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Posted By: BlueAttitude The Measure of a Man - 09/06/23 02:40 PM
The Measure of a Man (YouTube Video)

The Measure of a Man (audio link)

The Band:

4305:Organ, Rhythm SoulfulRock Ev 095
3164:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm BluesyPopSteady8thsCleanBrent Ev 100
2905:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm BrightBluesyPopColin Ev 100

Marty Straub (BabuMusic) is on Bass Guitar.

Christiane (Chris) Spruit is doing the lead vocal

I used EZDrummer3 for the drums and percussion, added a couple of additional guitar parts, and did some (subtle wink ) BGV's

Mixed in Reaper, mastered with Ozone 10.

The Measure of a Man (2023, Dave Bell)

Don't judge a man until you've walked in his shoes
You don't know the struggles that he's been through
Every step that he takes, a story left untold
We're all just travelers, on this winding road

The good book to said to take the log from your eye
before you judge others, best to look inside
The road twists and turns, we do the best that we can
how we deal with others is the measure of a man

(Chorus)
The measure of a man is not about wealth
It's not about the many times he's won
The measure of a man is in the lives that he's touched
and all the good that he's done

Don't judge a man until you've walked in his shoes,
For every soul's journey is a tale we can't lose,
Choose love and understanding as our plan
how we deal with others is the measure of a man


All comments welcome!
Posted By: B.D.Thomas Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/06/23 03:24 PM
Great song, great lyrics, great everything [1].
I love what you guys are doing. Very atmospheric!


[1] In some places Chris could be a dB or three louder, but that's just a personal preference.
The mix itself is great!
Posted By: rsdean Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/06/23 04:40 PM
Dave, Chris & Marty,

Another song that sounds like it should be a radio hit! Excellent vocal by Chris and superb production throughout. Love Marty's bass lines...

Loved everything about this.

Bob
Posted By: MarioD Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/06/23 08:20 PM
Marty, Christiane, and Dave,

IMHO this is your best to date.

Outstanding lyrics, vocals, bass, and guitar all mixed to perfection.
Posted By: dcuny Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/06/23 10:36 PM
Nice sound - punchy drums, clear vocals, lead guitars that sit just right.

Nice work, all.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/07/23 07:01 AM
Originally Posted By: B.D.Thomas
Great song, great lyrics, great everything [1].
I love what you guys are doing. Very atmospheric!


[1] In some places Chris could be a dB or three louder, but that's just a personal preference.
The mix itself is great!


Yeah, you could be right. If I decide to release this song on Spotify I'll revisit the vocal mix, although these days Spotify doesn't interest me that much.

Thanks for the support, B.D., and thanks for checking out Train, Train over on YouTube also, very much appreciated! wink
Posted By: rayc Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/07/23 07:48 AM
Listening rather than watching as Utub has been playing unlovable...
Nope not listening either - seems the internet broadband/NBN is playing narrowband/NoBN.
I'll try in the morning - sorry.
Posted By: firesong Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/07/23 01:13 PM
That was outstanding! you're the best band on the forum...Chris absolutely knows how to deliver a song...her voice is exquisite! Dave, you are always so spot on with a flawless delivery and perfect tone (the BGV's were very cool) and Marty is seamless and smooth as he carries the bass line...I love it when truth is set to music and you guys nailed it here (great write Dave!)...super video (as usual)...this was a pleasure to listen to in every respect!
Posted By: rayc Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/08/23 03:58 AM
I'm back and glad of it.
GREAT sound and a very cool tune.
You're a fab trio.
The only thing that struck me as worth mentioning is that Christine's vocal seems a little hot - there's some plosive/clipping/reverb jumping in the 1st couple of sung lines.
Excellent narrative.
Posted By: vicarn Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/08/23 09:04 AM
Well written and sounds good all through to me, Dave.

Vic
Posted By: BabuMusic Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/08/23 09:13 AM
Dave, I'm not gonna talk to you here --you already know how much I love love love this. Excellent lyrics and theme. I won't even mention how incredible Chris's vocals are and how cool it is when you come in with "the measure of a man."

I'd rather address anyone else who gets here. Man, this is a cool ride watching these 2 songwriters create. I've written many song with many writers, but nothing ever gelled as well as this duo. Just listening to the back-in-forth communications is a lesson in how it should be done. Maybe I should start writing it down; it'd make a great educational book.
Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/08/23 08:29 PM
Great stuff. Sounds professional in all aspects. Chris' vocal is expressive and pleasing. And the guitar is classic Dave. Done good song too.
Posted By: jannesan Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/10/23 02:49 PM
Blues full of soul. Very professional sounding song on every measure. The message is very strong and touching, every line is full of meaning.

Really like the mixing of drums. The BIAB instruments create a pleasant mood. Marty's bass sounds better than ever. Dave's guitar playing just keeps amazing me, why is this guy not better known around the world? Chris sings straight from her heart.

Janne
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/11/23 06:49 AM
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Dave, Chris & Marty,

Another song that sounds like it should be a radio hit! Excellent vocal by Chris and superb production throughout. Love Marty's bass lines...

Loved everything about this.

Bob


Appreciate that, Bob!

Originally Posted By: MarioD
Marty, Christiane, and Dave,

IMHO this is your best to date.

Outstanding lyrics, vocals, bass, and guitar all mixed to perfection.



Happy you like it, thanks, Mario!
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/11/23 11:03 AM
BA,

A nice Rock write.

Chris' vocals are SO nice.
That Bass!
The Guitars are so good, I almost forgot to "listen" to them. That means - they are perfect. Love the outro.
Drums are crisp and clear (I thought they could use more reverb).
You "do organ" so well.
I thought the chorus needed "chick singers" doing funky stuff.

Good Listening.

Y'all are putting out Great music.

fj
Posted By: Rustyspoon# Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/12/23 11:20 AM
Dave and Blue Attitude team.
Another neat tune. Solid theme, touching several important social issues. Ace vocals from Chris. Marty's bass sits so perfectly in the mix (I always have trouble with mixing bass). Nice rounded guitar parts by Dave. Mix is super clean. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.

P.S. This reminded me of some tunes by Tanita Tikaram from early albums.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/14/23 07:55 AM
Originally Posted By: dcuny
Nice sound - punchy drums, clear vocals, lead guitars that sit just right.

Nice work, all.


Thanks, David!

Originally Posted By: firesong
That was outstanding! you're the best band on the forum...Chris absolutely knows how to deliver a song...her voice is exquisite! Dave, you are always so spot on with a flawless delivery and perfect tone (the BGV's were very cool) and Marty is seamless and smooth as he carries the bass line...I love it when truth is set to music and you guys nailed it here (great write Dave!)...super video (as usual)...this was a pleasure to listen to in every respect!


Really appreciate that, Dan, and thanks for checking out the video too!
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/15/23 11:46 AM
“The measure of a man is in the lives that he's touched and all the good that he's done”

Amen!

That’s such a true lyric, Dave. Maybe we should beam your song into the offices of all the politicians these days.

Chris sounds great, as she always does, and the little bits of hers and your harmony add just the right touches.
Your guitar soars well on this and Marty’s bass is the perfect glue.

The video scenes are quite effective and a good reminder of the needs of so many.

Enjoyed it!

J&B
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/16/23 08:05 AM
Originally Posted By: rayc
I'm back and glad of it.
GREAT sound and a very cool tune.
You're a fab trio.
The only thing that struck me as worth mentioning is that Christine's vocal seems a little hot - there's some plosive/clipping/reverb jumping in the 1st couple of sung lines.
Excellent narrative.


Not hearing any distortion here, Ray, and I went back and checked to make sure none of the plugins I used on her vocal were clipping also. I know you have better ears than I do, but I can't fix what I can't hear/see.

Happy you liked the song!

Originally Posted By: vicarn
Well written and sounds good all through to me, Dave.

Vic


Thanks, Vic!
Posted By: PeterF Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/17/23 08:23 AM
Loved it everyone is at the top of their game.

Great vocals, bass and sizzling guitars.

Peter
Posted By: Birchwood Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/18/23 03:50 PM
Hi Dave, Chris and Marty,

You were on my mind in my dark last months and when listening to your song I know why.
I missed this kind of music, vocals and instruments like the lead guitar and the bass.
What a nice song it is!

Though I agree with B.D. on the db's of Chris.
But I also know you wouldn't change anything if you are not convinced, Dave.
and... you're the boss ;-)

I enjoyed your song a lot!
Hans
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/19/23 07:20 AM
Originally Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm
Great stuff. Sounds professional in all aspects. Chris' vocal is expressive and pleasing. And the guitar is classic Dave. Done good song too.


Thanks for that, Scott!

Originally Posted By: jannesan
Blues full of soul. Very professional sounding song on every measure. The message is very strong and touching, every line is full of meaning.

Really like the mixing of drums. The BIAB instruments create a pleasant mood. Marty's bass sounds better than ever. Dave's guitar playing just keeps amazing me, why is this guy not better known around the world? Chris sings straight from her heart.

Janne


Possibly the nicest review we have ever received, thanks, Janne!

Originally Posted By: floyd jane
BA,

A nice Rock write.

Chris' vocals are SO nice.
That Bass!
The Guitars are so good, I almost forgot to "listen" to them. That means - they are perfect. Love the outro.
Drums are crisp and clear (I thought they could use more reverb).
You "do organ" so well.
I thought the chorus needed "chick singers" doing funky stuff.

Good Listening.

Y'all are putting out Great music.

fj


Well, when Floyd Jane tells me I need more reverb on the drums I pay attention! wink You are right, normally I do add additional reverb instead of just using the 'verb that comes with EZDrummer3, this time I didn't. I've made a note to check the reverb if I decide to upload DistroKid, although these days I mostly care about YouTube and no way to update the mix there unfortunately.

Thanks for all!
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/22/23 09:44 AM
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Dave and Blue Attitude team.
Another neat tune. Solid theme, touching several important social issues. Ace vocals from Chris. Marty's bass sits so perfectly in the mix (I always have trouble with mixing bass). Nice rounded guitar parts by Dave. Mix is super clean. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.

P.S. This reminded me of some tunes by Tanita Tikaram from early albums.


Hi Misha,

I have never heard of Tanita Tikaram before, don't get out much I guess wink Listening to her now as I type this, she is great! Thanks for turning me on to her, and for the nice comments about our song.

Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
“The measure of a man is in the lives that he's touched and all the good that he's done”

Amen!

That’s such a true lyric, Dave. Maybe we should beam your song into the offices of all the politicians these days.

Chris sounds great, as she always does, and the little bits of hers and your harmony add just the right touches.
Your guitar soars well on this and Marty’s bass is the perfect glue.

The video scenes are quite effective and a good reminder of the needs of so many.

Enjoyed it!

J&B


Thanks you two, and thanks for the comment over on YouTube also smile


Originally Posted By: PeterF
Loved it everyone is at the top of their game.

Great vocals, bass and sizzling guitars.

Peter


Cheers, Peter!
Posted By: Derochette Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/22/23 04:25 PM
Hi BlueAttitude,

Realistic lyrics that invite us not to judge people too quickly based on preconceptions without knowing the difficulties they have encountered in life. The music is superb and fits well with the theme. It’s a gripping song that invites us to think. It's well done and I appreciated it.
Posted By: Scott C Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/24/23 11:04 PM
Just loved the mix on the Dave. Boy the drums and Marty really set the groove for this tune. Chris's vocal is superb. Awesome guitar work as well. Loved the bite in guitar tone.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 09/25/23 11:22 AM
Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Hi Dave, Chris and Marty,

You were on my mind in my dark last months and when listening to your song I know why.
I missed this kind of music, vocals and instruments like the lead guitar and the bass.
What a nice song it is!

Though I agree with B.D. on the db's of Chris.
But I also know you wouldn't change anything if you are not convinced, Dave.
and... you're the boss ;-)

I enjoyed your song a lot!
Hans


Hi, Hans, great to see you back! Happy you liked our song smile

Originally Posted By: Derochette
Hi BlueAttitude,

Realistic lyrics that invite us not to judge people too quickly based on preconceptions without knowing the difficulties they have encountered in life. The music is superb and fits well with the theme. It’s a gripping song that invites us to think. It's well done and I appreciated it.


Thanks for the listen!

Originally Posted By: Scott C
Just loved the mix on the Dave. Boy the drums and Marty really set the groove for this tune. Chris's vocal is superb. Awesome guitar work as well. Loved the bite in guitar tone.


Appreciate that, Scott. Loving what you and Robert have been doing lately!
Posted By: Leon1 Re: The Measure of a Man - 10/05/23 05:11 AM
Excellent song, Dave. Haven't checked in for a while and was delighted to hear a new one from you guys. Always a treat.
Regards,
Leon
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Measure of a Man - 10/06/23 10:41 AM
Originally Posted by Leon1
Excellent song, Dave. Haven't checked in for a while and was delighted to hear a new one from you guys. Always a treat.
Regards,
Leon

Great to see you, Leon, and thanks for checking out the song!
Posted By: David Snyder Re: The Measure of a Man - 10/07/23 03:23 PM
Hey cool!

You folks are a great blues band.

What an excellent emotive production and performance.

Loved everything about it!
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