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Posted By: floyd jane The Simple Truth - 10/23/19 03:00 PM
A simple love song.


THE SIMPLE TRUTH

the simple truth
is often hard for me
to let my heart
have the room to speak
perfect words don't come easily
to a man like me

i'm bound to trip
in any lover's dance
but i know
i can't miss this chance
might be the one opportunity
for a man like me

   you need to know
   i love you
   from deep in my soul
   honestly
   please believe
   i love you
   the simple truth
   from a man like me

can't say there's more
than just what you see
no secret door
no fancy poetry
the moon and stars don't line up behind
a man like me

   you need to know...



harmonies: Janice Merritt
acoustic guitars: me

...and the rest of the BAND:

RealTracks in song: 1190:Bass, Electric, ModernRnBRock Ev 065
RealTracks in song: 1542:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopBelieve Ev16 065
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 1805:Synth Pad, PopBelieve Ev16 065
RealTracks in song: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
RealDrums in Song: ModernPopBallad16ths^01-a:Quiet hat, Sync-kick, b:Open hat, Sync-kick
Studio One Loops


J&B - y'all are such an important part of my music.
But even more than that, an important part of my life.
Forever grateful.


Hope everyone else enjoys this.
Thanks for listening.

fj
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Simple Truth - 10/23/19 03:27 PM
Beautiful!

Man, this has to be your best vocal yet! The "please" in "please believe" .... goosebumps!

And the blend of your voice with Janice ... double goosebumps!

Great work on the arrangement too, very effective the way it builds. I love hearing stuff like that!

Excellent!
Posted By: Robertkc Re: The Simple Truth - 10/23/19 07:07 PM
A simply beautiful love song,Floyd. The lyrics communicate without needing embellishment...

can't say there's more
than just what you see
no secret door
no fancy poetry
the moon and stars don't line up behind
a man like me

there`s some skillful poetry in that!
Love that vulnerable hint of falsetto on your "please",( I agree with Dave, this is right up there with your best vocal performances), the panned guitars, and naturally, Janice joining in, are also standouts.

Robert
Posted By: MarioD Re: The Simple Truth - 10/23/19 07:58 PM
Floyd IMHO this is your best to date. Your vocals were fantastic; I didn't know you had that much vocal range! Of course as usual your backing tracks and mix were perfect. Plus Janice and you make perfect harmonies together.

This is outstanding!
Posted By: Phil Babylon Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 06:17 AM
Life's busyness means I rarely get chance to visit this forum. But, so glad that on my one visit I clicked on this track.

A beautiful song with an excellent 3rd verse lyric.

The build up is so well done...and the moment the cello joins is sublime.

Your mixes always sound great to me. I'm envious of your ability to shape BIAB tracks just the way you want.

In the past I've looked at some of your posts about mixing hints and I wish you'd compile all your stuff into one post/video/handbook!
Posted By: rayc Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 08:05 AM
Lovely song, performance & arrangement.
The 1st time through NEED from need to know is a little aggressive and made me jump.
At 2.43 there's comp keyboard style click, though it may be string or pick noise, that you may be able to erase. It's no big deal but the song is intimate and quiet at that point so it sticks out.
Lovely, lovely song & Ms. Merritt merits particular praise for her gorgeously warm bvox.
Posted By: PeterF Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 08:28 AM
floyd,

Simply lovely simple love song. Beautiful sound - great build up and superb vocal.
Love Janice's harmony part, as usual you two sound stunning together.

Wonderfully written and performed song.

Peter
Posted By: beatmaster Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 08:36 AM
Simply lovely simple love song. Beautiful sound


Could not agree more, well done to both of you.

As usual the mix and arrangement is spot on, Janice is always a very welcoming addition on the backing vocals .

ENJOYED .

Thanks

p,s, had to edit this as only half of my comment was posted .
Posted By: David Snyder Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 11:11 AM

Nice Floyd!

Very soothing, and deceptively simple. The best kind! Really loved this man.

Excellent mix.
Posted By: tommyad Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 02:16 PM
Bird Leather, Chills, Goose Bumps! Could it be that you keep getting better vocally melodically and lyrically? Your very bestest vocal ever! That girl sang a beautiful harmony. The arrangement is so good. The acoustics were well played and recorded. The production is out of this world. This may be your best overall effort. I am truly stunned to the depth of my emotions. It simply can't get any better than this, Tom
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 03:59 PM
This is about as soulful as it gets. Liked the softer acoustic setting. Combined with your excellent production values, you've got one of your best ever IMHO. I keep coming back to it again and again.
Posted By: HearToLearn Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 09:05 PM
The simple truth is this is an AMAZING song! I went in with some expectations, and can say I didn't see this coming.

You nailed EVERY aspect of this song by saying EXACTLY what need to be said...and nothing more. You played EXACTLY what was needed, and nothing more. That is what makes a "simple" song so powerful. It's knowing what to keep; and knowing what not to. That is sooooo hard to do in my opinion.

That lift captured me in a BIG way. It's like hearing an orchestra swell kick in at the very point it needs to; without it actually being there. Just "wow!"

A few things about the vocal. You performed it really well, which I have come to expect. I don't know that I have ever mentioned how good your diction is? I always mean to; but you've got that down!

Now the other thing with the vocal is the falsetto "please" in "please believe"...who do you think you are? Ronnie Dunn? If you think that; I'm right there with you! What a fantastic choice, placed at the optimum place for it.

Man, this will get many listens. Great job!
Posted By: Ember - PG Music Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 09:29 PM
The lyrics of this song were very relate-able. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us!
Posted By: Rustyspoon# Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 10:50 PM
FJ & Janice,

Beautiful and powerful. Excellent vocals!! I've heard quite a few of your songs. Eyes closed, this will make it to top 10. Enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing!

Misha.
Posted By: dcuny Re: The Simple Truth - 10/24/19 11:52 PM
Yep, this is a good one all right.

Maybe I'm overthinking things - I'm in a Noel sort of mood wink - but I noticed the verses rhymed "don't come easily" and "opportunity" with the "ee" sound. Clever rhyming, rolls of the tongue and feels natural.

But the last verse broke the "ee" rhyming pattern and instead used an inner rhyme line up behind.

I have a tendency to fill up space with lots of notes. It's good to hear the opposite done so well - a song that lingers over the notes, isn't rushed at all, holding the melody.

And, of course, sung with the patented "straight from the heart" floydjane delivery, with subtle support from Janice.

Plus, I'm a sucker for cellos! smile
Posted By: Leon1 Re: The Simple Truth - 10/25/19 12:47 AM
Lovely song, Floyd. As Peter said, you and Janice sound stunning together.
Regards,
Leon
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 10/25/19 09:50 AM
Dave and Robert,

Thank you for mentioning my harmony. I love being part of this beautiful song!

Janice
Posted By: Deryk - PG Music Re: The Simple Truth - 10/25/19 10:41 AM
Very nicely done - love the mood on this one, and found it very lush and pretty for the ears. I thoroughly enjoyed the vocals and thought the mix was top notch too.

Thanks for sharing smile
Posted By: Chris37 Re: The Simple Truth - 10/25/19 11:26 AM
A simple song is not so simple to write.
Everything flows like clear water from a quiet but wild stream.
Congratulations. Christian
Posted By: F.M.M. Re: The Simple Truth - 10/25/19 12:01 PM
this is stunning!!! man this is good great work floyd
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 10/25/19 04:56 PM
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Beautiful!

Man, this has to be your best vocal yet! The "please" in "please believe" .... goosebumps!

And the blend of your voice with Janice ... double goosebumps!

Great work on the arrangement too, very effective the way it builds. I love hearing stuff like that!

Excellent!


Thanks, Dave. I always look forward to your reaction. That bit of falsetto seems to be a "fan favorite"... smile
Posted By: Sundance Re: The Simple Truth - 10/25/19 10:05 PM
Such a beautiful touching love song. I'm a huge fan of Janice's singing and wonderful harmony but I could've done without any harmony at all on this song. I thought the lead vocal was powerful enough to drive this intimate song on it's own. Just my opinion of course, Terrific however you slice it FJ.
Posted By: AudioTrack Re: The Simple Truth - 10/26/19 04:43 AM
Floyd and Janice,

Wow, do you guys every deliver!

This song is really meaningful, has feel and emotion and is absolutely beautifully presented.

Sensational, no question.
Posted By: jannesan Re: The Simple Truth - 10/26/19 07:11 AM
Very touching lyrics, so much meaning in few simple words. I really like the vibrato in your voice and the "please believe i love you" is amazing vocal highlight, Janice's voice gives nice support. And the arrangement is well-structured, instruments are nicely introduced.

Janne
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 10/26/19 01:34 PM
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Floyd IMHO this is your best to date. Your vocals were fantastic; I didn't know you had that much vocal range! Of course as usual your backing tracks and mix were perfect. Plus Janice and you make perfect harmonies together.

This is outstanding!


Thank you Mario. It was a pleasure to sing harmony on this!

J&B
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 10/26/19 10:10 PM
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
A simply beautiful love song,Floyd. The lyrics communicate without needing embellishment...

can't say there's more
than just what you see
no secret door
no fancy poetry
the moon and stars don't line up behind
a man like me

there`s some skillful poetry in that!
Love that vulnerable hint of falsetto on your "please",( I agree with Dave, this is right up there with your best vocal performances), the panned guitars, and naturally, Janice joining in, are also standouts.

Robert


Robert - thanks for such a nice review. I really appreciate having those lines "quoted"...
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 10/27/19 12:03 PM
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Floyd IMHO this is your best to date. Your vocals were fantastic; I didn't know you had that much vocal range! Of course as usual your backing tracks and mix were perfect. Plus Janice and you make perfect harmonies together.

This is outstanding!


That's nice of you to say, Mario. Thanks!


Originally Posted By: Phil Babylon
Life's busyness means I rarely get chance to visit this forum. But, so glad that on my one visit I clicked on this track.

A beautiful song with an excellent 3rd verse lyric.

The build up is so well done...and the moment the cello joins is sublime.

Your mixes always sound great to me. I'm envious of your ability to shape BIAB tracks just the way you want.

In the past I've looked at some of your posts about mixing hints and I wish you'd compile all your stuff into one post/video/handbook!


Phil - It is nice to see you drop in! Glad you liked this. And it is nice to know that someone gets something out of the bits that I have posted about mixing. I wish it were easier to show that process, but I'm not really set up for it... those YouTube guys always make it look so easy.... smile
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 10/27/19 05:06 PM
Originally Posted By: rayc
Lovely song, performance & arrangement.
The 1st time through NEED from need to know is a little aggressive and made me jump.
At 2.43 there's comp keyboard style click, though it may be string or pick noise, that you may be able to erase. It's no big deal but the song is intimate and quiet at that point so it sticks out.
Lovely, lovely song & Ms. Merritt merits particular praise for her gorgeously warm bvox.


Ray - I agree that "need" is rather aggressive and could have been tamed a bit.
I hadn't heard (or paid attention to) the squeak. It is an acoustic guitar string squeak - which I generally don't mind if they are not very prominent. Often trying to remove them causes more harm than good... Thanks for nice review...
Posted By: Ronnie Fields Re: The Simple Truth - 10/27/19 07:43 PM
Man, I could listen to this all day, great stuff...
Posted By: edshaw Re: The Simple Truth - 10/27/19 08:06 PM
Loved it from start to finish.
Posted By: Noel96 Re: The Simple Truth - 10/28/19 01:06 AM
Hi floyd,

Wow!!! You and Janice deliver goosebumps material with this one *shiver*.

Your vocals are incredibly powerful to listen to... they are filled with honesty and sincerity and intimacy all rolled up together. The direct address point of view is a really powerful choice. If I was sitting beside someone special while I listened to the two of you singing this, these lyrics would have felt like they were written especially for that moment.

floyd, when you compose and produce songs like this, all I can think of saying is "What a wonderful gift you have!"

Janice and floyd.... your songs should be on the international market! They are THAT good.

All the best to you both,
Noel
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 10/28/19 12:13 PM
Originally Posted By: PeterF
floyd,

Simply lovely simple love song. Beautiful sound - great build up and superb vocal.
Love Janice's harmony part, as usual you two sound stunning together.

Wonderfully written and performed song.

Peter


Thanks, Peter! - for all the nice comments. Janice's harmony always help elevate a song...


Originally Posted By: beatmaster
Simply lovely simple love song. Beautiful sound


Could not agree more, well done to both of you.

As usual the mix and arrangement is spot on, Janice is always a very welcoming addition on the backing vocals .

ENJOYED .

Thanks

p,s, had to edit this as only half of my comment was posted .


beatmaster - thanks!!
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 10/28/19 07:20 PM
Originally Posted By: David Snyder

Nice Floyd!

Very soothing, and deceptively simple. The best kind! Really loved this man.

Excellent mix.


David!! - Great to see ya 'round these here parts, son. Get back to the music!!

smile
Posted By: animarorecords Re: The Simple Truth - 10/29/19 02:33 AM
floyd,

Yes, it is exactly a simply beautiful love song.
Very soothing.
Superb vocal as usual.
It touched my heart deeply.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 10/29/19 09:11 AM
Originally Posted By: tommyad
Bird Leather, Chills, Goose Bumps! Could it be that you keep getting better vocally melodically and lyrically? Your very bestest vocal ever! That girl sang a beautiful harmony. The arrangement is so good. The acoustics were well played and recorded. The production is out of this world. This may be your best overall effort. I am truly stunned to the depth of my emotions. It simply can't get any better than this, Tom


Tom - you really floored me with these comments. Coming from you that means a lot. (And Thanks! for mentioning the acoustics...)
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 10/29/19 06:28 PM
Ray, Peter and beatmaster,

Thank you all for mentioning my harmony in your review.
floyd and I have been singing together for six years and
I always look forward to our next project!

Janice
Posted By: Ronnie Fields Re: The Simple Truth - 10/29/19 07:36 PM
Wow, I love this song. I thought of my wife of 29 years while listening to it. Beautiful song...
Posted By: Al-David Re: The Simple Truth - 10/30/19 02:01 AM
Floyd ...

It's simply not easy to create a song that sounds this simple ... it's a really, really tough challenge. But, as always, you ended up with the arrangement and perfect presentation. Your vocal range is extraordinary as you lose no depth and quality in the upper register and your lower register is full and powerful. The cello was so nice and the acoustic background was just enough without being too much.

And Janice is such a wonderful vocalist in her on right. When her harmonies come in ... is like velvet.

WOW!

Alan

PS: Wish I had more time to offer a more in-depth comment ...
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 10/30/19 05:10 PM
Originally Posted By: tommyad
Bird Leather, Chills, Goose Bumps! Could it be that you keep getting better vocally melodically and lyrically? Your very bestest vocal ever! That girl sang a beautiful harmony. The arrangement is so good. The acoustics were well played and recorded. The production is out of this world. This may be your best overall effort. I am truly stunned to the depth of my emotions. It simply can't get any better than this, Tom


Thanks Tom for saying that about the harmony!

L’il Sis
Posted By: Mark K Re: The Simple Truth - 10/30/19 06:11 PM
Heartfelt and lovely simple love song. Stunning beautiful blending of Janice's harmony with your lead vocal. Enjoyed the listen.
Posted By: Scott C Re: The Simple Truth - 10/31/19 08:04 AM
Lovely song Floyd. Simple, vulnerable and emotional vocal. Perfect for your lyrics. Janices's harmonies were lovely as well. Really nice listen. Well done Floyd
Posted By: DrDan Re: The Simple Truth - 10/31/19 04:06 PM
Hate to be the one piling on here. All these wonderful admissions and testimonies regarding the quality of this piece and now I come at the end of the line adding my two cents to the mix. In my defense I was one of the earlier commentators in this thread, but after my entry I decided to withdraw the comments. I was just uncomfortable, not really with what I had to say, but rather how I said it. Thought I needed to think this out a bit more, didn’t want to offend anyone. Hated to think I was being overly judgmental bordering on creepy. So now I have put my thoughts together a bit more, talked with FJ off-line and gathered a few facts. So here goes…

I was sitting at my computer early scanning the PG forums. Most of the problems in the forums I frequent were being well addressed by the regulars, so nothing much I could add. With a little extra time, I stumbled into the user showcase. I don’t go here too often since I don’t have the time to listen to a lot of music. I came upon an entry by FJ. I remember when he was the new kid on the block and with his first contribution recognized (as we all did) this was not our typical closet or weekend musician. My comment at the time was simply “…what are you going here?” This kind of talent doesn’t often just wonder into the bar.

OK, here is where I start piling on… I played The Simple Truth. As I was listening in my studio my wife walked by. “Hey” she said, “that sounds really nice, who is it?” I replied, “that’s FJ”, to which she answered, “Who’s that?”. I swear it was just like in the movie “Yesterday”. I knew who the Beatles were and no one else did! And that’s when it hit me! Years ago, I had asked FJ, “what are you doing here?” more or less like a cute comment based on a Billy Joel song and now today I wanted to ask “…why are you still here?” This song should be on every radio play list. It should be played at every wedding anniversary party. The vocals and lyrics reach inside and grab you to the core. I can only conclude after listening to The Simple Truth, that FJ is simply the most talented person I know who no one on the national level seems to have ever heard of! He sits on a stool at the end of our local bar as a shining talent and I wanted to know why.

I blame it on the music - when a singer/songwriter presents his soul in his art it makes his audience feel like they know him or want to know him.

After I removed my original comments, I spoke with FJ and he was kind to share bits of his musical journey. I was pleased to learn that this is a talent which he has nurtured and developed over a long journey. Like many of us in our careers, we may not have gotten to the promised land, but we have stood on the mountaintop and seen what few other have seen. FJ shared with me that he is content with his stool at the end of our bar. I was glad to hear that, and I want him to know how much his talent is appreciated. So if this is piling on, then I am guilty as charged.
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/01/19 08:41 AM
Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
This is about as soulful as it gets. Liked the softer acoustic setting. Combined with your excellent production values, you've got one of your best ever IMHO. I keep coming back to it again and again.


TM ... Thanks! I really appreciate that....
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 11/02/19 11:23 AM
Misha and David,

Thanks for mentioning my small part!

Janice
Posted By: Crossroads Re: The Simple Truth - 11/03/19 06:37 AM
Hi Floyd,

there's more than just one simple truth being shown with this song:

- You're an exceptional songwriter
- You're an excellent vocalist
- You're a most tasteful arranger

and

- You hve incredibly nice friends.

A very appealing song, no frills, just 'the song'. And as always Janice makes it shine even more - you two really go together so well...

Liked it a lot.

Take care,

Stefan
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/04/19 06:05 PM
Originally Posted By: HearToLearn
The simple truth is this is an AMAZING song! I went in with some expectations, and can say I didn't see this coming.

One of these days, your expectations are going to be the death of me smile
Quote:

You nailed EVERY aspect of this song by saying EXACTLY what need to be said...and nothing more. You played EXACTLY what was needed, and nothing more. That is what makes a "simple" song so powerful. It's knowing what to keep; and knowing what not to. That is sooooo hard to do in my opinion.

Might be that blind squirrel thing, ya know....:)
Quote:

That lift captured me in a BIG way. It's like hearing an orchestra swell kick in at the very point it needs to; without it actually being there. Just "wow!"

If I can catch you with the arrangement, then i gotta be happy about that!!
Quote:

A few things about the vocal. You performed it really well, which I have come to expect. I don't know that I have ever mentioned how good your diction is? I always mean to; but you've got that down!

Actually, I don;t recall anyone ever mentioning that at all...
Quote:


Now the other thing with the vocal is the falsetto "please" in "please believe"...who do you think you are? Ronnie Dunn? If you think that; I'm right there with you! What a fantastic choice, placed at the optimum place for it.

Uh...I WISH I could sing like Ronnie Dunn!! HA!
Quote:

Man, this will get many listens. Great job!

Thanks for the great review...
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/05/19 11:51 AM
Originally Posted By: Ember - PG Music
The lyrics of this song were very relate-able. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us!


Thanks for listening, Ember.


Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
FJ & Janice,

Beautiful and powerful. Excellent vocals!! I've heard quite a few of your songs. Eyes closed, this will make it to top 10. Enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing!

Misha.



Thanks, Misha!!


Originally Posted By: dcuny
Yep, this is a good one all right.

Maybe I'm overthinking things - I'm in a Noel sort of mood wink - but I noticed the verses rhymed "don't come easily" and "opportunity" with the "ee" sound. Clever rhyming, rolls of the tongue and feels natural.

But the last verse broke the "ee" rhyming pattern and instead used an inner rhyme line up behind.

I have a tendency to fill up space with lots of notes. It's good to hear the opposite done so well - a song that lingers over the notes, isn't rushed at all, holding the melody.

And, of course, sung with the patented "straight from the heart" floydjane delivery, with subtle support from Janice.

Plus, I'm a sucker for cellos! smile


David - thanks for the thoughtful review (again!). I always enjoy reading what you have to say about a song (and production)..
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 11/05/19 02:40 PM
Originally Posted By: Leon1
Lovely song, Floyd. As Peter said, you and Janice sound stunning together.
Regards,
Leon


Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Floyd and Janice,

Wow, do you guys every deliver!

This song is really meaningful, has feel and emotion and is absolutely beautifully presented.

Sensational, no question.


Originally Posted By: jannesan
Very touching lyrics, so much meaning in few simple words. I really like the vibrato in your voice and the "please believe i love you" is amazing vocal highlight, Janice's voice gives nice support. And the arrangement is well-structured, instruments are nicely introduced.

Janne


I really do appreciate your comments!

Janice
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/06/19 12:35 PM
Originally Posted By: Leon1
Lovely song, Floyd. As Peter said, you and Janice sound stunning together.
Regards,
Leon


We appreciate that, Leon!!


Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Very nicely done - love the mood on this one, and found it very lush and pretty for the ears. I thoroughly enjoyed the vocals and thought the mix was top notch too.

Thanks for sharing smile


Thanks, Deryk!...


Originally Posted By: Chris37
A simple song is not so simple to write.
Everything flows like clear water from a quiet but wild stream.
Congratulations. Christian


Christian - Thanks! glad to have you stop by...



Originally Posted By: F.M.M.
this is stunning!!! man this is good great work floyd


Eric - really appreciate words like that!!....
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/06/19 11:45 PM
Originally Posted By: Sundance
Such a beautiful touching love song. I'm a huge fan of Janice's singing and wonderful harmony but I could've done without any harmony at all on this song. I thought the lead vocal was powerful enough to drive this intimate song on it's own. Just my opinion of course, Terrific however you slice it FJ.


Thanks, Josie...glad you liked it.
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/07/19 04:01 PM
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Floyd and Janice,

Wow, do you guys every deliver!

This song is really meaningful, has feel and emotion and is absolutely beautifully presented.

Sensational, no question.


Trev - always nice to see you drop by. We appreciate the nice comments...


Originally Posted By: jannesan
Very touching lyrics, so much meaning in few simple words. I really like the vibrato in your voice and the "please believe i love you" is amazing vocal highlight, Janice's voice gives nice support. And the arrangement is well-structured, instruments are nicely introduced.

Janne


Thanks, Janne...
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/07/19 11:53 PM
Originally Posted By: Ronnie Fields
Man, I could listen to this all day, great stuff...


Nice of you to say, Ronnie. Thanks...


Originally Posted By: edshaw
Loved it from start to finish.


Thanks, Ed...
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 11/08/19 10:08 AM

Noel and Al,

Thank y’all very much! it was fun to be a part of this production.

Janice
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/08/19 12:23 PM
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi floyd,

Wow!!! You and Janice deliver goosebumps material with this one *shiver*.

Your vocals are incredibly powerful to listen to... they are filled with honesty and sincerity and intimacy all rolled up together. The direct address point of view is a really powerful choice. If I was sitting beside someone special while I listened to the two of you singing this, these lyrics would have felt like they were written especially for that moment.

floyd, when you compose and produce songs like this, all I can think of saying is "What a wonderful gift you have!"

Janice and floyd.... your songs should be on the international market! They are THAT good.

All the best to you both,
Noel



Noel - What a truly heartwarming review/comment. It is greatly appreciated..
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/08/19 04:27 PM
Originally Posted By: animarorecords
floyd,

Yes, it is exactly a simply beautiful love song.
Very soothing.
Superb vocal as usual.
It touched my heart deeply.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi


Shigeki Adachi - Thanks for your continued support!! So glad you enjoyed this one...
Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm Re: The Simple Truth - 11/08/19 08:23 PM
The vocal performance is so deeply heartfelt and moving (along with the lyrics). Simply beautiful!
Posted By: Deej56 Re: The Simple Truth - 11/09/19 04:22 AM
Floyd,

Heartfelt tune with your usual stellar production. Nicely done!

Hope all is good in your world,

Deej
Posted By: musician17 Re: The Simple Truth - 11/09/19 06:54 AM
If I ever get married, I want this song played at my wedding.
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Simple Truth - 11/09/19 01:38 PM
Mark, Scott and Stefan,

Thanks y’all. I was privileged to be asked to sing on such a wonderful production!

Janice
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: The Simple Truth - 11/09/19 03:05 PM
A simple love song? Yes An incredibly beautiful love song? YES!!!!! I have always loved the "bare your soul" kind of songs, and have heard very, very few as good as this one! The music is beautiful.....FJ acoustic guitar fits perfectly....and the way it interacts with the bass sounds like a great band would arrange it. The lyric is wonderful, and the vocal is DEEP.....you can feel the truth in it! This is a MASTERPIECE Floyd!!!!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Jim Re: The Simple Truth - 11/09/19 09:38 PM
A simple love song?...
I'd call it a beautifully written simple love...
You guys surely do wonderful work!
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/10/19 01:25 PM
Originally Posted By: Ronnie Fields
Wow, I love this song. I thought of my wife of 29 years while listening to it. Beautiful song...


Ronnie - thanks!! again...


Originally Posted By: Al-David
Floyd ...

It's simply not easy to create a song that sounds this simple ... it's a really, really tough challenge. But, as always, you ended up with the arrangement and perfect presentation. Your vocal range is extraordinary as you lose no depth and quality in the upper register and your lower register is full and powerful. The cello was so nice and the acoustic background was just enough without being too much.

And Janice is such a wonderful vocalist in her on right. When her harmonies come in ... is like velvet.

WOW!

Alan

PS: Wish I had more time to offer a more in-depth comment ...


Alan - Thanks for the nice comments. We appreciate the time you can spend with us...


Originally Posted By: Mark K
Heartfelt and lovely simple love song. Stunning beautiful blending of Janice's harmony with your lead vocal. Enjoyed the listen.


Thanks, Mark. It is always a joy to have Janice join in and help elevate my songs...


Originally Posted By: Scott C
Lovely song Floyd. Simple, vulnerable and emotional vocal. Perfect for your lyrics. Janices's harmonies were lovely as well. Really nice listen. Well done Floyd


Scott - thanks for the really nice review...
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/10/19 01:37 PM
Originally Posted By: MusicStudent
Hate to be the one piling on here. All these wonderful admissions and testimonies regarding the quality of this piece and now I come at the end of the line adding my two cents to the mix. In my defense I was one of the earlier commentators in this thread, but after my entry I decided to withdraw the comments. I was just uncomfortable, not really with what I had to say, but rather how I said it. Thought I needed to think this out a bit more, didn’t want to offend anyone. Hated to think I was being overly judgmental bordering on creepy. So now I have put my thoughts together a bit more, talked with FJ off-line and gathered a few facts. So here goes…

I was sitting at my computer early scanning the PG forums. Most of the problems in the forums I frequent were being well addressed by the regulars, so nothing much I could add. With a little extra time, I stumbled into the user showcase. I don’t go here too often since I don’t have the time to listen to a lot of music. I came upon an entry by FJ. I remember when he was the new kid on the block and with his first contribution recognized (as we all did) this was not our typical closet or weekend musician. My comment at the time was simply “…what are you going here?” This kind of talent doesn’t often just wonder into the bar.


Dan - I remember those early days - the Showcase was a much smaller community then. It has grown by leaps and bounds (a good thing). I recall your comment then, and I appreciated your support...then and now...

Quote:

OK, here is where I start piling on… I played The Simple Truth. As I was listening in my studio my wife walked by. “Hey” she said, “that sounds really nice, who is it?” I replied, “that’s FJ”, to which she answered, “Who’s that?”. I swear it was just like in the movie “Yesterday”. I knew who the Beatles were and no one else did! And that’s when it hit me! Years ago, I had asked FJ, “what are you doing here?” more or less like a cute comment based on a Billy Joel song and now today I wanted to ask “…why are you still here?” This song should be on every radio play list. It should be played at every wedding anniversary party. The vocals and lyrics reach inside and grab you to the core. I can only conclude after listening to The Simple Truth, that FJ is simply the most talented person I know who no one on the national level seems to have ever heard of! He sits on a stool at the end of our local bar as a shining talent and I wanted to know why.

I blame it on the music - when a singer/songwriter presents his soul in his art it makes his audience feel like they know him or want to know him.

Needless to say, it is quite heart-warming to hear comments like this. It is always nice to hear that someone outside our regular group (meaning someone like your wife) also enjoys what we are doing.

Quote:

After I removed my original comments, I spoke with FJ and he was kind to share bits of his musical journey. I was pleased to learn that this is a talent which he has nurtured and developed over a long journey. Like many of us in our careers, we may not have gotten to the promised land, but we have stood on the mountaintop and seen what few other have seen. FJ shared with me that he is content with his stool at the end of our bar. I was glad to hear that, and I want him to know how much his talent is appreciated. So if this is piling on, then I am guilty as charged.


I truly appreicate all of that, Dan. Thank you.
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/10/19 06:21 PM
Originally Posted By: Crossroads
Hi Floyd,

there's more than just one simple truth being shown with this song:

- You're an exceptional songwriter
- You're an excellent vocalist
- You're a most tasteful arranger

and

- You hve incredibly nice friends.

A very appealing song, no frills, just 'the song'. And as always Janice makes it shine even more - you two really go together so well...

Liked it a lot.

Take care,

Stefan


Thanks for all of that, Stefan!!


Originally Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm
The vocal performance is so deeply heartfelt and moving (along with the lyrics). Simply beautiful!


Thanks, Scott!!



Originally Posted By: Deej56
Floyd,

Heartfelt tune with your usual stellar production. Nicely done!

Hope all is good in your world,

Deej


Appreciate you stopping by, Deej...



Originally Posted By: musician17
If I ever get married, I want this song played at my wedding.


smile That's a nice sentiment, James. Writing a good "wedding song" can be a big deal... there's lots of money in the sales of sheet music...
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Simple Truth - 11/10/19 06:25 PM
Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
A simple love song? Yes An incredibly beautiful love song? YES!!!!! I have always loved the "bare your soul" kind of songs, and have heard very, very few as good as this one! The music is beautiful.....FJ acoustic guitar fits perfectly....and the way it interacts with the bass sounds like a great band would arrange it. The lyric is wonderful, and the vocal is DEEP.....you can feel the truth in it! This is a MASTERPIECE Floyd!!!!! Take care. Greg


Can't ask for a better review than that! Thanks for the very nice comments, Greg...


Originally Posted By: Jim
A simple love song?...
I'd call it a beautifully written simple love...
You guys surely do wonderful work!


Glad you liked it, Jim. Good to see you back around...





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JANICE - You. Are. The. Best.
smile smile smile

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Posted By: Torrey Bliss Re: The Simple Truth - 11/11/19 07:39 PM
Floyd, all of the work you share here is of such high quality and deserving of so many accolades that it's hard to come up with comments that you haven't already heard, but I'll offer these observations. The word that came to my mind is "delicate" from the instrumentation choices and performances to the vocal delivery to the lyrical content! It's such a good offering from you on every level and having Janice back you up just adds to the wonderful attributes of this song! Great work once again!! Thanks, Torrey.
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