There is more loss in the Boston music scene this week, as three-time Grammy-winning engineer, beloved producer, and longtime drummer Ducky Carlisle — one of the city’s most beloved behind-the-scenes players — has died.
Details surrounding Carlisle’s passing are unknown as of press time, but many have taken to social media to pay their respects, citing his warm and kind personality, down-to-Earth demeanor, and ability to befriend everyone he met. He also had an encyclopedic knowledge of music, and one hell of an ear.
“An extremely unique and brilliant soul,” writes Sal Baglio. “Loved by many and I hope he knew just how much.” Corin Ashley dubbed Carlisle “one of the greats,” and that’s he’s now gone off “to spread hysterical mayhem elsewhere.”
A resident of Medford, Carlisle operated his basement studio Ice Station Zebra for decades, and his seemingly endless list of collaborators and clients include Mandy Moore, B.B. King, Susan Tedeschi, Rooney, Parks, Corin Ashley, Mike Viola, Bleu, Waltham, Animal Talk, The Figgs, Modern Day Idols, Air Traffic Controller, The Flashcubes, Bang Camaro, The Sheila Divine, Andrea Gillis, and several others (there are simply too many to list here).
Carlisle won three Grammys for his mixing and engineering on Buddy Guy records: In 2010 for Living Proof (Contemporary Blues Album); in 2015 for Born To Play Guitar (Best Blues Album); and 2019 for The Blues Is Alive and Well (Best Traditional Blues Album).
Q Division’s Ed Valauskas describes Carlisle as a “singular drummer, engineer, and individual. Thank you for your ears and your humor.”
Adds Wheat: “Oh man… Ducky Carlisle recorded our ‘per second…’ record at his studio in [South Boston]. I remember him a champion and a super fun, talented and Great, all around dude. Favorite quote: ‘don’t eat angry’ …rest in peace brother, rock n roll.”
In a few tributes, musicians noted how Carlisle’s endorsement of their talent helped them fulfill their potential.
“Ducky’s original Waltham demos knocked my socks off back in ‘99,” writes Rodrigo van Stoli. “He later did some work on basics for Bang Camaro as well. He praised me at a time when I was terribly insecure about my singing, and it meant the world. What a talented, funny, exceptionally musical soul. What a loss.”
A quick search across social will uncover many more tributes like the above. Also, check out Carlisle’s Discogs and AllMusic pages for more of his work.
RIP.
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