Gary, may be time to change the batteries in that hearing-aid . Hey, nobody likes to post negative comments, especially about a guest, and especially on THIS forum, where we give a thumbs up to Bob Dylan singing an opera. Honesty is rarely rewarded here when it comes to critiquing a posted performance and one can always expect blowback from a dissenting opinion, no matter how well-intention-ed. However, the absence of a response (even from Donny ) does sort of speak volumes. I, myself, probably wouldn't have responded had you not put the "best rendition" tag on it. I applaud the effort put into this production but that does not always guarantee a good result. I probably wouldn't play this particular performance in an Irish bar.

Things I liked:
1. Timing - timing (rhythmic feel) was spot on
2. choosing variety of instruments for lead part (melody and solos)
3. chord substitutions in the arrangement

Things I didn't like:
1. The mix - poor balance in the accompanying arrangement
2. poor balance between solo/lead instruments and accompaniment.
3. lead instrument choices - too guttural and 'blare-ry' - trumpet was the best of the lot
4. arrangement does not suit song - 'steps on' the natural beauty of this song
5. lead instruments SOUND like they're being played from a keyboard (btw, I'm guilty of that as well)

What's important to remember is that there are few things more subjective than music (as illustrated by the difference in my and Gary's perspective). The opinions expressed here are my own and have no more validity than anyone else's. This should not discourage people from posting, especially if they are honestly seeking feedback to improve their performances.

chas