Stories in the Room: Michael Jackson's Thriller Album

In this segment we'll hear about The Waters Family participation on countless Motown hits, performing with the Jackson 5, working on The Brothers Johnson albums with Quincy Jones and unexpected magical moments in the studio with Michael. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this episode we discuss the Fender Rhodes keyboard parts Greg Phillinganes played on the song “Thriller”, the riffs he made up on the spot and other effects that were used while playing the song. And, we all knew when working on a session with Quincy there would be a lot of fun, great music and great food! Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Paul shares the importance of great teachers and mentors, his desire to learn, the joy of playing guitar, and how all the years of practice led to his successful career. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Greg compares and contrasts the differences he's experienced over the last four decades regarding songwriting, tracking with musicians, and how music is consumed. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment The Waters Family tells us about the magic they witnessed when such a high level of talented songwriters, musicians and arrangers were carefully assembled by Quincy Jones. We discuss how the studio bubble was a “safe” and spiritual place for Michael to create in… and the goal was to out do himself. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Paul describes a magical time where only the best songs made it on the album, with a collaborative recording experience, with inspired musicians, and the industries top engineers right next to you to capture it. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Steve talks about the importance of finding the right synth for the job and playing the beautiful Yamaha GS-1 piano on "Human Nature". Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment Matt tells us about Michael’s desire to make the best music. Thriller was a coming of age time for Michael as a singer, songwriter, and student of business. He found executive mentors who helped him create a mechanism to realize the ideas in his head. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment we discuss why Thriller surpassed even what Elvis and the Beatles accomplished, why the world fell in love with Michael and how being in the room where it was conceived affected our lives forever. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com

In this segment we learn the focus was simply to strive for excellence - to make a great record, with great songs, with great players and with the joy that comes from the freedom to express oneself. Michael had so many parts in his head and Quincy kept it all on track. Visit: www.storiesintheroom.com