Dusty Wakeman

• Active: '80s, '90s
• Genres: Rock
• Instrument: Mixing, Engineer, Producer

Biography

Dusty Wakeman, born Donald Wakeman, came out of Texas with a full head of steam and, like those immigrants before him, headed for California. Part of the baby-boomer generation, Wakeman spent his school years playing in rock bands as well as absorbing the Texas culture that surrounded him. But, after graduating from high school he could only imagine where his fortune lay. In his mind he figured it had to be Los Angeles.Packing up his bass, he landed in L.A. during the mid-'70s. He quickly established a 24-track studio in Venice and took on another Texan, Michael Dumas, as a partner. Working together, Wakeman and Dumas made Mad Dog Studios the top recording spot in town. Always busy, both were able to fit in other projects on the side. As a musician, Wakeman played with Jackson Browne, Rosie Flores, Michelle Shocked and Jim Lauderdale.

As one of the top dogs in L.A., Wakeman was at the heart of many projects that promoted roots music. His firm but delicate touch was felt on the impressive 1990 L.A. Ya Ya compilation that presented the best of the local R&B scene. He was also instrumental in the success of the A Town South of Bakersfield project, which gleaned three volumes from the Los Angeles country community. Trusted and well-liked by the musicians and industry alike, Wakeman had the confidence and ear of Buck Owens and the respect of Dwight Yoakam, both of whom benefited from his expertise. A contributor to the health of the Bakersfield sound, Dusty Wakeman was responsible for getting the Lonesome Strangers back into the studio after their HighTone deal went south, producing their Land of Opportunity.

As a producer, co-producer and engineer, Wakeman made contributions to Lucinda Williams, all of Dwight Yoakam's recordings and brought to light the talent of a new and successful alternative rock band called Reach Around. Involved with Tom Russell and the Bonedaddys, other clients included Scott Joss, Steve Forbert, Somebody's Darling, Jim Lauderdale, Joy White and Giant Sand. In 1995 he and Dumas relocated their Mad Dog Studios to Burbank, closer to the corporate offices of the record label they helped found, Little Dog Records. Concentrating on the studio, Wakeman, Dumas and Szu Wang, Wakeman's wife, created a multifunctional, multimedia recording studio and sound stage. He also continued to be involved in all of Yoakam's projects. ~ Jana Pendragon, All Music Guide

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