|
|
|
|
#299694 - 06/14/15 10:27 PM
[User Showcase]
NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
|
|
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
Veteran
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
|
Hello community members. Here is a song which is unique for me in two ways: 1) I wrote the music and lyrics to the chorus in my head before playing anything or writing it down. I frequently get musical pieces which fall into my mind at random times and maybe a hook line or intro line but this was very different for me. I was driving at night down the California central valley (which defies all of the glamorous notions of California-it is hot, flat, and ugly) and my family was all sleeping. The idea came to me and I chewed on it so that I had a finished chorus in my head by the time we arrived at our motel. 2) This song uses every note of my huge 1.5 octave range (being sarcastic). It is meant for a real singer but I had to give it a shot. Another unusual thing about it is the chorus is LONG, which meant that I had to write the versus quite short and stick with the metaphor throughout. Hope you enjoy it. Comments encouraged and much appreciated!! Take care. Greg https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/wheelmix TAKE THE WHEEL Now the shadows have grown longer underneath the setting sun And I know they’re weighing on your mind There was a time your faith was stronger, but you’re not the only one Who ever journeyed without knowin’ what they’d find From your lonely little window, you see that old car there up on blocks But you got the means to fix her, and the doors are unlocked So take your life, take the wheel Believe in what you think and feel Fill your soul full of premium ambition Let your journey start with the road map in your heart Let your dreams be the key to your ignition Chase your rainbow, feel the wind blow Let it carry you away Down the highway that let’s your spirit thrive The time is now; here it is baby Take the wheel and drive It’s like your trapped beneath the wreckage of some long abandoned dream And you’ve given up the notion of escape But the promise of redemption may be closer than it seems And may be more than worth the chance you’ll have to take In this vast and wondrous universe, it still remains unclear If anything exists that’s greater, than what we have right here So, take your life….. Your can spend your whole life wrestlin’ with the demons of the past Or head out on the highway and try to lose them at last So, take your life…
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299704 - 06/14/15 11:10 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 05/12/12
Posts: 2633
Loc: South Africa
Veteran
Registered: 05/12/12
Posts: 2633
Loc: South Africa
|
Beautiful beautiful Greg. What a wonderful write. Well I think your voice sounds quite wonderful..don't knock it. I love the message in this song. I keep my iphone handy when I am driving so that I can record ideas while I am on the move.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299723 - 06/15/15 04:02 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 04/07/13
Posts: 5916
Loc: South Carolina
Veteran
Registered: 04/07/13
Posts: 5916
Loc: South Carolina
|
Excellent at every level Greg. I truly enjoyed every second.
Charlie
_________________________
BiaB Ultra Pak+ 2020:RB 2020: Acer Laptop; Windows-7-64 bit, Intel Pentium Processor and 4 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299741 - 06/15/15 06:00 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Charlie Fogle]
|
|
Registered: 01/28/12
Posts: 3149
Loc: Murgon Queensland Australia
Veteran
Registered: 01/28/12
Posts: 3149
Loc: Murgon Queensland Australia
|
Excellent at every level Greg. I truly enjoyed every second.
Charlie I agree with above. Very pretty tune. Thanks for sharing. Rob
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299742 - 06/15/15 06:01 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 06/22/12
Posts: 2869
Loc: Karlsruhe, Germany
Veteran
Registered: 06/22/12
Posts: 2869
Loc: Karlsruhe, Germany
|
Hi Greg,
what a beautiful write and melody.
Your voice is great.
Very enjoyable arrangement and mix.
I'm excited.
Guenter
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299744 - 06/15/15 06:13 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 05/22/11
Posts: 3258
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 05/22/11
Posts: 3258
Loc: Florida
|
Greg, You are at the very top of your game here. Great write, excellent metaphors, super melody. Sung with great skill and the chord progression and arrangement is just outstanding. Love the editing. Those little steel pads before the chorus are perfectly placed and very natural sounding. The organ in the chorus adds to the spiritual feeling and was just right. Really beautiful listen and a great way to start the week. Love it! Tom
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299755 - 06/15/15 07:37 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 8762
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 8762
Loc: Florida
|
Greg,
Love this! Beautiful from every angle. Pro at every level.
Stunning production - each part sounding like it meant for the song.
Piano is just right. Steel is perfect. Organ - perfect.
Your best vocals. In the pocket. Oozing feeling. (well recorded)
A gorgeous write. Somewhere right in the middle of Jackson Browne and Don Henley.
Amazing.
floyd
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299760 - 06/15/15 08:51 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 05/02/14
Posts: 3180
Loc: The Netherlands
Veteran
Registered: 05/02/14
Posts: 3180
Loc: The Netherlands
|
Simply beautiful Greg! Second best after "How love is supposed to feel"  We are very curious to hear about the RT's, especially about the keyboard/synth on the chorus. Or is it Vocals? Anyway, one of your best! Regards, Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299778 - 06/15/15 10:30 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 08/25/03
Posts: 3078
Loc: wales
Veteran
Registered: 08/25/03
Posts: 3078
Loc: wales
|
Greg, You too were driving down that long old road!! Sometimes driving is a great space to write songs and your journey produced an absolutely out-standing song. The others have said it all. Beautiful, beautiful song. floyd wrote Somewhere right in the middle of Jackson Browne and Don Henley. ABSOLUTELY. great listen Alyn ps My neighbours got to hear this too as I opened the doors and wound it up. No complaints from them, so far 
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299795 - 06/15/15 02:02 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 14544
Loc: Hamlin NY
Veteran
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 14544
Loc: Hamlin NY
|
I finally got some time to listen to some songs.
I disagree with you in that you are a real singer and an excellent one at that!
I agree with everything that Floyd said, especially his " Beautiful from every angle. Pro at every level." And " A gorgeous write. Somewhere right in the middle of Jackson Browne and Don Henley."
This is your best to date IMHO.
_________________________
I ran out of toilet paper and had to use old newspapers. Times are rough!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB and RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software and some hardware.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299827 - 06/15/15 06:42 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 04/09/07
Posts: 276
Apprentice
Registered: 04/09/07
Posts: 276
|
So, yesterday opening a neglected how to songwriting book and after an hour or so stopping to digest the chapter on metaphor's. Fast forward to today and your song gives me a great lesson on how to do it correctly. Thanks. Great write and delivery!
Edited by PatrickH (06/15/15 06:44 PM)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299857 - 06/16/15 04:14 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: floyd jane]
|
|
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7258
Veteran
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7258
|
Greg,
Love this! Beautiful from every angle. Pro at every level.
Stunning production - each part sounding like it meant for the song.
Piano is just right. Steel is perfect. Organ - perfect.
Your best vocals. In the pocket. Oozing feeling. (well recorded)
A gorgeous write. Somewhere right in the middle of Jackson Browne and Don Henley.
Amazing.
floyd
It's not often I quote someone on the comments..... but Floyd nailed this one perfectly. Loved the chords you used in this... the progression was great. This would be a great one to get into the proper hands.....
_________________________
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. As the sword chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299910 - 06/16/15 11:09 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Guitarhacker]
|
|
Registered: 03/04/07
Posts: 795
Loc: Germany
Journeyman
Registered: 03/04/07
Posts: 795
Loc: Germany
|
I agree with Floyd on this, a great track! And don't make excuses for anything when you present your songs, you don't need to, your vocal fits perfectly.
_________________________
Chris
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299911 - 06/16/15 11:11 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: floyd jane]
|
|
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 9525
Loc: GA USA
Veteran
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 9525
Loc: GA USA
|
1.5 octave, 3 octaves....who cares. For us the key is
whether or not the singer has soul. A soulful voice
grabs us from the get go irrespective of the genre.
No soul = no interest for us regardless of the
technical chops. floyd really articulated how
we feel about this song Getting in the middle of
Jackson Browne and Don Henley is a heckuva place
to be. I could live there indeed.
Every major component and every tiny detail just
shines here. This is a great production. The write
is introspective but not overwrought. That's a balance
few have. Outstanding.
J&B
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299922 - 06/16/15 01:28 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Janice & Bud]
|
|
Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 5078
Loc: North Carolina
Veteran
Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 5078
Loc: North Carolina
|
Great song Greg. Interesting approach. Writing the chorus first seems to be a darned smart idea, because that is the part we are all working towards. Clever!!  I read an interesting chapter in a book recently where Paul Simon described how he made a working style transition in Graceland. Heretofore, he wrote with a guitar in his lap, working on lyrics and music all at once. On Graceland, he just did all the music, first, and when all the music was complete and recorded he went back and wrote lyrics and did the vox. Interesting. Hmmm.. Well, anyway, great tune and great production man!!!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299940 - 06/16/15 04:45 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 06/17/10
Posts: 1944
Loc: Canyon Lake, TX
Expert
Registered: 06/17/10
Posts: 1944
Loc: Canyon Lake, TX
|
Greg,
I totally agree with every good thing said about this one. While I was listening, before reading any of the comments, I kept thinking this has a real Jackson Browne feel to it (and that is a real compliment).
In my opinion, this song is not only one of your best, but one of the best songs I have heard on this forum. I agree with Herb, this one needs to get in the right hands.
Steve
_________________________
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#299961 - 06/16/15 06:14 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Greg Johnson]
|
|
Registered: 11/11/12
Posts: 4027
Loc: Iceland
Veteran
Registered: 11/11/12
Posts: 4027
Loc: Iceland
|
After reading your intro for the song, I must admit I wasn't expecting much - you tricked me!! No seriously, you completely undersold this one. I mean, sure, you could've delegated the singing to some 'pitch perfect' alternate, or even added vocals to the chorus, but I'm telling you - you would have lost more than gained by any such fancy treatments. This is a fantastic piece, from start to finish, and the hair prickling on my neck & arms is all the testament I need. Not many songs give this old lump goosebumps, this one does!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#300035 - 06/17/15 10:56 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: JoanneCooper]
|
|
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
Veteran
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
|
THanks so much Joanne!! Really appreciate your support and kind words. Congrats on the completion of your collab project-very cool indeed! Take care. Greg
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#300036 - 06/17/15 10:57 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: Charlie Fogle]
|
|
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
Veteran
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
|
Thanks Charlie and Bob. Your nice compliment means a lot to me. Always appreciate hearing posts from you guys! Take care. Greg
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#300037 - 06/17/15 10:58 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Take the Wheel
[Re: boehm]
|
|
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
Veteran
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 5918
Loc: Davis, CA
|
Thanks so much Guenter. I really appreciate your support. You are doing some incredibly creative stuff!! Take care. Greg
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® for Mac - Audio Chord Wizard Overview Video
The Audio Chord Wizard included in Band-in-a-Box is a powerful feature that automatically figures out the chords from an audio file and imports them (as well as the audio) into Band-in-a-Box®, along with the bar lines, key, tempo, and fine tuning!
Check out this video, where we explain how to use the Audio Chord Wizard: Click here to watch...
Read more about the Audio Chord Wizard within our online program manual, here. Better yet - give it a try and see/hear for yourself how intelligent this feature is!
Clarinet RealTracks for Band-in-a-Box®!
Tutorial - Downloading and Installing Your Band-in-a-Box® Purchase
When you order your copy of Band-in-a-Box® from our website you'll receive the installation files to download your order, even if you're having it shipped!
You can access these files within the My Products section of your online account.
Downloading the program is such a convenient way to get started with Band-in-a-Box®! To learn more about how to download your purchase, please review the written tutorials we've created for Windows and Mac.
200+ Saxophone RealTracks for Band-in-a-Box®!
Where would music be today without the sultry sounds of the Saxophone? Fortunately, because of Adolphe Sax, we don't have to find out!
Today we celebrate his birthday, and with that a nod to our extensive collection of Saxophone RealTracks for Band-in-a-Box®!
Saxophone RealTracks sound so amazing that they were one of the first RealTracks we developed and released for the program with Band-in-a-Box® 2007! Now there are more than 200 Saxophone RealTracks available for Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, Funk, and Pop!
Our Saxophone RealTracks Artists include:
Eric Alexander
Eric Marienthal
Gary Smulyan
Jack Stafford
Jim Clark
Mark Douthit
P.J. Perry
Phil Woods
Tom Keenlyside
Click on their name to be taken to their bio page where you can learn more about the artists and listen to demos of all their RealTracks.
Upgrading to Band-in-a-Box® 2020 is Easy!
Did you know... anyone who has owned a previous version of Band-in-a-Box® is entitle to upgrade pricing - you do not need to have your old version installed!
Maybe you used to own the Windows version, but you now have a Mac... that's not a problem either!
(or if you owned the Mac version, and now you have a Windows computer)
In both cases, you would purchase from the "Upgrade from 2018 or earlier or crossgrade" row here for a new Mac version, or here if you want the newest Windows version. Just need to upgrade your 2019 version? Use the "Upgrade from 2019/2020" row.
When you purchase your upgrade from either of these rows, you will receive a complete installation - just follow the steps of the setup, and your Band-in-a-Box® will be ready to use!
PG Music Inc. shopping cart accounts were not required to purchase from our website prior to October 29, 2014. With that in mind, you may have to create an account in order to upgrade - that's OK! You'll still be entitled to upgrade pricing.
Band-in-a-Box® 2020 Italian for Mac is Here!
Ci sono oltre 50 nuove funzionalità in Band-in-a-Box® 2020! Ci sono miglioramenti ai RealTracks (RealTracks vocali dal suono più fluido, Ispessimento RealTracks, RealTracks "Find-a-Sub" e MultiRiffs). La maggior parte dei RealDrums ora hanno RealCharts (con un'accurata Notazione di Batteria). C'è un nuovo Browser dell'artista RealTracks per trovare informazioni /bios/collegamenti/ elenchi di RealTracks su tutti gli artisti. Un nuovo Browser delle Funzionalità consente all'utente nuovo o "smemorato" di trovare e utilizzare facilmente la maggior parte delle funzionalità/tasti di scelta rapida/documenti da un'unica finestra. Equalizza Tempo consente di cambiare una canzone registrata in rubato in un tempo fisso. Stiramento del tempo/tono dell'audio migliorato (Elastique) incluso. Ci sono miglioramenti di SongPicker, Auto-Intro di Basso/Batteria o Batteria solo, 3.400 titoli aggiunti, miglioramenti di MusicXML, chitarra "per mancini" e "Vista Studente", miglioramenti del trascinamento della selezione, visualizzazione multi-finestra dell’analizzatore degli accordi audio e altro ancora!
ACQUISTA/AGGIORNA & SCARICA ADESSO!!
Sign Up for the Band-in-a-Box® Newsletter!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33203 Members
68 Forums
66917 Topics
570034 Posts
Max Online: 2537 @ 01/19/20 07:09 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous Topic
Index
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean