Hello forum friends. Nice to be back again!! Things continue to be more hectic than I feel like they should......that's life I guess. Hearing a lot of great stuff here....this forum is truly a magical place! In the '22 BIAB, there was a "band" called Backpacker. It is been a source of great inspiration to me. The tracks create the old James Taylor/Carole King vibe. I used this combo of tracks and added some flute with the Fluffy audio free flute, with Brent doing is best Danny Kortchmar. I've already written 5-6 songs with this band and probably will do many more. I'd love to hear what you think of it. Take care all. Greg
It Looks Like Rain
You tell me its my imagination You tell me that nothing has changed But in your eyes I see the resignation I know you know things aren’t the same
Now we find ourselves in these positions Neither of us wanted to And you try to put on a sunny disposition But I can see the clouds coming through
Baby, it feels like rain I see the storm clouds gathering over the plains And I’m not sure we’ll find an umbrella To keep us dry this time
It sure feels like rain We can’t fend off the storm We can’t hold back the pain Just can’t deny the darkening skies Bad weather’s come to find us again It looks like rain
I never thought you could measure the depth of love By the ease with which it may grow Why sometimes it don’t fit like a hand and glove I don’t think anyone knows
In some ways, maybe we’re just too different In others, maybe too much the same It ain’t for lack of trying, ain’t for lack of interest But I’m feeling the signs jus the same
Greg, really nicely done! Definitely captures the James/Carole vibe throughout the write, arrangement, vocals and mix. Especially liked the BGVs. Just a suggestion, but you might bump up the presence on your vocals a bit. Impossible to replicate James or Carole (of course!) but a more up front vocal EQ would perhaps get you a smidge closer. Really enjoyed the listen! One of my favorite genres for sure, and you've really done it justice.
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You've nailed the vibe perfectly. Your smooth vocal is so right for this style. The BGV's are very well done and take the whole beautiful production up a notch. A great listen from a great writer, producer and performer, Tom
I'm a big James Taylor and Carole King fan, and as Tom says, you nailed it.
And, of course, it's got your vocal, which is wonderful.
Mostly off-topic, I've been trying to find a sampled flute sound that's got the same '70s vibe as the solo in "So Far Away", and I've yet to find it. I suspect part of the sound is that the player (Curtis Amy) was a sax player, so they're only doubling on the flute. But I'll keep looking...
Great!! There will be a whole album of Greg Johnson Backing. This one is fabulous, Greg. I also dig that Taylor/King sound, and you bring it to a much higher level of good with your vocals. James did alright, but... This is one beautiful write and production. More. More. Encore. Bravissimo. maestro.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Greg...another stellar song and production...you're right this band is really nice (I've used it myself)...unfortunately my songs didn't have the vocal silk of your vox to be the centerpiece...this is such a great production in every aspect...the harmonies are the best! yeah, James could have done this but not any better!!
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You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
Greg, you mastered that James Taylor/Carole King vibe. This is so professional it is scary - it sounds like it was recorded and mixed in a pro studio - brilliant work. Outstanding vocal, backing band, and mix. If I heard this is a record store I would buy it on the spot.
OK, a random thought; Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
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You were definitely listening to JT before doing this one! It truly has that vibe from his glory days. I love that chorus, it's a sweet thing! Your vocals in this are some of my favs from you and that is saying a lot! You are an ALL-STAR is the forum and are such a great representative of what can be done with BIAB! Tace care and keep the hits coming! TB
Great song! I can definitely feel the James Taylor/Carole King vibe from the intro. Your vocals fit this song perfectly. It's a gentle and wonderful melody. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Another masterful production. C&H doesn't make sugar as sweet as this!
Listening to your music always takes me back to the 50s or 70s, depending on the song. And there's hardly a better musical place to be returned to.
Smooth ain't got nothing on you! Everyth8ng is just so werll done. You've never posted a song I didn't think was beyond gorgeous. You've kept the streak going with this one.
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