PG Music Home Forums General Discussion User Showcase Eternal Midnight

Hi, Alan.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with long narratives. (This coming from the guy who writes novels every time he posts).

I'm glad you're able to find some good from Di's pain.

I have a lot of difficulty believing this is all BiaB. Because - no exaggeration - it's that good. It feels musical and organic.

So, wow.

But... (because I have to ask) is there supposed to be a lead guitar playing really, really quietly from 0:11 to 0:19?

I only ask because this list literally my fourth of fifth time listening through, and noticed it.

And I'm still no less impressed that the first time.

As you wrote, "It's strong and powerful with an edgy, emotional draw."

Wow.

Gary ...

Many thanks for all you wrote. Di's health has always been fragile, but at almost 75 years old (I'll be 74 on the 22nd of this month), her body's ability to fight off her numerous medical issues is extremely weakened. But, she gives it her best and manages to find a way to get through each day. She has been doing somewhat better the past week or so. It's not much but we welcome and are thankful for any respite she might enjoy.

I always try to find something exceptional in every post I listen to and point it out - from my listening POV.. But, I don't have to look far when I listen to one of your cuts. You are pro-sounding all the way. It's quite easy to write supportive and kind comments about your music. I'm glad, as are may other forum members, that you're here.

Wishing you the very best. Take care ...

Alan

David,

As you probably know, it's been only since the middle of last month that I've posted my thought processes on how and why I do the things I do with my music. Several folks asked for more of that, so I've tried to oblige. I'm delighted you enjoy the info.

Sometimes I wonder if some folks think I'm just whining about Di's health and the all the responsibilities I have because of it. I hope that's not the case. But sometimes I do wonder. That's certainly not the intention.

And for the record, I read every word you write as I'm quite impressed with your knowledge of music creation and theory. I have no knowledge of music theory. I just do what I do by "feel" and hope others might like it. But one caveat in my bag of tricks ... I do have a very good understanding of chords and how to use them. It's not from training or knowledge ... it's just instinctive feel.

Indeed, it's all BIAB. I do not use a DAW, unless you want to define Audacity as such. Everything I post is straight from the chord input page, saved to Audacity as a final stereo mixdown from the Chord Input Page in BIAB and then save the final recording from Audacity to a file. I don't send stems to Audacity ... just my final "manipulations" in "Bar Settings" and "Song Settings". I do all my panning, reverb and volume "mixing" using those two setting capabilities. I send a single WAV file to Audacity and adjust a little compression at times and, perhaps, a slight bit of overall tone adjustment.

I haven't the faintest idea how to use a "real" DAW - have tried multiple times but they're above my ability to decipher. I have a very technical college degree (Physics With An Emphasis On The Physics Of Light), so I'm not totally without reasonable intelligence (No one has suggested I am, BTW, except a former wife). But the real DAWs all assume the user has at least a very basic knowledge of musical recording. I have none whatsoever. So, I just wing it in BIAB and Audacity. Sometimes something good comes of it!

I have no idea how to bring 3rd party software into BIAB ... such as VSTs. I would love to be able to do that, but it's just beyond me. I do, however, use the BIAB indigenous VSTs.

As far as the very low-volume lead guitar :11 thru :19 - I noticed it as I was finishing up in Audacity. Di listened to it after I told her I was going to take it out. She said "Don't. Because even when I'm at my best with the least amount of pain, there's always underlying pain. Let that represent that pain, as it never goes away." So, that's what I did. I guess I should have mentioned that in my narrative. Some day you'll be old and understand about forgetfulness!

Every post I've created in this forum has been created as I mentioned above.

And many thanks for your very kind and supportive comments - on this song and all my other music. I sincerely appreciate it. And never pass up an opportunity to suggest what I might be able to do in order to improve my music. I've been in the music business since 1963 - my skin is tougher than kryptonite!

Again, many thanks. BTW, I used to live in Bakersfield, CA. Only been to Sacramento once - in 1994. Take care.

Alan

Nice.

That smokey tone that Brent has going there is very reminiscent of Steve Vai in so many ways....I just love it. Nice work and a great choice of tracks.

Heartfelt

With a very spot-on title given the tough, sad situation you describe.

I'm with dcuny, I like reading long-winded back stories of how songs came to be.

Hi Al-David,

I really enjoyed this soundtrack. I clarified it on soundcloud. Playing the guitar sends us a message of optimism about the difficult times to spend with our loved ones. It is a very beautiful composition full of love and I thank you for your instrumental message.

Love yourself like the first day. This state of thought often works miracles.


Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash

Powerful message in that piece. Quite compelling.

I hope having the ability to express such strong feelings with your music is, in some way, therapeutic.

I'm saddened to hear of the terrible situation that has consumed Di's life.
I'm certain your love and support is expressed in ways that only you two will know but, your music and your writings give the rest of us a glimpse into your passion.

You are an inspiration.

Moto

Hi Herb ...

Yeah, Brent kinda knows his way around those 6 strings! He's not too shabby. Man, I'd nearly forgotten about Steve Vai. I don't think he uses quite as much distortion and other FXs, but he has enough for a great effect. I like his Progressive Rock/Jazz Rock stuff a lot. Thanks for the great reminder! Glad ya liked my song. I appreciate your time and nice comments. Best to you ...

Alan

Good Early Morning! It's 3:30 am here in Alabama. Thank you very much for your very nice comments. I appreciate them - sincerely. I guess other folks here have an interest in how some of the other folks put their music together. I just wing it and hope something good happens once in a while. Di and I deal with what life has thrown our way. It's a struggle sometimes, but ... we persevere. Again, many thanks for your kindness. Best to you ...

Alan

Alan,

Just a wonderful piece of music! That guitar is just dripping with emotion. Great arrangement and mix.

Very sorry to hear about Diane's ongoing health issues and wish both of you nothing but the best.

So incredibly sad to hear of your wife's ordeal. Praying, if prayer at all helps, for better days for her.

The piece is stunning. Somehow, that guitar just speaks and tells a story. Thank you for creating this, it's a genuinely amazing listen. I am going to say no more, because it really brings me to silence - in the best of ways, and that's the best I can say here.

Alan
I love this piece...your guitar doesn't "gently weep" here but it powerfully weeps...very emotional and exquisite...my wife suffers with some of the things you shared about yours and for years with cluster migraines...I can empathize...at our house there is no normal...nothing gets scheduled that cannot be canceled at the last minute so I appreciate you sharing what you did...now when I see your faces on the forum I will pray for you all...thanks for your encouraging comments when I post...this is a very cool song...best regards, Dan

Another wonderful instrumental Alan!! I'm going to have to check out that band when I get my new version!! Give my best to Di! Take care. Greg

Without the back story this is clearly an emotive piece.
With the back story it's heart breaking.
I bet it hurt to make as you had to channel through your empathy.
The delay on the guitar is perfect.

Alan,

Very strong and touching.
I don't think there are many people in this forum who use RT guitar solos as good as you.
Rather, I think that you are the best.
I am impressed whenever I listen to your work.
Enjoyed my listen a lot this time again.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Hi Alan and Di,

What is nicer than making so nice music?
Especially when sorrow and pain crosses your path for so long.
Creating beautiful music!
And that is what you did; you made a wonderful song, so nice to listen too, eventhough there a no words in it...
Di must love it, I do!

Send her my love,
Hans

Hi Derochette ...

Thasnk you so much for such a nice review. I sincerely appreciate it! Wishinbg youoo the very best ...

Alan

Nice to hear from you, as always. And yes, music is cathartic in numerous ways .... both composing and listening. It's a language unto itself and is understood world-wide.

Thank you for the kind thoughts regarding Di's health. And yes, my first passion is her. Then music, then writing my novels.


Again, many thanks for the kindness and your time to listen and comment. Best to you. Stay safe ...

Alan

HI Dave ...

I'm delighted you enjoyed your listen. And that lead guitar track was such a perfect fit. I was lucky to "discover" it! Many thanks for Di's well-wishes ... and for your time to listen and reply so very nicely. wishing you the very best. Take care ...

Alan

Beautiful song Alan. Love the guitar solo on this. So very well done. Best wishes to you and Di