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Originally, I planned to play guitar on this little ditty. Then, after searching the list of RealTracks artists, I experienced something like a scene in Clint Eastwood's movie "Bird": After hearing Charlie Parker in a club, one of his sax rivals tosses his instrument into the East River in a gesture of terminal hopelessness. In my case, I ran into Brent Mason. If there was ever a fire-breather on guitar, Brent is it. So, I thought it best to steer clear of this dude and play bass instead. Give a listen: https://soundcloud.com/aleckrand/dont-quit-your-day-job
Sweetwater Creation Station. BIAB 2018, Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio, Izotope Nektar 2, Ozone 8, KEYBOARDS: Kurzweil Artis 7, Crumar MOJO, Hammond XK-3, BASSES (fretted & fretless by Ibanez, LTD, Warwick. GUITARS by Guild, Gretsch, Ibanez, Eastwood (12 string)
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Aleck,
I really liked the vibe, but here is where I go out on a limb . . . no disputing Brent is a phenom, but I think his solo just did not fit into this tune. I say this because I have listened to some of your other tunes and you are no slouch man, you can play.
What did fit was your voice, man you sold it. In fact I would have loved to hear either some scatting or even some mumbles aka Mr. Clark for at least one chorus.
PS: I am listening to Alfie as I type just to reinforce as to why you should play the blues solo on this tune.
Nice job indeed,
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Hi Aleck,
I'm always a fan of the traditional 12-bar blues structure. It's easy to hear that you're really comfortable with this style. It sounds great. I agree with Danny in that I'm not convinced that Brent's guitar playing is an asset to the song. There's no denying that it's incredible playing but I would have preferred to have heard something more closely related to the genre. Also like Danny, I listened to Alfie. What a great sound!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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I just love the 12 bar Blues - I was brought up on it in the early - mid 60's.
Maybe the Solo doesnt quite fit the style but heck I THINK I can remember (lol) in the 60's that some of my "happy weed" Solos might have been a bit "off" - or so I'm told.
Enjoyed it.
Cheers
ian
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aleck,
+1 to what everyone else has said... GREAT song!!! Excellent lyrics throughout. Blues songs rarely "keep my attention lyrically" all the way through. They are often more about the playing than the words. NOT the case here. They just kept getting better.
Fire Brent. He's messin' up your song. He's all flash and no feel. (Don't get me wrong - I love his playing, and use him as much - probably more - than anyone here). You need to ask him to "please get up and step out" so you can sit in that chair. Really.
Usually it REALLY bugs me that Soundcloud starts playing the next song when you are done with the one you came to listen to... but this time I was glad it did. Alfie is a pure pleasure to listen to. It's ALL FEEL - no flash required. That's what is needed on this one. FEEL. (Just that lead part - the singing is drippin' with feel!!!)
GREAT job. Loved it.
floyd
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Despite other opinions I have no problem with Brent Mason.
You see that music is very subjective.
I got curious about Alfie and listened to it.
That's really great.
Guenter
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I agree with the others, fire Brent and play it yourself.
Everything else is top shelf!
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
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hahaha
I liked this it was current and had personality, love the blues
needs working on to perfect but really good start I like the stuff about unemployment and in this day and age its relevant. Would like to hear the mix up a bit with your vocal sitting farther out front and more energy in the backing track, Just mixing.
Regards
Darren
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Hi Folks - thanks so much for the kind remarks. Most of you suggested firing Brent - which took me by surprise. But, (gulp!) I did it - raising the possibility that MY solo doesn't fit comfortably with the blues genre either! I haven't played the blues in years and it was great trying to recover the old licks - but I think there's no hiding my true identity a jazz guitar player. On other hand, a watered-down version of Stevie Ray or BB wouldn't have satisfied me. No matter where you come down, there's no denying that the chops are there.
The replacement version of Day Job can be found at the same link as the original.
Aleck Rand
Last edited by aleck rand; 02/21/13 05:37 PM.
Sweetwater Creation Station. BIAB 2018, Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio, Izotope Nektar 2, Ozone 8, KEYBOARDS: Kurzweil Artis 7, Crumar MOJO, Hammond XK-3, BASSES (fretted & fretless by Ibanez, LTD, Warwick. GUITARS by Guild, Gretsch, Ibanez, Eastwood (12 string)
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Love the vocal delivery! Jam on! Thanks for sharing! My Music
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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If you wanna lose weight go visit Jenny Craig...LOL! Sounds like you had a blast doing this one. Great blues voice.
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I like your voice.... cool tune...
I'd look at ways to reduce the sound of the room on your mike. Too much verb or room sound.... make the voice fit into the mix.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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hi aleck i listen to some of your songs really nice guitar work i like brent and you could make it happen as well nice tune thanks for sharing eric a lot of talent on this forum
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Hi Aleck,
I just popped and had listen to your new solo. It's EXCELLENT! Your playing is a perfect fit for the song. I'm so glad you sent Brent packing. You certainly no slouch on the fingerboard. Your play was very impressive.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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