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Hi All,

A little backstory.

I was on a business trip to Europe about 25 years ago. One of my stops was in Berlin. That evening I went to a small folk & blues club where an older local singer-songwriter was playing. I was very close to the stage where she sang about 10 songs and told some stories.

I wrote this simple little song when I returned to the hotel later that night. It has never been recorded until now and features vocals from my friend Joliz.

As in our last project, we also put this one on "tape" again… smile

This is called WHISPER OVER BERLIN.

Threw a shadow wild and thin
A leather jacket that smelled like gin
A tattoo of Frida Kahlo on her skin
Sang folk and blues and bet it all
Her voice like a summer squall
Songs tumbled down like a concrete wall
In the thunder
Over Berlin tonight

Played Odetta lit her smoke
Her laugh caught up in an inside joke
A heart that wore the night just like a coat
She chased the moon just so far
Silhouettes and empty bars
Burned up her past like a shooting star
Like a comet
Over Berlin tonight

Once met Cohen in ’75
10 feet tall a bird on a wire
The lights over Berlin were on fire
A couple of chords a serenade
Her voice like dusk on the longest day
Old poets only slip out and fade to grey
In a whisper
In the city tonight
In a whisper
In the city tonight
In a whisper
Over Berlin tonight

BIAB Tracks:
2877: Bass, Acoustic, AmericanaSlow16ths 060
0368: Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming 065
2878: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm 060
2879: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm 060
1805: Synth Pad 065
Loop: Chillout - dimensions_145choir_a_minor.wav
RealDrums: AmericanaRoots16th
Other Notes:
My Mic: Copperphone by Placid Audio
My Vocal: Recorded directly to Tascam 488
Joliz & RealTracks: Transferred to Tascam 488

As always - thanks for listening!

Bob

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Wow, Bob. This is like a hymn. Just so majestic, yet intimate. Those guitars are selected and mixed to perfection. LOVE your vocals, and Joliz's harmonies just float ethereally over the arrangement. The mix and master are perfect. My only visit to Berlin was a long layover at the airport. Now I want to go back! LOVE your song!


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1st impression - that 1st chord is sudden and a jolt...I can't say if fading it in would be a good move but something that fits the gentler vibe of the song perhaps.
The extra voice adds melody & texture to the song - sort of a Leonard & Judy thing.
I was going to comment about the song not being about a US city but Berlin was almost an exotic cousin of NY before the wall's fall.
Loved the song.


Cheers
rayc
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Bob, this is a beautiful song with thoughtful, evocative lyrics that suit your voice perfectly.
I've never been to Berlin but your song took me to a small folk and blues club just like you described.
Cheers,
Mike


Mike Garry
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Hi, Bob.

Another trip in your time machine to another place and time.

You and Joliz sound great here.


-- David Cuny
My virtual singer development blog

Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?
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Ron,

That is very kind. Thanks so much from both of us.

Bob

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Great, colourful lyrics again, Robert.
Just the right track arrangement. I felt the atmosphere.

Vic
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Sounds great, the tracks really support the mood and feel of the lyrics. You vocal fits the mood and emotion of the music.


Elliott Kayne
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Ray,

Thanks for your thoughts and the kind words. Much appreciated.

Bob

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Hi Bob,

Your lyrics are always so superbly written - passionate and engaging. True wordsmiths aren't all that common. You're at or very near the top of that list.

Great arrangement and mix. Joliz's voice was a very pleasant surprise. I lived in Germany 12 years but never got to Berlin. I'm delighted you did, conjured up that memory, and treated us with your musical time machine!

Best to you,

Alan


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Mike,

Thanks. Appreciate the kind words.

Bob

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Hi Bob, this just works - a very enjoyable listen!!
Excellent arangement which fits a great song - super job Bob & Joliz!!

Carl

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What a great song, and you and Joliz sound great together. Wish that performer in Berlin could hear this. A great write from the inspiration. My good friend who turned 100 in July was a navigator on the B17 (Flying Fortress), and he also went back to helo with the Berlin Airlift. Story well told here, Bob.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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WOW.

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I think David put it best: many of your songs are like a time machine, taking the listener back to the time in which your story is set.
Very well done!

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This another really excellent song all around, Bob. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're a brilliant songwriter with a unique style - I love the line "A heart that wore the night just like a coat" - plus the backing vocals really brought it alive. Really impressive!


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
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David,

That's very kind and appreciated. Thank you from both of us.

Bob

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Vic,

Much appreciated - thanks.

Bob

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Elliott,

Thanks - very appreciated.

Bob

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Alan,

Thanks very much. You are always very kind.

Hope you are feeling better.

Bob

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