Doubt's Shadow

This song went thru several genre attempts before it landed as a perhaps best described rock ballad. I (Bud) wrote the lyric and Janice created the progression, melody and sang lead/BGVs. Peter provided all of the six guitar tracks and played a big part in the arrangement with many suggestions for bass and drum dynamics.

We appreciate your time to listen and comment!

Thanks to PG Music and Peter.

Lead vocal/BGV: Rodes NT1 > Scarlett 212 > Logic Pro X > Nectar 3

Drums: RealDrums BluesRockSlowEv > Waves CLA Drums
RealDrum kit audio file: additional cymbals, hihat, ride
(several comped fills) > Waves CLA Drums/Nectar 3/Waves JJP Cymbals
Swell percussion: free sample

Bass: RT 1190 Electric, ModernRnBRock Ev 065 > Waves Bass Rider > Neutron 3
Bass: RT 1190 Held > Logic Pro X Pitch Editor (to create notes) > Waves Bass Rider > Neutron 3

Piano: MIDI SuperTracks 2839 Rhythm SoulfulPop16thsMike Ev16 065 > Logic Pro EQ > Waves CLA Unplugged
Piano: RT 2808 Acoustic, Rhythm SoulfulPop16thsMike Ev16 065 Held > same as above

Mastering: Logic EQ > Ozone 9 multi-band compression > Ozone 9 Imager > Ozone 9 Limiter > Ozone Tonal Balance > Logic Pro X Loudness Meter

The lyric is on SC.

Very sophisticated deep minor progression. Janice is channeling some Stevie here. Beautiful and powerful arrangement in the rhythm tracks, wonderfully enhanced by Peter's tasteful but heavy play. All wrapped up in a tight musical package. Really nice lyric. "Certainty" is not allowed in my world view either. There's great comfort in releasing the burden to know everything. Staying in Doubt's shadow is better than the ugly glare of "beyond a shadow of a doubt". Powerful stuff. At least that's what I hear. Sue me if I'm wrong.

From the melodic guitar intro I knew it was going to be a cracker, (Australian colloquial - cracker = firework - explosive - go off with a bang).

The foreboding in the verse melody, reinforced by the lyric, is chilling.

This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow.

Peter - stunning!
Janice - stunning and darkly gorgeous.
Bud - a sullen, resentful narrative wrapped in a wonderful production - stunning.

I am seriously trying to keep my comments shorter, but you three don't make that easy! No joke. It's a struggle. That being said...

Overall-everything is working in my opinion. The sound you get with the mixing and mastering, well I'm jealous. It's SO clean, yet balanced and not at all too bright. I've heard of this destination but have never been there on my own.

The singing was delivered as though it lyrically and melodically was written by the same person. I'm thinking the two of you being a close couple has a lot to do with that. I will admit, I heard Janice sing and I always think "who is the world does she sound like?" I go through stylistically, and tonally fantastically accomplished singers in my vocal memories. So, that is saying a lot, considering who I'm attempting to think she sounds like. Then it came to me. She sounds like Janice! I'm simply comparing her to the great singer she is. Love that voice girl!

Guitar-the "other vocal" in my opinion. That you can make all of those parts so well shows you know what needs to go where. You must being hearing A LOT in your head before you lay the track. That's gotta be cool! I get this weird feeling you have the talent to take all those parts out, only to come up with different parts that work equally as well. Really nice job!

I'll touch lightly on the lyrics as not to start an argument. YOU CAN WRITE LYRICS! I don't care that it maybe takes everything within you to do them; sometimes that what music is. You may have to try like hell to solve the Rubic's cube; but you do it! Unless I've read an article that specifically mentions how tedious it was for someone to write lyrics, or any part for that matter, I would never know. The end result is all we listeners know of.

BIAB-Perfectly chosen and manipulated to create that band sound I expect from you 3+

Mixing-basically addressed. I don't know much to say as I would come across as ignorant as I am on the subject. Is it enough just to say it "sounds" GREAT?

Cover art-again, so cool. I never know if it's a great composite or great editing of what was an actual picture. Either way, it makes ya look! Well done.

The last little thing I want to say in my, once again, short reply is somewhat weird. I love emotion in songs. I probably say that too much. This song has a unique quality to me. It's not straight up "sad." It also never goes to "happy" either. To me it feels like what a break up can feel like. Mostly sad with the occasional breath. The feeling just below hope, when it's still fresh. Thanks for taking me there. It's nice to step into that as a reminder to be grateful.

Hi Janice & Bud,

Good new song - well played and sung.

Nice Guitar work as well.

Congratulations to you and your team.

Best Regards
Nigel

I love the composition and arrangement of this song. It is digging deep into my soul... and it succeeds challenging me with the line "Without you I struggle to find my next step"... SoMe..Me2...

Thanks a lot for sharing! Wonderful track!

Will

Janice, Bud & Peter,

Outrageously good... I'm lost for words here - you all really make some stunning music.

Janice is in top notch voice and form. Peter is a master at building a mood with his guitar and Bud is a songwriters songwriter and an engineering wizard.

I love everything about this song - will head back for several more listens.

Bob

Janice very much appreciated you mentioning her chord choice. We all appreciate your mention of the arrangement. You said, Staying in Doubt's shadow is better than the ugly glare of "beyond a shadow of a doubt". Wow. Our lyric eliciting such an eloquent statement is very meaningful.

Thanks for all!

J&B

Hi J,B & P,
Love the lyrics, Bud. Such a strong visual image in the opening verse. Chord progression is, as Tangmo said, deep and sophisticated. Terrific solo and other guitar parts from Peter and of course it all revolves around that brilliant voice. Nice brooding cover photo, too. All up, I second my fellow Australian's description of this one as a 'cracker'.
Regards,
Leon

Hi Janice, Bud and Peter,

I want to start with a sentence from Ray (didn't asked his permission), because I couldn't have said it better:
"This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow"

But in that house a beautiful song was made. No doubts on Janices' vocal qualities of course. and also none on the lyrics (very dark) and the band (nice chord progressions from Peter!). I loved it, maybe because I 'like' darker songs too. They say more about life.

So my offer to Janice still stands and now Bud can come too; if you want a good talk on this, I'm there and I won't give any choice at all ;-)

And seriously: it is quite different from your usual songs or singing (except about those mean men), but simply beautiful.
I enjoyed it a lot!

Hans

Rock ballad, opera or in whatever category one places this gem, it will still shine as a REALLY GOOD SONG. Good write Bud and Janice, and, Peter, you are such a valuable talent. What a wonderful collaboration.

“This song comes from the dark interior of the House of Doubt's Shadow.”

Now, that is a cool way to frame the theme! Been reading Dune? Your manifest lyric skills make your comments very special.

Needless to say the three of us are appreciative of your thoughts and support.

Thanks,

J&B

J&B & Peter,
I enjoyed the moodiness created by the progression and Janice`s aching vocal. The guitar tracks are stellar and the whole beautifully realized in production- Bud is a master of the clear mix.
Fantastic music!

Robert

Very sad blues rock ballad. Dark imagery full of anxiety, the slow tempo could make such a song dragging, but you have managed to keep it interesting all the way. The vocals, harmonies and Peter's guitars are the highlights. And the chord progression creates a haunting mood, there are minor chords but then some relieving major ones (safe harbor) too. This is a classic hit ballad perfectly produced, kind of a song I would buy the whole album without hearing any other tracks (in this case I know they definitely wouldn't disappoint me).

Janne

Very nice work again by all 3 of you! Lyrics are excellent! Performances and production are stellar as always! Glad you all keep making this community the top one around IMO!! Thanks, Torrey

very interesting moody song.
so much talent exhibited in this song.
and loved the cymbal at end. perfect.
best
om

Now you aren't referring to me having said that my attempts at songwriting are akin to experiencing a root canal are you?

Janice's melody and chord development remains a mystery to Bud even with us spending nearly all of our time together for decades. I do get a snippet when I walk by and she's sitting with her old Martin box. She much appreciated your remarks!

And, yes, Peter never ceases to amaze us with his ability to complement Janice's vocals with riffs and arrangement notions.

Thanks for mentioning the "band" sound. That is always our objective.

And thanks for the cover art comment. For this one there was no cut and pasting just converting it to B&W and some burning and dodging.

We really appreciate your description of the emotion in the song. Janice is the method actor when it comes to this type of tune!

Thank you!!

J&B

Bud + Janice + Peter = one masterpiece after another.

Blues at its absolute best.

There is nothing else to say.

Ta Mate.....that's the best colloquial response I could think of without being silly (bonzer).

Peter

Thanks Nigel.

It was a fun project.

J&B

Your thoughts are exactly what singer/songwriters hope to achieve.
Thank you!

J&B

Wow, what a wonderful song. It all fits perfectly, and the vocals are fantastic, so soothing!!

Hi Janice & Bud,

I have always admired your compositions. This one is still very rich in lyrics and well thought out accompaniment. Everything is in its place. Well done. I appreciated.

Kindly regard
derochette
alias JaniJackflash

Nice production. Great, clear vocals. Well written lyrics. I love Peter's guitar work Top notch. Well done everyone.

Love the feel of the song. Deep solid tones and awesome groove. Love your vocal Janice which transcends genres. Peter your guitar work was very very cool. Love how you pulled the angst out of the low register of your guitar. Bud such a cool production. Love how you widen and bring clarity to the full sound spectrum of the song. Well done...

The drums are strong on this one! Not overly loud, just very present, in a good way.

Although this is very musical - excellent guitar work, expressive vocal performance - this felt very much like spoken words. I put this down to Janice's emotive singing, with her focused on imbuing each word with as much meaning as possible, as well as a very supportive band (and mixer) who put her performance front and center.

Thank you Bob. We always appreciate your supportive remarks!

J&B

Guys,

I can't tell you how much I love this song! Listened a few times.

Janice is just fabulous! And very impressed that she developed the chord progression also.

Peter always sounds great, lovely tone, top notch chops.

Nice write, Bud, and great job on the arrangement and mix.

One of my favorites from you three

Thank Leon. And especially for mentioning the lyric. That means a lot coming from a lyricist that we greatly admire. Janice much appreciated the mention of her progression and vocals also. And glad you liked the photo of her.

J&B

Hey Hans, glad you enjoyed that journey into the House! Would that talk include beer?

Thanks for the nice comments.

J&B

This is very cool and spooky. Great work.

The vocals, instrumentation and lyrics are haunting. I really enjoyed it!

Glad you liked it Marty!

J&B

J&B and Peter,

Nice work on this one. Peter’s guitar solos shine as always and equally so Janice’s vocal. Solid write—“doubt’s shadow” is such a great phrase to build a song around. Well done, folks!

My best to you all,

Deej

Of course! or even better: wine!!

Haunting and melancholic.

Well done in all aspects.

Whatever the genre this is, it is something different and intriguing. A masterful composition.

Those are very kind remarks Robert and are much appreciated by us all!

J&B

Janne, that is very nice of you to say that. Janice was very happy to read that you liked the chord progression.
And thanks for mentioning the production. Peter can play anything but for J&B this production was a venture into some different sonic territory!

We appreciate it all.

J&B

J&B + Peter.
Rocket! Very interesting tune. Shines with all facets. Wow! Deep emotional vocals, strong lyrics, guitars (6!) Everything is in right places. No need for style classification, just good music. Congrats to team! Really liked this one. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.

Thank you Torrey!

J&B

Thanks!

J&B





Thank you Mario!

J&B

This had a haunting mysterious sound to it, accompanied by the low slow vocals and the guitar!!.. a perfect partner made this to me like a bond soundtrack .

I had a video playing in my head !!

Brilliant stuff to all of you .

Thanks

Hi Janice & Bud!
Great song. It's almost as if Chrissie Hynde decided to do a country ballad. Very well put together song and superb instrument playing. As always, a very professional sounding song. But I've pretty much come to expect as much from you folks.

Thanks y’all for listening and the nice comments!

J&B

Thanks!

J&B

Scott, we could not ask for more. You mentioned all of the objectives we could have had hoped to achieve. We greatly appreciate your comments!

J&B

Thanks David. Those drum tracks made my (Bud) head spin. Glad you liked them. Janice much appreciated your vocal comments. As Bud says she’s a bit of a method actor when it comes to each song. She gives her all and walks away from it after recording. But of course I’m quite biased . We appreciate every word!

J&B

Thank you David!

J&B



Thanks for all Deej and glad you liked the hook!

J&B

Lots of always satisfying talent from all of you on display here.
I especially liked the intriguing twist on the lyric idea Bud.
Josie

Better than a nice craft IPA?

J&B



Thank you for listening and the nice comment!

J&B

A haunting lyric. An even MORE haunting melody. COOL song!!

"In my shadow the memories drift slowly by
Everywhere I turn there are too many voices
All my family and friends are trying to offer help
When I listen they shout out too many choices"

Nice.

Awesome sound. Great BAND. Peter's guitar work is terrific. Love that outro...

Exquisite vocal!! Such a pro...

Gorgeous mix.

Haunting Cover Art!!

Stunning. As usual.

fj

Nice song. She sounds a lot like Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.
The guitar was superb as always, enjoyed the listen

Loved the titular conceit! And of course, the singer is first call. All put together beautifully.

Thank you Misha. My mixing skills (such as they are) were taxed by this project. It was somewhat above my track limit pay grade:) We appreciate your comments and thanks for the lyric mention!

J&B

Thanks man! The Bond mention is very cool and all you said is appreciated.

J&B



Now that was an interesting comparison. Thank you!!

J&B



Thanks Josie -- glad you liked the lyric notion.

J&B

Speechless and humbled by that. Had we achieved but a third of what you mentioned we’d be pleased.

The three of us thank you very much!

J&B

Thanks y’all for listening and the supportive comments!

J&B

Once again thanks to all who commented on my part in this song.

As always it was a pleasure collaborating with Bud & Janice.

It's been a privilege to get to know them via this forum.

Peter

Hi Janice, Bud and Peter,

This song aches with exquisite moodiness. Wow! The ambience—created by the arrangement, Janice's superb singing, Peter's skillful playing, the heartfelt lyrics and the well-considered production—frames emotional turmoil intensely and to perfection. I don't know how to even begin writing a song like this. Authenticity abounds in every aspect, every nuance.

"Without you I struggle to find my next step
"Without you the days seem to grow longer
"I do not want to leave doubt’s shadow
"It’s a safe harbor where my hope can linger"

The Longer/Linger relationship really caught my attention. It's perfectly placed to amplify the intensity of the turmoil of the lead character.

First class work by everyone and in every way!

All the best,
Noel

Noel, thank you for all of those comments and I (Bud), in particular, thank you for what you noted about the lyric. Writing does not come easy to me and hearing those remarks from a very skilled lyricist is most inspiring!

J&B