REEL MUSIC DOWN UNDER

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In memory of Fred Karlin (1936-2004)
text by Michael Stern


Fred Karlin (1936-2004)

　I met Fred Karlin through our mutual association as writers for Film Music magazine. Mr. Karlin wrote a column entitled "Behind The Screen" in which he brought to light facts concerning the history of film scoring and the great golden age composers. Visible to him in my role as Recording Technology columnist, he called me when he was starting the massive undertaking of "The Stalking Moon" remix. I was thrilled and complemented when he asked me to do it. Our work ethic was immediately complementary and we started on that mix which I affectionately refer to as "The Great Archaeological Dig of 2001".
　Fred had his scores sent from the University of Wyoming where they are still stored. His attention to detail and knowledge of the scores was fantastic, even though "The Stalking Moon" was recorded in 1968. Our mission was to bring the modern recording aesthetic to 33-year-old tapes while retaining the character of the original source, which I believe we achieved. In every project we worked on, the procedure was similar.
　For this new CD of "Futureworld", Fred had stereo 1/4" analog tapes as well as some cues that were only available on audiocassette. Fred had his materials stored in various places- Wyoming, Paris, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles. As is common with tapes spanning a career as lengthy as his, original masters were often impossible to find. Perhaps some were destroyed by studios that had cleaned out their vaults. Perhaps there are still some gems lurking that will turn up to our benefit. Fred was so fond of segueing cues to make long combined cues that often we'd end up editing between 1/4" analog tape and audiocassette, (which presents its own unique set of technical challenges). He'd show up at my studio knowing exactly what he wanted to do.
　Second only to music composition, his other great interest was to be an educator, as evidenced by his various books. He asked me numerous times what equipment it would require to re-enter the world of score composition, and I believe that it was his fervent desire to compose again. He had recently upgraded his Mac computer, and was fluent in MOTU Performer. In December 2003, we put together a demo of his music, and I was struck by the incredible diversity of his talent- from Orchestral scoring to beautiful Jazz flugelhorn solos to award winning popular songs.
　Another facet of Fred was his great concern with our food supply and its link to human ailments. He had undertaken research in that area as well, and was working on yet another book! He was very concerned about water purity, and the chemical contamination of food, particularly chicken. He would shop at Whole Foods for our lunch breaks...I shared many meals with Fred talking about the discoveries he had made and his eagerness to make this knowledge available to others.
　It was over a lovely Japanese dinner with Fred that I came to meet his wife, Megan. Megan is an amazing woman who has traveled the world and has a rare wisdom that comes from a unique place.
　When Fred would show up at my studio to work, he would often be bearing a present from Megan. It was always something that was personal and very thoughtful. Megan was a vital part of all things Fred. A talented musician in her own right, she contributed much to Fred's music, and shared his concern for his friends and colleagues.
　Working with Fred was a pleasure. His strength of character was such that at no time during our mixing sessions did Fred ever let his illness affect his work. He was a man of great integrity, patient, and kind. My working relationship with Fred developed into a friendship that inspired me in my professional and personal life. He loved life and he loved animals with a great passion. Fred was an incredible talent, a very gentle soul, and altogether a wonderful man. I am lucky to have known him.

Michael Stern
　Magnet Mastering
June 9, 2004

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