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So I decided to try and do an acoustic version of Rivers Of A Strange Land , too. The drums have gone, altogether, and there are only two guitars and a bass, to accompany Eleanor Forte (of Synth V)'s solo vocal. I've also done a video for the song ... see what you think? Thanks for your patience with me, with this song. All feedback is very welcome, so that I may learn and be able to improve - thanks for listening. I've mixed all this in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10, and added the "Folk 2" preset in mastering it. THE LYRICS (once more) By the rivers of a strange land They have asked me to sit down, By these rivers, I softly cried When I remembered my home town. Used to have a little fountain, By whose side we'd gently play, Used to have a little window, By whose sill we'd talk and stay. Then I slowly made my way here, And was asked to write a song ... How shall I now write and sing, Since all I know has gone wrong? Then they asked me: "Praise His Name!" And they pushed me on my knees ... How shall I open my lips When, on them, my tears just freeze? By the rivers of a strange land They have asked me to sit down, By these rivers, I softly cried When I remembered you, my love. THE BAND: ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Rivers of a Strange Land - 15 May 2024 File:Rivers of a Strange Land - 17 May 2024.SGU Key=E , Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=3:15 No intro. 53 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 53. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Song is saved with bar changes for Key Signature, Style is _RED.STY (Red Folk Americana Ballad) RealTracks in style: 2877:Bass, Acoustic, AmericanaSlow16thsByron Ev16 060 RealTracks in style: 3910:Guitar, Nylon, Fingerpicking SongwriterSlow16DADGAD Ev16 060 RealTracks in style: 2552:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Songwriter16ths Ev16 075 RealDrums in style:NashvilleRadioPowerBallad16^10-a,b:Tom Groove
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James,
THIS is the version! Love the acoustic treatment. You have created a very beautiful piece here.
EXCELLENT!
Bob
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Hi James,
I listened to the electric version first and then this one, and I agree with Bob, the acoustic version matches the mood of the song and the vocalist much better.
I can hear a few spots where the vocal articulation is a bit off, but overall it sounds good. Good write!
Nicely done!
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Oh, yeah, James. This one! I'm happy to Subscribe to your YT channel because I get these notifications. Good choice removing the drums, too. I didn't see any mention of the flute part, but, man, it sounds so good --coming from a strange land. The electric version was cool, but this one matches the song so well.
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We agree with the above comments that the acoustic version fits the lyric, vocal and overall feel best.
This version allows one to focus more on the video imagery also.
Love those flowing stream images ... they are so supportive of the lyric.
Best to you on the synth vocal journey!
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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James,
Well, I’m guess I am going to be in the very small minority because I vastly prefer the first version. But that just underscores what we all know. Music is subjective. For me, in the first version, the strumming guitar and drums keep the song moving forward and provides a rich contrast to the lead vocal. So while I think this more acoustic version is great, it’s less compelling for me personally.
But you are the artist—trust your ears and instincts beyond any one else’s
The video is well done as well.
Deej
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No preference here, the song is beautiful either way. Really nice mix, and the BiaB guitars sound nice together, as they should. Eleanor has a lovely voice, but a few of the pronunciations were off, and she seemed to be past the top of her range on one line. No idea how you guys work the synth vocal magic, but it's amazing.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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James, this one is the best IMHO.
I think it emphasizes the vocal and the mood set by the lyrics.
Nice flute lead.
Consider this one finished.
Checkout person "Did you find everything OK"?
Me "Why do you ask? Are you guys hiding stuff"?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Hi, James.
I'll vote for this version - I just finished listening to the other, and this is a bit more "downbeat", which I think matches the subject a bit better.
-- 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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Really pretty song!!! The synth vocal is brilliant.......I remained stunned by how human this sounds!! Take care. Greg
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Thanks, Bob. Appreciated!
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Thanks, Dave. Yes, the word "fountain", for example, is mis-pronounced. Will have to fix that, when I get the chance - but thank you again for listening 
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I forgot to mention the flute, Marty. Oops I'm so glad you're listening, and subscribing to my YT channel, also. I mainly put videos up there for my Mum to hear ... she prefers YT links to any other kind of music link, so ... Thanks for every listen and comment!
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Lovely gentle song, What was the instrument you used for the solo?
Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
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Janice, Bud: thank you. So very nice and kind of you, as always. I'd love to sing more, myself, on my songs ... but there's also no denying that the synths do a splendid, professional job. Let's see which way I go Thanks again for listening!
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Deej: my Mum, my harshest and kindest critic, both in one, agrees with you completely in thinking that the other version is the better one I think that both versions have their own qualities and faults. I honestly like them both! I love the driving rhythm in the first one, but (as someone said to me) it can sound a little like riding cowboys, haha. On the other hand, as my Mum pointed out, this acoustic version can sound a little "drained of energy". Argh I'll let them both out in the public eye (and ear), and see what happens Thank you so much for listening and for taking time to comment!
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Ron, thanks so much for listening and for your kind comments. Yes, a couple of the pronunciations were indeed off ("fountain", for one), and yes, in the C major section, I sent her up to a top F, which is at the limit of what she can do ... I initially wanted her to go to a top A, lol. "She" was otherwise absolutely excellent, for me, in this one, I thought ... so I'll let her off I didn't actually do much ... just set her on the "Tender" voice preset, and let her do her magic Thanks again for taking the time!
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Thanks, Mario. Really appreciate your kind and thoughtful comments. I agree - this song does not need further work, now (apart from correcting the soloist's pronunciation on a note or two?). Thanks for listening!
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