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This is a song about looking for answers in this mixed up world that we live in. The Sage The Band:3086:Organ, Rhythm AmericanaSlow128Mike Sw 040 3356:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm Moody128Brent Sw 060 Drums: EZDrummer2 Dave Bell - Additional Guitars and Vocal Marty Straub, aka BabuMusic - Bass Christiane Spruit - BGV's Mixed with Reaper, mastered with Ozone. The Sage (2020, David Bell)There's a Stranger, in the night
passing by, in the cold moonlight
A sense of wisdom, he has the sight
In these times that we live it's hard to tell
what's wrong from what is right
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
The life we've known is coming to an end
So much has changed, been re-arranged, can't tell dark from light
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Solo
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
In these times that we live it's hard to tell,
what's wrong from what is right
What was up is down, what was lost is found, can't tell dark from light
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
OutroI don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination, but both Chris and Marty encouraged me to give it a try. Fortunately I had Chris along to add some much needed finesse  Also up on SoundCloud: The Sage We will probably do a video at some point, maybe another performance video, we had a lot of fun doing that for our last song, but might not be able to get it done in time for me to update the song description. All comments welcome! 10/07: Bumped the vocals up by 1.5 db based on feedback and uploaded new mix, thanks everyone!
Last edited by BlueAttitude; 10/07/20 01:02 AM. Reason: new mix
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Well, now you need to consider this, Dave: You'll have to add lyricist and singer to your resume. You voice in this is perfect, and you're right, Chris can make anything sound better. I've already found myself singing that catch phrase to others. "Can you tell me the answer, my friend." It's weird how often the opportunity arises these days --especially here in the USA. As for the video... you got a lot of takes to take, man.
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Apprentice
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Whoa with a capital W!
Your song had a resemblance to the House of the Rising Sun, really cool vibe...
As far as this comment:
"I don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination"
I don't know about anyone else, but my imagination is feeling a bit stretched after listening to you...
Great job/cool song...
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Wow.
Special mention to the guitar solos ... wow.
Otherwise ... just wow. Hats off, ladies and gentlemen ... serious artists here.
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Dave,
There are very few who have a singing certificate around here; you sing your own write with a gentle authority...( I hear a little Roger Waters in there), and the blend with Chris` voice is really nicely done.
Brilliant guitar work and, of course, a topnotch mix.
Robert
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Hi most excellent peace great vocal love the guitar chops sweet clear crisp mix well done guys Eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
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Journeyman
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Hi Dave
Your voices blend very nicely. Well written song and wonderful solos, as per usual. Very much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon
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Dave,
Nicely done well sung- particularly liked the blend of your voice with Chris.
You are getting very proficient with that drum programming!
Your wonderful solos are a great addition to any song.
Marty - Excellent bass lines throughout.
The song sounds great.
Peter
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Expert
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Top notch production. You guys really hit the mark with this one. Everything sounds so good (vocals, instrumentation, and, especially the background vocals - they were the cherry on top). Great use of the band too. Cool song. Nice job to all.
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Loved it, vox were more than good enough, guitar was searing, even the graphic of The Sage was so cool.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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I'll lead with the nit: the lead vocal seemed buried. Everything else: Stellar. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Well, now you need to consider this, Dave: You'll have to add lyricist and singer to your resume. You voice in this is perfect, and you're right, Chris can make anything sound better. I've already found myself singing that catch phrase to others. "Can you tell me the answer, my friend." It's weird how often the opportunity arises these days --especially here in the USA. As for the video... you got a lot of takes to take, man. Cheers, Marty! Whoa with a capital W!
Your song had a resemblance to the House of the Rising Sun, really cool vibe...
As far as this comment:
"I don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination"
I don't know about anyone else, but my imagination is feeling a bit stretched after listening to you...
Great job/cool song... Very kind of you, but man, after hearing *your* vocal ... goosebumps! Thanks for the listen, appreciate it! Wow.
Special mention to the guitar solos ... wow.
Otherwise ... just wow. Hats off, ladies and gentlemen ... serious artists here. Thanks, James!
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Dave, Chris, Marty...
I always look forward to hearing your songs when they appear. It is always a pleasure. Music at its best.
A good Rock write with a good, simple message that gets right to the matter.
Nice vocal. The voice of a Sage.
(I would not label it as "buried" - as David did - but I agree it could come up a little - a dB or 2 or somewhere in between that)
And the Sagettes are great!
Another gorgeous production and mix. Marty's bass is like butter. Sweet. ALL of the guitars sound great. You ALWAYS have the best organ sound. Great job on the drums - Rock solid with nice simple flairs.
Super solos. Guitar tone is exquisite. Love that bite! Tasteful, as always.
That little tremolo on the organ is a nice touch.
Always worth many listens.
A smorgasbord for the ears.
fj
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Holy Crap Dave. How come you haven't been singing before. I got a Chris Rea vibe on this tune. The vocal was awesome and then your guitar wow. Vocals, harmonies, guitar and bass = perfect. Wow !!!!!
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Hello BlueAttitude,
well written lyrics. The singer's voice (maybe a little more volume on it) in the bass sounds is perfect for this. The superb double female voice reinforces the lyrics. Beautiful guitar playing and superb arrangement. Well done.
Kindly regard
alias JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
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That's a cool thing.
The voice is perfect for the song.
Cool mix with a very cool stinging solo.
The only thing that struck me as worth addressing is the throb of the organ across the stereo image. I'd be inclined to render the organ to mono and keep it over on the left .
Ignore me though... it's a fab track.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Dave,
There are very few who have a singing certificate around here; you sing your own write with a gentle authority...( I hear a little Roger Waters in there), and the blend with Chris` voice is really nicely done.
Brilliant guitar work and, of course, a topnotch mix.
Robert
Well, I won't be replacing Chris as the main vocalist any time soon, but it was fun to do one. Thanks as always for the support, Robert! Hi most excellent peace great vocal love the guitar chops sweet clear crisp mix well done guys Eric Glad you liked it, thanks, Eric! Hi Dave
Your voices blend very nicely. Well written song and wonderful solos, as per usual. Very much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon Appreciate that, thanks, Leon!
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Very contemplative lyrics. Your vocals add a haunting, questioning flavor to the song. The harmonies are great in that it seems as if many are also questioning the now. Very nice!
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The somber feel of your vocal fits the write perfectly and the
harmony is sublime. We're late to the party so we missed the
first mix but what we are hearing are vocals that fit, to our ears,
right where they should be in the mix.
So much goodness: the always perfect bass for the tune, your
soaring playing that offers a great and effective contrast to the
sad lyric.
Great drums too. What more to say ... how about great everything!
Another dimension of BlueAttitude -- cool.
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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