Here's a song I started working on at the end of January... Then at the beginning of February my Son's Best friend (Jeremy) passed away very suddenly at the much too young age of 28. Jeremy "El Jay" was such a great guy and I continue to think about him all the time. He was an accomplished songwriter, singer & musician and though I knew him for many years we never got to do any writing together, which was something I always regretted. Shortly after he passed I was listening to some of his songs and came across one he had recently written that had a line in it that I just couldn't get out of my head... So I decided to incorporate it into the bridge of this song, which kinda makes me feel like we finally got to do a co-write.
Here's a link to a youtube video of one of his songs if you'd like to check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUj9syAVif8


All the RT's are listed below. There were more but I couldn't use them because I have this accent on the and of 2 in the intro parts and the bass & acoustic guitar RT's just wouldn't do it right! So I ended up doing all the acoustic parts with my Martin (Dean)(5 tracks) and I had the bass player from my band do the bass part, also my Tele (Trigger) makes an appearance as well. I've recently been experimenting with some midi triggering so I added a kick drum part to match the bass line and also put a hand clap on the verse snare part. I'm pretty happy with how those worked out. All vocals are me.

Sorry this ended up being so long winded. As always all comments welcome.

Hope you enjoy,

Greg

https://soundcloud.com/user-813802595/hold-on-tight-to-the-love


RT Drums NashPopBallad^02
RT 1725 Piano (pretty subtle)
RT 623 Banjo
MIDI 2060 Strings



Hold On Tight To The Love

©2017 Greg Achord & Jeremy Back

I think you wanna let me know that your the one
That wants to spend their time with me
Maybe we could walk through fields of clover in the sun
We could make angels in the snow
Don't you know it just feels right, so don't let go yea hold on tight – To The Love


I see it every-time I look into your eyes
There's something special there for me
It's not the same thing that you give to everyone
I know it's only gonna grow
Don't you know it feels so right, don't let go girl hold on tight – To The Love


I know there'll be times we don't see eye to eye and I'll always know the reason why
I can't forget what a friend he said to me... Well she's small and your kinda tall
Yes your small and I'm kinda tall


So many people wanna be what we've become
But a love like this it's not for free
You gotta fight for it you gotta want it bad
You'll always reap what you sow
I've always known it was so right we won't let go we'll hold on tight – To The Love

Greg

What an absolutely excellent production.

This has everything. A great lyric, a fantastic melody, a sensational choice of backing instruments, perfect lead breaks, and all wrapped up and delivered through remarkable quality vocals.

This is a real winner from every direction.

Congratulations are definitely in order.

Hi Greg, I agree with VT, I loved the backing vocals too and the faint banjo backing added to the whole excellent production and it was a wonderful dedication to Jeremy.
Paul

Hi, Greg. Trevor said it first... this is terrific. A nice tribute to Jeremy...

Everything about this shines. Good write. Excellent arrangement and mix. What a GREAT snare sound! Good vocals. Awesome ooohhhs!

I think this is one of your best! Super...

fj

Greg,

This is fantastic! Love that Tele.



Regards,

Bob

Greg,

A fine song beautifully sung and to these ears your best production.
You`ve created a really good tribute to your friend.

Robert

Very cool intro. Excellent vocal and the guitar was sweet..

This is a touching tribute, Greg, and a phenomenal song to boot. That big snare right after the chorus works so well, and I love that electric guitar tone.

Greg, this is so good

love the tone of your guitar, nice playing

a fine tribute

Kenny

Great song!! I always love your stuff-so uplifting and energetic. Great vocals! Such a shame about this young guy. Like you said, "way too young". Really tragic. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tribute! Take care. Greg

Greg

A terrific song and worth all the previous accolades.
Greta production.

Peter

Hey VT,

Thanks for the listen and the high praise. I appreciate it!




Thank you so much Paul.




Hey Floyd, thanks for the nice comments. I appreciate the snare comment, (I was pretty happy with it too) as I think your drum sound is always outstanding!



Thanks Bob, "Trigger" appreciates it too.

A really lovely tribute and a great song with true words.

All the best

Brian

Thank you Robert that's very nice of you.




Thanks Scott. Trigger thanks you too.




Hey Will thanks for the nice comments. I was pretty happy with how the snare turned out. The guitar tone for "Trigger" is a setting in my Fender G-Deck amp.




Thank you Kenny. I appreciate it.

This is one of those relatively rare productions where as Gregg said everybody is "hittin' the note." Everybody and everything.

The write (wonderful sentiment), the performances, the arrangement and the mix are all waaaay high bar.

And the dedication is very moving.

This is a production that shouts "job well done!"

Yep, we like it...a lot. Great number for our playlist.

J&B

PS Thanks for the youtube link.

Hey Greg,
Thanks for the kind words. It is a tragedy... I think about him all the time.




Thanks Peter, I appreciate it.




Thank you Brian.

Greg,

What's not to like about this? We think the answer is a resounding "Nothing"! Everyone performed perfectly. Can't think of a thing that would make it better - 'cept maybe hearing it on the radio.

Great vocals and the tele was talkin', too. Thanks for a great listen!

Alan & Di

So well done all around. Well written and produced.

much enjoyed!

Greg,

This sounds fantastic! Your attention to writing, arranging, performing and producing is outstanding. Everything about this shouts out 'professional'.

I love the way the refrain works and links to the rhyme at the end of line 4.... that's very sophisticated writing and you've done it with style!

Very enjoyable.

All the best,
Noel

Janice & Bud,
Thanks so much for the listen & kind words. I appreciate it.



Alan & Di,
I thank you very much, as does Trigger. I actually got a DJ friend of mine to play it on one of our local stations.



Hey Gruverider, Thank you.



Noel,
I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for taking the time and for the very nice compliment.