In conjunction with KissFAQ’s month-long NovElder retrospective, KISS FAQ recently conducted an interview with American Symphony Orchestra bassoonist Charles McCracken about his experience in the studio recording parts for KISS’ 1981 album Music From The Elder. An Excerpt can be read below:

Charles McCracken: "I remember a little about that session. It was scored for a huge orchestra; I was one of two contrabassoons on that session. We were squeezed into one of the larger recording studios in New York - I don't remember which one, and I'm certain it doesn't exist anymore. I remember the music as being loud and repetitive. And that's about it. I'm not sure if any of the members of KISS were there; if they were they probably stayed in the booth and kept a low profile.

That's about all I remember, it was a long time ago and a lot of the record/jingle/film recordings I did from the '80s, '90s and early 2000s sort of run together.

But I do get to say that I recorded with KISS! Not too many bassoonists can claim that!"

Read the entire article at KissFAQ.com.

According to a press release: “Through a series of brand-new KissFAQ interviews, original features and related special content, NovElder will shine a spotlight on Music From The Elder like never before throughout the month of November. More than 10 hours of interviews were conducted with various individuals who either worked on the project or have a connection of sorts, including professionals who have never told their Elder story. These interviews will provide interesting insights and unique perspectives regarding the album's creative process and this fascinating period in KISStory, in addition to fun anecdotes and personal recollections. A series of topical features will shed more light on KISS' activity in 1981 and early 1982 and dissect the album further with in-depth musical analysis, biographical information on the album's participants, a revised KissFAQ Album Focus, and much more. NovElder will also take a look at the climate of the rock genre in 1981 and look at the bloodline of rock concept albums.”