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Well, Ray.
I must admit I never got Jazz but I can appreciate the work involved, lyrics and all.
The only thing I found slightly irritating was the too up front, upright bass.
Clever stuff.
Vic Thanks Vic, I'm no fan of most jazz and even less of jazz flavoured rock but some songs stick in my head as a result of the magic that's invoked...Shipbuilding, God Bless the Child, Strange Fruit...all teeter on the edge of being jazz but without doing what jazz seems to do oh so often: re-imagine standards and ignore almost everything but the melody. The bass - a matter of taste I suspect. As, primarily, a bassist I actually prefer the thing a bit buried but stylistically old blues and slow swing jazz have a thumpin' thing happening.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Hi, Ray. I found there was a lot to process in the song. I wasn't sure if the song was meant to be more metaphor than actual event, but kept wondering what event that might be. So when I heard "they", I kept wondering who that could be referring to. I figured it was likely metaphor because you generally don't sow fruit. Then it mentioned a newspaper and victims having nowhere to run, which sounds far too specific to be metaphor. Bouncing between those two was just confusing to me. The use of jazz also threw me, since that particular style is usually for an entirely different subject matter. So while it was well done it didn't draw me in emotionally because I kept thinking about the form and content. But there's nothing the matter with music that makes me think, so I can't really complain.  My only real nit is that Janice's voice feels a bit muffled, like someone cut the high end off. It's not the plate reverb, since I can hear that. Anyway, an interesting bit of music, well done. Thanks David, A complex observation that probably requires a complex response. The narrative is, mainly in the verses, historical docudrama spread across the rural poor, the post civil war era of re-establishment and the civil rights movement. The choruses are literal, analogous and metaphoric depending on your perspective. The fruit is the literal end product of the planting, (remembering that fruit is, in the main, the mature ovary of a plant that goes on to produce seed which advances the species across generations and that many plants that produce fruit are annuals that have seed sown or seedlings planted for that purpose - tomato, cucumber, banana), it is the product of toil analogous to "reap what you sow" on a human, societal, cultural level, and metaphorically referring to the next generation. Most of these are strewn on the poor soils of share croppers, indentured and slave labour for another level of the narrative. I don't really hear the song as jazz though the instrumentation may suggest that. The chords certainly aren't jazz chords as we've come to know them and the progressions aren't the sort that jazz standards are made of. If you listen to some of Billie Holiday's more political tunes, (Strange Fruit, God Bless The Child) you'll hear that this song is a) thematically heavily influenced by such works and b) not dissimilar in style/tone. If you add the more recent influence of both Elvis Costello & Robert Wyatt's version of Shipbuilding you may decide that I have, in fact, over worked this patch of dirt. Finally, the vocal treatment...I had a listen on a couple of different devices and to the original master and don't hear what you do. Mind you I have holes & roll off in my hearing that may mask the tonality you refer to. I'm REALLY pleased you heard and thought enough of the song to note your observations and concerns. I doubt I've convinced you other wise but I've had a go at outlining my perspective as the lyricist. THANK YOU.
Last edited by rayc; 08/17/23 12:22 AM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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This is a cool tune. Very different which really showcases Janice's versatility as vocalist. Excellent lyric video and production. Well done Thank you very much Scott. Janice Oh, I already told you how much I love this song. What a great sultry feel, and Janice is the perfect choice. Oh, man, it's all so good. It's a really good video, too. Such a good write, and the best band mixed so well. Very interesting changes with a strong Blues melody. Doesn't get any better. I appreciate your kind words Marty. Janice
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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Ray & Janice
Very evocative - almost theatrical. (Interesting reviews and responses make for a good read).
I get the Billie Holiday feel.
Well produced, performed and played. Janice has the ability to sing virtually any style authentically and engagingly.
Very well done all round.
Peter
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I hear your writing style in there. I hear Janice singing the way she does the best.
Nicely done to both of you and everyone else involved in this project. Thank you Herb. Janice
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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Dark and powerful lyrics, real nice chord changes and melody, well sung and produced. The video was interesting, I listened to it with and without watching. Very interesting composition...very well arranged and performed...love the trumpet solos and Janice's vocal was spot on with the wandering melody and the bluesy feel of the entire piece...well done to all! Thanks y’all! Janice
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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Had a listen to this over on FB a while back, nice to give it another spin.
Love the vibe, and the track sounds great also. Solid job on the bass, and Janice sounds fabulous as per usual!
I really like the melody too.
Enjoyed!
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Janice, Ray, and Bud, this is one outstanding collaboration.
Janice's vocals are always top shelf.
The mix is spot on.
Fantastic trumpet leads.
All I can add is WOW! Thanks Mario! Janice
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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Ray & Janice
Very evocative - almost theatrical. (Interesting reviews and responses make for a good read).
I get the Billie Holiday feel.
Well produced, performed and played. Janice has the ability to sing virtually any style authentically and engagingly.
Very well done all round.
Peter Thanks Peter, I get the "theatrical" reference. Authenticity is, as you point out, the key with this one.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Had a listen to this over on FB a while back, nice to give it another spin.
Love the vibe, and the track sounds great also. Solid job on the bass, and Janice sounds fabulous as per usual!
I really like the melody too.
Enjoyed! Thank you sir. Janice is fab.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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A haunting, harrowing write.
A melody that swirls around, surrounds your being.
Velvety vocals.
LOVE the Bass.
That trumpet RT has always been a favorite.
Excellent mix.
A listening experience.
fj
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Unusual to have Janice singing a RayC song. I usually don't like jazzy stuff and brushes (even if they are pretty well done like here), but Janice saved my day  Great work from all involved!
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A haunting, harrowing write.
A melody that swirls around, surrounds your being.
Velvety vocals.
LOVE the Bass.
That trumpet RT has always been a favorite.
Excellent mix.
A listening experience.
fj You are very generous and kind sir.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Unusual to have Janice singing a RayC song.
This the fourth song that the Merritt's & I have collaborated upon,the fourth as a co-composition with Janice too. It's also a Janice & rayc song - something we wrote together. Thanks though. Ms. Merritt is the spoon full of sugar that becomes the deeper textured, subtly flavoured caramel with multiple listens.
Last edited by rayc; 08/23/23 08:41 PM.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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It's great to hear exceptional music on this forum, this song is something I rarely listen to, but still it is hypnotizing, sort of Strange Fruit mood. Combination of many talents, Ray's haunting chord progression finds its counterpart in Janice's unique and expressive voice. And then the trumpet adds a darker layer above it all. The story is also dark, unfortunately I probably have no time to really digest all those interesting layers. Challenging and rewarding song, fortunately not a top 10 throwaway, focus is on the art of music.
Janne
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Talents collide! Haunting, dark and beautiful. Unusual, emotional music, double edged lyrics amplified by deep Janice's vocals. Cool experimental tune. Ray, bass is great, guitar a little quiet. It's done professionally and listens well. I am a fan of old time imagery, I found video interesting. Congrats to all participants and thank you for sharing.
Misha. Thank you Misha. I knew from the first time I read the lyric that I was going to enjoy this production ... and I did! Janice
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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This is a classic. No doubt about it. If I heard this on the radio, I wouldn't blink in the slightest. SUPERB effort - great musical writing, great production, Janice is her usual, stellar self - the lyrics are so original, to my ears, the instrumental solos fit in perfectly ... WELL DONE. Really well done. An original masterpiece.
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Ray & Janice
Very evocative - almost theatrical. (Interesting reviews and responses make for a good read).
I get the Billie Holiday feel.
Well produced, performed and played. Janice has the ability to sing virtually any style authentically and engagingly.
Very well done all round.
Peter I appreciate that Peter. That’s a lot to try and live up to but you are kind! Janice
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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Had a listen to this over on FB a while back, nice to give it another spin.
Love the vibe, and the track sounds great also. Solid job on the bass, and Janice sounds fabulous as per usual!
I really like the melody too.
Enjoyed! Thank you Dave! I’m happy you liked it. Janice
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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Yes, that trumpet reminds me very much of "Shipbuilding."
I enjoyed the melody.
Production sound good to me. And the vocals sit just right in the mix (not too soft ;-) )
Janice's voice is in top form. Wow, what passion!
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