Hi all,

I haven't spent a lot of time around the forum lately as I've had my writing head on, I hope you don't mind me posting my test piece.

I had the urge to write a twelve bar that doesn't really fit in with the rest of my songs that are on the go at the moment, but I wanted to give the real tracks their first run out for me.

This has Realtracks Bass and Sax, BIAB Pno x2 (pick 'n' mixed) and Organ, Jamstix drums and my contribtion, brass and guitar.

Critique most appreciated. Pickle Penny Blues

Thanks

Steve

All of it sounds great!!!! The brass sounds wonderful as does the guitar and the RB/BIAB additions are right in there, too. OK, you need some big floozy belting out some lyrics. Outstanding blues treatment.

Kevin

EDIT: Now I know where to turn when I want that big fat brass sound!

That sounded great. Great guitar and mix. How did you post that? It came right up on my PC in Windows media player without going to a website.

Guys,

It must have something to do with my speakers or my old ears but I am not nearly as excited about the brass sounds as you are. In my setup they sounded real midi, high treble and almost tinny with the exception of the sax solo, was that real tracks? While the playing was fine I got the feel that the instruments were fighting to be heard except for on the solos, which were very well played, especially the last guitar ride, great chops!

Nice playing but the big brass sound just does not make it for me.

Later,

Hi Luvs3rds, Thanks for the comments, It's a link to a file on my own webspace so depending on your PC setup it'll either just stream or ask to be saved on your hard drive.

Danny, sorry it doesn't sound so good to you, I tried it on a few different speaker setups I have here and compromised between them. I didn't want them with too much middle as they would then compete with the guitar, piano(s) and organ for frequencies. Perhaps I have over done it a little, I'll have another listen when my ears are fresh in the morning. Yes the sax solo was realtracks (3rd or 4th take I think).

Steve

I like it as is.

Great chops man!

This is a great smokehouse strip song

Thanks MarioD, now just hold that image!:)

I just listened to it again, up loud through the speakers in stead of headphones. Really good song. I wonder if I installed a pole in the living room, if my girl friend would like the song also? That is really a hot mix. Good work!!

Great tune, Steve. really great guitar and brass playing - real talent!

you asked for critiques, so I'm going to tell you what I hear, or what I don't hear, actually - there's not enough low end on this - it's all in the mids and highs. I can hear a bass, but it's thin sounding and the piano is all on the high end, plus you've got the brass which is all high end (mostly anyway) - it needs something more in the low end to fill it out more.

great tune and fantastic playing, tho!

Thanks Beagle, I'm trying to get the balance right between hearing the song on monitors and the standard PC or ipod headphones / speakers.

I think I am generally lighter on the bass end than I should be, so I'll have another play.

Results: I can't get to like a heavier sound. Adding low end to the bass booms, adding low mids muddies the organ and low piano chords. On balance, I think the low end compromise seems to be where it is already. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment.

Steve

Steve,
I have to agree with Beagle and Danny. The song is great, but it's like I'm listening to it on a cheap AM radio. No guts to it. Even playing with EQ on it doesn't help.

I'm not sure if it was the volumes that you recorded it at, it's most likely in the mix, but it really hurts a good song.

Gary

Thanks to all for the comments. I found a pair of speakers that clearly illustrated what you meant about the treble. These are now firmly places in my listening check routine.

I have remixed the song, replaced the piano and re-eq'ed most of the parts. Perhaps if you have the time you can have another listen and let me know if it's improved, or I've not gone far enough.

Pickle Penny Blues

Thanks

Steve

Hey Steve, it worked for me...... My wife came in and stripped off while I was listening! (just kidding ;o)
Good stuff buddy,
Dave.

must be the tempo or all that brass or something.

Had me thinking of 'The Stripper' throughout.

the groove is fine,but I find the sax solo somewhat disjointed.

guiter solo much better

good stuff indeed!