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This is the first blues tune I've ever written. I was inspired by the cool stuff Tom Adams (my blues guru) has been doing (alone and with Janice). It stuck a chord in me (a blues chord, maybe a dominant 7th). Anyway, this is what I came up with. For some reason, the vocal seems to get compressed near the end of the first and second verses. I did not notice this until I burned it to disc. Aside from that, please tell me what you think. I think the vocal processing may be a little boxy. Still playing with it. Any feedback much appreciated. Take care. Greg https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/dont-come-around
Last edited by Greg Johnson; 07/13/14 08:48 PM.
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Hi Greg. Enjoyed the lyrics very much and think your voice is excellent for the blues. Liked the bass and the solo guitar. Cheers.
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Hi Greg,
I have no problems with the vocals.
What is that nice guitar?
Although it's not the typical blues scheme it
sounds very bluesy.
Like it.
Guenter
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You've got the groove in the vocal and lyrics, and the drums, bass, and lead guitar are super!
The horns and rhythm guitar (I think it's a rhythm guitar) seem to be fighting each other. They are down in the mix and seem to be competing for the same rhythmic soundscape.
You may try one or the other, or perhaps a more legato horn section that holds its notes longer. I'm not sure.
Or even eliminate the horns and rhythm guitar?
Anyway great listen. Just my opinion.
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Hopefully this won't be your last blues, nice; thanks for sharing!
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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You've got the groove in the vocal and lyrics, and the drums, bass, and lead guitar are super!
The horns and rhythm guitar (I think it's a rhythm guitar) seem to be fighting each other. They are down in the mix and seem to be competing for the same rhythmic soundscape.
You may try one or the other, or perhaps a more legato horn section that holds its notes longer. I'm not sure.
Or even eliminate the horns and rhythm guitar?
Anyway great listen. Just my opinion.
Greg, I'll +1 pretty much everything Lawrence said. A fine blues lyric. The vocal works. The guitar is perfect. The "problem" with the horns - they just don't have the pizzazz they need for blues or rock. They have more of a pad feel and get redundant quickly (the times I've tried them out) - they don't have the punch they need to carry something like this. More guitar!!! Good job on "your first blues number".... I enjoyed it. floyd
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Well for a first shot (or many shots later) at the blues that's a fine effort. All music connects emotionally on some level but for me blues is on a higher tier....and againthis is just my ole phart ramblings...but I think every component of a blues song needs to scream the blues. John Lee Hooker said "every lines of a blues song has a meaning" and I'll add that every solo or fill or rhythm part needs to support the meaning. So....all this means is that I agree with gruve and floyd re the horns. They don't, IMO, support the feel that you've established. BIAB encourages a lot of experimentation and that is a great thing......so there are likely many, many folks who will think the horns work or don't distract. Heck, if you want more of a soul/RB sound than blues they sound fine. But I'd throw a gritty rhythm in there and see what happens  You definitely have both the vocal feel and voice timbre for this style -- many try it who don't and unfortunately never realize it. Love the "unwelcome mat" line! Just my fav line of a great write.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Hi Greg,
a cool song! Well sung, and we like the guitar solo.
Which real tracks did you use?
mmm.. definitely inspires us to do a blues song too one-day.
Regards,
R & AM
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It's amazing how hearing a song can inspire one to write something cool.
Good job.
Instantly, as the song started it reminded me of Dark Eyed Cajun Woman by the Doobies. One of my favorite songs from that band back in the day. They had so many good songs..... and your tune reminded me of this one. Albeit, a bit slower.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 07/15/14 12:07 PM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Greg, First of all it is highly unusual that I am referred to as an inspiration. Most of my life I have been called a bad influence. So maybe I've turned a corner. Thanks for that. I appreciate it. Your ability to communicate the emotion of the song vocally makes you a force to be reckoned with in the world of the blues. Really solid write. Great chord changes! These kind of outside the box chord progressions push this into a more modern blues sound. I agree the horns and rhythm guitar don't work. I have found that one of the most difficult things in the blues is to get those backing instruments right. There's a lot to choose from and I have sometimes spent hours just trying to find the right rhythm guitar part. I have taken it to the point where it would have been easier just to play it. I have been wanting to do something with horns but like floyd said they sound very generic. I am taking a run at one that I found buried deep in the archives of BIAB that has midi horns but it is going to take mucho massaging and may not work. Congratulations on a fine song and another outstanding vocal. I'll be watching closely. Tom
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Hi, Greg !:))
I did enjoy your blues
really much ! :)) It is
no easy genré but you did
just great !:))
Cheers
Dani
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Do I detect a little Santana influence here?
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Great job. Your vocals sound great on this as does everything. Loving the guitar solo. Made me want to turn it up... which I did.
Last edited by Frankp; 07/18/14 03:51 PM.
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Hi Greg,
I enjoyed listening to this a great deal! Tommy is DEFINITELY the man to be inspired by when it comes to blues. You sure took that inspiration and ran with it!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Great first blues indeed. Enjoyed the lyric. Now I am wondering if she will be there or not at the end of your road . Yikes! Thanks for posting.
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Richard, Guenter, and Robert, thanks so much for your attention and your kind words. It means a lot to me. I really appreciate the encouragement.
Floyd, Lawrence, J@B, and Tom, I think you are all correct in your analysis. The vibe is too cluttered and too mixed in style. I am working on a different feel and will post it soon. Really appreciate your great ears and your comments were extremely helpful. And, Tom, Yes, you are very inspirational--dig the way you play them blues! I, unfortunately am a totally incompetent musician so I have to rely totally on the box.
Much appreciated all. Take care. Greg
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Herb, R and AM, and Dani, Thanks so much for the positive words. Very much appreciated, and I always enjoy hearing from you guys (music and feedback).
Robb, it's funny you mention Santana. It was only in the past few years that it really hit me that Black Magic Woman is really minor blues. The Thrill is Gone is another great minor blues tune. I guess I'm kind of drawn to that. It was Tom's interesting changes that made me think, "Maybe I would like to write a blues tune" THanks for listening and for the kind words. Take care. Greg
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THanks Frank and Noel!! And, yes, I agree, Tom is definitely the blues guru! Thanks for the kind words and keep posting. Take care. Greg
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