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#511099 12/19/18 02:43 PM
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Smooth

You've had a hard day either at work, shopping, doing home chores, etc. So you sit by the fireplace sipping some good ol' no. 7 (that's Jack Daniel's whiskey), brandy, tea or whatever your beverage is while listening to some smooth jazz. In other words you are just chilling out for the night.

BiaB style = Pat M Slow - New Age, Country Ja

Drums = Addictive Drums 2-Modern Jazz Brushes - Alley Jazz- FX = Waves CLA Drums

Strings = Kontakt - Solid State Strings - FX reverb

Piano = Studio One Pro 4 Rhodes - full chorus

I am playing my wind controller (tenor sax) and the fretless bass. FX = sax - reverb, bass - compression.

Constructive Criticism is always welcomed.


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MarioD #511106 12/19/18 03:05 PM
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Mario,
nice relaxing tune!

I jumped into listening and then read your post.
Interesting things, those wind controllers, always wanted to try one out. You made a good use of it!

I would put more reverb on the tenor sax to blend better with mix. Also I would tweak drums to make them fuller and maybe lower the strings just a tiny bit. I am not the authority on mixing, just an opinion smile

Best regards,
Misha.

MarioD #511229 12/20/18 04:01 AM
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The title says it all. Smooth and tasty.

Imagery wise? We are enjoying a well crafted imperial IPA after a hard day working on our mountain bike trails! Not that we have ANYTHING against a sip of good ole #7 smile

We always enjoy your tunes and also reading how you performed the parts and put it all together.

And a tip of the pint glass to you regarding the wind controller sax and the bass...very, very nice!

J&B


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MarioD #511231 12/20/18 04:10 AM
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Wow - this tune is certainly true to it's name smile Very well executed, and indeed a very calming tune. Love the slow pulse it has, and thought the arrangement flows gorgeously. Definitely the kind of tune you can just close your eyes and drift away to.

Great work Mario, and thanks for sharing!


Cheers,
Deryk
MarioD #511239 12/20/18 04:49 AM
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There's a lot I would love to say about this song, but your title already summed the whole thing up! Smooth.

I'm not kidding either, the production, the writing, the sounds, the playing...all smooth.

Mario, I have to say I really like this song; and using your controller to pull this off it's so cool.

Loved it!


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

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MarioD #511253 12/20/18 05:29 AM
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Hi Mario,

this is a very nice little thing - it's so smooth indeed.

Although I don't play that instrument myself (but my brother does), I've always been very fond of the saxophone, from baro to soprano.. And listening to this tune, I have another reason for loving it.

Happy Holidays and all the best for 2019.

Stefan

MarioD #511257 12/20/18 05:45 AM
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Hi Mario,
Your piece is a pure moment of real relaxation.
Thanks for this peaceful present. Christian

MarioD #511262 12/20/18 06:10 AM
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Perfectly captures the unwinding smooth mood

very nice

this is gorgeous

Kenny

MarioD #511315 12/20/18 07:54 AM
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Smooth - Yes! And oh so Soulful.

The sax line has true heart.

A pleasure to listen to.

fj

MarioD #511360 12/20/18 11:46 AM
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Another winner old buddy

MarioD #511364 12/20/18 11:50 AM
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hey marioD I really like this and your using a wind controller amazeing results it makes me want to get one thanks eric


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MarioD #511387 12/20/18 01:25 PM
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Mario,
Whatever you`re sipping its worked up some very mellow music here.
A showcase for you ability on the wind controller - that is a sweet, full sax sound you make!
This really got me drifting away.

Robert

MarioD #511456 12/20/18 06:58 PM
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Nice mellow tune. Sax sounded great. I'm hoping to get the SWAM saxes next year, if I can get some cash.

Constructive criticism? You really know how to shut me down! wink

I always like sax with far too much reverb. Hard-panning the strings makes sense, because it opens up space for the other instruments in the stereo field, but again.. no reverb? The cymbals on the drums had a sort of '80s feel to them, not what I expected.

Wow, I sound more picky than I intended. I really did like the song, you just got me thinking about the mix. Most of my criticisms seem to be that your arrangement didn't follow the standard jazz cliches. Which, in retrospect, seems a rather poor criticism on my part. grin

Thanks for posting! Makes me want to practice my sax (but my wife is trying to sleep, so that wouldn't end well! Hopefully SWAM saxes have nice subtones wink )


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

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MarioD #511601 12/21/18 10:37 AM
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Mario

Lovely smooth tune. Relaxing and enjoyable playing throughout.
Very nice work.

Peter

MarioD #511725 12/21/18 04:28 PM
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Beautiful song Mario. That wind controller is so cool. My first instruments I learned how to play were the clarinet and flute. What a cool sound. Lovely melody


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MarioD #511747 12/21/18 05:11 PM
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Sweet, calm melody and arrangement.
the reed rattle of the sample (or is it an option over tweaked) was a little disconcerting at 1st.
Pity I don't drink.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
MarioD #511753 12/21/18 05:20 PM
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Hi Mario,

I **ALWAYS** love your Smooth Jazz! And you picked the perfect title for this. Perhaps bring the strings down just a touch and a little more reverb on the sax? Very small nits - actually more personal preferences than nits. I've never met a sax with too much reverb on it!

As always. this is such a wonderful and laidback piece of well-crafted music. You never fail to make me smile as I kick back. Merry Christmas!

Alan


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MarioD #511929 12/22/18 09:53 AM
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SMOOOOOOTH AND SWEEEEEET!!!! I am always amazed what you pull off with that wind controller....so real, so natural!! This is such a nice tasty melodic tune. Great arrangement and mix too! A knock out effort all the way around!! Take care. Greg

MarioD #512053 12/22/18 04:34 PM
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Great job Mario, and might I add, perfect title!! Such nice work with the wind controller! It sure puts one in a mellow state of mind! Thanks, Torrey

Torrey Bliss #512247 12/23/18 02:02 PM
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I would like to thank all that listened and commented on this song.

Misha - Thanx for those suggestions. They are always welcomed.

J&B - thanx so much. Although I do enjoy an IPA I'm more of a Budweiser drinker myself.

Deryk , HereToLearn, Stefan, Christian, Kenny, Floyd, Graham, Eric, Robert, PeterF, Greg, Torrey, - Thanx for listening and those very nice comments.

David, Thanx for those comments. After listening again you and others are right about the reverb. Also what are standard jazz cliches?

Scott C, since you played a clarinet and flute you would have no problem playing an Akai EWI-USB wind controller. It can have sax, and flute fingering modes. My brother played clarinet and he tried mine and he could play it so I guess that clarinet and sax fingerings are the same? Or at least very close.

Ray C, a couple of other people mentioned that reed rattle thing. It is called growl in the Swan Sax world and I probably had it set to high.

Alan, a number of listeners mentioned the reverb thing and after listening again I agree.

Also I apologize for not listening to many of the songs on the showcase. It has been hectic around here with Christmas, and in-law funeral, and family health issues, not my immediate family but an elderly Aunt and a brother-in-law. You know, some days are diamonds and some days are stones and we have had a good month of stones around here. Thank God for a healthy and happy immediate family and Budweiser beer!


Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?

Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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