Tim McPhate | KISSfaq
David Wolfert: The KissFAQ Interview
Grammy- and Emmy-nominated producer/musician recalls working with Peter Criss on his first solo album following his departure from KISS, 1980’s “Out Of Control”
“You know, when I left the guys, I did the ‘Out Of Control’ album and I was out of control. I was someone who had a lot of demons in my head at that point.” — Peter Criss (Cat Club)
By the time KISS regrouped in early 1980 to record “Unmasked,” the band’s drum seat was vacant. Peter Criss was no longer a member of KISS.
Instead, Criss would begin the new decade “starting over again” by commencing work on his first post-KISS solo album at RCA Recording Studios in March. In tow was his trusty longtime songwriting partner, Stan Penridge. The job of producer ultimately went to David Wolfert, who was referred by Vini Poncia, the man who helmed Criss’ 1978 solo album and was in the midst of producing “Unmasked.”
Wolfert was a seasoned musician who had previously been a member of Melissa Manchester’s band. As a multitalented producer, arranger, guitarist, and songwriter, he would be key in bringing a sense of cohesion to “Out Of Control.” Wolfert co-wrote three songs, including the album’s lone single, the autobiographical “By Myself.” He also played several guitar tracks on the album, including acoustic guitar and the tasteful solos on “You Better Run” and “My Life,” in addition to composing the lush string arrangements throughout.
Unfortunately for Criss, the dust settled rather quickly on “Out Of Control.” After its release in September 1980, the album all but vanished and the aforementioned “By Myself” was virtually ignored. And curiously, the only promotional video in which Criss would appear in 1980 was the video for “Shandi,” KISS’ lead single from “Unmasked.”
“I thought [“Out Of Control”] was really great,” says Wolfert. “I thought it was actually kind of under-appreciated in America and also kind of mis-marketed.”
Wolfert has since gone on to enjoy a successful career. His résumé includes work with artists such as Johnny Cash, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, and Aretha Franklin, among others, plus nominations for a Grammy and an Emmy. Additionally, he has composed music for commercials, films and television, including the theme for the popular cartoon series “Pokemon.” The New York resident maintains an active calendar, operating a studio steps away from the Empire State Building.
“I go to the studio every day and I work,” says Wolfert. “That’s what I do.”
KissFAQ recently caught up with Wolfert to put the topic of “Out Of Control” back on the table. We discussed his recollections about the album’s creative process, his string arrangements, collaborating with Criss during this transitional period, why the album ultimately underperformed, and which song could have “changed” Criss’ career.
Part one of the interview located here:
http://www.kissfaq.com/forum11/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=75753
YouTube interview trailer located here: