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#793340 01/02/24 04:33 PM
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This idea hit me a couple of weeks ago and I was able to get a version of it recorded during Christmas break. Hope it lifts any spirits that might be low during the holiday season - or whenever you hear it.

Smokin' Bluegrass (SoundCloud Link)


_BG_BDBS.STY. Fast Bluegrass w/ Banjo Solo
All RealTracks. Quintet. *** with Soloist ***Tempo=127
Instruments:
RT432: Mandolin, Rhythm Bluegrass Ev 130 , PG Artist
RT427: Bass, Acoustic, Bluegrass Ev 130 , Dow Tomlin
RT433: Banjo, Bluegrass Ev 130 (Soloist) , Scott Vestal
RT431: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Bluegrass Ev 130 , PG Artist
RT428: Fiddle, Rhythm Bluegrass Ev 130 , Andy Leftwich

Added RT tracks:
RT434: Fiddle, Soloist
RT435: Guitar, Soloist
RT426: Banjo, Rhythm

Mixed with Reaper
Vocals: Lead and High and Low Harmonies - Dewey

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Man that's some bluegrass, I like everything about it, great mix, and the harmonies were spot on. Well Done!!

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Sounds good!

Clever write, everything ties together. BiaB has some great bluegrass tracks, and they're nicely arranged.

Vocals are well done as well.

My only nit is that the mix is a bit trebly, but that's likely more a factor of the instrumentation than anything else.

I like it! laugh


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HI DFewey,

Nice! Catchy tune and lyric! love the energy that comes through. Your vocal is spot-on.

Really nicely done. One nit, FWIW - I bring the bass a little more forward in the mix. But, that's just me. I always like a bass to set the stage for everything else. Regardless, this is a super song and I enjoyed it a lot!

Take care,

Alan


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Dewey, super song! Clever lyrics and strong vocals. You've got a nice selection of instruments in the mix, and the breakdowns are VERY convincing. Smokin' indeed!


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The bluegrass real tracks are some of the best ones. You did a great job on the write and the vocals are really well done. I do agree with Alan that the bass needs a boost. Good one to start the New Year, Tom

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That's a cool song.


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Dewey...I love me some bluegrass! this could be playing on Bluegrass Junction (my favorite XM station) right now...very clever write...super vocal(s)...loved it!


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Thanks for all the advice and comments on this one, folks! And to think, I thought I was the only one here with a thread of bluegrass running through my DNA.

Na zdrowie!

Dewey

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An uplifting song that I like, even if there is a banjo in it grin
Could have a bit more bottom end, the bass guitar is almost inaudible.

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Dewey,

This is very catchy. It kind of reminds me of Bob Denver a little bit and your voice even sounds like Bob Denver on this one which is a good thing.

He sure sold a lot of records.

Anyway I entirely agree with the sentiment, and I too find it absolutely impossible to be in a bad mood while I'm listening to bluegrass.

The bluegrass market is huge right now as I'm sure you know and I think this song could be pitchable to that market.

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Hi Dewey
I don't know much about this music but what I can say for sure is that it is sung very well
Also well mixed, sounds very good
Great work Dewey
Many greetings
Andi ;-)

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Dewey, smoking bluegrass is exactly what it is!
It is impossible not to have your spirits lifted when listening to bluegrass.
You have my spirits way up there and my toe tapping from the git go.
Excellent use of RTs.
Fantastic arrangement.
Outstanding vocal.
loved it


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Very catchy song. Clever lyric.

Well done.

Peter

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Originally Posted by David Snyder
Dewey,

This is very catchy. It kind of reminds me of Bob Denver a little bit and your voice even sounds like Bob Denver on this one which is a good thing.

He sure sold a lot of records.

Anyway I entirely agree with the sentiment, and I too find it absolutely impossible to be in a bad mood while I'm listening to bluegrass.

The bluegrass market is huge right now as I'm sure you know and I think this song could be pitchable to that market.

Thanks for the kind words, David, but I hope you mean John Denver not Bob Denver (aka, Gilligan from "Gilligan's Island")!

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Bud played in traditional bluegrass bands for 30 years and Janice for 15 of those years.
During that time we recorded a lot of tunes, gigged weekly and played some major festivals.
All meaning we understand the genre well. smile
But we left our band nearly 20 years ago and moved on to Americana and Blues Rock.

Regardless of the above ramble, we just wanted to let you know that when we say you did a fine job with this tune it's based on the above.
Good write, band selection and production!

J&B


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Alright Dewey! I love this one! Great writing - I wish I'd thought of it! You've got a great sound here. I agree that the bass could be up some, but I really like this one a lot!!

Brad

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Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
Bud played in traditional bluegrass bands for 30 years and Janice for 15 of those years.
During that time we recorded a lot of tunes, gigged weekly and played some major festivals.
All meaning we understand the genre well. smile

J&B

It's a fun genre to be sure! I've been a part of a local Bluegrass/Country trio for the past 15 years but played bluegrass in my teens and early 20s here and there. I've moved on to mostly country and Americana myself, but I'll always have a love for Bluegrass. Thanks for listening Janice and Bud and for sharing your story!

Dewey

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Very cleaver song. I like it. I've noticed that most bluegrass songs are in the key of G, I guess that's because the banjo is normally tuned into G.

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Originally Posted by Ronnie Fields
Very cleaver song. I like it. I've noticed that most bluegrass songs are in the key of G, I guess that's because the banjo is normally tuned into G.

Yes, that's true about the key of G for bluegrass, Ronnie...at least, that's what I've always thought anyways. Of course, they can capo and tune to any key but traditionally I think you're correct. This one just happened to be in the Key of G for the melody I was looking for so, more or less, it was coincidence for this one.

Thanks for Listening and commenting!

Dewey

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