Meet Our Staff
- Bob Doidge (owner / producer / recording engineer)
- Paul Riemens (owner / producer / recording & mastering engineer)
- Amy King (recording engineer)
Bob Doidge - Owner / Producer / Recording Engineer
Bob had an early start in Music. At a young age, he began formal training in piano, trumpet, and bass, which led to his mastery of a variety of other instruments. The recent release of Bob's debut solo album 'Orion's Ghost', showcases these ablitites. (www.cdbaby.com/cd/bobdoidge2)
His musical career progressed quickly when he started playing in bands with artists such as Ian Thomas (Tranquility Bass), Ray Materick, Shirley Eikhard, and Sylvia Tyson. In the 1970's Bob and his band-mate Daniel Lanois began recording in the Lanois' basement along with Daniel's older brother. Soon, they found themselves working with artists such as Raffi, Bruce Cockburn, and countless other local acts. The decision to expand was imminent, and so began Grant Avenue Studio.
Bob has been a part of Grant Avenue since it's beginning. He took ownership of the studio in the early 1980's when Daniel went abroad to work with U2. Bob decided to stay in Hamilton to provide for the musicians of this city, and in turn has attracted many great artists to Grant Avenue.
Bob's discography as a producer and engineer boasts a long list of artists such as Gordon Lightfoot, U2, Johnny Cash, Ani DiFranco, Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn, Brooks Williams, and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
His work has resulted in some major accomplishments, including a Gold album for The Cowboy Junkies, and a double-platinum record for the Crash Test Dummies. In 1995, Bob was nominated for a Grammy for his work with the gospel group The Torchmen. Also, he received a CCMA producer of the year nomination for Prairie Oysters "Greatest Hits" in 2001, and two Aboriginal Music Award nominations in 2004 for Santee Smith's "Kaha:Wi". Bob also produced Elizabeth Hills "Peacemakers lullaby" which has been nominated for two Aboriginal awards this year. At the first ever Hamilton Music awards in 2004, Bob was named "Recording Engineer of the year", and was awarded "Recording Engineer of the Year" at the 2005 awards as well. At the 2006 awards, Bob was named "Bassist of the Year", and at the 2007 awards received the "Special Instrumentalist of the year" award.
Other artists Bob has worked with include, Lennie Gallant, Steve Smith (The Red Green Show), Rita MacNeil, Teenage Head, Keith Glass, Kevin Breit, Chantal Chamberland, The Skydiggers, Jane Child, Junkhouse, Colin Linden, Ben Mink, Dave Rave, Fred Eaglesmith, and many more.
Bob's recent accomplishments as a producer include Gordon Lightfoot's "A Painter Passing Through", and His latest release, "Harmony". Lightfoot also called on Bob to record and mix the 5.1 "Live from Reno" concert and the four night concert series at Massey Hall in Toronto.
Also to Bob's credit are John Cage's, "Harpsichord" and "Birdcage" which have received worldwide recognition.
In 2004, Grant Avenue Studio collaborated with Hamilton radio station Y108 to host regular live broadcasts from the Studio. This venture has enabled Bob to record acclaimed acts such as the Tea Party, Collective Soul, 54/40, Finger Eleven, Matt Mays, the Waking Eyes, Tom Wilson, Boy, the Music, Strippers Union, Ian Thornley, Theory of a Deadman, and Default.
Bob most recently produced Chantal Chamberland's "Dripping Indigo", which has generated interest from two major record labels. Also, Chris White's "Three A.M" was just released which features some of his greatest production to date as well as showcasing his ability as a multi-instrumentalist. Bob also produced Splash'N Boots "popcorn, Pickles, and Parrots", which was named "Children's Album of the Year" at this years Hamilton Music Awards.
Aside from his dedication to bringing out an artists own personality in music, Bob brings his own style to make a product that is both passionate and filled with those "Let's give it a try" moments. Artists trust him with their music and consider him a friend.
Paul Riemens - Owner / Producer / Recording & Mastering Engineer
In April 2008 Paul had the opportunity to work with Rock & Roll Royalty. Tommy Ramone dropped in with his group "Uncle Monk" to record some acoustic roots tracks and also recorded a live show hosted by the studio that evening. In the same week Albert Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult worked with Paul recording the Canadian version of the band.
Paul was introduced to Grant Avenue Studio in the spring of 1985 and over the next 13 years he worked on many projects both as an artist and producer until 1998 when he became co-owner. Paul's intimate knowledge of the studio allowed him to "hit the ground running" and in his first year he produced four projects.
In 2005 and 2006 Riemens was nominated in 6 different categories at the Hamilton Music Awards.
As a recording engineer and producer, his work was nominated for "Best Pop" (Lounge -self titled), "Best Country" (Plain & Simple-The Bar Flies), "Best Instrumental " (Diesel & Smokes-Dan Walsh) and "Best Blues"(Flesh & Bone -Alfie Smith). As an artist he was nominated for, "Male vocalist" / "Best Country".
Paul has recorded 7 albums of original material, and early in 2006 released "Plain & Simple".
His latest collection of songs "Redneck Lullaby" was recorded in late December 2006 and boasts appearances by Ritchie Hayward of Little Feat - Willie P Bennett - Lori Yates - Jessie OBrien and Michael Fonfara of Checkmates/Lou Reed/Rhinocerous fame.
As the in-house Mastering Engineer, Paul has mastered recordings for some of the biggest names in Canadian music. His work can be heard on Gordon Lightfoot's "Harmony", Ray Materick's "Greatest Hits", Keith Glass's "Straight Ahead", and Chantal Chamberland's "Dripping Indigo".
Tom Wilson and Bob Lanois enlisted Paul to master their award winning "Shack Recordings" earlier this year. Bob Lanois came back later in the year with his solo recording "Snake Road" (recorded with his brother Daniel Lanois) .
In collaboration with Chris Houston and Lou Molinaro, Riemens has recently recorded sessions with Richard Lloyd of "Televison" and Cheetah Chrome of "The Dead Boys" . Together, Lou, Chris and Riemens are planning a series of Rock Legend Live Recordings at the studio.
Amy King - Recording Engineer
Amy's training for a career in music started at a very early age. She began studying piano at the age of five, and quickly progressed to teaching it to others. As an accomplished Grade ten pianist, Amy has received fifteen awards for piano performances, including a music scholarship.
At age ten, Amy discovered the origin of her professional career in music at her local church in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. The dynamic there enabled her to become very involved in every aspect of the music program by playing piano for soloists, services, and choirs. Amy also played saxophone in the orchestra on a weekly basis, and was the music coordinator for the church youth group.
After high school, Amy studied numerous subjects in University for three years including psychology, philosophy, and architecture. These years were beneficial, but music remained her true calling. In February of 2002, Amy moved to Hamilton to study recording, and in September of the same year, she was hired at Grant Avenue Studio.
Amy immediately began recording, and playing a large role in many projects. She was the assistant recording engineer on Gordon Lightfoot's "Harmony", Kevin Breit's "Skeddaddle", and The Acoustics "A Thousand Yesterdays" as well as countless other local projects after just two months at Grant Avenue.
In 2004, Amy recorded two tracks from John P. Allen's (Prairie Oyster) "Canadian Fiddle". She also co-engineered Santee Smith's "Kaha-wi" which was nominated for two Aboriginal music awards in 2004. "KaHa:Wi" also was awarded "Best Cultural/Ethnic Recording" at the 2005 Hamilton Music Awards. Amy's work as the recording/mix engineer for Ted and Irena Welhasch Baerg 's "La Mystique D'amour" has received much acclaim. Collectively Ted and Irena have had major roles in Madame Butterfly, Phantom of the Opera, and Turandot.
Due to studio exposure, Amy has acquired instrumental roles on numerous projects. To her credit are Chris White's "Three A.M", and Elizabeth Hill's "Peacemakers Lullaby". Amy also co-engineered "Three A.M" and "Peacemakers Lullaby" which was nominated for two Aboriginal Music Awards in 2005. Recently Amy co-engineered Chantal Chamberlands's "Dripping Indigo", and helped record Gordon Lightfoot's four night Massey Hall concert series in May.
Currently Amy is producing/recording an album with Swedish artist Tani Anderson, and is also working on the upcoming releases for "the Partland Brothers", "John P. Allen", and "Splash'N Boots".
Amy recently produced and recorded an album with Lori Reid named "Songs that won't fall away". Lori currently tours internationally with Daniel Lanois, and the Elmer Isler Singers. Guest appearances on the album include Russ Wilson, and Bob Doidge. Also, Amy just completed an album with Diane Tarantino. She has been the sole engineer for this project, which has included many renowned musicians such as Brian Griffith, Bob Doidge, Dan Bodanis and the Toronto Mass Choir. Splash'N Boots "Popcorn, Pickles, and Parrots" was recorded by Amy and was named "Children's Album of the year" at this years Hamilton Music Awards.
Amy also co-engineered the live Y-108 studio sessions at Grant Avenue studio. These sessions have included acts such as the Tea Party, Collective Soul, Finger Eleven, Matt Mays, Ian Thornley, 54/40, Tom Wilson, the music, Boy, and many more.
Amy's work is just beginning. She was named "Recording Engineer of the Year" at the 2005,2006, and 2007 Hamilton Music Awards, and looks forward to the coming year. Amy loves the artists and musicians of Hamilton, and is proud to be a part of Grant Avenue Studio.
