Factory Yoyo presents: Sabinosa

Robby was kind enough to take the lead vocals on this, with my background vocals mixed in for good measure. I would like to think one of my better tunes, with a south american flavour to it.
 
Sabinosa

bYou're a ****ing genius Jim. And I consider myself a genius? You are a genius. The degree to which is left open to debate, but the underlying question is not in fact "a question." 
 
The EQ in my buds *overall* feels a little bright. But I don't have those rubber things? I'm getting a new pair tomorrow. (no, it's my buds, when I press my hands against my head, I hear the mix... I stick with my original comments.)
 
The really cool thing about this, is "I defy you to sit still and listen to it..." It can't be done?  Your body sways from side to side? Your head moves... You rock back and fourth. This music makes you move :-) And that is one of the highest praises you can give to any music. 

This is one of the better songs I've heard on this forum in a while... great writing James...
love the lyrics and melody... the Trumpet, and then Robby's excellent vocal styling, set up a dramatic, dangerous, and somewhat sad mood... outstanding production James... this is very impressive...   

YES!  I like this. As I was reading Robby's most humble commentary I realized I too, was in fact grooving to the slow melodic beat. Yes, it make you want to move.
 
Nice work.

Songwriting and production quality that I have come to understand when I see the JamesYoyo name attached to it.  Sounds well suited to Robby's voice.
 
Thanks for sharing

Absolutely top notch writing, performances and production. Wow.

theguitarplayer
Nice cool relaxing song. Nice instrumentation, vocals were right on Robbie (background vocals could come up just a bit) and the mix was right on the money. Very soothing song. Enjoyed!! Bravo to you both!!
 
Peace and Blessings, John

Thanks John.

AT
Very cool.  Love the groove, the horns, the vox.  Excellent as usual, and a story that leaves you wondering exactly what is goin on.
 
The one thing that jumped out is the early female chorus stutter chorus.  Not necessarily a bad thing, but seems a bit out of place being hit so early.

Female? You mean me? I got the new Nectar 2 and it has this really cool harmonizer that you can use on your voice like a sampler. When I sang it first,e track was like Manhattan Transfer on crack!

notnat
This is one of the better songs I've heard on this forum in a while... great writing James...
love the lyrics and melody... the Trumpet, and then Robby's excellent vocal styling, set up a dramatic, dangerous, and somewhat sad mood... outstanding production James... this is very impressive...   

thanks Frank. I thought the melody was pretty good (usually not my strong suit), so I asked Robby to do his best on it. Which he did.

Guitarhacker
YES!  I like this. As I was reading Robby's most humble commentary I realized I too, was in fact grooving to the slow melodic beat. Yes, it make you want to move.
 
Nice work.

I never really tapped my foot to this, to be honest. But I will take the compliment.
 

Wookiee
Songwriting and production quality that I have come to understand when I see the JamesYoyo name attached to it.  Sounds well suited to Robby's voice.
 
Thanks for sharing

Props to the Robster for really taking his time to get his head wrapped around the tune, he did a masterful job.

Leizer
Fantastic piece and great arrangement! I get some Steely Dan vibes sometimes? Everything is clear and good sounding.

It seems all my slow songs have a little Becker/Fagan influence to them.
 

jamesg1213
Absolutely top notch writing, performances and production. Wow.

Thanks bud.

Danny Danzi
Really liked this James! Great writing, arranging, performance. The only thing (super subjective here) I kept hoping for was a more forceful snare with a little more crack later on in the song to help intensify a bit....but that's neither here nor there. Tight mix, good tones brother.
 
-Danny

I hear totally what you are saying. Though in my head I wanted to push the whole percussion section a lot further back than it ended up being. On so much of my stuff the beat is pounding and in your face, but the structure and subject matter needed more restraint.

Well done, guys!  

 This is fantastic James. I think you captured the south american feel to a tee. The lead vocalist is superb. The only real nit I could possibly come up with were the harmonies at the beginning sounding slightly unnatural. I don't think it was the voice behind the effect but the effect itself,and it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.Everything else was killer. I always enjoy listening to everything you do.

Jim, "my son" said "you did pretty good" re: my performance? And then he said, I liked his version better! LOL! POW right in the kisser dad! (he didn't say that last bit) But he did say he liked your LV better  (he's starting to look more like the mail man every day...)

I agree with Frank, this is one of the best songs I've heard here in a while.  Everything from the writing to the arranging and production is superb!  Robbie, your vocal is outstanding!  Best Christmas song I've heard, yet.

Excellent.

Gentlemen, outstanding!!! Nice groove. The mix is beautiful on this James! Masterful job. And Robbie, you are showing your versatility buddy. Excellent job matching the vibe of the music with your soulful voice! You got a hit here guys!

BBB
Really great song. Nice arrangement and production.
 
Vocal performance seemed just right for the song. For the first minute of the song, though, I think the vocals are understated - not sure if its volume or just how it sits in that part of the mix. Then starting from 1:00 on, the vocal part just asserts itself and dances beautifully with the rest of the music all the way to the end.

You know Jim, I think he has a point? I was more laid back before a min or so, it may benefit from an envelope or some compressor magic? Mixing is my weak suit... I swerve in to a good mix from time to time, but it's hit or Ms with me. Good call BBB IMO, AND WELCOME! (Jim is much better at the mixing than am I, or most for that matter)

Nice! Takes me back to the Motown era.