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KHJ STUDIOS AS A RECORDING VENUE
It seems almost unbelievable now that Capitol utilized the KHJ Studios at 5515 Melrose Avenue as its primary recording venue in the years before the construction of Capitol Tower. The KHJ Studios are a real relic. The building still stands, almost like a small island surrounded by the massive soundstages of Paramount.
The acoustic of the KHJ Studios is far more intimate than those of Capitol Tower. The intimacy is obvious in these early Sinatra sessions. But it serves the concepts of both albums very well. The KHJ Studios were utilized for television production after Capitol abandoned the building in 1956.
There is a great Mexican restaurant, Lucy's El Adobe, across the street from KHJ. The place is renowned for its margaritas, and I imagine Frank Sinatra must have dined there at least once. It was the favorite hangout of California ex-governor Jerry Brown when he was involved with Linda Ronstadt.
Best regards,
Russell Kishi
Glendale, California
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