Dave & Chris, An unusual blend of styles - blues rock ballad with a drift towards trad.folk on the chorus ( love that almost sea shanty feel of the "blow boys blow")and very much to my taste! Those searing guitar breaks are amazing and the drums are nicely subtle- I wish I knew how to create an intro like that. Simple lyrics with a consistent metaphor, beautifully sung. One of your best!
I like the cinematic celtic folk feeling. The mood of seas is very present in the music: the piano has nice melancholy tone and the drums have nice bouncy rhythm. I can feel the northern wind blowing. Enjoyable guitar playing, the solo guitar melody is very beautiful. Chris's amazing voice on top of that turns this into a small masterpiece which I want to listen to again and again.
The imagery in this song is so vivid. The guitar lines, production, vocals all are top notch. You guys never have a missed moment - the songs always shine.
Loved this song. Piano was excellent. Super vocal and lyric. The chord changes were excellent as well. Guitar was gritty and fit the song perfectly. Loved the tailing harmonics on your solo. Sounded so good on the headphones Really neat picture on the reverberation site as well. One of my favs of yours
Thanks for posting this. It is a real pleasure to see other people's work, as I am just starting out creating my own songs, mixing and mastering, etc.
I wanted to comment on the mix, or possibly ask you why you did something. The singer's voice seemed lost in the mix; almost as if some effect had been put on that made it muddy. I had to read the words to figure out what she was saying.
I stayed on to hear the next three Blue Attitude tracks, and the singer was much clearer on those tracks. Being a singer, I want the singer to stand out as much as the beautiful guitar solos!
Well here is the real runner up on Valantines Way! The beacon, with very nice, mysteriously, sweet, dark, but strong vocals. In that case I don't agree with Glenns' words (post above), or maybe my ears need cleaning as well. I also enjoyed the rhythm of the drums in it, it really supports the melody. And what a beautiful solo you played till the end of this (much too short) song! So a lot of compliments and just one complain. I think the both of you must be very proud you achieved this result. It makes you forget there is a virus outside...
Shiver me timbers, what booty have we here? A ghostly sea shanty waltz with some Pink Floydian guitar. It could be a new genre. Chris, I love your piano work, especially in the earlier part of the piece, and of course your vocals are, as always, on song. Add in Dave's great guitar work and those beguiling drums and we have a wonderful original work. Thanks for sharing, Mike
WOW this is really good. Chris's vocal is super as is his piano and other instruments.! Dave's guitar is icing on the cake. The backing tracks are perfect.
Great work that you should both be very proud.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up. Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Dave & Chris, An unusual blend of styles - blues rock ballad with a drift towards trad.folk on the chorus ( love that almost sea shanty feel of the "blow boys blow")and very much to my taste! Those searing guitar breaks are amazing and the drums are nicely subtle- I wish I knew how to create an intro like that. Simple lyrics with a consistent metaphor, beautifully sung. One of your best!
Robert
Hi, Robert,
Yes, Chris was going for a Sea Shanty feel with the chorus.
As far as the drums go, there is no way to do an intro like that with BIAB drums AFAIK. I mostly use RealDrums, but for stuff like this EZDrummer2 is the best choice IMHO, very easily done using that tool.
Great job, Dave & Chris!! Love nautical themes, especially mysterious ones. "Northern wind blows Cold hand of hope Howling and creaks in the ropes" Piano sounds perfect, and the guitar always shines bright.
Great work - sets a really nice vibe, and the theme of the song is unique and attention grabbing too. Thought the mix was stellar as well - it flows really well.
Add one more terrific offering from Blue Attitude. If we could turn back the clock, I would not be surprise to hear you guys "got a deal". And we would all wait anxiously for the next record to come out...
Nice everything - as always... piano, bass, DRUMS! (great sound). Chris' usual excellent vocal. Dave's always smoking leads. And the usual solid mix.
Beautifully done—haunting and powerful. Really sweet vocal, Chris—really sails in the chorus (no pun intended). And some great guitar work as always Dave. Love the tune! Great work!
I listen to a lot of nautical music (old stuff), this was really good. There are a lot of great nautical tunes you guys could do if you wanted, they all are public domain. But whatever you do, it's always first class.
Windows 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
I like the cinematic celtic folk feeling. The mood of seas is very present in the music: the piano has nice melancholy tone and the drums have nice bouncy rhythm. I can feel the northern wind blowing. Enjoyable guitar playing, the solo guitar melody is very beautiful. Chris's amazing voice on top of that turns this into a small masterpiece which I want to listen to again and again.
I like the cinematic celtic folk feeling. The mood of seas is very present in the music: the piano has nice melancholy tone and the drums have nice bouncy rhythm. I can feel the northern wind blowing. Enjoyable guitar playing, the solo guitar melody is very beautiful. Chris's amazing voice on top of that turns this into a small masterpiece which I want to listen to again and again.
Janne
We rarely quote but Janne really nailed it.
This is one of the best builds we've heard in a production...remarkably effective.
"Epic" is over used, admittedly, but this is an epic ballad.
Janice said she was getting very worried about the sailors near the end, i.e., great imagery.
And BlueAttitude never disappoints with guitar and vocal! And Chris's work on her instrumentals is perfecto for the feel.
The imagery in this song is so vivid. The guitar lines, production, vocals all are top notch. You guys never have a missed moment - the songs always shine.
Loved this song. Piano was excellent. Super vocal and lyric. The chord changes were excellent as well. Guitar was gritty and fit the song perfectly. Loved the tailing harmonics on your solo. Sounded so good on the headphones Really neat picture on the reverberation site as well. One of my favs of yours
Thanks for posting this. It is a real pleasure to see other people's work, as I am just starting out creating my own songs, mixing and mastering, etc.
I wanted to comment on the mix, or possibly ask you why you did something. The singer's voice seemed lost in the mix; almost as if some effect had been put on that made it muddy. I had to read the words to figure out what she was saying.
I stayed on to hear the next three Blue Attitude tracks, and the singer was much clearer on those tracks. Being a singer, I want the singer to stand out as much as the beautiful guitar solos!
Forgive me if my ears need cleaning...
Glenn
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment! Sorry you couldn’t hear the vocal that well, to my ears they are sitting in the mix just where they need to be. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion
Dave and Chris, this is very good work! Everything sits in a perfect place for my ears! I love Chris's vocals (every time) and your guitars tones are the best (as well as your playing). It's a great song with a perfect music bed to carry the vocal/lyrics! I'm always impressed with your work! Thanks, Torrey
Well here is the real runner up on Valantines Way! The beacon, with very nice, mysteriously, sweet, dark, but strong vocals. In that case I don't agree with Glenns' words (post above), or maybe my ears need cleaning as well. I also enjoyed the rhythm of the drums in it, it really supports the melody. And what a beautiful solo you played till the end of this (much too short) song! So a lot of compliments and just one complain. I think the both of you must be very proud you achieved this result. It makes you forget there is a virus outside...
Thanks a for this song, Hans
Thanks very much, Hans, I really appreciate your comments and so does Chris
And, happy that we have finally produced a song that you like almost as much as Valentines Way! Although I really like Valentines Way too.
Before clicking onto any song you post. I know I am going to be pleased and taken on a great journey. This one just dazzles! It's a wonderful blend of styles ... almost a new genre, I would venture to say.
Although Chris Spruit & Janice Merritt are totally different singers, they are similar by virtue of having the innate vocal excellence to bring out the very best in a lyric. Chris' vocal on this one just soars. And Dave, your guitar touch is such a treat for the ears. This is some seriously good writing, performing and presentation. Totally loved it!
Wishing you both the very best. Please be safe ...
Shiver me timbers, what booty have we here? A ghostly sea shanty waltz with some Pink Floydian guitar. It could be a new genre. Chris, I love your piano work, especially in the earlier part of the piece, and of course your vocals are, as always, on song. Add in Dave's great guitar work and those beguiling drums and we have a wonderful original work. Thanks for sharing, Mike
Thanks for the listen and comments, Mike!
Originally Posted By: MarioD
WOW this is really good. Chris's vocal is super as is his piano and other instruments.! Dave's guitar is icing on the cake. The backing tracks are perfect.
As I was listening (closely, that is! ), to The Beacon, into my mind came the word, 'mystical', the meaning of which a dictionary explains as 'spiritually significant, or symbolic'. The music was mostly responsible for that thought occuring to me, as it has kind of a rising and falling feel to it, like waves in the ocean advancing on, and receding from the shore. The unresolved aura of the strings arrangement contributed to the mystical mood, too.
But it was the lyrics that more powerfully summoned the 'mystical' feel I mentioned. They describe the disorienting sense of being lost and a search for the way out of the darkness:
"Beacons light Shine on and fight Don't leave our ship to the night"
Those are compelling words, because, after all, aren't the lives of all of us simply wayward journeys up and down paths that lead us sometimes into darkness, and at other times point us toward 'the light'? And yet, the brisk 3/4 time is uplifting in a quiet way. Maybe that's because, for me, at least, waltz time has always had an upbeat feel that has never failed to brighten my mood (I could listen forever to the late Toots Thieleman performing Bluesette .)
I think The Beacon sets a mood of longing and yearning for a 'safe harbor' for the soul that makes it a entrancing, meditative listening experience.
LOREN/'bluage'
Last edited by bluage; 04/14/2010:22 PM.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
This if great but the 1st vocal not is way too aggressive and slightly buried at the same time - it's a bit the same after the solo. Excellent arrangement and playing/singing. That vocal reverb separates it a little. Sweet solo tone!
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Great job, Dave & Chris!! Love nautical themes, especially mysterious ones. "Northern wind blows Cold hand of hope Howling and creaks in the ropes" Piano sounds perfect, and the guitar always shines bright.
Thanks, Marty! Looking forward to having you on board for out next one
Originally Posted By: Deryk - PG Music
Great work - sets a really nice vibe, and the theme of the song is unique and attention grabbing too. Thought the mix was stellar as well - it flows really well.
Add one more terrific offering from Blue Attitude. If we could turn back the clock, I would not be surprise to hear you guys "got a deal". And we would all wait anxiously for the next record to come out...
Nice everything - as always... piano, bass, DRUMS! (great sound). Chris' usual excellent vocal. Dave's always smoking leads. And the usual solid mix.
On my third listen. (that says it all for me)
fj
Turning back the clock ... man, I couldn't tell you how many things I would do different if that was possible!
This song sounds like it's been around for ages, getting a fresh treatment just now..,that old "folk" waltz-time vibe electrified and bandified. An absolute pleasure to listen to.
Beautifully done—haunting and powerful. Really sweet vocal, Chris—really sails in the chorus (no pun intended). And some great guitar work as always Dave. Love the tune! Great work!
I listen to a lot of nautical music (old stuff), this was really good. There are a lot of great nautical tunes you guys could do if you wanted, they all are public domain. But whatever you do, it's always first class.
Never crossed my mind to do a public domain song, might be fun to try that. Thanks for the idea!
I like the cinematic celtic folk feeling. The mood of seas is very present in the music: the piano has nice melancholy tone and the drums have nice bouncy rhythm. I can feel the northern wind blowing. Enjoyable guitar playing, the solo guitar melody is very beautiful. Chris's amazing voice on top of that turns this into a small masterpiece which I want to listen to again and again.
Janne
We rarely quote but Janne really nailed it.
This is one of the best builds we've heard in a production...remarkably effective.
"Epic" is over used, admittedly, but this is an epic ballad.
Janice said she was getting very worried about the sailors near the end, i.e., great imagery.
And BlueAttitude never disappoints with guitar and vocal! And Chris's work on her instrumentals is perfecto for the feel.
I would not be surprise to hear you guys "got a deal". And we would all wait anxiously for the next record to come out...
well to me that says it all, Christiane beautiful vocals, Dave if I could play guitar leads like you well I would be.....??? Better than I am .
This was class with a capitol c.
Thanks, Colin!
Originally Posted By: Torrey Bliss
Dave and Chris, this is very good work! Everything sits in a perfect place for my ears! I love Chris's vocals (every time) and your guitars tones are the best (as well as your playing). It's a great song with a perfect music bed to carry the vocal/lyrics! I'm always impressed with your work! Thanks, Torrey
Thanks Torrey! Love your latest.
Originally Posted By: Leon1
Hi Dave and Chris. Another cracker from you two. Love the piano and the vocal and guitar work are great as always. Regards, Leon
Thanks for stopping by, Leon!
Originally Posted By: Al-David
Hi Chris and Dave ...
Before clicking onto any song you post. I know I am going to be pleased and taken on a great journey. This one just dazzles! It's a wonderful blend of styles ... almost a new genre, I would venture to say.
Although Chris Spruit & Janice Merritt are totally different singers, they are similar by virtue of having the innate vocal excellence to bring out the very best in a lyric. Chris' vocal on this one just soars. And Dave, your guitar touch is such a treat for the ears. This is some seriously good writing, performing and presentation. Totally loved it!
Wishing you both the very best. Please be safe ...
Nice job on this tune. Piano is the king. Guitar rocks at 1:20 and getting nice and wild toward the end. One of the more aggressive drums I have heard in your tunes (second half of the song), but it works very well.
I have heard it first day it was posted, sorry for turtle response. On good note, I got to hear it twice and I actually liked it better on the second round. You know, it is like a soup, it always tastes better on the second day
If you pick the right instruments and talent you can have a great song? Well, that just got answered with a big "Yes!"
Talk about haunting. It plays with your emotions. I love it!
Great job!
Thanks, Caaron! It was a fun project for us, happy you liked it.
Originally Posted By: bluage
Dear 'BlueAttitude' & Ms. Spruit...
As I was listening (closely, that is! ), to The Beacon, into my mind came the word, 'mystical', the meaning of which a dictionary explains as 'spiritually significant, or symbolic'. The music was mostly responsible for that thought occuring to me, as it has kind of a rising and falling feel to it, like waves in the ocean advancing on, and receding from the shore. The unresolved aura of the strings arrangement contributed to the mystical mood, too.
But it was the lyrics that more powerfully summoned the 'mystical' feel I mentioned. They describe the disorienting sense of being lost and a search for the way out of the darkness:
"Beacons light Shine on and fight Don't leave our ship to the night"
Those are compelling words, because, after all, aren't the lives of all of us simply wayward journeys up and down paths that lead us sometimes into darkness, and at other times point us toward 'the light'? And yet, the brisk 3/4 time is uplifting in a quiet way. Maybe that's because, for me, at least, waltz time has always had an upbeat feel that has never failed to brighten my mood (I could listen forever to the late Toots Thieleman performing Bluesette .)
I think The Beacon sets a mood of longing and yearning for a 'safe harbor' for the soul that makes it a entrancing, meditative listening experience.
LOREN/'bluage'
Man, you write the best reviews! Thanks, Loren
Originally Posted By: rayc
This if great but the 1st vocal not is way too aggressive and slightly buried at the same time - it's a bit the same after the solo. Excellent arrangement and playing/singing. That vocal reverb separates it a little. Sweet solo tone!
I'll get back to this song at some point to tweak the mix, I always do. And when I do I'll check what you mentioned about the vocal mix and reverb.
Thanks, Ray, I always appreciate that kind of feedback
Originally Posted By: David Snyder
Sounds awesome Dave!
Great production and mix with your signature guitar excellence!
Great to see you back here, David! Thanks, man!
Originally Posted By: Tangmo
This song sounds like it's been around for ages, getting a fresh treatment just now..,that old "folk" waltz-time vibe electrified and bandified. An absolute pleasure to listen to.
Happy you liked this one, Tang.
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
New Age Viking Blues?
Dave & Chris,
Nice job on this tune. Piano is the king. Guitar rocks at 1:20 and getting nice and wild toward the end. One of the more aggressive drums I have heard in your tunes (second half of the song), but it works very well.
I have heard it first day it was posted, sorry for turtle response. On good note, I got to hear it twice and I actually liked it better on the second round. You know, it is like a soup, it always tastes better on the second day
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