"Some artists want a producer to be a kind of svengali - someone who actually creates a sound for them"

This quote by Jerry Harrison suggests that some artists want to producers to be an imaginative force in their music. A "svengali" is a term used to explain someone who has an effective impact over another individual, and in this case, the manufacturer is expected to have a strong impact over the artist's sound. The manufacturer is expected to be an imaginative force in the artist's music, assisting to form and specify the sound. This might include helping to select the right instruments, producing the right mix, and even suggesting originalities. The manufacturer is anticipated to be a mentor and guide, helping the artist to create the best possible sound. Eventually, the producer is expected to be an innovative partner in the artist's music, assisting to highlight the very best in the artist's sound.