controller based on the Ondes Martenot."

Dana Countryman at the PNW Synth Gathering 2010 Pt2


Note this is the last video in the PNW Synth Gathering 2010 series. Click here for all posts.

Dana Countryman - New Flickr Shot

flickr by k0re.

Shot of Dana Countryman from the

A little trivia: Note Dana's keyboards changed. When I saw them in Seattle, he had a Yamaha DX7 as the main synth. In San Francisco you can see the Yamaha DX7 was replaced with a Roland Jupiter (I'm guessing the 6) and a Nord G2 as the synthesizers.com modular controller (not sure what he had in Seattle, but I didn't see red). In this shot he also has the G2. BTW, I'm not sure if this shot is from the San Francisco or LA shows.

Update via Brian in the comments:
"I went to the LA show. Jean Jacques had his Ondioline, but there was no Moog Modular. The keyboards I saw were:

* Moog Voyager Blue
* DSI Poly Evolver
* Nord Electro 2
* Korg MS2000"

Jean Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman Live - Seattle

Remember this post? Well, I managed to make it to the kick off show in Seattle tonight, or rather last night. It was a very FUN show. Filled with quirky bits of music and musings by Jean-Jacques Perrey. Definitely recommend seeing them if you get a chance. Title link takes you to a ton of shots and some short video/audio clips I took with my old digital camera. Apologies for the poor quality.

One of the coolest things about the show was Jean-Jacques' antics during the performances, from pretending to ride a horse to air guitar. Classic, funny stuff. He said his goal was to make others happy and to bring a smile to our faces - to have FUN. I'd say he more than succeeded. What was also fascinating was the stories he'd tell before each piece. I don't want to ruin it for anyone that might make the upcoming shows, so let's just say there was a fascinating story about Salvadore Dali and one about Disneyland. As for gear, Jean played the Ondioline (that brown box in front of him), what looked like a Moog dual manual organ, a couple of synths and a few Moogerfoogers. Dana primarily played a Yamaha DX7 and every now and then he broke out with the Synthesizers.com modular. Oh, and his little elephant mascot joined the show as well. : )

You can read more about Jean Jacques Perrey here, and Dana Countryman here.

P.S. I also had the pleasure of meeting and sharing a table with Blake of Hotels. They use a Casio CZ-3000 and JP8000 in their set up. I just checked out their site and MySpace page. Good stuff.

Update:
OK - SPOILER (do not read this if you are going to the show and want the effect of hearing this story for the first time - this is the story about Salvidore Dali):
Jean talked about how Salvadore Dali asked him what he was working on next. Jean said he was working on 'Flight of the Bumble Bee.' Dali said, hmm.. that's not that special. Jean said, well I'm doing it with live bees! Dali said, oh I must hear this. Jean recorded the buzz of live bees and other bugs. He then sliced the tapes and mapped it to the full range of a keyboard. It took him 46 hours to set this up. He then played it for Dali. Dali was blown away and said he must play it for him again. He said Dali said Mignificent! It was a fascinating intimate story and I really am not doing it justice. You just picture them sitting together and Jean playing this for Dali. Amazing. You can read more on the tape process in this excerpt of his biography.

Jean Jacques Perrey and Dana Countryman SF 2006

YouTube via doctorpopular | August 30, 2006

"Footage from Jean Jacques Perrey's August 27th show at Recombinant Labs in San Francisco. JJP is on the left, Dana Countryman is on the right.

More info on my blog www.DrownRadio.com" [this post]

Playlist:
Opening Song - Corn on the Cob
JJ on Edith
Chicken On The Rocks
Mickey
Atomic Twist
Pizzicato Samba"

http://www.jeanjacquesperrey.com/
http://danacountryman.com/

"Melancholy Trumpet" by Dana Countryman

YouTube Uploaded by happymoogman on Jul 31, 2011

"A short demonstration of me, (Dana Countryman) performing a composition I'm working on: 'Melancholy Trumpet.' The trumpet modeling software is from SampleModeling.com. I'm still in the process of mastering how to play it.....

Note: Universal Music Group -- keep your hands off my music!
©2011, Friends Romans Music."