Well, I'm looking forward to 2005 and trying to gather my thoughts on '04. I
feel good about this year. How did all you folk do?

I did two major projects this year, a CD for The Pullman Conductors of Jazz,
a traditional group. And one for the great Spats Studebaker. Some great
connections were made and I now have an artistic partner of great worth.
Unfortunately, I made some terrible mistakes on these CD's but they went
unnoticed by the artists and I've learned some tough lessons. I added an SM7
and an AKG414 to the collection, but I'm really thrilled about the TC Reverb
4000. The studio already has a 2000 but it's rooms that we need since the
studios are so very tiny. Not the ideal option by any means, but really the
only choice, so the money is well spent. Inside the main studio all the
mic-pres reside and I permanantly wired them in place and calibrated
everything. So now you just connect up, set level and everything is fine in
the control room. Due to popular demand, I've upgraded the studio bar. We now
have every imaginable and colorful glassware and a selection of liquors and
cordials to rival most any bar. We actually have a selection of fine Cognacs
ranging from very, very expensive to moderate and always stock Champagne, ale,
stouts and all kinds of mixers. Its paradise! Not surprisingly, my own
projects have become somewhat lost and that's why I'm looking forward to a
brand new year! I feel quite grateful and I sincerely hope you all have done
as well or better!

Jim Kollens, proprietor of The Pekin Inn recording facility, inventor of very
old-fashioned songs, very silly stories and very
delicious...................cocktails!