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AT THE CORNER OF ASPEN AND MAIN (song)

Some forum members suggested that the instrumental version and its title suggested a romantic story. Well, here 'tis.

BIAB STYLE & REAL TRACKS:

C34PNSL.STY Slow Country Waltz

1121:Bass, Acoustic Country Waltz Sw 085 (Rev 40)
2118:Piano, Acoustic, Soloist CountryWaltzJohn Sw 085 (Rev 40)
RealDrums= Country Waltz (Rev 40)
824:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Country Waltz Sw 085 (Rev 40)
1126:PedalSteel, Rhythm CountryWaltz Sw 085 (Rev 40)
ADDITIONAL REAL TRACKS:
2117:Piano, Acoustic Rhythm CountryWaltzJohn Sw 085 (Rev 35)
980:Guitar, Electric Rhythm CountryClean A-B Sw 085 (Rev 40)

OTHER INSTRUMENTS:
Takamine GC1CE nylon string guitar through Fender Mustang LT50 amp.
Reason 11sound samples: Mandolin Tremolo Ensemble, Grand Piano.

The instrumental version was rendered at 85bpm.
and followed a part 1, 2 1, 2,2 pattern.
The song has a simpler 1,2,1,2,1,2 pattern and was rendered at 92 bpm. There is also a key change after the instrumental break.


LYRICS:

When shadows grow long and the light starts to fade
And the mockingbird calls it a day
The ghost of a mem'ry takes me back to a time
And a place half a lifetime away...
I was early in town, just wand'ring around
Killing time before boarding my train.
She was waiting tables at the Crystal Café
At the corner of Aspen and Main

Her face was exquisite – she’d light up any room
Putting candles and sunlight to shame.
Felt a tug in my heart, knowing soon I’d be gone
And I might never see her again

Instrumental

The train to Nashville promised fortune and fame
With a contract signed just yesterday
But an inner voice said, “She’s your one and only one
Just don’t let her slip, slide away.”
When evening came around I was still there in town
Having waved goodbye to the train.
We were deep in colloquy in the Crystal Café
At the corner of Aspen and Main


Copyright © 2021 Brian Raynor. All rights reserved.

N.B. For those who may be unfamiliar with the word colloquy, it means "conversation."

Last edited by Ghostgum; 06/18/21 09:03 PM. Reason: addendum

My music may not set the world on fire but if it causes a glow in just one person's heart, it has all been worthwhile smile
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Pretty song!! I'm kinda a sucker for waltzes, and this is a very nice one!! Although, I probably would have gone with the contract smile. Nice work!! Take care. Greg

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Originally Posted By: Greg Johnson
Although, I probably would have gone with the contract smile.


Contracts come and go. "One and only's" don't.

My wife loves this song - probably because when I was all set to quit full-time work and go to university in '92, I changed direction and married her instead. smile


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This song paints a really clear story that I think is admirable in lyrics writing. Especially loved the creative choices you made. Thanks for sharing with us!


Cheers,
Ember
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Hello, 'Ghostgum'...

Ever since I first heard Patti Page sing the 'Tennessee Waltz', I have always felt that there was something delicate and bittersweet about country waltzes. Your song had plenty of those virtues. The lyrics couldn't be more descriptive of a particular place and time as they summon the sad nostalgia of inevitable parting. Your singing is as melodic and expressive as the nylon string guitar you performed on. The key change felt like a sudden, final surge of hope that died out slowly as the narrator contemplated the fateful situation.

This is 'one from the heart', I'm sure!


"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
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Hi Brian,

Lovely song - I'm a real sucker for a song with a great melody, classic major and minor chord changes, a real chorus and a change of key.

I enjoyed the whole package.

Well done.

Best Regards
Nigel


Nigel Spiers
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Brian,

A pleasant, classic Country song. A nice write.

Good vocal. (I thought that it was just slightly louder than it should be - (very) slightly "above the mix").

fj

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Thanks, Floyd. I will revisit the levels and make any necessary adjustments. smile


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Hi Brian,

Yes, on second listen, I think Floyd is right - it is a delicate song and the vocals are a touch loud.

As an alternative it may be beneficial to experiment with EQ'ing the bottom of the vocals e.g. roll-off at around 120Hz (maybe a little higher) with a Q of around 7-8.

I like it when forum members positively critique a song and the performer posts remixes.

Best Regards
Nigel

Last edited by NigelSpiers; 06/19/21 01:22 PM.

Nigel Spiers
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Loved it! Great vocal and lyrics although I also think the vocal was a tad loud.

Outstanding lyrics.


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Ah yes ... one that turns out well!

And further enhanced by how much we love a good waltz.

Well written, performed and produced!

J&B

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Hi Ghostgum, Brian,

I think I was one of those forum members that suggested there was a romantic story behind the title.
I'm glad you took that challenge. You did a good job on singing this story. Very romantic!
And fitted in a very good written lyric too.

So there is the question; why don't you sing more often? You have a pleasant voice for this kind of songs.
One could easely see himself there (in your place) waving the train goodbye and not the lovely girl!

I enjoyed it,
Hans


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Glad you liked the song, Hans.

The reason I don't sing more songs (on this forum) is that composing music comes more easily for me. Occasionally, I find myself in that happy moment where words and music come together but it is all too rare.
On this occasion, having finished the backing track, instead of waiting for inspiration I forced myself to write and rewrite and edit and tweak and polish until I had a lyric I was happy with. smile

When not writing words and music I am on the road, performing (over 400 concerts in five years).


My music may not set the world on fire but if it causes a glow in just one person's heart, it has all been worthwhile smile
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Wow Brian,

You have an exciting life, performing that much!
I can imagine there is not much time left to write lyrics as well. Although... you have a lot to sing or tell about, don't you agree?
And you did a good job on these lyrics and the singing. So, it can be done (later, when you become older)!

Have a nice day,
Hans


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Classic song and production. Good vocals, and production. The piano sounds fantastic!


Elliott Kayne
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https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic
https://www.facebook.com/ekayne

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Hi Ghostgum,

Very nice song. Very soft, with a soft fingering in the playing of the different instruments. It's very pleasant to listen to with well-sung and well-written lyrics. I apprecied.

Kindly regard
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash


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You've captured a classic sound nicely with your original touch. Excellent vocal performance. I hope to hear more of your singing.

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Ghostgum, like Greg, I'm a fan of a good waltz! Nice little story with a great music bed to carry the vocal which is delivered in fine fashion! Overall very good song and production! Enjoyed it! Thanks, Torrey




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Brian

Very pretty waltz, lovely melody and an all round enjoyable song.

Nice work.

Peter

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Hi Brian really excellent vocal and lyrics well done thanks for sharing Eric


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