Whiskey River PA4X

Trying to get the feel close to the way Willie Nelson does it...
Whiskey River Don Mason

Don Bavo as usual...
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 !!!

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 ) 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 ). 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

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.

Gary

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!
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".

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.

Uh oh! A closet jazzer .

chas

Thank's for another great addon to my DonM album 👍
It may be hard to keep the foot light on the pedal when driving listening to this ..... 😁

Keep the pedal to the metal my friend! Thank you very much.

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

Thank you John, you are very kind to old people! The Korg is nearly perfect for my needs, if not for my aching fingers.
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!

Yep, what he said.


Great rendition Don.

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!

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 ...

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 . And with Don, checking out some of the shapelier ladies on the dance floor adds a third level of complexity .

chas

Like a good whiskey...just keeps getting better with age

Brilliant, no wonder your fingers are aching. Col

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

Without doubt it would, but I don't want to do that. I can deal with it if it doesn't get worse.

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

Great stuff, Don. I enjoyed listening and I’d like thank for sharing. Keep it up!

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 ...

no wonder why no one wants to post any songs here on sz

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.

Donny ... what are you talking about? 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 ...

Thanks guys. It's good to get positive feedback from you!

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

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 “feel”. 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

Absolutely !

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.

Thanks so much, Don. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. Damn, you play the meanest keyboard guitar I’ve ever heard. 👍🏼👍🏼

Thanks Cass, glad I was able to help.