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Posted By: BlueAttitude The Sage - 10/05/20 07:47 AM
This is a song about looking for answers in this mixed up world that we live in.

The Sage

The Band:

3086:Organ, Rhythm AmericanaSlow128Mike Sw 040
3356:Guitar, Baritone Electric, Rhythm Moody128Brent Sw 060

Drums: EZDrummer2

Dave Bell - Additional Guitars and Vocal
Marty Straub, aka BabuMusic - Bass
Christiane Spruit - BGV's

Mixed with Reaper, mastered with Ozone.

The Sage (2020, David Bell)

There's a Stranger, in the night
passing by, in the cold moonlight

A sense of wisdom, he has the sight
In these times that we live it's hard to tell
what's wrong from what is right

Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
The life we've known is coming to an end
So much has changed, been re-arranged, can't tell dark from light
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?

Solo

Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
In these times that we live it's hard to tell,
what's wrong from what is right
What was up is down, what was lost is found, can't tell dark from light

Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?
Can you tell me the answer, my friend?

Outro


I don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination, but both Chris and Marty encouraged me to give it a try. Fortunately I had Chris along to add some much needed finesse wink

Also up on SoundCloud: The Sage

We will probably do a video at some point, maybe another performance video, we had a lot of fun doing that for our last song, but might not be able to get it done in time for me to update the song description.

All comments welcome!

10/07: Bumped the vocals up by 1.5 db based on feedback and uploaded new mix, thanks everyone!
Posted By: BabuMusic Re: The Sage - 10/05/20 10:25 AM
Well, now you need to consider this, Dave: You'll have to add lyricist and singer to your resume. You voice in this is perfect, and you're right, Chris can make anything sound better. I've already found myself singing that catch phrase to others. "Can you tell me the answer, my friend." It's weird how often the opportunity arises these days --especially here in the USA. As for the video... you got a lot of takes to take, man.
Posted By: Bawb Re: The Sage - 10/05/20 12:38 PM
Whoa with a capital W!

Your song had a resemblance to the House of the Rising Sun, really cool vibe...

As far as this comment:
"I don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination"

I don't know about anyone else, but my imagination is feeling a bit stretched after listening to you...

Great job/cool song...
Posted By: musician17 Re: The Sage - 10/05/20 01:34 PM
Wow.

Special mention to the guitar solos ... wow.

Otherwise ... just wow. Hats off, ladies and gentlemen ... serious artists here.
Posted By: Robertkc Re: The Sage - 10/05/20 01:34 PM
Dave,
There are very few who have a singing certificate around here; you sing your own write with a gentle authority...( I hear a little Roger Waters in there), and the blend with Chris` voice is really nicely done.
Brilliant guitar work and, of course, a topnotch mix.

Robert
Posted By: F.M.M. Re: The Sage - 10/05/20 02:16 PM
Hi most excellent peace great vocal love the guitar chops sweet clear crisp mix well done guys Eric
Posted By: Leon1 Re: The Sage - 10/05/20 09:09 PM
Hi Dave
Your voices blend very nicely. Well written song and wonderful solos, as per usual. Very much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon
Posted By: PeterF Re: The Sage - 10/05/20 10:54 PM
Dave,
Nicely done well sung- particularly liked the blend of your voice with Chris.
You are getting very proficient with that drum programming!

Your wonderful solos are a great addition to any song.

Marty - Excellent bass lines throughout.

The song sounds great.

Peter
Posted By: jptjptjpt Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 12:15 AM
Top notch production. You guys really hit the mark with this one. Everything sounds so good (vocals, instrumentation, and, especially the background vocals - they were the cherry on top). Great use of the band too. Cool song. Nice job to all.
Posted By: TuneMonger Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 01:53 AM
Loved it, vox were more than good enough, guitar was searing, even the graphic of The Sage was so cool.
Posted By: dcuny Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 03:07 AM
I'll lead with the nit: the lead vocal seemed buried.

Everything else: Stellar. laugh
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 08:59 AM
Originally Posted By: BabuMusic
Well, now you need to consider this, Dave: You'll have to add lyricist and singer to your resume. You voice in this is perfect, and you're right, Chris can make anything sound better. I've already found myself singing that catch phrase to others. "Can you tell me the answer, my friend." It's weird how often the opportunity arises these days --especially here in the USA. As for the video... you got a lot of takes to take, man.


Cheers, Marty! wink

Originally Posted By: Bawb
Whoa with a capital W!

Your song had a resemblance to the House of the Rising Sun, really cool vibe...

As far as this comment:
"I don't consider myself to be a singer by any stretch of the imagination"

I don't know about anyone else, but my imagination is feeling a bit stretched after listening to you...

Great job/cool song...


Very kind of you, but man, after hearing *your* vocal ... goosebumps!

Thanks for the listen, appreciate it!

Originally Posted By: musician17
Wow.

Special mention to the guitar solos ... wow.

Otherwise ... just wow. Hats off, ladies and gentlemen ... serious artists here.



Thanks, James!
Posted By: floyd jane Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 11:37 AM
Dave, Chris, Marty...

I always look forward to hearing your songs when they appear. It is always a pleasure. Music at its best.

A good Rock write with a good, simple message that gets right to the matter.

Nice vocal. The voice of a Sage.
(I would not label it as "buried" - as David did - but I agree it could come up a little - a dB or 2 or somewhere in between that)

And the Sagettes are great!

Another gorgeous production and mix. Marty's bass is like butter. Sweet. ALL of the guitars sound great. You ALWAYS have the best organ sound. Great job on the drums - Rock solid with nice simple flairs.

Super solos. Guitar tone is exquisite. Love that bite! Tasteful, as always.

That little tremolo on the organ is a nice touch.

Always worth many listens.

A smorgasbord for the ears.

fj
Posted By: CaptainMoto Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 12:05 PM
Excellent!

Guitar work is fantastic.
Vocals are great, fit this so well, it's magic.
All instruments blended well and sounding good.

Only critique is:
Would like the vocals brought up in the mix in a few spots.

Very much sounds like a co-mingling of these two.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCBS5EtszYI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp0BjFl-a1Y
Posted By: Scott C Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 12:43 PM
Holy Crap Dave. How come you haven't been singing before. I got a Chris Rea vibe on this tune. The vocal was awesome and then your guitar wow. Vocals, harmonies, guitar and bass = perfect. Wow !!!!!
Posted By: Derochette Re: The Sage - 10/06/20 12:57 PM
Hello BlueAttitude,

well written lyrics. The singer's voice (maybe a little more volume on it) in the bass sounds is perfect for this. The superb double female voice reinforces the lyrics. Beautiful guitar playing and superb arrangement. Well done.

Kindly regard

alias JaniJackFlash
Posted By: rayc Re: The Sage - 10/07/20 03:22 AM
That's a cool thing.
The voice is perfect for the song.
Cool mix with a very cool stinging solo.
The only thing that struck me as worth addressing is the throb of the organ across the stereo image. I'd be inclined to render the organ to mono and keep it over on the left .
Ignore me though... it's a fab track.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Sage - 10/07/20 08:05 AM
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Dave,
There are very few who have a singing certificate around here; you sing your own write with a gentle authority...( I hear a little Roger Waters in there), and the blend with Chris` voice is really nicely done.
Brilliant guitar work and, of course, a topnotch mix.

Robert


Well, I won't be replacing Chris as the main vocalist any time soon, but it was fun to do one.

Thanks as always for the support, Robert!

Originally Posted By: F.M.M.
Hi most excellent peace great vocal love the guitar chops sweet clear crisp mix well done guys Eric


Glad you liked it, thanks, Eric!

Originally Posted By: Leon1
Hi Dave
Your voices blend very nicely. Well written song and wonderful solos, as per usual. Very much enjoyed.
Regards,
Leon


Appreciate that, thanks, Leon!
Posted By: Belladonna Re: The Sage - 10/07/20 12:50 PM
Very contemplative lyrics. Your vocals add a haunting, questioning flavor to the song. The harmonies are great in that it seems as if many are also questioning the now. Very nice!
Posted By: Janice & Bud Re: The Sage - 10/07/20 06:04 PM
The somber feel of your vocal fits the write perfectly and the
harmony is sublime. We're late to the party so we missed the
first mix but what we are hearing are vocals that fit, to our ears,
right where they should be in the mix.

So much goodness: the always perfect bass for the tune, your
soaring playing that offers a great and effective contrast to the
sad lyric.

Great drums too. What more to say ... how about great everything!

Another dimension of BlueAttitude -- cool.

J&B
Posted By: Tangmo Re: The Sage - 10/07/20 10:39 PM
This just oozes a Pink Floyd influence to these ears. That goes all the way down to how the vocals sit in the mix...not buried, not blasting. Just "comfortable", and in a similar range.

Extra fine lyric. The band is solid and has a really nice deep, slow groove which your vocals joined pro-style.

I don't want to get too "trumpy", but I hope I might have played a tiny role in getting your face in front of the mic. I've certainly been waiting for it for a loooooong time, and hope was rising after your debut last go 'round. Friend, you did not disappoint.

Too cool.
Posted By: Birchwood Re: The Sage - 10/08/20 06:31 AM
Hi Dave, Chris and Marty,

This is a wonderfull song!
A delicious Blues with that lovely, strong-sounding leadguitar.
I really loved this one, although that is what I always say about your songs.

And what a surprise to hear you singing, Dave. I expected to hear Chris and had to read your post again to see it was you, supported by Chris! Your vocals are excellent for singing the Blues. I think you could also sing without Chris. BUT, don't even think of that!

Continue surprising me, Dave!

Hans
Posted By: Al-David Re: The Sage - 10/08/20 09:01 AM
Chris, Dave and Marty ...

This is a great song! I think this is the first time I've heard you sing lead vocal, Dave. You should do it more often ... you sound terrific!

what a fabulous lyric and arrangement. Marty, as always, shines on the bass and Chris could make a nutrition label sound great with her vocals!

Super all around. Totally loved my listen!

Wishing all of you the very best. Please be safe ...

Alan
Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm Re: The Sage - 10/08/20 08:23 PM
Such a delightfully haunting song! Christiane's harmony blends well with your baritone.

I can't say enough about your guitar, and I keep repeating myself...fabulous.
Posted By: Rustyspoon# Re: The Sage - 10/08/20 11:05 PM
BlueAttitude team,
Sorry for late reply. Was avoiding this till I got in the right listening mood. I had a feeling it would be special. It did not let me down an inch! Damn that was a good listen!
Besides, excellent lyrics, semi-spoken word vocals, BGV, bass, sky-high solo licks...I think I do have one constructive suggestion, Dave, you should do more tunes with you at the center stage. Very nice piece of music. Congrats to you and your team! Enjoyed Sage a lot (did not get board even after several listens). Thank you for sharing!

Misha.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Sage - 10/09/20 05:26 AM
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Dave,
Nicely done well sung- particularly liked the blend of your voice with Chris.
You are getting very proficient with that drum programming!

Your wonderful solos are a great addition to any song.

Marty - Excellent bass lines throughout.

The song sounds great.

Peter


Thanks very much, Peter, very much appreciate that!

Originally Posted By: jptjptjpt
Top notch production. You guys really hit the mark with this one. Everything sounds so good (vocals, instrumentation, and, especially the background vocals - they were the cherry on top). Great use of the band too. Cool song. Nice job to all.


Agree about the BGVs, my vocals on their own are nothing to write home about, that's for sure! Thanks smile

Originally Posted By: TuneMonger
Loved it, vox were more than good enough, guitar was searing, even the graphic of The Sage was so cool.


Thanks for the listen, happy you liked it!

Originally Posted By: dcuny
I'll lead with the nit: the lead vocal seemed buried.

Everything else: Stellar. laugh


Thanks, David. I did end up bumping up that vocal by 1.5 db. Truth is it's the first time I've ever attempted to do a lead vocal on one of our songs and I was a little apprehensive about showcasing it too much eek
Posted By: dani48 Re: The Sage - 10/09/20 04:36 PM
Hi, Dave & Co!


This must be your best
at least of those I´ve heard
from you !

What a superb tune and
collab ! I must compliment
all involved !

A masterpiece is what
it is ! ....and so suitable
for a film too !

Cheers
Dani
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Sage - 10/11/20 06:49 AM
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Dave, Chris, Marty...

I always look forward to hearing your songs when they appear. It is always a pleasure. Music at its best.

A good Rock write with a good, simple message that gets right to the matter.

Nice vocal. The voice of a Sage.
(I would not label it as "buried" - as David did - but I agree it could come up a little - a dB or 2 or somewhere in between that)

And the Sagettes are great!

Another gorgeous production and mix. Marty's bass is like butter. Sweet. ALL of the guitars sound great. You ALWAYS have the best organ sound. Great job on the drums - Rock solid with nice simple flairs.

Super solos. Guitar tone is exquisite. Love that bite! Tasteful, as always.

That little tremolo on the organ is a nice touch.

Always worth many listens.

A smorgasbord for the ears.

fj


"the Sagettes", love that! I did end up bumping the vocal by 1.5 db.

Thanks very much, floyd! wink

Originally Posted By: CaptainMoto
Excellent!

Guitar work is fantastic.
Vocals are great, fit this so well, it's magic.
All instruments blended well and sounding good.

Only critique is:
Would like the vocals brought up in the mix in a few spots.



Thanks, Captain!

Originally Posted By: Scott C
Holy Crap Dave. How come you haven't been singing before. I got a Chris Rea vibe on this tune. The vocal was awesome and then your guitar wow. Vocals, harmonies, guitar and bass = perfect. Wow !!!!!


I had never heard of Chris Rea before, but I checked him out over on Spotify after reading your post. Thanks, you turned me onto someone new! He has some great songs.
Posted By: EdZ314 Re: The Sage - 10/11/20 03:47 PM
So good from the very first note. The mixing/mastering is like silk. I love the combination of the male vocals with a bit of grit combined with Christiane's sultry tones. I immediately make a connection with "House of the Rising Sun" as @Bawb said. Also, a hint of Mark Knopfler influence in there. Brilliantly composed and performed. It feels like putting on your favorite warm coat before going out on a chilly day.
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Sage - 10/12/20 10:04 AM
Originally Posted By: Dero13
Hello BlueAttitude,

well written lyrics. The singer's voice (maybe a little more volume on it) in the bass sounds is perfect for this. The superb double female voice reinforces the lyrics. Beautiful guitar playing and superb arrangement. Well done.

Kindly regard

alias JaniJackFlash


Thanks, Dero13!

Originally Posted By: rayc
That's a cool thing.
The voice is perfect for the song.
Cool mix with a very cool stinging solo.
The only thing that struck me as worth addressing is the throb of the organ across the stereo image. I'd be inclined to render the organ to mono and keep it over on the left .
Ignore me though... it's a fab track.


Force of habit I guess, I always have the organ dead center and then pan the guitars. But, I'll try that sometime, thanks for the tip wink

Happy you liked the song!

Originally Posted By: Belladonna
Very contemplative lyrics. Your vocals add a haunting, questioning flavor to the song. The harmonies are great in that it seems as if many are also questioning the now. Very nice!


Thanks, Donna!

Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
The somber feel of your vocal fits the write perfectly and the
harmony is sublime. We're late to the party so we missed the
first mix but what we are hearing are vocals that fit, to our ears,
right where they should be in the mix.

So much goodness: the always perfect bass for the tune, your
soaring playing that offers a great and effective contrast to the
sad lyric.

Great drums too. What more to say ... how about great everything!

Another dimension of BlueAttitude -- cool.

J&B



We are having fun trying some new things, and at the end of the day it's all about having fun with the music.

Thanks, guys, very much appreciate the support as always smile
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Sage - 10/13/20 09:20 AM
Originally Posted By: Tangmo
This just oozes a Pink Floyd influence to these ears. That goes all the way down to how the vocals sit in the mix...not buried, not blasting. Just "comfortable", and in a similar range.

Extra fine lyric. The band is solid and has a really nice deep, slow groove which your vocals joined pro-style.

I don't want to get too "trumpy", but I hope I might have played a tiny role in getting your face in front of the mic. I've certainly been waiting for it for a loooooong time, and hope was rising after your debut last go 'round. Friend, you did not disappoint.

Too cool.


Hi Tangmo,

Yes, I do recall you mentioning that you wanted to hear me do a vocal a couple of times wink Truth is for me it's always been about the guitar, and when you have someone like Christiane in the band ... but, at the end of the day it was kind of fun, although it still sounds strange to me when I play it back. Just need to get used to hearing it I guess. Thanks for all the support over the years, man, must be more than 15 years that we have "known" each other? Wow, time flys.

Originally Posted By: Birchwood
Hi Dave, Chris and Marty,

This is a wonderfull song!
A delicious Blues with that lovely, strong-sounding leadguitar.
I really loved this one, although that is what I always say about your songs.

And what a surprise to hear you singing, Dave. I expected to hear Chris and had to read your post again to see it was you, supported by Chris! Your vocals are excellent for singing the Blues. I think you could also sing without Chris. BUT, don't even think of that!

Continue surprising me, Dave!

Hans


Well, my vocal would sound pretty plain without Chris in there to add the finesse stuff. But, you will hear me again at some point I'm sure.

Thanks, Hans!

Originally Posted By: Al-David
Chris, Dave and Marty ...

This is a great song! I think this is the first time I've heard you sing lead vocal, Dave. You should do it more often ... you sound terrific!

what a fabulous lyric and arrangement. Marty, as always, shines on the bass and Chris could make a nutrition label sound great with her vocals!

Super all around. Totally loved my listen!

Wishing all of you the very best. Please be safe ...

Alan


Thanks, Alan!

Originally Posted By: Ezekiel's Storm
Such a delightfully haunting song! Christiane's harmony blends well with your baritone.

I can't say enough about your guitar, and I keep repeating myself...fabulous.


Thanks, appreciate that!
Posted By: Greg Johnson Re: The Sage - 10/14/20 06:12 PM
So, guitar wizard Dave Bell can also sing......and well!! Why have you been hiding that? Love the vibe of this song! And the soloing is tasty....no delicious!! Love how musical the bass is!! You guys have been killing it! Great job all!! Take care. Greg
Posted By: BlueAttitude Re: The Sage - 10/16/20 07:39 AM
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
BlueAttitude team,
Sorry for late reply. Was avoiding this till I got in the right listening mood. I had a feeling it would be special. It did not let me down an inch! Damn that was a good listen!
Besides, excellent lyrics, semi-spoken word vocals, BGV, bass, sky-high solo licks...I think I do have one constructive suggestion, Dave, you should do more tunes with you at the center stage. Very nice piece of music. Congrats to you and your team! Enjoyed Sage a lot (did not get board even after several listens). Thank you for sharing!

Misha.


Next one up will probably just be just Marty and me, Chris is very busy for the next couple of months.

Thanks, Misha!

Originally Posted By: EdZ314
So good from the very first note. The mixing/mastering is like silk. I love the combination of the male vocals with a bit of grit combined with Christiane's sultry tones. I immediately make a connection with "House of the Rising Sun" as @Bawb said. Also, a hint of Mark Knopfler influence in there. Brilliantly composed and performed. It feels like putting on your favorite warm coat before going out on a chilly day.


Thanks, Ed!

Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
So, guitar wizard Dave Bell can also sing......and well!! Why have you been hiding that? Love the vibe of this song! And the soloing is tasty....no delicious!! Love how musical the bass is!! You guys have been killing it! Great job all!! Take care. Greg


Well, saying I can sing well is a bit of a stretch, but nice of you to say so wink

Thanks, Greg!
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