Ian of the North - Don Mason 2014
(a work in progress)

Ian of the North, seldom ventures forth,
but when he does he still has the beat.
Ian I am told, still can rock and roll,
Here's a guy I'd really like to meet.

He sits all alone, in his cozy home,
Pickin' and a grinnin' through the night.
Ian can't be harmed, by the raging winter storm,
He cranks up the heat and/ boogies til the song feels right.
(Bridge)
He's a player, he's a mover, he's a picker, he's a groover.
His fingers seem to flow across the keys.
He's a worker, he's a writer, he's a grizzly bear fighter,
Makin' music out of everything he sees.

Ian of the North, seldom ventures forth,
but you often see his words late at night.
Ian talks the talk, and still can walk the walk
He tells it like it is, if it's wrong or if it's right!

(Bridge)
He's a player, he's a mover, he's a picker, he's a groover.
His fingers seem to flow across the keys.
He's a worker, he's a writer, he's a grizzly bear fighter,
Makin' music out of everything he sees.

Vocal Rendition to come. Stay tuned!

Can't wait LOL

Col

... my words exactly, Col ...

Won't be today. I'm meeting Hammer at noon about halfway to Dallas. There now.

Oh baby cant wait for more PA900 reviews Don .....
safe trip

I will never forget when Lydia and I - attending a wedding in Dallas - took the time to visit with Don, Susan, Bill (Semi-Live), Hank (RIP) and some others at Ernest's ... traveling on I20 was the first and only time I ever saw exit signs numbered in the 600s ...

I used to live in Palestine, TX, which is about 90 miles from Don's place. Back then there were miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles. The closest wet county was in the town of Kilgore, which was about 50 miles from Palestine. They had a BYOB law there, which I found fascinating. The bar would sell you setups, but you brought your own booze in a brown paper bag, which could not be on the table - only on the floor under the table. Crazy times back then, but sure were fun times as well.

Gary

... I remember going to Richmond VA for business in the late 70's ... they could only sell booze in a bar in those 1 oz. 'airline service' bottles ... but some 'member' clubs would allow you to have a 'locker' to keep your booze in, but there too it could not be on the table ...

Back to the subject ... Don get home (with the Pa900 ?!?) and record Ian's song ...

I think this post holds the record for the quickest Synthzone post to go "south!"

Meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing Don complete his new composition and debut it on Letterman!

BTW......who is Ian?

One of the most astute and respected members of this forum ...

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/users/13365

I'll get to it. Just had a lot of stuff going on the last couple of days.
ANTICIPATION!

Thank you, Tony...how kind of you to say that about me.

Gratefully,

Ian

... just sayin' what I think ...

DITTO! Man, why can't we all live in the same area - what a blast. I envy the east coast gang. I met Russ and Dayton Bill of course. Cass and I will hook up soon. I'd like to get to the next synth jam. This year I have an expensive Seattle trip (son's MBA graduation) and I bought a boat and the music gear. Might be able to recoup with tax refunds. 2015 would work!

Senior Member !!!
Total Posts 9682 !!!
Registered on Wed Jul 27 2005 03:00 PM

Aha.....that's why I didn't know who Ian was....he registered AFTER 03:00 pm in 2005. I only know the members who registered BEFORE 03:00 pm of that year.

Actually, that's who I thought it was. I'm just used to seeing "ianmcnll" listed.....not just Ian.

Funny thing.....I was thinking about Ian a few weeks back. Knowledgable, knows his stuff, polite, pleasant, good working track record.....mostly the knowledge though that stands out. He's a duplicate of another member here, except for one difference. Ian is very refined......and.......very non-confrontational! And he has good posture too!

Keep on truckin, Ian.

Mark

Grizzly Bear fighter? Worker?

You left out Lazy.

Seriuosly, thanks Don...I am honored to be recognized in one of your songs.



You are a pretty good guy yourself, yuh know!

Ian the Humbled

Ian....I was just closing up your “registration” page when I noticed you were into “quantum physics.” I’m into Metaphysics, Spirituality, alternative thinking, Christianity, after-life, parallel universe, etc and just starting to touch on Quantum Physics (though I’m not really sure what that is……I can’t even figure out the explanation of what that is, but …..when I get time….it seems to be the next logical step in my thinking processes!).

I think musicians and those in the Arts tend to gravitate in an “alternative thinking” direction as they get older. It hit me around 40. That’s when I started with my non-stop thinking and observations about “life.”

But, also, I think that’s why we end up becoming musicians, actors, artists, etc……because we think differently than the average bear!

Mark

Wow! Thanks Mark...I'm pickled tink...I have to copy all this stuff and send it to my ex-wife...ha ha!

The first time I get an electrocardiogram I'm going to send a copy of that to ex-wife as well too...she often said I had no heart.

Mmmmph...and after her moving away after the divorce, and marrying my best friend!!

I wish I knew his name so I could send him a thank you card.

Of course, I'm definitely joking. She was, and still is, a sweet and kind lady.

I'm glad to see you back posting, and I hope you get totally back into your playing and doing the thing you were meant to do.

We all go through slumps. In my case it was sometimes a lack of self-confidence, which was probably why I liked drinking so much back then...ha ha!

Now I just don't give a hoot, and play for me first, and if somebody happens to like it...that's all the better.

My good posture? I owe it all to Gary Diamond's Avatar...did you ever see such great posture?

Or would that be posturing?

Nope...it's posture all right!

If you look in the dictionary under the words "Good Posture"...you'll see a picture of Gary.

Seriously, thanks guys...I'm actually stuck for words!

Ian

PS...I lead a very simple life style, contrary to the whirlwind I was in for many years previously. I guess I learned to appreciate having serenity.


I love this quote...

"By all means marry. If you get a good wife you will become happy, and if you get a bad one you will become a philosopher." ~ Socrates

Great song story, Don.

My advice... "take your time." Sounds like it will be Country Rock or something close... but nothing is cast in concrete until you say it's ready.

Looking forward to hearing it... and, in the words of a very wise man, "Use Vocal Harmony carefully and as little as possible." Some of the best advice I've ever been given and it came from the "Ace of Masons."

Dave Rice

Ian, sorry I am not multiligual, or I would have written the lyrics in Canadian.

Do you want this to be a Blues, Country, Pop, Jazz or Rock song?

Yes, please!


Ian

PS...you could "take up" some lessons to speak Canadian...it will cost you four Toonies and two Loonies...or you could take me to Timmie's and buy me a double-double, some poutine, and a dozen Timbits for dessert.

How's that sound, eh?

PSS...just looking out my music room window...can't see the house next door due to a snow squall that arrived a few hours ago...definitely the Great White North tonight!

Don, when you finish that one, you can write one for Donny. May I suggest as a title, "I Don't Need No Stinkin' Pedals".



chas

Epitaph on a Blues singer's tombstone...

"I Didn't Wake Up this Mornin'..."

I know, I know...the old ones are the best.

Ian

PS...They all laughed at me when I said I was going to be a comedian...They're not laughing now.

LOL... quantum physics has about as much to do with Metaphysics, Spirituality, alternative thinking, Christianity, and after-life as astrology has to do with astronomy!

Quantum physics is a reality that underpins, provably, our entire universe, not to mention our entire modern electronics industries.

First song recorded with PA900. One-take job, no editing.
Hope Ian likes it!
http://donmasonmusic.com/Korg%20PA900/Ian%20of%20the%20North%20pa900.mp3

Outstanding!

Gary

Great job on a fun tune!

Thanks for the music,
Dan

Wow! That is super, Don...thank you for writing a song about me.

It's a cool tune...almost a Kris Kristofferson feel to it...reminds me a little of "The Pilgrim" but has a lighter more playful vibe to it.

Love the arrangement. You have a real talent with lyrics too.

Have you got many tunes that you've written over the years...I'll bet you do. You should record them and share them with us.

I saved your song on my PC and copied the words too...it's not often one gets a tune written about them (in my case, never ), and, it's a good tune at that.

Thanks again, buddy.

Ian

Thanks Ian, it was just a fun thing in honor of a great guy and talent.
Question now is--who is next?
Maybe Dnj as Chas suggested?

Brilliant, great guitar work, great recording, Pa900 sounds really good.

All the best

Col

Don, you have too much time on hands No, sounded really fresh and full. The PA sound is just so WARM (IMO). I think this (any PA) enhances your playing (not busy, perfect).

Great song Don, about a great guy. Ian and I go way back. I was talking to him yesterday and he never mentioned this. Very humble person. The PA 900 sounds great, very nice guitar work and vocals.

Cheers
Donnie

Thanks Donnie, I wouldn't call it GREAT though. It was a fun thing and I hope a fitting tribute to our friend!

Any video of one of those grizzly bear fights, eh (canadian)?