I don't get on the Mudcat often these days so I'm sorry I missed this thread when it first appeared and descended to the angry level it did. Yes, I know Norman. He was a member of Cobbers for about ten years, first as a sound and recording engineer and then as our bass player. He started AMMA when the band finished. In fact, it was Norman who introduced me to the Mudcat about ten years ago. I have always known Norman to be hard working and completely honest in his dealings. He may be a fairly hard-headed businessman but his efforts as a studio owner and engineer have helped many bands get a recording out from way back in the days when it seemed a lot harder than now with ther proliferation of "home" studios, cd burners etc. Norman has always promoted independent music in the way mentioned in earlier posts. He takes cds to the big record fairs and puts in the effort to sell them to overseas companies. I am not saying that you should all rush out and sign up with AMMA. Everyone has to research what's best for them. I guess I'm saying that it's disappointing that this thread has been so vitriolic.
John Armstrong (cobber)
jjarmstrong47@hotmail.com
ex Cobbers Bush Band, Melbourne, Australia