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#832727 12/08/24 09:14 PM
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Hi, all:

This is a song that had been lingering for quite a while . . . probably a year or so (if not longer). I always knew I wanted to capture a latin-style, Santana-esque sound, but could never seem to close out the lyrics. Well, recently I got close enough on them and figured why not try to give it the BIAB treatment. Rayc pitched in by providing the bass tracks. There are probably more than a few flaws in the mix, but it's as far as I can take it. I hope you enjoy the listen nonetheless. Advance thanks for the listens and feedback.

Stay safe and well all!

Deej

Here's the Song:

BLACK MAGIC BLUES

Here are the lyrics:

Out from the cold
She pulled me in
Now it’s a battle for my soul
And I can’t win
Leather and lace
Lavender lips
She’s tempting every fate
And I can’t handle it

And I’ve lost all faith
Every chance to choose
She’s got me dancing in one place
In godless shoes

Black Magic Blues
I gotta get over it
She’s got a wicked witchy love
I just can’t quit

She makes mountains move
Makes new truths lie
Undercuts my groove
I’m hypnotized
Is it slight of hand
Misdirected glee
She’s struck my senses blind
With sex and sorcery

And I’ve lost my place
Nowhere else to move
She’s got a mystic grace
I can’t refuse

And there’s no escape
I’m cornered through and through
My very heart’s at stake
And subject to

And here's the band:

Bass: ray cochrane
RealTracks 2634: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountryBluesRock
RealTracks 580: Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Blues Roadhouse
RealTracks 4174: Guitar, Electric, Soloist LatinRock
RealDrums: Blues drums with Latin percussion [Multi]

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Deej and Ray, great job, you guys! Cool, slinky feel and crafty lyrics. Super guitar fills and tone. Love the way the bass anchors the track. Great vocals! The band and mix sound nice to my ears though there's obviously a lot going on in the percussion track. Super tune!


DC Ron
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Deej,

Great song, tracks, bass and an excellent mix. As always, your vocal is the star. No one sings like you!

Loved it!

Bob

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This is genuinely top-notch. Got my attention from the first note. The rhythm is hypnotic, the lyrics excellent, the Santana-like guitar absolutely brilliant. You give it your all with your singing, as usual, and the result is (as usual) superlative.

Ray's bass is unobtrusive, yet spotless, and essential to the magic of the piece.

This is (however) Deej at his finest. THIS is what I'm talking about. When you produce something like this, no-one - and I mean no-one - can get close. I think that may be because we can all tell when you sing something you love, and the energy you put into it ... but, regardless, when it clicks, like it does here: w-o-w. Admiring and applauding, here - not much else to say or do! smile

P.S. listening for the third time ... wow. The full product, 100% ... "wrapping and all", as it were. That is to say: the production is as stellar as the execution and the songwriting itself. You left NOTHING to chance ... bravo.

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Yeah, I love this!

You certainly captured the Black Magic Woman vibe but created something totally unique and original.

Excellent Deej and Ray, enjoyed very much.

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Hi, Deej.

I enjoyed the listen!

No suggestion on improvements of any sort - I can hear the touchstones to "Black Magic Woman" without it being a slavish copy.

From my perspective, it's succeeded at your goal. smile


-- David Cuny

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Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

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Hello Deej,

Love it. I've always been a sucker for Latin Jazz and Latin Rock.

Cool lyric with a hot band.

I think you captured the Sanatana aura perfectly without infringing on his style - rather, you complimented the feel and sound.

As always, your vocal shines. And Ray's bass is perfect - can't go wrong when working with Ray

Alan


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Deej,

A very solid write. Excellent vocal.
Killer tracks.
Ray's bass - another solid.

Great sound.
Good mix.

very cool music.

fj

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I love it!
What a professional sound. I love the percussion, it's a great counterbalance to the rhythm of the drums. Your voice is also brilliant, as is the rest of the mix. Great job!

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This is a really good song that says Santana all over the place without being a simple rip-off.
Great vocals, great bass, great vibe.
Love it.

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Deej,

You've captured the Latin rock, Santana vibe really well.
The lyrics fit the music perfectly.
Even the title is Santana.
Great vocals as always.
Rayc's bass is great too.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

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Nice. I have always like Carlos and how he plays. You grabbed the vibe nicely. This was an enjoyable listen.


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www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

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Personally, having listened to Santana for many years, the bet is successful and we appreciate it. But what do Gregg Rolie or Tom Coster think? They weren't invited.
Laurent
For the cover I have a little idea!

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Yeah, right from that percussive start I was in. Actually when I saw your name I was in, Deej. Dang, then you up the ante with that perfect bass. Excellent, Ray!!! Man, that RT4174 --is that another name for Carlos Santana? So well written, and a terrific collab, guys.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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Hi Deej.

What a stunning creation.
I love what you've done.
The lyrics and melody, and the performance and production are sublime.
Anyone who can rhyme "misdirected glee" with "sex and sorcery" deserves a gold medal in my book!
I really admire the thinking that led to such creative inventiveness.
I cannot hear any of those potential flaws you mentioned.
To my ears, this is superb music crafted and presented by a very skilled songwriter.

--Noel


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As others have stated, you truly succeeded in your goal of creating a Santana-like song and instrumentation. I'm envious as I've tried to find a Santana-like guitar solo style, at least one of my instrumentals really needing it, so I assume the RT 4174 is on the 2024 BiaB, which although I have I've not previously been able to find. Suffice to say you did a really brilliant job on this song.


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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DC Ron, Bob, James, Dave, Dave C, Alan, Floyd, Routou, B.D., Shigeki, Herb, Laurent, Marty, Noel and WaoBand:

Thank you all for the listens and kind feedback. I was much worried about the overall production and feel, but I’m so pleased it has gone over well. I”m glad you all seemed to enjoy it. My very best to all of you. Happy Holidays!!

Deej

Last edited by Deej56; 12/13/24 12:31 AM.
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Great write, production and performance. I enjoyed it from start to finish. You captured the Latin feel perfectly.

Charlie


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The song of the temptress! And a great one at that. Excellent vocal that is so impassioned. I really like the lyrics. The bass line is a driving force behind all the energy on this track.

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Charlie and Ezekiel:

Thanks so, so much for giving this one a spin and taking the time to comment. Wasn’t sure how this one would go over, but am thrilled you both seemed to enjoy it.

Stay safe and well,

Deej

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