After The Storm

Back to our roots...it's been a fun journey from our bluegrass days to our current blues and Americana music. But sometimes ya gotta dance with the one that brung ya so here's a straight ahead bluegrass song. Our good friend Tom Adams (Tommyad) wrote the lyric, developed the chord structure, created the arrangement and mixed/mastered it while Janice created the melody.

For folks new to the forum Tom is a long time member who’s currently on a bit of a sabbatical. He’s a fine multi genre singer, writer and pedal steel/guitar player. Tom and Janice did it all - Bud just went along for the ride on this one.

After The Storm is currently a featured song on one of Songtradr’s curated playlists.

Thanks to Janice for being the model in Bud’s pic.

There is not much bluegrass around the forum nowadays but we do hope you enjoy it.

Comments are always welcome.

Janice: lead/harmony vocals and melody
Tom: lyrics, arrangement, mix and mastering
Bud: vocal engineering ONLY
RealTracks 1122:Bass, Acoustic, CountryWaltz Sw 110
RealTracks 1699:Mandolin, Rhythm BluegrassWaltz Sw 085
The rest of the band consists of royalty free loops.

Tom's production info: Recorded in Logic Pro X
Plug Ins: Nectar 2, Neutron 2, Ozone 8, Tonal Balance, Waves LinMB, Waves, L3-LL Multi Limiter,
CLA Acoustic, Waves Vocal Rider, Waves Bass Rider

Just when you think that you’ve got it made
The sky can turn dark in a flash
Dreams of the future become watered down
When you can’t let go of the past

Come here beside me
It’s where you belong
Be thankful and try to stay warm
A Beautiful sunrise
and we’re standing tall
Together after the storm

We can put on a smile and just write it off
Say the suns gonna shine here some day
It’s never been easy but to tell you the truth
I’m glad that it turned out this way

Come here beside me
It’s where you belong
Be thankful and try to stay warm
A Beautiful sunrise
and we’re standing tall
Together after the storm

Come here beside me
It’s where you belong
Be thankful and try to stay warm

©2019 Thomas Adams/ Janice Merritt

Enjoy it? I love this!

As usual super vocals by Janice. The instrumentation was absolutely perfect, I think you have a little experience in bluegrass music

The mix was spot on also.

Great work here!

Thanks Mario. It's always fun to collaborate with Tom!

J&B (mostly J here )

Janice & Bud (and Tom)

You all just keep rolling along with one great song after another. This might be one of my favorite Janice vocal (with perfect harmony). And just a wonderful write. And, of course, the production is just, well, perfect. I continue to be amazed at how clean and crisp your recordings come out—studio quality stuff, truly. Absolutely brilliant piece of music!

My beyond humble regards,

Deej

What a refreshing song, there's just so much to like about it.

Is the fiddle coming from a loop? It slots in absolutely perfectly.

I'll never get tired of listening to your songs. This is beautiful from beginning to end - from the lyrics to Janice's stunning singing (par for the course by now, and yet always managing to move us all, never the same). The harmonising sections, in particular, are out of this world. I'm no good at mixes, etc., so I won't comment on that ... apart from saying that it all sounds very clear and sharply focused to my ears, at least. Finally ... the song itself is really, really beautiful ... brilliant message enveloped in the musical equivalent of homemade warm soup ... which just warms the heart.

Another superb achievement ... thank you so much for brightening our days and sharing this!

Absolutely lovely. Beautiful vocals and outstanding lyrics. Production A+. So smooth. Congratulations to all involved.

Top shelf all-round. Song, vocals, backing, mix - its got it all.
Stay well,
Mike

Thanks. The production is ALL Tom's. I (Bud) only did the vocal engineering. Glad you liked it!

J&B

Janice, Tom & Bud

That was an absolute delight. It's almost like you guys have done this type of song before!

Lovely melody which is very singable (or humm-able), an absolutely gorgeous vocal, and a lovely harmony.

Great job by Tom on the production and arrangement - totally professional sound, very together, sounds like a top quality band playing.

Very nice indeed.

Peter

(Bud, Janice is nicely recorded!)

Hi Janice, Tom & Bud
Peter said it all. An absolute delight.
(And love the photo.)
Regards,
Leon

Sounds great y'all!

Thanks! Yes Tom artfully used a loop for the fiddle. Appreciate the listen.

J&B

Tom & Janice - EXCELLENT from all standpoints.
Bud - the vocal recording is ace.

Great stuff, Tom, Janice and Bud. Just lovely.

Those first two lines

"Just when you think that you’ve got it made
The sky can turn dark in a flash"

How true. How quickly things can change. And sometimes it's not even your fault but it is still your responsibility.

Hi J&B + Tom.

A wonderful song, beautiful in it's simplicity.

The simple chord sequence and minimal band works so well and allows Janice's voice to shine through.

Loved the harmonies, loved the fiddle, loved the whole thing.

ROG.

Thank you James. All credit to Tom and Janice on this one. Tom is a terrific writer and as Janice says his lyrics are always very “singable!”

J&B

Thanks!

J&B

A production of true quality!!! Sounds radio ready! Everything is just right, and Janice's vocal always give any song she sings that extra something!! WONDERFUL!! Take care. Greg

Thanks Mike. Best to you.

J&B

Hey Ya'll ...

What a wonderful song and delivery. This is just so good in every possible way. The three of you are among the very best on the forum. We miss Tom a bunch. But you two (Janice & Bud) keep us entertained and musically satisfied on a regular basis. What's left to say about Janice's exquisite vocals? She has a God-given talent with little equal. And Bud, You're a pretty dang good knob twister who rates right there with the best. I realize Tom did a fabulous job putting this one together, but thought I'd give you a few well-earned props, too.

And who wouldn't want to collaborate with Tom Adams? That's like double icing on a fantastic cake!

This was such a delight. I was having a pretty crappy night; but this just put a U-turn on that. Thanks!

Wishing all three of you the very best. Be safe ...

Alan

Hi Janice, Bud & Tom,

you already know it: I don't know much (to say the least) about Bluegrass, so I can't compare it to other songs and/or singers, but I think I can nevertheless judge, if a song is good... And I think that this one is dang good.

First of all: I can hardly imagine a song that wouldn't become something very special if Janice sings it. Janice, you know that Maha and I simply adore your singing. And since this song, composition as well as, of course, the lyrics, and the arrangement are so good there was nothing that could have prevented you from making it something especially tasteful and appealing.

I really enjoyed the listen a lot.

All the best to all of you,

Stefan

Excellent write from Tom, and of course, top notch vocals from Janice! Especially like the harmonies.

Sounds totally pro to me, well done

Hi Janice, Bud and Tom,

I always thought Bluegrass had a much higher tempo. When listening to the realtracks in my search for ideas, those fiddles always play the hell out their strings. Now I learned it can be playes more slower. And yours is great!
Do I have to mention those beautiful vocals again? Or the performance of this song? Or the melody?
I don't think so. It's always perfect! This song is no exeption. And I already told you about the high risk you have of becoming too vain.
But I must admit, you earned all the compliments and become a bit vain (if you want..).
The fiddle/violin did a good job, but surprisingly you had a mandolin in your song as well. I liked that very much, but is that 'allowed' playing Bluegrass?
Let's hope we are close to 'After the storm' now.

Stay save,
Hans

Thanks Peter. Tom and Janice have done some fine cowrites over the years. He’s a pleasure to with. Glad you like the vocal recording

J&B

Thanks Leon. And we’re glad you liked the photo. I wish we could go to that park nowadays.

J&B

A huge thanks to all for the wonderful comments! Janice and Bud are a real pleasure to work with and it is highly recommended if you can find friends as great as them. Stay well everyone, Tom

Well, J&B, what can I say other than BRAVO!
As usual great vocals and production.

Mike B.

Such a cool song. Boy are the vocals and harmonies good on this. The mandolin and fiddle were excellent.

Tom,Janice & Bud,
A lesson in how to write a memorable lyric and an instantly hummable melody!
Absolutely top shelf vocals and production.
Beautiful work.

Robert

Love bluegrass as you know so this one if right up my alley. Was expecting Tom to sing on it too so that was a bit of a surprise. Sounds wonderful. Pretty song. I like it a lot.

Josie

Janice / Tom / Bud,

This is an excellent write and a lovely production overall. Love the slide in Janice's vocal - it fits so well with the fiddle.

Tremendous!

Bob

Hi, Tom. Janice and Bud !


Well, can´t be any better than this
I´d say !! What a lovely sung tune
and so masterfully handled vocals
too (naturally what you´d expect from
these pros) !!

Cheers
Dani

Thanks David.



Thank you Ray. We're glad you like it and Bud appreciates you mentioning the vocal track!

J&B

That is well stated and so true Joanne. Thanks for listening and offering the kind comments.

J&B

Wow, Janice, Bud & Tom, what a splendid example of the magic of the creative connection. Everything comes together so beautifully. Thanks for the ride.

Tom, Janice, Bud...

As. Good. As. It. Gets.

From absolutely every angle.

The production and the mix are gorgeous. Pro level in all regards.

Needless to say (say it anyway), the vocal is PERFECT. Harmonies, too.

This is a superior Bluegrass write. I'm not sure I've ever heard a Bluegrass song that I liked better.

I don't know who the current biggest selling Bluegrass artist is, but this needs to be pitched to them. It should be a classic of the genre. (And they would be hard-pressed to do it any better than this.)

Stunning.

fj

Perfect.

What's not to love? Beautiful lines, beautiful voice, beautiful band hold down that 3/4 and soloing so sweet. Just great.

J&B/Tom, beautiful performance, write,production, everything!!! The vocals are outstanding including the harmony! That fiddle is implemented flawlessly! Thanks, Torrey

Thank you Rog. It’s great to hear from you. Be safe and well.

J&B

Tom, Janice and Bud

Janice you've heard this before vocals are spot on, But now you are doing your own bk vocals a bit more ,well two Janice's what more could we ask for.

Seriously you are a pro/ recording artist, no offence to your beloved Bud ,the only work he has is in the instruments in the band , well he does well on that as well.

Tom well lyrics are easy peasy when you know you know you are having a singer like this sing your stuff, well you done alright on them too.

really enjoyed

Thanks

Oh you've done it again, another belter of a song. Janice, it doesn't matter WHAT you sing everything suits your brilliant voice. I LOVED this from start to finish. Must get me thinking cap on and write a song with you in mind to sing it.
Brilliant from the first to last bar.

Thanks Greg. Glad you enjoyed it!

Be safe.

J&B

We greatly appreciate those positive and supportive comments Al. You make great music and have a great ear for music you listen to. That makes your review all the more meaningful to us. Thank you.

J&B

Beautiful bluegrass song. Great recording, man what a sound!!

Hi Janice, Bud and Tom.

This is a very calming and beautiful listen.

Whenever I hear a waltz, it immediately grabs hold of me. I don't know what triggers and switches 3/4 time engages in my brain but I always feel immensely comfortable and warm when a waltz is playing. It must be something to do with my childhood. I have no idea what though.

This song, its arrangement and its presentation took me to that comfortable spot somewhere inside me. As I listened, it was as though I was sitting in front of a warm log fire on a wet, wintry day.

Janice your singing is superb. It was so easy to ride along on your melody as I listened. Everything about this worked for me.

Tom, it's been a while since I typed your name. As I travelled with the song, you brought a heap of memories of your past songs and how well you produce them. It's so good to hear that flair in action again. I still have such a lot to learn!

When I listen to a song of this calibre, it makes sitting at my computer such a worthwhile experience.

During these days of COVID-19, the message in this song rings loudly with such a stark clarity. It's true. "The sky can turn dark in a flash" and dreams fade to the background. I sincerely hope that we all make it to see that beautiful sunrise.

Stay safe!
Noel

Thanks Stefan. That’s a great review especially from a listener not familiar with the genre. We appreciate it...a lot.

J&B

First off, GREAT JOB! I like this song A LOT! I know people on the forum will mention they could see this in a movie for various songs. I feel like a movie should be written just so we can put this song in it!

You all made something that sounds so good. Nice to have Tom on a project again!

What's better than Janice singing? More than 1 Janice singing! Great job. At times more duet-ish than just harmony. I loved that!

Bud-I give you credit for NOT having an ego that leads having to put something in. I've worked with bands where the guitarist would say "but I didn't get a solo." Pretty much anything ego driven. Your non-desperation is very appealing.

The soloists and interplay between the soloists were really well done.

Thanks for sharing this song. Very enjoyable to hear!

Thanks Dave!

J&B

Dear Ms. Janice, 'Tommyad', and Bud...

Whoa! That didn't last too long, but what's over and done, is, well...over and done, ha, ha !!! (Maybe it's just me, but doesn't the phrase 'over and done' sound like a backyard cook's technique for speed-grilling steaks ???)

Without ever knowing anything about the people, their culture, and the places that 'bluegrass' developed and evolved, it seemed perfectly clear to me that it just had to be the music of people who are bound to the land, just because of the genre's name, 'bluegrass'. A musical tradition that would take an element of Our Mother Nature for its name could only be reflective of a lifestyle rooted in its relationship with the soil, the earth -- if I'm correct about this, of course .

Too bad 'soul music' is mostly associated with African-American musical influences, because its expression is not limited to any one ethnic group. The way Ms. Janice vocalizes the lyrics is proof of this -- it's the voice of the one, the only, righteous truth for anyone who has lived the story told in the lyrics, and who couldn't relate to them ???

"Just when you think that you’ve got it made
The sky can turn dark in a flash
Dreams of the future become watered down
When you can’t let go of the past"

I mean, damn! That stings like a drop of Mercurochrome of Merthiolate dabbed on a fresh cut.

The Real Tracks (along with the loops) are alive with the feelings that Ms. Janice sings about. And though I don't know much about mixing, I think I know a great example of it when I hear it .

After the Storm has got a beating heart that can't be ignored. Hat's off to ya, folks !!!

Truly-ooly,

LOREN

Hans, bluegrass comes in many tempos and time signatures. Slow waltzes are common for the genre. The mandolin is a big part of bluegrass as the originator of the genre, Bill Monroe, played mandolin. It is very rare to find a bluegrass band without one. Janice used to play rhythm guitar and mandolin in our bluegrass bands.

Vain we are not! This is all just for fun and if you and others like what we are doing that just makes it all the more fun. And nice comments like you make are genuinely appreciated.

Thank you,

J&B

Thanks y’all for the time to listen and comment.

You are appreciated!

J&B

Thanks Robert. Yep, Tom can turn a phrase!

J&B




Thank you Josie. Really glad you liked it!

J&B



Thank you Bob for mentioning that vocal part!

J&B



Thanks for the kind words Dani!

J&B






Thank you. We are glad that the collab worked for you!

J&B

Thanks mr jane! On behalf of Tom and Janice I (Bud) am biased but they do make a great team and
have done some wonderful collabs over the years. It's been fun going along for the ride

J&B

Thanks.

J&B



Thank you. Waltzes can be fun!

J&B








Thanks Torrey!

J&B




Thank you. Glad you liked the harmony!

J&B




Thank you very much!

J&B



Glad you liked the bluegrass!

J&B

Thanks Noel. We thought of you when we posted this hoping you would like it. We always appreciate your thoughts and support.

And yes we miss Tom also...his way with lyrics are amazing and are often, as you mentioned, filled with stark clarity.

Be safe.

J&B

Thanks on behalf of all for the kind remarks. And when Tom and Janice collaborate I just engineer the vocal and set in for what I know will be an enjoyable ride as things progress!

J&B

Loren, your creative, articulate and thought provoking reviews always make remarkable reads and we always look forward to them. Your mention of soul is so spot on. The two of us measure a vocal, irrespective of genre, for the presence or absence of soul. Yes, it's hard to define and perhaps trite to say but it's either there or not for us. So it was VERY meaningful for you to mention it and it is appreciated along with every word of your response.

Thank you.

J&B