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#490024 - 02/23/20 09:26 AM Whiskey River PA4X
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Trying to get the feel close to the way Willie Nelson does it...
Whiskey River Don Mason


Edited by DonM (02/23/20 09:40 AM)
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#490035 - 02/23/20 10:15 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
Dnj Offline
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Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
Don Bavo as usual... clap
man my new Logitech Z623's really were put to the test listening to this songs wow that KORG Pa4x & You perfect together!!...
you killed it !!!

keys

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#490039 - 02/23/20 10:45 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
cgiles Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 6703
Loc: Roswell,GA/USA
I think I've figured out why everybody (including me) likes Don's work. Everybody (including maybe Don) is going to hate me (nothing new there smile ) for saying this but; none of Don's stuff sounds like it's an arranger backing. It's probably the most authentic-sounding accompaniment heard on this board. Two other things; 1. 'licks', including solos, that do such a great job of emulating both tone and playing technique (especially guitar), and 2. timing. This is SO, SO important and it's mostly a 'feel' thing. Arrangers are very precise and to keep them from sounding 'robotic' (as Donny says), YOU have to supply the syncopation or little variations in tempo/timing that makes it sound LIVE. BTW, this also applies to playing to drum machines, although some have what's called a 'swing' setting which artificially does the same thing, just not as well. Here's a clue though, if you don't 'feel' it, don't do it. Nothing sounds worse than faked/forced syncopation. Anyhow, that's a really long-winded and roundabout way of saying I really liked it (as I do with most all of Don's work, and I am not even a big Country fan - except Willie, of course smile ). I think for me, it's because it sounds so 'professional' and I like all kinds of music IF IT'S DONE WELL.

Nice job Don, and I rarely say that unless I mean it.

chas
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#490041 - 02/23/20 10:52 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
travlin'easy Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 15559
Loc: Forest Hill, MD USA
Another good one, old friend - I remember that song very well from when I had the band. WOW! Now that was a long time ago. smile

Gary cool
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#490044 - 02/23/20 11:10 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: cgiles]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Originally Posted By cgiles
I think I've figured out why everybody (including me) likes Don's work. Everybody (including maybe Don) is going to hate me (nothing new there smile ) for saying this but; none of Don's stuff sounds like it's an arranger backing. It's probably the most authentic-sounding accompaniment heard on this board. Two other things; 1. 'licks', including solos, that do such a great job of emulating both tone and playing technique (especially guitar), and 2. timing. This is SO, SO important and it's mostly a 'feel' thing. Arrangers are very precise and to keep them from sounding 'robotic' (as Donny says), YOU have to supply the syncopation or little variations in tempo/timing that makes it sound LIVE. BTW, this also applies to playing to drum machines, although some have what's called a 'swing' setting which artificially does the same thing, just not as well. Here's a clue though, if you don't 'feel' it, don't do it. Nothing sounds worse than faked/forced syncopation. Anyhow, that's a really long-winded and roundabout way of saying I really liked it (as I do with most all of Don's work, and I am not even a big Country fan - except Willie, of course smile ). I think for me, it's because it sounds so 'professional' and I like all kinds of music IF IT'S DONE WELL.

Nice job Don, and I rarely say that unless I mean it.

chas

It helps to make mistakes if you want it to sound authentic, and I'm an expert at making mistakes. It's all in how you cover 'em up! smile
Actually Chas, you are exactly right, and I do try to make it not sound like an arranger, though I don't always succeed.
I'm getting really close to having a new-to-me blues song ready for public exposure. The whole challenge is to get "the feel".
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#490045 - 02/23/20 11:13 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Thanks Gary and Donny, glad you liked it. Most of the songs I do bring back memories, and I hope they are mostly good ones.
I first posted another recording of this same song, and I liked the guitar ride better on it, but the vocals didn't seem to balance well enough, so I edited it and changed the file.
It's the only two times I did this song with this style, which is a factory country style on the Korg. I never seem to do them twice the same way.
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#490047 - 02/23/20 11:29 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
cgiles Offline
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Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 6703
Loc: Roswell,GA/USA
Originally Posted By DonM
I never seem to do them twice the same way.


Uh oh! A closet jazzer smile smile.

chas
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#490048 - 02/23/20 11:41 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
Gunnar Jonny Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 04/01/01
Posts: 4333
Loc: Norway
Thank's for another great addon to my DonM album πŸ‘ bow
It may be hard to keep the foot light on the pedal when driving listening to this ..... 😁
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GJ
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#490050 - 02/23/20 11:43 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Keep the pedal to the metal my friend! Thank you very much.
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#490053 - 02/23/20 12:31 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
john smies Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 05/05/00
Posts: 1384
Loc: koudekerke, Holland.


In a way you never cease to amaze me Don.... a bit late for Las Vegas nou doubt but impressive all the same. Also shows that the PA4X and you are a perfect match. ....what? Have I said so before ? Guess must be double true then !!!

regards
John

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#490057 - 02/23/20 01:28 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Thank you John, you are very kind to old people! The Korg is nearly perfect for my needs, if not for my aching fingers. smile
I don't see needing to change arrangers for the rest of my few years of entertaining.
Of course that doesn't mean I WON'T change! smile
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DonM

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#490065 - 02/23/20 03:18 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
Dnj Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
Originally Posted By DonM
Thank you John, you are very kind to old people! The Korg is nearly perfect for my needs, if not for my aching fingers. smile
I don't see needing to change arrangers for the rest of my few years of entertaining.
Of course that doesn't mean I WON'T change! smile


coffee

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#490070 - 02/23/20 03:55 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: cgiles]
rikkisbears Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 12/22/02
Posts: 6020
Loc: NSW,Australia
Originally Posted By cgiles
I think I've figured out why everybody (including me) likes Don's work. Everybody (including maybe Don) is going to hate me (nothing new there smile ) for saying this but; none of Don's stuff sounds like it's an arranger backing. It's probably the most authentic-sounding accompaniment heard on this board. Two other things; 1. 'licks', including solos, that do such a great job of emulating both tone and playing technique (especially guitar), and 2. timing. This is SO, SO important and it's mostly a 'feel' thing. Arrangers are very precise and to keep them from sounding 'robotic' (as Donny says), YOU have to supply the syncopation or little variations in tempo/timing that makes it sound LIVE. BTW, this also applies to playing to drum machines, although some have what's called a 'swing' setting which artificially does the same thing, just not as well. Here's a clue though, if you don't 'feel' it, don't do it. Nothing sounds worse than faked/forced syncopation. Anyhow, that's a really long-winded and roundabout way of saying I really liked it (as I do with most all of Don's work, and I am not even a big Country fan - except Willie, of course smile ). I think for me, it's because it sounds so 'professional' and I like all kinds of music IF IT'S DONE WELL.

Nice job Don, and I rarely say that unless I mean it.

chas


Yep, what he said.


Great rendition Don.
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Korg PA5X 88 note
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#490071 - 02/23/20 03:57 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
ekurburski Offline
Member

Registered: 03/22/17
Posts: 449
Loc: Mountain Home, AR
Chas; I gotta agree 110%. Many of our discussions concerning professional arranger kb's relate to this idea of making the KB NOT sound like an arranger. Don does this as well as anyone I know!
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#490078 - 02/23/20 06:25 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: ekurburski]
tony mads usa Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
Damn, Mason ... they just keep getting better and better ... I'm amazed at how you can concentrate on the licks you're playing, and sing at the same time ...
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t. cool

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#490079 - 02/23/20 06:38 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
cgiles Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 6703
Loc: Roswell,GA/USA
Tony, I was thinking the exact same thing. I can 'comp' and sing at the same time but I can't play 'licks' and sing at the same time. For the record, I heard BB King say the same thing in an interview, so at least we're in good company smile. And with Don, checking out some of the shapelier ladies on the dance floor adds a third level of complexity smile.

chas
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#490083 - 02/23/20 07:11 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: cgiles]
tony mads usa Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
Originally Posted By cgiles
And with Don, checking out some of the shapelier ladies on the dance floor adds a third level of complexity smile.

chas


rotf2
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t. cool

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#490084 - 02/23/20 07:45 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
jingleman Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 08/02/05
Posts: 1292
Loc: The Villages, FL, USA
Like a good whiskey...just keeps getting better with age smile

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#490096 - 02/24/20 12:15 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
Saswick Offline
Member

Registered: 01/05/01
Posts: 875
Loc: Garstang, Preston, Lancashire,...
Brilliant, no wonder your fingers are aching. Col

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#490104 - 02/24/20 02:41 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
Dnj Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
Originally Posted By DonM
The Korg is nearly perfect for my needs, if not for my aching fingers. smile


Don would a lighter touch midi controller KB
help the aching fingers night after night?

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#490138 - 02/24/20 09:10 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Without doubt it would, but I don't want to do that. I can deal with it if it doesn't get worse.
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DonM

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#490198 - 02/25/20 12:39 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
skude Offline
Member

Registered: 07/15/09
Posts: 388
Great! Don, how can you play those licks while singing at the same time. Can't even play half of that not singing. If I just could play a part of that, I would be very proud of myself. Thanks!
skude

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#490221 - 02/25/20 08:09 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
montunoman Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 10/20/09
Posts: 3208
Loc: Dallas, Texas
Great stuff, Don. I enjoyed listening and I’d like thank for sharing. Keep it up!
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#490224 - 02/25/20 08:57 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
captain Russ Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7285
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
Like always, Don's technique is GREAT. Hate that song and others like it. Wouldn't play it for $500.00.

Different tastes. Works GREAT for others....NOT FOR ME!


Russ (grumpy old man) Lay

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#490229 - 02/25/20 10:00 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: captain Russ]
tony mads usa Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
Originally Posted By captain Russ
Like always, Don's technique is GREAT. Hate that song and others like it. Wouldn't play it for $500.00.
Different tastes. Works GREAT for others....NOT FOR ME!
Russ (grumpy old man) Lay


But everyone has a price, right Russ ... wink laugh2
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t. cool

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#490232 - 02/25/20 10:02 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
Dnj Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 09/21/00
Posts: 43703
no wonder why no one wants to post any songs here on sz

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#490234 - 02/25/20 10:43 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
salsaman Offline
Member

Registered: 04/07/08
Posts: 175
Loc: Port Angeles, WA., USA
I love that tune. I like Don's version way better than Willie Nelson's. Don is a "superstar". Absolutely an awesome rendition. The guitar parts are nothing short of amazing. Thank you Don for all the things you do.
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#490235 - 02/25/20 10:50 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: Dnj]
tony mads usa Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
Originally Posted By Dnj
no wonder why no one wants to post any songs here on sz


Donny ... what are you talking about? confused1 every post on this thread is a compliment ... Russ loved the performance, but doesn't like the song - so what ???

PS: some people have been posting songs on SZ ...
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t. cool

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#490236 - 02/25/20 11:02 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Thanks guys. It's good to get positive feedback from you!
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DonM

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#490237 - 02/25/20 11:06 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: tony mads usa]
captain Russ Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7285
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
Tony, there IS NO PRICE for this one. Had to do them when I was struggling. Never again!

Besides, Don's version would be far superior.

No question, he is the master on steel guitar sounding licks. The Willie sound was good, too. It's just that I always thought that Willie should give up guitar playing (UGH) and stick to writing. I'm a big fan of some of the material he has written.

Russ (jazz snob) Lay

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#490238 - 02/25/20 11:22 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
Jez Offline
Member

Registered: 10/13/11
Posts: 206
Loc: India
Great playing and vocals !! Have to listen very carefully to affirm it’s not a real guitar in the mix mostly due to your expert playing technique and the right β€œfeel”. Would be interesting if you tried out some of the guitar vsti to simulate a real guitar 😊
Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing !!

Best Regards,
Jez

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#490242 - 02/25/20 11:47 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: captain Russ]
tony mads usa Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
Originally Posted By captain Russ
Tony, there IS NO PRICE for this one.
Russ (jazz snob) Lay


grin

Originally Posted By captain Russ

No question, he is the master on steel guitar sounding licks.
Russ (jazz snob) Lay


Absolutely !
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t. cool

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#494937 - 04/18/20 02:03 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Seems this song is getting some more "listens", and I want to thank everyone again for that and for the nice reception. I have since sold the PA4X, but I sure miss a lot about it.
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DonM

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#495058 - 04/20/20 07:47 AM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
cassp Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 03/21/03
Posts: 3748
Loc: Motown
Thanks so much, Don. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. Damn, you play the meanest keyboard guitar I’ve ever heard. πŸ‘πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ


Edited by cassp (04/20/20 07:48 AM)
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#495180 - 04/20/20 10:43 PM Re: Whiskey River PA4X [Re: DonM]
DonM Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
Thanks Cass, glad I was able to help.
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DonM

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