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the pinebox
In 2006, I accidentally bought George Clinton's old house - (you know... P-Funk, Funkadelic, Parliament, Parliament-Funkadelic).
I found out only a few weeks before closing, when I was talking to the current owner about turning the outbuilding into a recording studio.
He was an older Irish gentleman named Foley.
He said, "Oh! You're a musician? This house was built by the Godfather of Punk!"
I hesitantly asked, "Sid Vicious?… Johnny Rotten?”
He said, "No... hmmm... not Punk, what was it? Oh right… Funk!"
"James Brown!?"
"No, not James Brown... wait, it'll come to me."
"George Clinton!!?" I ask.
"Yes! That's it! Clinton!"
I figure that he had his facts mixed up, so I emailed Clinton's manager, who not only verifies, but let's me in on some history.
As legend has it, Bebe Rebozo, President Nixon's right hand man, used to come and hang out with George, party at the house, and frolic in the swimming pool
with the P-Funk crowd.
If you're not familiar with Bebe, he was a somewhat nefarious character from Cuba, who in the 1950's moved to Miami and made his fortune in the tire retreading business. He used that money to help fund Nixon's earliest campaigns. He became Richie's best bud, and most loyal friend for life.
Bebe was by his side nearly every step of the way, including when Nixon got the first call about Watergate blowing open.
He was even with Nixon when he passed.
My old Irish friend then states that Clinton left a safe in the wall of the bedroom closet.
Said he never bothered to crack it... and that I could have what ever is in the safe.
:-)
Anyway.
I did turn the outbuilding into what is now known as The PineBox.
It's lovely.
Funky.
It smells of pine... rich, refreshing, elevating and inspiring pine.
It sounds amazing... soft, furry pine planks, harvested from the hills of northern jersey, line the walls, ceiling and loft.
Lots of vintage mics, amps, keyboards, a variety of pre-amps, and a warm, living and breathing sound about the room.
Look ----->
Refresh yourself!