Mojave Magic


I submitted this for a film opportunity. It was forwarded but I've heard nothing back in quite some time - that usually means "Nice try!" Oh well, I enjoyed putting it together.

There are numerous "neck squeaks" which are, unfortunately, too common in acoustic guitar tracks. I did what I could to reduce them with EQ, but they're still pretty noticeable in places. Hope you enjoy it anyway.

(c) Alan D. David, 2019, BMI


File:Mojave Magic.SGU
Key=Am , Tempo 120, Length (m:s)=3:04

Style is _MAIN_ST.STY (Main St RnB Acoustic Guitar Solo)

RealTracks in style: ~683:Bass, Electric, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 120
RealTracks in style: 2906:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm BluesyPopMike Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 3203:Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist RnBPopBrent Ev 110
RealTracks in style: 1403:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Soul70sWarmHeld Ev16 100
RealTracks in song: 2906:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm BluesyPopMike Ev 100
RealDrums [in style:DrivingPop8ths^01-a:HiHat, Snare, b:Open Hat, Snare

Like the flow, reminds me a little of Govi. Good try and nice instrumental.

Sounds great to me Al very smooth. Hope it gets excepted. Rob

Alan,

This is excellent. I love the way this tune flows...

To me, the neck squeaks add texture - makes it sound "live"

Loved it!

Bob

Alan,

This is a REALLY nice piece. A terrific listen. You are good at pacing an instrumental.

I agree with Bob when he said "To me, the neck squeaks add texture - makes it sound 'live'"...

Excellent mix. Nice arrangement.

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I will mention something that I think can be improved... the drum track includes a ride cymbal playing rapidly/continuously - I would assume during B sections. It draws attention to itself - and, therefore, away from the other instruments - and in particular the melody (which the instrumental is all about). I noticed it in the intro right away. Then it drops out. Then it comes back and gets more and more distracting (to my ear, anyway). Personally ('cause after all that is what it comes down to) I would drop the B drums and make them all A (assuming that is where it happens).

Note: I am listening on a really nice set of speakers connected to my computer - Presonus E3.5 - small near-field monitors - raised 12" off the desktop so they are right at ear level. I decided that since I spent SO much time listening to music on my computer, I should have a quality speaker as opposed to a standard (or even "good" desktop computer speaker.) They are awesome! SO... it might not be an issue for others...I don't know...

That is a lot of "discussion" about a very small "problem" (if you can even call it that). Your stuff is SO good, I think it is worth the mention, though...

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This is great stuff! I really enjoyed it! Keep it up!!!

fj

Beautiful work Alan! I love this kind of stuff! You are an expert at hopping genres at doing it with excellence! Thanks, Torrey

Great work here Alan, best of luck on it, Neck squeeks sound good to me, authentic, The guitar playing is impeccable here!!! Cliff

Hi Donna ...

Thank you for the listen. To say it has even the slightest reference to Govi is a huge compliment, in my book - thank you! Glad you enjoyed the totality of the effort. Wishing you the very best ...

Alan

Thank you Rob ... much appreciated. When something's accepted, I usually hear back in 2 - 4 weeks. This has been quire a bit longer. But I appreciate your thought!!! Thanks again, my friend! Best to you ...

Alan

Hello Bob ...

Why, thank you so much! The neck squeaks don't bother me, either. But I know some folks who will quit listening after two or three of them. I remember reading an article about Chet Atkins several, years prior to his death, in which he said, in so many words, that you could be the most talented guitarist in the world but if your music has neck squeaks, he simply can't/won't listen.

I appreciate the listen and your kind words, Bob. Wishing you everything good ...

Alan

Wow - love the groove, and the guitar playing on this is superb. It flows incredibly well, has some awesome progressions. I can't help but imagine this would sound unreal laced with the right kind of vocals - personally. Though I do love it for what it is here, as presented.

Thanks for sharing

Hi Floyd ...

Since I'm but a mediocre singer, at best, I figured out many years ago that I'd better hone my instrumental skills, creating and performing, if I was to have a future in the music business. I ended up making a very good living as a guitarist for 50+ years. If I'd depended in my vocal abilities to to put food on the table, I'd be really skinny! So, many thousands of hours were devoted to be an instrumentalist.

What I learned through all that was pacing and tasteful melodic choices were the most important elements short of a good mix. Thank you for validating all those hours of effort over the years.

I went back and listened twice before this reply - you are so right about those cymbals on the B parts. I'm slowly
and steadily losing the ability to hear the higher EQ range. I'll be 73 on my next birthday - yikes! So, you are probably correct with your assessment regarding that. As soon as I get a chance, I'll run that track again and keep it in the A mode all the way through. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

Just so you know ... you'll never upset me by offering your observations on issues that could be improved. Rather, I appreciate it very, very much. Thanks!

Wishing you & yours the very best ...

Alan

Thank you so much, Torrey! As far as genre-hopping: Mt tastes in music have always been varied. I grew up on hardcore country and that is what I have played 95% of the to make a very good living. But when I got home, I'd often listen to a Tony Bennett, Lou Rawls, Peggy Lee or Robert Gullet album. I could be real happy listening to The Temptations, Sam Cook or The Beach Boys. I learned early there is very little bad music ... just the occasional poor performance of good music. There's a long story about all that ... too long to tell here. Maybe I'll eventually tell it on one of the other forums.

Anyway, thank you so much for the nice comments!

Alan

PS: On Wednesday of last week, I was only about 20 miles from your hometown as I traveled to West Plains and then Jefferson City.

Deryk, you are much too nice! but don't stop ... I'll figure out a way to deal with it! Thank you very much ... glad you enjoyed it!

Cool song!

I agree with Bob and floyd, love the guitar squeaks and noises

like the upfront drums, good mix

enjoyed the listen,

Kenny

Excellent piece of music...
For me... When a song is good, minor imperfections just add to the character of the work...
And this song is good... extremely good!

That's a wonderful tune Al. The use of the solo guitar is masterful. It's a showcase for the power of RT's. Regarding the squeaks, hey, at least the RT guys are using new strings! I hope it get pick up...it's very cinematic.

Enjoyed the spin!

J&B

PS I'm a year older with way, way shot ears re high f. Regarding the ride cymbal I quit using them several years ago after fj pointed out how busy they are. I went back to my mix at the time, turned the kit way up so I could hear them and immediately agreed how distracting they are -- particularly if you are looking for an open/airy mix.

Great work, I'm so envious. I struggle to play any kind of lead on an acoustic, kills my fingers. This sounds like Mark Knopfler with a SoCal twist to me. I hate when the cymbals go crazy in BIAB, though I didn't notice it here. I learned how to uncheck 'vary style in middle choruses' and that took care of that.

Alan,
Beautiful tune! I actually think guitar "squeaks" add more life and less of sterile feeling to composition.
Totally enjoyed it!

Thank you for posting!

Misha.

Hello Al-David, thanks for sharing this! Excellent mixdown on all of this and very soothing to hear. The neck squeaks actually give it a bit of charm, and a solid guitar tone. Well done!

Alan

A really pretty enjoyable instrumental - and some very nice deserved comments about it.
Enjoyed my play and "the squeaks".

Peter

Very beautiful combination of acoustic guitar soloist and bluesy electric piano. Very interesting chord progression with some deep melancholy in it, which I really like.

Janne

Very nicely composed and mixed. I especially liked the perc. A pleasure to listen to.

Lovely piece Alan. Love your guitar playing. Very cool tone and phrasing. Some neat stuff going on in the background as well. Well done..

Hi Everyone ...

Just a quick but sincere group "Thanks!" to everyone who has commented since my last reply. Time is hard to find for listening and replying at the moment. But, over the next week or so, that should improve. My former wife passed away recently and I've had to devote a lot of time to legal issues ... driving all over the Midwest, plus local stuff.

I'm sad she passed away, even though the marriage ended on a very sour note. I hope her eternity is comforting and rewarding.

Again, thanks to all. Your comments are sincerely appreciated.

Alan

Nice instrumental tune Alan!! Nicely conceived and mixed. Could be a cool song for a film. I almost feel it could be a few BPM slower. Very cool stuff!! Take care. Greg

Alan,

Really nice guitar instrumental tune!
I agree with Janne.
Very beautiful combination of acoustic guitar soloist and bluesy electric piano.
And it's an interesting chord progression.
The chord change is maybe performed in the middle of the bar, and it takes me an illusion that it is a irregular time tune momentarily.
Rumba Clave is very effective.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Hi Alan,

I totally agree with floyd...



In addition, your arrangement is mesmerizing. I would love to have your ability. Your choices of chord progressions and how you resolve chord sequences always captures my imagination and leaves me with an immense feeling of satisfaction. I ALWAYS love listening to what you bring to the forum.

Beautiful work.

My best wishes to you and Di,
Noel