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You really are channeling John in this one, Hans, and we love it.
Your vocals and Dave’s guitar fit very nicely together and his solo is reaching for those stars. And the piano RT is very good. The mix sets up an engaging soundstage on our monitors.
This is Janice’s favorite part of your great lyric: “I often watch the stars in the sky
that's because I am a dreamer
I roughly know how far they are away
but I love to see them waiting for me, every day” (And Bud is not surprised since Janice takes frequent evening walks to enjoy the moonlight, stars and night sounds.)
The arrangement also is a highlight as is the delightful video (LOVE the sleeping cat and dog!)
Marty’s advice is always helpful indeed!
Welcome back Hans! 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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Hans, Finally got to hear your tune. Really cool groove you got going. Good old European POP, no pun intended. Rich instrumentals and strong vocals. Overall a treat to listen. Nice job of assembling video too. Mix is clear and vocals sit very well... I am not a professional, but I think I am hearing audio aliasing in vocals. Maybe I am wrong. In any case, really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.
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Firesong, Andi, Dave and David, Sorry it took so long, but we (my wife first) and I got sick. Don't know if it's the flew, but I do know it took/takes away all your energy. She got it worse than I, so I became the 'nurse'... But thank you very much for your responses! I like them a lot, since none were negative ;-) Hans...this is a really cool track...I really love the piano part and Dave's solo is ...well...it's Dave right? so cool! the energy is contagious and the arrangement and production are top-of-the-line! Hi, yes it is Dave Bell from Blue Attitude. I had a solo guitar from BiaB, but Marty suggested to ask Dave. And Dave was happy to help me. I was very pleased, of course. Thank you for your compliments! Hello Hans, Marty & Dave Super song Sounds excellent Great singing and having Dave play the solo was a great idea ! Very cool performance, Dave. And the video is really great. So many ideas and details, so much fun to watch A great collaboration !!! Many greetings Andi ;-) Hi Andi, Very nice to hear from you! And with this post I'ts even nicer...! So thanks you did both, listen to the song and watched that video. Well, for me it's my 3rd attempt to make a video. The lyrics were of course the guideline, but the longer I worked on it the mellower I got. You can see signs of that. And I'm still alone ;-) Hi Hans, Nice job on the video! Thanks to everyone that mentioned my part. Hi Dave, and thanks for your 'volunteer job'. I told some I would tell you about their compliments to you. But let me tell you I was the one being so pleased you did it. When Marty suggested it, I thought you wouldn't have the time for it (ic your beautiful song 'Sad Dreams'), But you were willing to. Let me know what I can do for you... Hi, Hans. Nice work! Good write, well sung, nice arrangement. I like the changes, like when the banjo enters in. The only thing that I might change is the lyric: I roughly know how far they are awayonly because it's really mangled the grammar. Something like this would probably parse a bit better: Although they are frighteningly far, far awayBut part of the charm of the lyric is that it is mangled.  Your description says "there's a feeling that something new and exciting might be on the way for him." But from the lyrics I see, it seems like he's looking back ("I long for you", "I'm still alone") and trying to convince his old love ("if you could see me now") that he's changed. Anyway, a really enjoyable listen, with Dave fitting in nicely.  Hi David, you know, your post was on my mind while I had to face that illness. First, thanks for all the compliments you gave. That banjo for instance. Normally I don't use them, but when I was searching for some special sound I got hooked to it. I also agree with you about the 'intentions' of the main character. He was not straight in them. The only thing I can bring in is that it really happenend with my son. He did both; wanting another life and relation, but also longed for the old one. (I hope I make myself clear here). But I had to add your way of thinking. But I thought it to be too long... But the thing I was thinking abvout was that 'grammar' thing. You know why? Because I disaggree with you about my mangled use of the English language and the suggestion you gave. Although I highly appreciate your suggestion, I think you missed the point here: I loved that the stars are there every night. And I know approximately how far away they are. But that is not a nice sentence to sing. So 'roughly' is a good synonym. And your word leads to something different than my intention.. On the other hand, English is not my native language. You are right on that! Thanks everyone and until our next songs! Hans
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[...] Solo guitar: Dave Bell Advisory: Marty Straub HA! I knew it. When I heard the song, my first thought was: "That's a Marty song with Dave's guitar". The guitar is obvious, but you've managed to create the same positive vibe with a twinkle in your eye. Very good. I like it. A lot!
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I assume this is the best version because it sounds darn good. I love the rhythm section. You created a catchy killer chorus that you have sung well with conviction. Dave's adds that right amount of sizzle to this hot song.
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Hello Janice and Bud, Misha, Brain and Scott, You really are channeling John in this one, Hans, and we love it. Your vocals and Dave’s guitar fit very nicely together and his solo is reaching for those stars. And the piano RT is very good. The mix sets up an engaging soundstage on our monitors.
This is Janice’s favorite part of your great lyric: “I often watch the stars in the sky
that's because I am a dreamer
I roughly know how far they are away
but I love to see them waiting for me, every day” (And Bud is not surprised since Janice takes frequent evening walks to enjoy the moonlight, stars and night sounds.) The arrangement also is a highlight as is the delightful video (LOVE the sleeping cat and dog!) Marty’s advice is always helpful indeed!
Welcome back Hans! J&B J&B: I never thought of John this way... but I'm very glad you love my song. And thanks Marty on persisting to ask Dave playing the lead. Indeed he did a very good job! I also love Janice's favorite quote in this song. I can't agree more. Thanks a lot for your so nice words! Hans, Finally got to hear your tune. Really cool groove you got going. Good old European POP, no pun intended. Rich instrumentals and strong vocals. Overall a treat to listen. Nice job of assembling video too. Mix is clear and vocals sit very well... I am not a professional, but I think I am hearing audio aliasing in vocals. Maybe I am wrong. In any case, really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing.
Misha. Misha, thanks for these nice observations of you! I think you are close to a professional, only here I cannot agree with you on hearing audio aliasing. I think what you heard were the background singers not being in sync with the lead vocals in 1 or 2 cases somewhere at the end. I left it like that, it wasn't really wrong. [...] Solo guitar: Dave Bell Advisory: Marty Straub HA! I knew it. When I heard the song, my first thought was: "That's a Marty song with Dave's guitar". The guitar is obvious, but you've managed to create the same positive vibe with a twinkle in your eye. Very good. I like it. A lot! Brain, your brain leads you to spaces... Marty wishes it was his song, but it was an older song of mine, but completely rearranged. And some parts of the original lyrics remained. At the time it was one of six versions I made about the end of a relationship. A few days ago, the girl involved said that she recognized some sentences (about the birds and the stars), while her sister thought she was mistaken. So she was happy with the proof I gave her. But it could have been Marty's song... He is a good man! I assume this is the best version because it sounds darn good. I love the rhythm section. You created a catchy killer chorus that you have sung well with conviction. Dave's adds that right amount of sizzle to this hot song. Scott, thanks for these words. In this case there was only one version, but in the original song I had 6 versions and I liked them all. But none had that very good solo play like only Dave can do. Thank you all and until our next songs! Hans
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Awesome tune Hans. Excellent vocal and lyric. Really cool groove and backtrack. Well done
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Hi Scott, thanks a lot for your nice comment!
Hans
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Hans
This is another excellent song you have posted! Your songs sound like they should have been hits from the 70's Pop/Rock greats! I keep coming back to Al Stewart when I hear you and that's a great thing! You did excellent work on this! Dave gave a great effort here with the guitar also and always take heed to what Marty advises because it's going to be good advice!
Thanks, TB
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Hi Torrey,
What a surprise; an afterburner from Torrey and what kind! Thanks for that, man.
Yes, I remember you compared my vocals with Al S. Janice and Bud with John L. And I? I think the voice is getting older and that worries me. But... I'm getting older too.
I listened to Al S. after the first time you told me this. I wouldn't have said the same thing as you, but because you keep repeating it, I'm starting to believe.
And I agree with you about Marty and Dave. Very nice to have them at hand.
Till next time, Hans
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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