Hi everybody,

I hope that you’re not mad at me, but I’m still not in the situation to follow the forum or work on new songs, because Maha is still in a very bad shape and whenever it looks like there’s some progress , we don’t have to wairt long for a setback - after so many months it’s not easy to stay optimistic.

Since some of you wrote thhat I should nevertheless post older stuff that I haven’t posted before that’s what I’m gonna do today.

YOU’RE A MUST HAVE is a song that I had written (guess for whom...) in 2009 and it was meant to be played with my then band. But since we disbanded soon after, the song landed in some drawer, until I decided to continue my ‘musical llife’ with BIAB instead of a real band in December 2015..

So that song was the very first attempt to realize my own ideas with that devine software, and - along with my first and still very simple (and personal) video (actually it was more or less a slide show) became a birthday present for Maha.

About two years later I thought that that very song could also ‘work’ with a totally different arrangement, so the ‘rough version’ was born along with a (hopefully) more entertaining video .

Since I never was really satisfied with the original 2017 arrangement I revised it in 2020 and Maha re-mixed it.

Maybe it’s interesting for some of you to compare these two versions:

1. You’re A Must-Have (the original 2015/6 gentle version

AUDIO

2. You’re A Must-Have (the 2017 ‘rougher’ version

Video

Audio

Musical Data:

1. 2015 version:

DRJONROK.STY (= MIDI style), added the horns (tb, ts and tp) via RealBand using the built-in Synth, I think.

Mixed in RealBand using it's built-in FX plug-ins.

2. 2017 version

These are the incredible musicians who accompany me with the latest version (wish I was worth it...):

Alex Al, b (RT 2609)
Audley Freed, g (RT 499)
Jason Roller, g (RT 406)
Jack Pearson, g (RT 582)
Gene Rabbal, B3 org (RT 671)

Drums: MT-Powerdrums2 (edited by me)
Saxes: Big Fish Vintage Horns (via Kontakt), arr. + progr. by me

Vocals: me

With this version Maha used Reaper + some Waves plug-ins and Ozone 8 for mastering.

Thank you very much for taking the time to listen and watch.

All the very best to all of you,

Stefan

Stefen,
Nice to see you pop up here today!

So sorry to hear Maha's situation lingers on.
Your devotion to her is a blessing, I'm sure.
My best whished go to you both.

Your music is always an inspiration to me and your videos are joy to watch.
You made my day with this one.

Thanks

moto

Very sorry to hear Maha is struggling, Stefan. The song you wrote for her is excellent and you sing it so well. I like both versions. Man, you are the master of horns. A highly entertaing video as always. Best wishes to you both.
Regards,
Leon

Stefan
An entertaining video and music.You have put a lot of work into this and the results are awesome.

also sending get well wishes to your Maha.
regards
Gary.

Stefan,
Both versions are fabulous...the horns in the softer one seem more sophisticated but hat may be becasue there's less competition.
The video was a total hoot.
Great song, great humour and a great working couple.

Hi Stefan,

This song is great - right up my alley.

Versions - I like Version 2 because the vocals are significantly better.

Horns - great - this is exactly what I have been requesting from BIAB for many years.

Mix - spot on.

Video - very enjoyable.

A great package - well done.

Best Regards
Nigel

Lovely upbeat romantic rock'n'roll.

Nice arrangement, very good work at horns once again.

I prefer the first version, because it is more gospel and strangely has James Brown vibe. No complaints about the second one though, it is more straightforward and faster, the vocals are very good, especially the ending.

Funny video, you and Maha have done great work!

Janne

Paul McCartney plays guitar and bass right- or left-handed and tuned rightside up or upside down. That's impressive. When I saw the opening of the 2015 version, I thought "Man, this guy is just as impressive." For other reasons of course. Loved it right through to the rose garden. You guys are surely one of the most entertaining treasures this forum has to offer.

Both of the videos were entertaining, and you're right about the later one being more so, but the old birthday one was much more touching. A real treasure. It was interesting to read the differences in your lyrics.

"Your such sweet stuff, Baby. I'm ready for an overdose." That says it all, Stefan, so keep sending us anything you got in your vault.

You are the Benny Hill of German-produced music videos. Hahahahahaaaa! You are the master of characterization. I loved the character bits at the end.

Great song and vocal performance. One of my favorite Stefan songs so far.

Hi, Stefan.

That was fun! The first version was good, but I thought the second was musically a lot tighter.

Thanks for digging back in the archives!

Great job, that video looks like a lot of work. Put a smile on my face for sure. Hoping for the best for Maha.

Stefan & Maha,

FUN! sounds great. A lot of work went into that video!!

Best to you both.

fj

Stefan + Maha
Very cool original stuff. I liked the "rougher" version better, more emotional I guess. Or maybe it is the magic of the motion picture? With the videos I have seen, I think even Liberace would be jealous of your wardrobe. Brilliant write and fun video. Great mix/sound. Stefan, thank you for sharing and best regards to Maha.

Misha.

Stefan...

If extraterrestrials ever arrive in our solar system with the intention of studying how the universal phenomenon of 'true' love manifests itself among the inhabitants of planet Earth, after listening to your song they would probably declare that their 'search-and-discovery' mission had ended before they even got started!

In my life I have known only a few men who have openly declared their loving feelings for their life-mates as persistently, as directly, and with as much devotion as you have demonstrated in many of the musical productions that you have posted on this forum.

The inclusion of the torrent of photos of Ms. Maha to the video only heightens the sense of the total rapture you obviously experience as a result of her inspiring presence in your life.

With that in mind, I'll tell you that other than the addition of the photos, I perceived no differences between the two productions of your song in terms of feeling, tone, and musical distinctiveness. The song is all about your contemplation of the impact she has had on your existence, and as such, there is nothing else to be said -- by me, at least.

Well, okay, okay, if I was forced to make a comment on some other aspect of the production, I would declare that your horns writing is even more powerful than it was before.

As always, I wish the best for Ms. Maha, and I hope that you will continue to find the strength-in-loving that she generates in you.

Very cool song Stephan. Super vocal and backtrack. Excellent mix. Well done

Hello Moto,

thank you so much for your very kind words, especially for your good wishes for Maha. We've been in a rather depressing situation for months now and I still cannot see its end.

I'm glad that you liked the song and enjoyed the video - that's more than one can expect, right?

I will try to return to the forum as soon as possible.

All the best,

Stefan

Hi Leon,

that was a very nice comment - thanks a lot. I'm always glad to read that you enjoyed listening and watching.

I do hope I can come back to the forum soon.

Take care,

Stefan

Hi Gary,

I was happy to read that you found my post entertaining - that's waht it was supposed to be. So thanks a lot for your kind words and even more for your good wishes for my wife (who is still having the most difficult time of her life).

Best regards,

Stefan

Dear Ray,

thank you so much for taking the time to listen and watch - I'm always glad to receive yor appreciated comments.

Yes, you're right: The horns of the first version are more sophisticated than those of the second. I think this is due to a) the rougher backing track of #2 and b) the fact that the second horns version is saxes only. While it's comparably easy to make a well-sounding horns arrangement for trumpets, trombones or the classical three-piece Chicago horns section, saxes do not sound as well when they're MIDI. So I had to keep them simpler to be as effective as possible. I think that this was and will the only song with a sheer saxes arrangement.

Once again thanks a lot for your comment - I do hope I will find the time and the calm to return to the forum soon - at the moment Maha is still in such a depolorable shape that she needs my full attention.

All the best, and have a pleasent weekend.

Stefan

Hi Nigel,

thanks a lot for your kind words - I'm really flattered that I seem to meet your taste of music.

As to the singing in version 1: That was my first vocal attempt after almost seven yoears - and, yes, it showed.

Thanks again and all the best,

Stefan

Hi Janne,

I really appreciate that you took the time and to listen and watch - thank you very much for that and your very kind words.

It#s nice to read that you liked version #1 better than #2 - other forum friends saw it the other way round - tastes differ and that's good.

Thanks again and stay safe,

Stefan

Dear Marty,

your comments always chase any dark clouds off my head - thank you so much.

Well, I guess you know by now that that left-handed bass playing was a trick: I just mirrord the respective take (like comparably often do in the videos). My bass abilities have in general become really poor... About 15 years ago I relly dived into it and couldn't get enough of that fabulous James Jamerson playing. But when I reherarsed "For Once In My Life" and even more difficult "I Was Made to Love Her" (I've adore both songs aöö my life!) for months and still couldn't play them flawlessly I was pretty frustrated and kinf of gave up 'bass struggling'.

But I'm still a great fan of every nice bass playing (BTW: I do like your style a lot!) -I guess you haven't seen these amazing ladies from North Korea (!!!!) - amazing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7kripprVDI

All the best and stay safe - the pandemic isn't yet over.

Cheers,

Stefan

Hi Scott,

if you think one of videos is funny I get the feeling that we've gained what we gunned for.

Thanks a lot for you very uplifting comment on bith song and video.

Take care,

Stefan

Thanks a lot, Dave, I really appreciated your kind words.

Take care,

Stefan

Thanks you so much, Tunemonger. I'm glad you enjoyed everythong. Special thanks for your good wishes for Maha. She really can use them a lot...

Take care,

Stefan

Dear Flyd,

thank you so much for takung the time to watch and listen and for your kind words.

I hope everything is fine over there.

All the best,

Stefan

Dear Misha,

sorry for the belated reaction, things are still most difficult.

Thanks a lot for your kind and supportive words. I'm always flattered by your comments.

Well, yes, my wardrobe is pretty much packed, I must admit. But contrary to Liberace (whose clothing I remember to have been most precious) all that stuff is cheap Chinese stuff.

Hope you're okay. And I do hope that I will be able to join the forum again - I'm really missing it.

Stay safe,#

Stefan

Dear Loren,

first of all sorry for my belated reply to your incredible comment.

Well, what can I say but 'Yes, you're 100% right'. Maha and I have been together for more than 30 years and before we came together I wouldn't have thought such a coseness would be possible. And would not only stay but become stronger with every year.

I think that this deep affection makes it so hard to stand these atrocious times - her sickness breaks my heart over and over again.

Of course I am so glad about what you said about the song and the video - thanks a lot for your incredibly personal and uplifting words.

Please stay safe,

Stefan

Thanks a lot, Scott, I really apreciate your kind words.

Stefan

First and foremost we are sad to hear of Maha's lack of progress and wish you both the strength (the love is obviously already there) to work through this and we deeply hope improvement is around the corner.

Well if anyone needed a reminder of just how amazing you are with video productions this should serve that purpose! As a couple of folks who just started lip syncing videos you have my deepest admiration for the skill and patience to create this.

No surprise that the song is most cool and nicely performed. I guess we lean toward version two if cornered into an opinion. The first slower version is sweet but the second faster version has a passionate vocal that displays your Otis Redding influence (a good thing indeed!) However, we did certainly enjoy all the photos of Maha in the first version.

Excellent!

J&B

Stefan, it's great to see you post something again! Your stuff is always top level and entertaining! Sending my best wishes for your family! Thanks, Torrey

Dear Janice, dear Bud,

thank you soooooo much for everything so kind and so nice that you wrote. I passed your good wishes to Maha and she was really touched, believe me.

I am glad that you enjoyed the song and the video, and hearing some Otis Reding influence is certainly a most flattering compliment.

I will send you an e-mail very soon and
give you some info about was has happened over here. And I'm checking out how I can return to the forum at least for a couüle of minutes every day without slighting my duties.

Thanks again for yozr affection - take good care of each other,

Stefan

Dear Torrey,

I'm always very pleased to read that you enjoyed one of our songs and / or videos - you know how I admire your musical abilities. So thanks a lot for your very supportive words and, of course, for your good wishes.

Stay safe,

Stefan

Stefan,

Wow, what an energetic rocker—head nodding, foot tapping ball of energy. Love the horns. Everything pops in this—great production and always a creative video. Very impressive work all around. Killer!!!

My very humble regards,

Deej

Fun song, and a fantastic video!!! Really clever and fun!! Take care. Greg

Hi Deej,

thanks an awful lot for those VERY kind words. I'm really glad you liked our production that much.

Stay safe,

Stefan

Thanks a lot, Greg. I really appreciate your kind comment.

Take care,

Stefan

Hello Stefan,

You and Maha are always super good in making these rocking songs and very funny videos, amazing!!
When I watch them I always think by myself, how did you do that and how did you get all those funny things.
You can't miss a second when watching them. So many things happen.
And the most amazing part is how a German comes to this things. We always say Germans have no humor.
Well... you both are the exeption on that. Wonderful!

And I haven't mentioned your lyrics yet. They are great. Very well written and there is so much going on in it too.

I hope at home the sun shows it's face now and then, because it's a bad, bad time and for so long now.
Give Maha my best wishes, sometimes that helps i heard...

Hans

Hi Hans,

that was a very, very kind comment on our (comparably old) song and video - thanks an awful lot for it. And thanks even more for your caring words about Mah's health resp. our situation.

Yes, it's been for so long now - no-one would have expected that it would get so much worse after Maha returned from the hospital. Actually our life has been turned to zero - not much normalaity left.

Since Sunday there has been some change for the better - still far from good, but there is, again, light at the end of the tunnel, and it seems that I may get a little more freedom to do other things than being around and caring. I will try to return to the forum for at least a couple of mintues every day - hope so much, that we're on a good path now.

Thanks gain and, please, stay safe,

Stefan

PS: Since I have a pretty good sense for weird things I must always smile when I read your comments on the Germans' lack of humozr. Not too long ago I saw (I think on BBC) an interview with John Cleese of Monty Pythos (who is one of the funniest people alive - I think, we'll agree on that) who was asked what he thought about thet prejudice. He said, that things have changed drastically over the last decades, and that there were numerous extremely funny German comedians these days...

Stefan & Maha ...

There is just so much talent both of you possess. The amount of time and effort to put that video together must have been significant. what a great and entertaining production!

Di and I hope so much that Maha's health improves in the days ahead. It's been a real tough journey for both of you - dear friends to Di and me - the past couple of years.

The song is great and what a blast to watch the video!!! We particularly enjoyed the ending where Maha took off the wig, the beard and laid her head against yours - what a display of love!

Everything about this made us smile. And, I am working on a reply to your message. I should have it finished soon.

Take care and know you are in our thoughts all the time.

Your friends, Alan & Di

Stefan & Maha ...

Obwohl wir uns noch nie persönlich begegnet sind, betrachten Di und ich euch beide als zwei unserer besten Freunde. Wir lieben euch beide und wünschen nur das Allerbeste für die kommenden Tage.

Alan & Di

Dear Di, dear Alan,

oh boy, you wouldn't believe how relieved we were when we saw you're alive. In these terrible times the most atrocious things can happen any day, and the thught of losing friends sometimes drives me nuts. We'll go into details in seperate e-mails, I think.

Thank you so much, dear Alan, for that very kind review of our song and video. Since the vid had been produced in 2017 I had not watched it for quite a while, and when I watced it now, it made me aware of how fast things can change: Those were happy times...

You know that I really, really appreciate your opinion - aftert all, youre an absolute expert in music !

So thanks so much again - I'm really looking forward to your e-mail and I promise I will reply soon.

All the best to you and your great wife - once again: I am a huuuuuuuuuge fan of her singing !!!!!

Stefan

Lieber Alan, das ist so unglaublich lieb von Dir, und ich gebe das alles sehr, sehr gerne hundertprozentig zurück.

Alles, alles Liebe für Di und Dich,passt gut aufeinander auf !

Stefan