Very nice Fran...simple but very effective accompaniment and honest vocal...a pleasant change to hear something without the harmonizer...sometimes less is more.

Great recording...good quality, clean and well balanced.

One of your best.

Ian

The piano solo was nice too...again, simple but effective.

Ian

ditto to Ian's comments. The recording was very clean. I assume you are using your PC; whatever you're using it is very good. And yes, I even liked your vocals. As Tony Mads states on R-Arranger.com, the chords are a little blocky and loud, not too imaginative, but it works for that song.

I think you're more interested in the recording than the song, so it's a job well done.

First of all Fran Bravo for even posting a Song here on the SZ.....something you rarely ever see for what ever reason...I can think of a few but will refrain from posting my reasons out of respect for Nigel!
Secondly I love that song & your wonderful interpretation of it....keep em coming so at least we know its not all talk but actual playing WTG !

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 04-02-2008).]

Fran,

Nice job! The G70 sounds very nice and warm. Maybe just a touch too much reverb for my taste, but what do I know.

Thanks for posting!
Al

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Al Giordano
http://www.arrangerworld.com


Korg Pa2xpro, Roland VK8-M, DW Collectors Series Drums, Roland TD-12 Vdrums, Roland SPD-S.

Fran, the G70 is sounding very good. That's one of my favorite tunes.

A MUCH nicer one here, Fran... Well done.

Maybe a couple of suggestions? Me, I'd dial that vocal reverb back a little, or push the reverb on the backing tracks a little higher (preferably the former), but basically try to tie the two elements a little closer. It is difficult to accept drenched vocals in a dry-ish track, and vice versa. Having both in the same ballpark makes the recording more coherent.

Secondly, I'd have a go at perhaps running your vocal monitor a little lower. You sound like you're afraid to let go on your voice, maybe for fear of losing the track, distorting, whatever, and your pitch suffers a bit from not being able to support it with a bit more 'oomph'. Possibly a bit more vocal compression would allow you to sing stronger without jumping out of the track, while having enough gain to help the quieter passages still sit in the mix. A little low-cut on the mike might help your baritone 'cut' just a hair more, too...

But this is a real step forward from previous recordings, and really shows what you can do when you put your mind to it...

Good job....

Diki just said roughly what I was going to say (and probably better than I would've said it).

Good Job Fran.

I think Diki gave a good review ... the only thing I added in my response on the R-Arranger forum was that perhaps Fran should try to sing it in a lower key ... I think that would also let him 'give out' a little more, as I thought he was straining a little in the upper register ...
But it was great of you to post it, Fran ...
t.

I agree, one of your better jobs Fran. Love the acoustic piano - wow!

I can't download or listen to this song? Are my missing a plug-in, or is it just that I'm not a member of the Roland club?

Lucky

This was the piano you panned as 'thin and brittle'?

Wow

I said, "Love the acoustic piano - wow!"

I was referring to the playing, not the sound, Diki.

The sound is okay...nothing to rave about...it was Fran's minimalist approach that I really liked about the recording.

Ian

Ian, I quoted zuki, NOT you (surprise!). He did NOT go wow! about the piano playing, but the sound, which he had panned (not you) a few weeks back. Hence my post.

You know, it isn't ALWAYS about you...

"OK, that's enough of me talking about myself, now YOU talk about me..."

An egotist is a person of low taste, more interested in themselves than in me.

Fran I listened again......it gets better every time

First time he was singing right.......the next, he was singing left.

Thanks for posting fran. Music is the answer for almost everything.

Topic: I guess I love to be punished.

-------------------------------

Well, we listened to it so I guess we do too.

chas

PS: Just teasing you, Fran, but here is a sincere suggestion: try using more syncopation when 'comping'. Listen to some jazz piano (trio) plus vocal (maybe something with Kenny Barron on it, or the great Hank Jones). Both use an accompanying style that is simple, yet eloquent, and very complimentary to the vocalist. You don't have to play at their level to borrow some of their ideas. Use more dynamics with your comping (easier to do on an acoustic piano). The first chord of every change seems to have the same volume (makes it sound too mechanical). Use more transition chords and more alternate (jazz) voicings. For this type of tune, the 'jazzier' the accompaniment, the more professional it sounds (don't believe me? ask Uncle Dave).

Fran, this was not meant as a negative. I LUV accompaniment and usually spend as much time listening to the accompaniment as to the feature (especially with this kind of tune). I know Donny is just waiting to pounce all over me for daring to comment with having posted my own music, so I'll say up front, take my advice with a grain of salt or ignore it altogether, but just know that it was only meant in a constructive way.

That G70 piano sounds great (assuming there are enough volume points to control the dynamics). Better than anything I've got in a hardware piece (Triton, SonicCell, Motif ES, Tyros 2, Korg PA1x Pro). For recording, I generally use the Motif ES followed by the PA1x (with a custom patch). I love my Triton but the pianos pretty much suck, even with the piano board.

Keep doing these types of songs. It inspired me to add it to my rotation (a straight-ahead 'B3' version) and I plan to 'encourage' the vocalist to give it a whirl.

chas

Well Chas I think you answered your own question.........

"I know Donny is just waiting to pounce all over me for daring to comment WITHOUT having posted my own music"............


no need to pounce Chas its just all there as I have proclamined all along with most not just you ...

Have a nice day.

You too.

chas

Beats me why you don't post here, chas. Trust me, there wouldn't even be ONE negative comment about it...

And it would be one less bullet in Mr. Pesce's gun...

But, I know... you have your reasons.

Donny, trust me, I HAVE heard chas blow, and he's the real deal!

Thanks, Diki. But there are several reasons. For one thing, it's an arranger board and I have no desire to post an arranger performance. For another, I don't sing (one less way to embarrass myself). For another, the type of stuff I like to do would not be popular on this board. Hey, we've got guys on this board bad-mouthing the Nord C1 for no reason other than the fact that I bought one. Why on earth would I want to accommodate someone like that?

My critique of Fran was only meant to be constructive. Filling a thread full of platitudes does not help the music poster who wants constructive feedback. I assume that's what Fran was looking for. I did put in a disclaimer about any possible value in my critique.

So, NO; I will not be goaded into doing something I don't want to do by someone who obviously has a big problem with me (and most likely, anyone like me). They have their 'posse', their faithful and adoring little clique. I have no desire to be the object of their '50's attitudes.

In your case, despite picking on poor Ian while he's still in recovery (shame on you ), I know that you're a fine, pro-level musician, and that's something that I respect. I think Russ feels the same. Look, I play in jazz clubs so that I don't have to be judged by rock fans. Same principle applies here. BTW, I've got about an hour of (Zoom H2) rehearsal stuff. I want you to hear the guitar player (the third Italian jazz guitarist in a row, that I've worked with - go figure). I just need to separate it out and do some minor editing.

chas

Look forward to it, chas...

Sorry about the Ian thing, but there IS no recovery from THAT degree of slavish devotion... Maybe a professional de-programmer, used to dealing with cults..?

The thing is, there's plenty of music here that is only PARTIALLY arranger based, quite some that has NO singing (in fact, preferred... this is the Arranger forum, not a singing one!), and the occasional post of just plain playing. Not to mention innumerable YouTube URLs of playing that have NO arrangers in them at all (many posted by the Duke of URL himself ), so I don't think a post has to have arranger in it to qualify as relevant.

But whatever, your choice... I look forward to hearing this new stuff, though (Stuff... get it?! ) Nothing better than a good greasy B....

Diki, That is still to be determined.....
as is with most here ....but who cares anymore..we'll just keep a yak yak yakin away eating only the carrots & potatoes.......leaving out the real MEAT.

Besides it really doesn't matter AT ALL !!!! This forum isn't about how good anyone is or isn't. I don't really understand why people try to reduce it to that. It is simply about using keyboards and "perceived" ability doesn't even enter into it. Let go of it before it starts getting sore.

Your right Nigel...

I think I've made my point & answered mine & others curiosity. Lets move on now.

Correctomundo Nigel...if people want to share their music, it should be a choice.

No one likes to be chevied into it.

Those that do the provoking are generally the ones that are the most insecure about their own performance.

Ian

ian what dont you understand about my post above?

I think I've made my point as well...and you're right, we should move on.

Have a nice day.

Ian

So I guess, in addition to all your other endearing qualities, we COULD add ass-kisser to the list, but "out of respect for Nigel", I won't.

chas

BTW, however good or bad I may be, I haven't yet been reduced to wearing a chicken hat to enhance my 'performance'.

chas



[This message has been edited by cgiles (edited 04-06-2008).]

chas I guess "lets move on" is beyond your vocabulary also eh?

The Chicken Hat makes your head look like the egg it just laid.

Do you wear it around the cluck?

I know, I know...very bad yolks.

Just funnin'.

Ian

Yep, that's the problem with being 'ignorant'. But despite that limitation, if you'd like to post one of your musical gems, I'd be happy to critique it for you. Real happy.

Your buddy,

Chuck

Let's steer this discussion back on course shall we?

Nice pipes Fran.

Best,
Mike

He sings pretty good too.

Ian

I'm new here .....a long time lurker from time to time. Is this the temperament here on a regular basis. Seems like many knowledgeable people here, but why the need to argue. Can't we just get along & enjoy music learning from each other?

nope.
not a chance!

... and ruin the FAMILY atmosphere ???
t.

Still to be determined by YOU perhaps (and who else's opinion matters, anyway, eh? ), but you KNOW I don't mince words...

Plus, there's many that dish up some pretty vegetarian dishes and CALL it stew, around here. But thank you for reinforcing the reasons why many don't post round here.

Way to go!

Hi...I'm Ian...and...I'm a Yamahaholic.

Thank you, thank you...thank you, very much.

Well...that's the first step.

Ian

Only 11 more, Ian....

Can't you feel the love...? Just remember, if you feel yourself slipping, just say to yourself

"9000Pro"
"9000Pro"
"9000Pro"
"9000Pro"....

Not much point in quitting when Yamaha is about to slip me a T3 mickey laced with even more SA goodies....I'm powerless.

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 04-06-2008).]

Well at least with you guys, the 'malevolence' is fake, phony, temporary, and in good fun......mostly .

chas

As it is, Chas...I am too old to die young, too young to grow up, and too lazy to get upset.

Besides,...Diki and I both adhere to the kind of logic which can be defined as, "the art of being confidently erroneous in your correctness."

Ian

And vice versa...

As I said before, I never repeat myself.

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 04-06-2008).]

Wow! This thread really took a left turn. From the post title I figgured Fran was looking for a gal with whips and chains, but it turned out that he wanted more torture than the gals could offer. He sure got it! Instead of the gals he got Diki, Chas and Ian--poor guy never knew what hit him.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Yes, Gary, the post title does have a masochistic ring to it.

I must say, the song was pretty darn good, in spite of Fran's kinky sounding heading.

But Gary, it makes me wonder...If masochists like to torture themselves, wouldn't they do it best by not torturing themselves?

Ian

Was Fran's song a SMF & arranger played on top? Or a Roland Style?

Hmmm, Diki, chas and Ian, eh. Well, I'm relieved to see that Donny is completely innocent and blameless in this illegal 'left turn'. Let's see now, was it when I gave what I thought was an honest and civil critique, meant and delivered in a constructive way. Further, Fran never once gave any indication that he was unhappy with the critique, and may have even found some value in it (or not). Of course, anything other than "Great job, Fran" or one of it's many and totally worthless permutations (in terms of educational value) will immediately bring forth his protector and chief booster, the 'king' of amateur hour, the 'meat' in this meat and potatoes world. Nigel has stated clearly and repeatedly that this board is about education and tech tips and synths and arrangers and how we use them, and oh yeah, friendships; NOT ABOUT PLAYING ABILITY. Seems some folks can't seem to wrap their heads around that. For those that choose to post their music, that is their right (and their peril), but it is certainly not a stated requirement to participate on this board. Despite repeated attempts to goad, cajole, bully, and intimidate other members into posting against their will (despite warnings by Nigel), you (Gary) still fail to see Donny's participation in any of this. As far as I'm concerned, this says as much about you as it does him.

I didn't want to continue down this road, but when you try to slip something like this in under cover of a smiley face, it just didn't seem right to let it pass.

Happy sailing.

chas

Lighten up Chas--just pokin' fun at ya! I pick on DNJ all the time, but mostly on the telephone or emails.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Gary ... I'm glad to read that, because I was taken back by your response ... I thought the comments on Fran's song were well delivered, and in a true sense of 'constructive criticism' ...
t.

Well, at least I'm in good company.

I was wondering what happened to Donny...perhaps Gary didn't recognize the little clucker with his chicken hat on.

Consider this...what's worse than people talking about you?

People NOT talking about you.

Ian



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 04-07-2008).]

I for one enjoy Dnj's posts. He seems to be a very knowledgeable musician willing to help all who ask. I have emailed him in the past & have always received a cordial response, phone call or answers to my 3k questions, or great Style files & SMF too.
I'm happy to have made a friend.

Tony,

I actually enjoyed reading all the posts, and especially the one by Chas. His critique of the song was excellent and I highly respect his assesment of the song's structure. Like I said, just pokin' fun at him.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy