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Posted By: Greg Johnson New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/01/16 10:48 PM
Hello friends. The title says it all. More of a mood or vibe than a song per se. One day, late Friday afternoon, probably 6 weeks ago, I was pining for my love of Summer (my Summer mood). Summers used to be magical for me. However, now I live in a hot summer climate. Days are long, hot, and dry. They all run together, making me long for fall, my current favorite time of year. However, the emotion of the summer mood still lives within me. I feel like I captured it for myself in this song. This is kind of a Michael Franks vibe. I'm a big fan, and particularly loved his music when I loved summer. Hope you enjoy it for what it is. Comments always encouraged. Take care. Greg


https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/summermood

SUMMER MOOD

It’s hard to believe
That something so simple
Could be something so good

A little brush on my sleeve
One sly little wink
It’s all understood

She puts me in a summer mood
It’s a little shift in the attitude
Pushes my worries a million miles away
A ride through the jungle on a midnight train
The soft caress of a gentle rain
And I know she is where I need to stay

Now some men may need
To master philosophy like Descartes
But I must concede
I need not look deeper than my own heart
Cause that’s where it starts

She puts me….

It’s not quintessential love
It’s more existential love
I feel the potential of
The magic in each new day

She puts me…
Posted By: gibson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 03:49 AM
Greg,
beautiful.
Reminds me of summer anywhere else but here at the moment as it hasn't stopped raining for 2 days.
I like your "breathless" vocals and they make this wonderful verse so incredible.
Quote:
It’s not quintessential love
It’s more existential love
I feel the potential of
The magic in each new day


Bit of an abrupt ending sadly, I think it needs a slow fade on the last aah
But I do like the handling noises at the beginning, they lead perfectly to the cowbell and the lovely song.

It needed a few listens as I stared out the window at the rain hammering down.

great stuff

Alyn
Posted By: PeterF Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 07:00 AM
Greg,
Very, very nice - great vocal and loved the backing vocals. Great choice of instruments & I picked up the Michael Franks vibe.
Just superb. Going back for more.

Loved the album Sleeping Gypsy - saw Michael Franks when he came to Australia - The album Michael Franks with Crossfire Live, was recorded at the 1980 concert in Sydney.
Posted By: 90 dB Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 09:08 AM
"Descartes"??????????


Man, I love this. The vibe. The flute. The shaker. The literacy.

Goes very well with a piña colada under the palm trees. cool


Regards,

Bob
Posted By: PaddyG Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 09:50 AM




Greg,

Every comment on this song prior to mine, has left me staring at my keyboard literally blank they have said it all.. Please accept my admiration for it with this,,, Mmmmm ‘FABULOUSE’

Paddy G
Posted By: Pat Marr Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 11:35 AM
Hi Greg,

good to hear a new tune from you!
I liked a lot about this song... some interesting rhymes (I especially liked "descartes" + "heart"

If your goal was to create a mood, you hit a home run! Very relaxing. The flute, background vocals and general instrumentation of the song really evoke nostalgic memories from Bacharach songs from the 60s and 70s.

I agree with Alyn the ending seemed a bit abrupt. You can't end a mellow mood suddenly. You have to "ease out"

VERY easy song to listen to! Addicting, even!
Posted By: floyd jane Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 06:09 PM
Everything about this is magic. Just what music ought to be. It carries you away...

"It’s not quintessential love
It’s more existential love
I feel the potential of
The magic in each new day"

Magic.

"She puts me in a summer mood
It’s a little shift in the attitude"

Magic.

Beautifully produced. The right touches of the right instruments. Cool backing vocals. What a vocal!

One of your best, in all regards (among so many top tunes). A true joy to listen to.

floyd
Posted By: MarioD Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 08:56 PM
Greg, this is your best to date. Super smooth vibe, great singing and outstanding lyrics did put me in a summer mood. Your instrumentation and mix are spot on.

This is a keeper.
Posted By: RnAM Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/02/16 09:21 PM
Greg,

This definitely captures that summer feeling!
A nice and very well balanced piece of music.
Well up to your professional high standard!

Rob & Anne-Marie
Posted By: Robertkc Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/03/16 12:03 AM
Greg,
I have to agree " smooth" sums it up - I especially enjoy the vibes and those restrained harmony voices. Excellent production to achieve your sound.

Robert
Posted By: dani48 Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/03/16 04:45 AM
Hi, Greg !:))


This is a wonderful tune
so very beautifully sung
and produced ! One of your
absolute best Greg !

Gets one in summer mood
for sure !:))

Cheers
Dani
Posted By: tommyad Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/03/16 09:39 AM
Greg, There is a lot to love here. A beautifully crafted write, production and performance. The vibe is captured very well and resonates throughout the entire listen. Extremely well done! Tom
Posted By: boehm Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/03/16 11:44 AM
Hi Greg,

beautiful lyrics, arrangement, vocals and
background vocals. Overall beautiful.

Guenter
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/04/16 05:30 PM
Originally Posted By: gibson
Greg,
beautiful.
Reminds me of summer anywhere else but here at the moment as it hasn't stopped raining for 2 days.
I like your "breathless" vocals and they make this wonderful verse so incredible.
Quote:
It’s not quintessential love
It’s more existential love
I feel the potential of
The magic in each new day


Bit of an abrupt ending sadly, I think it needs a slow fade on the last aah
But I do like the handling noises at the beginning, they lead perfectly to the cowbell and the lovely song.

It needed a few listens as I stared out the window at the rain hammering down.

great stuff

Alyn



Thanks so much Alyn, and again WELCOME BACK!! Great to see you here. Sounds like it's been gloomy on your side of the pond. Some gloominess would be welcome here just about now. You're right on the end-gotta fix that! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/04/16 05:32 PM
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Greg,
Very, very nice - great vocal and loved the backing vocals. Great choice of instruments & I picked up the Michael Franks vibe.
Just superb. Going back for more.

Loved the album Sleeping Gypsy - saw Michael Franks when he came to Australia - The album Michael Franks with Crossfire Live, was recorded at the 1980 concert in Sydney.


Thanks Peter! Yeah, I've always loved Michael Franks. Got turned on to Blue Pacific (great album) and went on to become a huge fan. I'll have to check out the Crossfire thing. Take care. Greg
Posted By: Sundance Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/04/16 11:49 PM
Greg,

You ol' romantic - you have outdone yourself again. And this time you have absolutely stolen my female heart with Summer Mood. I love it love it love it! EVERYTHING about it. It's soooo romantic - such wonderful vivid and thoughtful lyrics, beautiful melody/arrangement, close intimate vocal and those sweet harmonies.

Guess it's fairly obvious this is my new fav. grin

Well done.
Posted By: jannesan Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/05/16 03:13 PM
Bossa feel really fills the song with summer mood smile Nice chording, flute and on the top your beautiful soft voice give the right melancholy magic for these rainy days here smile

Janne
Posted By: rsdean Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/05/16 07:51 PM
Greg,

For me, this is one of your best. The vocal and arrangement is outstanding - loved it!

Bob
Posted By: Scott C Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/09/16 04:55 PM
Beautiful tune Greg. Loved the vocal and lyric
Posted By: 44kfl Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/10/16 12:56 PM
Very nicely done, great song.
Posted By: ROG Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/10/16 04:05 PM
Hi Greg.

So, SO relaxing.

A perfect groove going on and an absolutely wonderful vocal style to complement it.

Definitely need a summer sunset and a cold beer for the perfect listening experience. Unfortunately, as Alyn said, we're in England. (Actually he's in Wales which is even wetter than where I am!)

Cheers, ROG.
Posted By: JoanneCooper Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/10/16 05:07 PM
Hi Greg. Love this. Definitely captured the Michael Franks feel. I am also a big fan. Love the flute and also the harmonies. A lovely relaxing listen.
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/10/16 06:49 PM
Originally Posted By: 90 dB
"Descartes"??????????


Man, I love this. The vibe. The flute. The shaker. The literacy.

Goes very well with a piña colada under the palm trees. cool


Regards,

Bob


Thanks so much for the very kind review Bob! For me, all music goes well with a Pina Colada, or a Margarita for that matter. Loving what you've been doing lately-spectacular!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/10/16 06:51 PM
Originally Posted By: PaddyG




Greg,

Every comment on this song prior to mine, has left me staring at my keyboard literally blank they have said it all.. Please accept my admiration for it with this,,, Mmmmm ‘FABULOUSE’

Paddy G


Thanks so much Paddy. Couldn't ask for a nicer review! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/10/16 06:55 PM
Originally Posted By: Pat Marr
Hi Greg,

good to hear a new tune from you!
I liked a lot about this song... some interesting rhymes (I especially liked "descartes" + "heart"

If your goal was to create a mood, you hit a home run! Very relaxing. The flute, background vocals and general instrumentation of the song really evoke nostalgic memories from Bacharach songs from the 60s and 70s.

I agree with Alyn the ending seemed a bit abrupt. You can't end a mellow mood suddenly. You have to "ease out"

VERY easy song to listen to! Addicting, even!


Thanks Pat. This song just started with the lyric and music to "she puts me in a Summer mood" on a Friday afternoon at work (creating while getting paid, since I can't get paid to create). It sort of took on a life of its own from there with a few minutes with BIAB (I love this program!). You're right about the ending-gotta fix that. The BGs are definitely from the 60's (Bacharach, 5th dimension, or something). I tried to harmonize with the melody in a standard way but it didn't work to well so I just played with it. Thanks for the careful listen and kind comments! Take care. Greg
Posted By: David Snyder Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/10/16 07:41 PM
Greg,

This is a really enchanting. I love everything about it. Great lyrics too.

I know you are being Brian Wilson-ish with this (which is awesome) but there is microphone noise at the beginning, is that a special effect, or something that needs to be muted. Either way it is fine, I just couldn't make out what it was.

Love the song though man. Great job!!
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/11/16 07:01 AM
Good song! Love the laid back vibe. Nice vocals and good lyrics. Love the percussion! I agree with the other comments about the ending, but that is an easy fix. Over all a great listen, enjoyed!
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/17/16 09:37 AM
"Now some men may need
To master philosophy like Descartes
But I must concede
I need not look deeper than my own heart
Cause that’s where it starts"

Amazing writing. Literate yet so easy to relate to.

We are having a brutally hot and dry summer and begging for fall so we fell right in the pocket with this tune. The vocal and the flute are perfect for the feel. Janice commented that your vocal reminded her of Timothy Schmidt.

And it is beautifully produced.

We very much enjoyed it!

J&B
Posted By: AudioTrack Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/17/16 11:06 AM
Greg, sensational lyrics, all delivered through a great quality melody, and perfect style.

As usual, your music stands out. This song is no exception.

The choice of a gentle Latin accompaniment has been the perfect mechanism to project this song.

The ending works just so really nicely.

And yes, Michael would be very pleased.

Thanks for another winner

Trevor
Posted By: Noel96 Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/17/16 05:06 PM
Hi Greg,

What a beautiful introduction. It sets the mood perfectly. Then, when your soft and gentle vocals arrive in the mix, the feeling is one of "music doesn't get better than this!" The flute acts as a wonderful counterpoint to your outstanding vocals

Your melody is fantastic. There's no denying that you are one of the best melodists on this forum. I love that flattened 7th note that supports "Million" - at least my ears hear it as a flattened 7th in the given musical context.

I really admire your ability to find such imaginative and fresh rhymes; it's incredible. My favourite lines are...
Quote:
It’s not quintessential love
It’s more existential love
I feel the potential of
The magic in each new day

... the asymmetry of the AAAX rhyme was perfect for the bridge. Interestingly, because of the "away / train / rain / stay" rhyme sequence, I heard the "day" at the end of the bridge link back to "stay". That's very clever writing and something that I've now added to my lyric writing tool box!

Anyone who wants a lesson in how to write a first class song need look no further than what you've created here. You're a very, very talented composer and performer.

Regards,
Noel
Posted By: animarorecords Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/18/16 02:43 AM
Hello, Greg

Your soft and attractive vocal is very pleasant. I am also a fan of Michael Franks.
Obbligato by flute is very effective and the chord progression of rhythm guitar is very relaxing.
Full of summer mood.
Just like having a comfortable doze in the lazy afternoon.
Very very enjoyable listen.

Best Regards.

Shigeki Adachi
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:10 PM
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Everything about this is magic. Just what music ought to be. It carries you away...

"It’s not quintessential love
It’s more existential love
I feel the potential of
The magic in each new day"

Magic.

"She puts me in a summer mood
It’s a little shift in the attitude"

Magic.

Beautifully produced. The right touches of the right instruments. Cool backing vocals. What a vocal!

One of your best, in all regards (among so many top tunes). A true joy to listen to.

floyd


Thanks again Floyd for an incredibly kind review. You have no idea how good it makes me feel! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:11 PM
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Greg, this is your best to date. Super smooth vibe, great singing and outstanding lyrics did put me in a summer mood. Your instrumentation and mix are spot on.

This is a keeper.


Thanks so much Mario! I love seeing you back around quite a bit these days. Love your instrumental works! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:12 PM
Originally Posted By: RnAM
Greg,

This definitely captures that summer feeling!
A nice and very well balanced piece of music.
Well up to your professional high standard!

Rob & Anne-Marie


Thanks guys. A nice compliment from you is very meaningful as your production is as good as anyone's on the forum. Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:13 PM
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Greg,
I have to agree " smooth" sums it up - I especially enjoy the vibes and those restrained harmony voices. Excellent production to achieve your sound.

Robert



Robert, thanks for taking the time to listen and comment. Very much appreciated!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:14 PM
Originally Posted By: dani48
Hi, Greg !:))


This is a wonderful tune
so very beautifully sung
and produced ! One of your
absolute best Greg !

Gets one in summer mood
for sure !:))

Cheers
Dani


Thanks Dani! I've been digging your Beach Boys vibe these days. Awesome stuff!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:15 PM
Originally Posted By: tommyad
Greg, There is a lot to love here. A beautifully crafted write, production and performance. The vibe is captured very well and resonates throughout the entire listen. Extremely well done! Tom


Thanks so much for the nice comments Tom. You know I'm a big fan of yours! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:16 PM
Originally Posted By: boehm
Hi Greg,

beautiful lyrics, arrangement, vocals and
background vocals. Overall beautiful.

Guenter


Thanks so much Guenter! Enjoy your break but don't be gone too long! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/23/16 05:17 PM
Originally Posted By: Sundance
Greg,

You ol' romantic - you have outdone yourself again. And this time you have absolutely stolen my female heart with Summer Mood. I love it love it love it! EVERYTHING about it. It's soooo romantic - such wonderful vivid and thoughtful lyrics, beautiful melody/arrangement, close intimate vocal and those sweet harmonies.

Guess it's fairly obvious this is my new fav. grin

Well done.


Thanks so much Sundance. You made my day!!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/24/16 05:29 PM
Originally Posted By: jannesan
Bossa feel really fills the song with summer mood smile Nice chording, flute and on the top your beautiful soft voice give the right melancholy magic for these rainy days here smile

Janne


Thanks Janne. I really appreciate your very kind words. Thanks for listening and commenting! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/24/16 05:30 PM
Originally Posted By: rsdean
Greg,

For me, this is one of your best. The vocal and arrangement is outstanding - loved it!

Bob


Thanks so much Bob! You've been on a great roll lately-always love to hear your stuff! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/26/16 07:34 PM
Originally Posted By: Scottt709
Beautiful tune Greg. Loved the vocal and lyric


Thanks so much Scott! You always have such kind comments and have been great support for me. Much appreciated! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/26/16 07:35 PM
Originally Posted By: 44kfl
Very nicely done, great song.


Thanks Kenny! I just ran across one of yours I somehow missed-MORNING SKY! My mind is shot at this point but I don't think I heard it. Really WONDERFUL!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/29/16 06:33 PM
Originally Posted By: ROG
Hi Greg.

So, SO relaxing.

A perfect groove going on and an absolutely wonderful vocal style to complement it.

Definitely need a summer sunset and a cold beer for the perfect listening experience. Unfortunately, as Alyn said, we're in England. (Actually he's in Wales which is even wetter than where I am!)

Cheers, ROG.


Thanks so much ROG! Hopefully you guys have had some relief in the weather. And, a cold beer always helps the listening experience! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/29/16 06:34 PM
Originally Posted By: JosieC
Hi Greg. Love this. Definitely captured the Michael Franks feel. I am also a big fan. Love the flute and also the harmonies. A lovely relaxing listen.


Thanks Joanne! I've always been a huge Michael Franks fan. The hook just sounded like him, so I followed with the line and sinker! Thanks for listening and commenting! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/30/16 05:25 PM
Originally Posted By: David Snyder
Greg,

This is a really enchanting. I love everything about it. Great lyrics too.

I know you are being Brian Wilson-ish with this (which is awesome) but there is microphone noise at the beginning, is that a special effect, or something that needs to be muted. Either way it is fine, I just couldn't make out what it was.

Love the song though man. Great job!!


Thanks David, for the kind words. They mean a lot to me! I've really been digging what you're doing lately-you seem truly inspired! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Steve Young Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/31/16 02:54 PM
Very nice! Great arrangement, and your vocals really shine on this one! I almost missed hearing this, due to my hectic schedule. I'm sure glad I got to hear it!

Steve
Posted By: Alyssa - PG Music Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 08/31/16 04:24 PM
Such a soothing vocal Greg. Absolutely lifted the mood of this gloomy Victoria day!
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 09/02/16 09:48 PM
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Good song! Love the laid back vibe. Nice vocals and good lyrics. Love the percussion! I agree with the other comments about the ending, but that is an easy fix. Over all a great listen, enjoyed!


Thanks Dave for listening, and for the kind words! I'll have to fix that ending. Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 09/02/16 09:50 PM
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
"Now some men may need
To master philosophy like Descartes
But I must concede
I need not look deeper than my own heart
Cause that’s where it starts"

Amazing writing. Literate yet so easy to relate to.

We are having a brutally hot and dry summer and begging for fall so we fell right in the pocket with this tune. The vocal and the flute are perfect for the feel. Janice commented that your vocal reminded her of Timothy Schmidt.

And it is beautifully produced.

We very much enjoyed it!

Thanks for the nice words and your wonderful consistent support. Weather is cooling a bit now over here- I love Fall!! Thanks again. Take care. Greg

J&B
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 09/02/16 09:51 PM
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Greg, sensational lyrics, all delivered through a great quality melody, and perfect style.

As usual, your music stands out. This song is no exception.

The choice of a gentle Latin accompaniment has been the perfect mechanism to project this song.

The ending works just so really nicely.

And yes, Michael would be very pleased.

Thanks for another winner

Trevor

Thanks Trev. Always love hearing from you! You should be about due for a new one. Looking forward to it! Take care. Greg


Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 09/04/16 06:21 PM
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi Greg,

What a beautiful introduction. It sets the mood perfectly. Then, when your soft and gentle vocals arrive in the mix, the feeling is one of "music doesn't get better than this!" The flute acts as a wonderful counterpoint to your outstanding vocals

Your melody is fantastic. There's no denying that you are one of the best melodists on this forum. I love that flattened 7th note that supports "Million" - at least my ears hear it as a flattened 7th in the given musical context.

I really admire your ability to find such imaginative and fresh rhymes; it's incredible. My favourite lines are...
Quote:
It’s not quintessential love
It’s more existential love
I feel the potential of
The magic in each new day

... the asymmetry of the AAAX rhyme was perfect for the bridge. Interestingly, because of the "away / train / rain / stay" rhyme sequence, I heard the "day" at the end of the bridge link back to "stay". That's very clever writing and something that I've now added to my lyric writing tool box!

Anyone who wants a lesson in how to write a first class song need look no further than what you've created here. You're a very, very talented composer and performer.

Regards,
Noel


Noel, you are always way beyond kind with your comments. I so much appreciate how deeply you get into listening and thinking about songs. Your comments are so valuable to me! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 09/04/16 06:22 PM
Originally Posted By: animarorecords
Hello, Greg

Your soft and attractive vocal is very pleasant. I am also a fan of Michael Franks.
Obbligato by flute is very effective and the chord progression of rhythm guitar is very relaxing.
Full of summer mood.
Just like having a comfortable doze in the lazy afternoon.
Very very enjoyable listen.

Best Regards.

Shigeki Adachi


Thanks Shigeki! Yeah, Michael Franks did some wonderful stuff! I think he will always be a big part of my musical influence. You're doing some wonderful stuff these days!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: New Song Post: SUMMER MOOD - 09/06/16 05:26 PM
Originally Posted By: Steve Young
Very nice! Great arrangement, and your vocals really shine on this one! I almost missed hearing this, due to my hectic schedule. I'm sure glad I got to hear it!

Steve


Steve, thanks so much for the kind words! Your new CD is great!! Take care. Greg
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