I heard this cool guitar riff and wondered if I could reproduce it.
I used the Ample Martin vst (free).
Once I had it, I thought I might as well write a song with it...



LOVERS' SECRETS

we should have an "our song"
we should have an "our cafe"
"our look" that we exchange each time we touch
we should have that night each week
curled up on the couch, i rub your feet
we watch those movies that we both love so much

   things that only lovers have
   things that only lovers do
   moments that only lovers share
   those little lovers' secrets between me and you

a funny story 'bout how we met
a joke that only you and i get
a special place we call our own deep in the park
a look that says it's time to leave
a dream that only we believe
and names we call we other only in the dark

   things that only lovers have
   things that only lovers do
   moments that only lovers share
   those little lovers' secrets between me and you

we're not that far away
i know someday soon we're gonna say
we share...

   things that only lovers have
   things that only lovers do
   moments that only lovers share
   those little lovers' secrets between me and you
   let's share lovers' secrets between me and you




Greg Johnson suggested a bridge instead of the original guitar solo I had.
That worked. Thanks, buddy!


The BAND bits:

RealTracks in song: 3502:Bass, Electric, NashvilleRadioBalladA Ev16 075
MIDI SuperTracks in song: 2066:Piano, Rhythm NewAgeAnswers Ev16 110
(rendered using EZKeys Upright)
RealDrums [in Song:ShakerSlow16ths: a: ShakerSlow16thsb: ShakerSlow16ths
Other single drum hits
Harmonies created in RealBand using Helicon harmony generator. And I sang one.
Acoustic guitar programmed using Ample Guitar M Lite II.


Comments welcome.
Thanks for listening.

fj

Floyd,
First thing that strikes me is how good your voice sounds in the upper register ( especially with that nice depth the blend of harmonies gives).
The guitar arpeggio is hypnotic in a gentle way and you`ve programmed it very well- wish I could do that- maybe I`ll checkout that Ample guitar thing.
A good write - lots of lines that resonate in the "our"list:

"a dream that only we believe
and names we call each other only in the dark"

Very good!

Robert

That's pretty cool. The acoustic VST sounds pretty convincing the way you are using it. Did you mouse the notes in or play them? Or create them some other way? That fingerpicking style is pretty decently convincing to what a real picker would do. It sounds pretty decent in the mix. The song is well done. Nice writing and nice selection of instrumentation. I've noticed you're exploring the softer side of things recently. Cool stuff you're doing there.

Always enjoy your work, but this has to be one of your best. Track, lyrics, vocals, mix - just magic.

Thanks, Robert. I often wonder if that upper register "works". You should definitely try the Ample guitar. It has a great sound. It's not hard to add simple picking patterns manually. And there is a library of pattern (though I have not used any of them).

Very impressed with that acoustic guitar vst! Sounds real to me. I'm going to check that out shortly.

Vocal sounds great, harmonies too, especially the chorus section.

Another good song, floyd, I'm a fan.

Man.............you keep hitting the mark with your songs Floyd!

This has a nice unique groove that makes it so nice to listen to.

You topped yourself with the vocals.

EXCELLENT

moto

Man, I admittedly haven't been here in a while. I pop in and use the jukebox; but haven't really "been here."

I thought I would listen to a few throughout the day and happen to see you posted this not long ago! VERY cool!

THEN

I gave it a listen. Man, this song is beautiful in every sense. A lot of what I would say I've said about your other songs. Your attention and application are both at those same high levels, however you manage to have variation at the same time which keeps everything new!

If you haven't sung in your higher register much, you've been squandering a real gift. I absolutely loved it. I'm not just comparing it to your other songs either. If I never heard you sing before, it still sounds fantastic!

You managed to make those harmonies work REALLY well too!

I simply can't write a short reply to your works ever. I am holding back SO much!

I'll just sum it up as this a truly great song in EVERY aspect.

(still wanting to say more...lol)

-C

Hi FloyD Wow great vocals on this tune really great job on all of it you really got control of biab you make it work for you so well loved it !!! thanks Eric

Ha! Sort of like saying "I bought some tires, and I figured I may as well build a car to go with them."

I normally don't like to look at lyrics first, but for reasons uninteresting to this narrative, I read them first this time.

Man, you know how to write solid lyrics.

Clearly sung, with vocals front and center. Yes, even in front of the guitar riff.

Jumps right into harmony. It sounded like Helicon, but it had me wondering, because yep - you did at least one of those tracks yourself.

I expected drums on the second verse, but real sparse use of the kick, and the drops out at the start of the final chorus. Making more with less. The hihat gets, what.. four taps? And there's some reverse sound coming in at 3:00?

So - nice attention to details, subtle arrangement to keep everything clear, excellent fj vocal... what a treat.

floyd,

Acoustic guitar riffs by Ample Guitar M Lite II are really cool.
Harmonies by Helicon harmony generator are also great.
You are always doing various experiments with your music production.
I'm always impressed with them.
Your vocals are wonderful as usual.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

floyd

Lovely work. The acoustic is very pretty, and well "programmed".

The harmonies are excellent.

Top notch vocals throughout, beautiful set of lyrics and a wonderful melody.

Another in a long line of top notch songs.

Peter

Hi Floyd
Nice.

Thanks, Herb. The acoustic "programming" was done by mouse. Thanks fo r listening.

Hi Floyd,

A song to to stay silent with. Beautiful!
Only a guitar and these vocals.
I enjoyed the harmonies in the vocals very much.
I read almost everyone wrote this too, so I think you have to believe them all.
Or at least me.

I'm impressed, but I won't say one of your best. That has still to come!

Hans

I loved this song Floyd. Super vocal. Very cool lyric. Intro was was excellent. I would have never thought that acoustic was a vst. Was perfect for the song. Well done

Hi Floyd ...

Hypnotic in the best of ways. Wonderful, delicious vocals!!! The simplicity of the backing tracks gently supports the excellent vocal. And talk about a romantic lyric! This is romantic in the sweetest way. You can make the simplest ideas and thoughts sound so rich and full.

If for some mysterious reason I had to listen to but one song all day ... this would be my choice.

Best to you & yours. Take care ...

Alan

The 1st question that popped into my mind was "Why program the acoustic when he plays so well?"
Then I figured it was a case of "..because I can..".
That's my little side bar to self.
Lovely song lovely arrangement and texture.
You've focused on the intimate, small moments and things that actually mean a lot to the participants while your vocal brings this listener in from being a voyeur to part of the story.
There was one kick drum hit that seemed odd but it didn't when I re listened.
Excellent.

Another superb song. Such a clear recording You have the process down pat. Lovely song. Well written. Instrumentation is great. I like it.

No doubt, excellence continues to be delivered. Greg's input certainly has been advantageous.

Vocally sensational including the multi-part over-dubs.

The simplistic production within minimal instrumentation gives this song color and depth. A perfect selection. Most excellent indeed.

Nice of you to say, Brian. Thanks.




Thanks, Dave. The acoustic vst is fun to play with...

FJ,
Big Sound love tune! Vocals one of your best! Nice harmonies. Fantastic work on VST guitar. Good one.
Thank you for sharing!

Misha.

P.S. Congrats on your recent album release!

Hi floydjane,

Very pretty love story and it'beautiful lyrics. I enjoyed playing your well-chosen guitar which perfectly accompanies your lovely voice. It's addicting and well done. I apprecied it a lot.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash

This is a beautiful song!

i like your phrasing throughout ...

for example in the chorus, where you tie "things that only lovers do
moments that only"... very nice!

this song is understated loveliness.

well done!
-rob

Well, it's finally happened. My favorite Floyd Jane song.

It certainly wasn't this alone, but the harmonies on "do" are excruciatingly beautiful. I'll have a hard time explaining this one to the one I love, but it'll be fun. Trust me.

Thanks, moto!!

Beautiful melody!!! Loved every second of this song! And you're mix captured the beauty perfectly.

Very few things inspire me to write like a good riff and this is an excellent one.

Outstanding!



And the intro and outro sound effect are a creative addition.

ALWAYS good to see you pop back in! Hope all is well in the far North...

...never get tired of hearing that

That surprises me, actually, but also nice to hear...


Wax on, my friend! Always a pleasure to read your thoughts on song and production...

Thanks for listening, eric....




David - Thanks for the great review!!

The guitar VSTi was programed perfectly, your vocal was outstanding as usual, the harmonies were great, the lyrics fantastic, and the mix was super. This may be your best to date.

Another winner in my book!

Shigeki Adachi - thanks for a nice comments. Always appreciated...





Thanks, Peter. I have enjoyed working with the acoustic vst - and think about doing more with it (there is a lot to learn - even with the limited free version). That type thing is showing up more and more in contemporary Country...




Gary - why did you remove your comments?? (I think you might have done that on my last one, too????). I am more than happy to entertain discussions outside the usual pats-on-the-back type thing... in case you are thinking not...

Floyd,

Love that acoustic guitar melody—really catchy and engaging; grabs you right from the start and keeps you until the last. Just the right percussion choices along the way—subtle but adding so much to the song. Among your best vocals. Just a real pretty song, too! First rate all the way!

My very best to you,

Deej

Your voice is in fine form here. I really like this song. Excellent lyrics and melody. Just a top notch composition and performance.

Hi Floyd
Very nice indeed. The lyrics are excellent, you sing them beautifully (your upper register sounds real good to me) and the guitar sounds great. Another top quality song.
Regards,
Leon

Regarding the lyric you are preaching to the J&B choir

We are very happy to have a relationship that lets us relate to this song on a personal level. Thanks! Outstanding write.

Janice said if she was attempting a harmony she
would be so mesmerized she would forget to sing. That
says it all re your outstanding performance.

We know zero about all of the technology and talent and time regarding the acoustic guitar but us rubes thought it sounded good.

The arrangement, band, and mix really focus well on supporting the vocals which are the star of this production.

Excellent!

J&B

Floyd,

This is so awesome, I decided to rip off the riff and try it on my Yahama.

Sounds nice.

Man, I got something coming up.

Thanks!!!



* Seriously, this is great. But it DID make me run straight for my guitar, which is a good thing, and it DID give me an idea immediately.

Floyd,

Such an excellent song and mix. Your vocals are outstanding - you are such a strong singer.

This belongs on the radio...

Bob

Thanks, Hans...as always...



I appreciate that, Scott..

A very nice thing to say Alan... thanks!!

"Once I had it, I thought I might as well write a song with it..." Haha. Might as well. No one can do it better, Floyd. You're the kind of songwriter that can pick up a handful of dust and make humans... smile and sing, and be glad to be alive. Glad I found your music! Another brilliant performance.

I really enjoyed it.
I like how you get directly into what a good song needs
in your performance and producing...

Thanks, ray..."...the intimate, small moments and things that actually mean a lot to the participants while your vocal brings this listener in from being a voyeur to part of the story."...a nice way to put that. I am aware of the odd kick. The acoustic vst is a very popular sound in many of today's country productions...and fun to play with....

Thanks, jpt3....




Appreciate that,Trev..thanks for having a listen...

Really like the arpeggiated guitar and how the melody moves against it. Love the composition.

Thanks for the fine comments, Misha. And for the mention of the new "album" - it is just a vanity project - mainly so I can listen to it on Apple Music...
Your new on Blew me Away...




Thank you, Derochette....




Really appreciate that, rob...

Thanks, Tangmo...



I appreciate all of that, Lawrence....



Thanks, Mario!!

Appreciate that, Deej...

Thanks, Scott...




Appreciate it, Leon...

I know that!!




That is always appreciated...


And, of course, there is no one I would rather have doing harmonies with me


Zero? Nope...don't buy that!!


Coming from y'all that always means a lot...


[/quote]

Great song Floyd. Everything about this track just works. Your vocals are particularly impressive.
I have used the Ample guitar as well and for a free VST it terrific. I recently invested in Native Instruments' Session Guitarist Picked Acoustic and I love the sounds and patterns available. If you're interested you can hear picking and strumming examples throughout my song Wandering

Thank you, Mr. Snyder!!



Thanks, Bob!! (great to have you back!)



Marty - thanks for the great review!! Always appreciated...

Uffe - I appreciate that...




Thanks, SC...



Mike - Thanks for having a listen. I enjoyed hearing your use of a vst acoustic guitar... they open up different (good) possibilities...

So, So SWEET!!! Love the way that riff carries the song along like a gentle train ride!! Floyd, your vocals just get better and better!! This is the first time I heard the bridge........a great one!! You write damn good bridges........oh yeah, and verses and chorus too!!! Beautiful song in every way!!!! Take care. Greg

Excellent song and a great performance. One of your best IMO.

Even though I am a guitar player I still occasionally use Ample guitars and basses. I think they have a free bass as well - worth checking out. I have occasionally used BB midi files to play Ample sounds - especially their upright bass (unfortunately not a freebee).

Thanks, buddy. Appreciate all of that (and the early ears).




Chris - thanks for dropping in for a listen. I really enjoy using the Ample guitar to add a different element to a production. I have the (free) bass, too, and have used it a few times for some basic bass lines. I thought about trying them with some BIAB midi styles, but haven't gotten around to that (there's just SO much to explore in BIAB!)

The verse is going along pleasantly enough and then that chorus comes along and takes you soaring into musical sky. Wonderful song, and always, that world class voice.

Hi floyd,

I’ve listened to this song a number of times. It’s an outstanding creation. Seriously! I love the riff. I have never once thought about using an ostinato to underlie any of my musical arrangements. When I listened to this, though, I was incredibly impressed. Apart from a few notes that change in the fourth bar, the guitar riff remained constant throughout. To my ears, this is impressive ostinato-based arranging!

One famous ostinato that I recalled as I listened to your song is “The Theme from Peter Gunn” by Henry Mancini. In this work, it’s the bass that takes the repeated riff. The clip below shows the Qatar Philharmonic Brass playing this theme. How the tuba player manages to keep the ostinato going is beyond me. He’s awesome.



As is often the case, your lyrics also captured my imagination. The first thing I noticed was the use of perfect rhymes. These definitely give a more settled aural feel and rhyming lines 3 and 6 in each verse gives good closure. I found myself wondering if such balanced rhyming acts to bring some stability to the tension created by the ostinato as the chords change. I don’t know. It’s just a thought that came to mind.

At every one of the many Pat Pattison, weekend workshops sessions that I’ve been to over the years, Pat always says, “Verses show and choruses tell.” This is Pat’s show-and-tell approach to lyric writing “Lover’s Secrets” is a perfect example of how songwriting show-and-tell works. In the verses, you show the listener specific list-items that are unique to an intimate relationship. Then, in the chorus, you provide the listener with the context that surrounds these items. I like it a lot! It’s very effective writing.

I’m always excited when I come across a song that has so many good features that it can be used as a template for songwriting and song-arranging. “Lovers’ Secrets” is definitely one such song.

I thoroughly enjoyed my listen!

All the best,
Noel

Lyrically, emotionally and spiritually, this song, your voice and the simplicity of an arrangement that brings all the complexities of the things lovers do. I agree with Alan (Al-David), this is romance in the sweetest way.

Hi Floyd,

I've listened to several of your songs - this is my favourite.

Song & Lyrics - very good.

Vocals - excellent - I especially like the harmony sections.

Backing - very good guitar work - fits perfectly under the vocals.

Mix - spot on - I wouldn't change a thing.

Best Regards
Nigel

Maybe it's my choice of songwriters on here that I end up listening to, but you people on here are determined to make me cry (in the best way possible) when I listen to your songs, it seems.

The first word which comes to mind is: AUTHENTIC. Your sound drips authenticity. When you sing, people sit up and listen. Authentic and sincere.

Not much more to say, just this: this is what so many of us want to say to that special one in our lives, and don't know how to say it. I'm single now, but next time I meet someone special, I hope you won't mind if I play her this song. It'll be either this or my incoherent usual babbling, and I think she'd appreciate hearing this more :-) Bravo.