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How Can I Say Goodbye on Soundcloud
How Can I Say Goodbye on YouTube

A song about the reluctance to call it quits. This one will be released as a single on Saturday, the 30th, and will be the 7th song on an album next month. It features Dave Bell (Blue Attitude) and Dan Simmons (Firesong).

There's a lot to mix, and it took many trials with many errors. Just when I thought it was done, Dan came up with another idea for some backing vocals. He sent a stem called Scat, so I labeled it Dan's Scat Track and followed it to the end. Scat smelled like ice cream. So much to mix but the whole gang came in after the solo, and stayed through the end. Of course, I couldn't have the last goodbye. Anyone who listens that far will at least be singing in their head and likely add goodbye, which will make the point more obvious (I think, therefor I am convinced.)

Dan's help was so important to the final. Dave, as you all know is always with the perfect touch. Never mind his tastefully appropriate solo in this (we're all used to being amazed by those), but check out the two-note phrases he adds to the B-parts of the verses.

File:How Can I Say Goodbye.SGU
Key=G , Tempo 69, Length (m:s)=3:21

Style is _TOWN.STY (Town 12-8 Gospel R&B Piano)

RealTracks in style: 4291:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm RnBSlow12-8Kevin Sw 060
RealTracks in style: ~529:Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Hank Sw 065
RealDrums in style:Nashville128^01-a:Sidestick, Hihat , b:Snare, Ride

Dave Bell (Blue Attitude) played guitar and Dan Simmons (firesong) played organ and added the BGVs. I played bass and sang.

How Can I Say Goodbye

How can I say goodbye to you? Right now the timing's all wrong.
I'd rather stay and die with you than live a life when you're gone.
So all that we have now you want to throw away
to see what tomorrow will hold.
With me you have a lifetime. You know that I will stay.
A love like ours will not grow old.

How can I say goodbye to you, and have all my feelings denied?
I'd rather show what I would do to keep you here by my side.
Whatever you were thinking when you said this has to end
is not a thought to keep in mind.
You know that what we have is a love I will defend.
A love like this is hard to find.

Whatever you were thinking when you thought you have to go
is something that you must deny.
A love with dedication will surely always grow.
How can I say goodbye?

V-- G Bm Em D G B7 A7 D
C7 C7 F7 F7 Bb7 Bb7-Bb9
C-C7 D-D7%

Marty, Dave, and Dan, you guys are so good together it is scary!

An outstanding tune that sounds like it was recorded in a professional studio.

Everything is outstanding

Loved it

It seems I am the first to respond on your song here, Marty!
I also left a message on your YT-channel!

Very nice lyrics and a lovely song!
Your vocals were very good. But for me they could have been a bit louder, as counts for your piano.
Dave is good too (of course). What a nice intro and solo!
And Dan supported the song wonderfully on that organ. Very nice sound effects too.

I listened several times in the hope you will never say goodbye.
But at the same time to tell you I didn't hear the BGV's, ok, I heard some ooh's (or the organ) but i would like them to be more clear in the mix.

Anyway, I love this song a lot, but maybe you could take a look at those minor things I mentioned.
But if you don't, I won't say goodbye to you.

Greet Dan and Dave for me,
Hans

Marty

Great song great band effort, really pro all the way.
Dave's playing is lovely and melodic for some reason reminded me of Elvin Bishop.

Really well done by all of you.

Peter

One of your very best, period. Lyrics are wonderful, great blues, great singing, superb guitar interlude ... hats off, once more.

A professor of mine once asked me to review his performance - because, he said, he needed feedback. Upon me launching into a lengthy, verbal review, he smiled (rather sheepishly, I think) and said to me: "not so many words ... not so many words". Same here Bravi!!!

Marty, Dave & Dan.,
ACE.
The tasteful guitar intro sets the song up really well and yes the licks n picks added elsewhere are icing on a very well baked cake.
The organ adds layers, and the bvox cream to a dessert that hold contrast in the bittersweet narrative.
Balanced flavours & textures = scrumptious.

Marty, Dave & Dan,

What a great song! The pacing and production is perfect. Love the mix on this.

Great vocals and guitar lines. You guys always set a very high bar.

Best of luck with the single and album - that's always exciting!

Bob

Thanks very much, Mario.


Thanks, Hans. My vocal always sounds best way back in the mix. The BGVs seem at a good level to me, although, you're right, I mixed them a thousand different ways. Yes, I really enjoy your comments on YT. Tot ziens for now.


Thank you, Peter. I especially like that part about Elvin Bishop. I'm sure Elvin would like the complimentry comparison.

A grab-y opening. Sweet guitar.
The organ is coooooool.
Awesome solo. Melodic!!! It Sings
Perfect Bass.
Vocals fit perfectly in the mix.
Mix is excellent. Nice Drums.

You cannot say Goodbye.
Settled.

fj

So this is the collab you’ve been teasing us with, Marty? And a fine one it is!

Your performances along with Dave's and Dan's were all in top form and the BiaB piano was too.
Those bgv’s from Dan worked well in the arrangement and we’re sure they helped convince her not to go.

We enjoyed the audio and video versions of this fine collab!

J&B

Thanks for the invite, Marty, a good song and a fun project! And thanks to everyone who commented on my part.

HAHA! Thank you, James. Nuf Sed was a bartender in Boston. Your prof would've loved him.


Yes, this one is not Half Baked, but I always worried it was overcooked. Your ears and comments are always important to me, so I feel much victory in your assessment --and just a bit hungry for cake.


Thank you, Bob Dean. No one really hears my songs on the streaming services. Promotion would get in the way of creativity, so they're just a place to store backups.

Marty...thanks a million for letting me be a part of this little project...my bill's in the mail...no wait...I owed you one didn't I?...nuts!! anyway you couldn't afford me 'cause this was priceless to me...you know my number (BR549)...getting to play on one of your best with you and Dave was cool!

Thanks, Floyd. Man, you're right, Dave is so tasteful. I often have something in mind for his part, but so glad I never mention it because what he comes up with is so much better. I was quite thrilled that Dan came up with organ and BGVs instead of the strings I hoped for, too.


Thanks, Janice & Bud. Yeah, this is the one I bugged y'all about --several hundred mixes later.


Thank YOU, Dave. That's the best "you're welcome" I got. I can play any song of mine that you're on, and hear how much better it is with you in my corner.


I'll see your million and raise it a hundred times, Dan. It was priceless to me how you really got into it to make this one so much better. I'm so grateful for all your help and advice when it came to the mix, too. Yeah, I know your number, but remember I first started calling you with a 44 country code cuz I thought you were in England.

"Yeah, I know your number, but remember I first started calling you with a 44 country code cuz I thought you were in England."...I guess where it says under my avatar "Illinois USA" must have thrown you...you remember Illinois...it's a suburb of Chicago!

Marty,

Some really good blues, right there. Terrific write and vocal. All the elements come together perfectly—you did an outstanding job on the mix. Impressive collaboration, but not surprising given the talents you all bring to the table. Very cool!

My best to you all,

Deej

Top shelf in every respect, Marty et al. Deservedly a single. Good luck with the album.
Regards,
Leon

Thanks, Deej. Missed ya brother. Mix was a bear, but I had a lot of help from Dave, Dan, Hans, Bud and Stefan. Love this place.

Thanks, Leon. No luck is needed. The only folks who listen are mostly right here in this forum. I only put them elsewhere as another place for a backup.

Really nice Marty, Dave and Dan!

You are truly the blues masters here!

Nice song, good production and mix. Like the lead guitar tone, and key changes.