Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?)

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Freddy J
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2012/02/12 22:40:12 (permalink)

Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?)

Hi all!  I have been listening to some of the new African music recently.  I have been particularly blown away by a number by Rokia Traore called "Tounka."  By this stage of my life I should know my limitations better, but I got enthused by this style of music and thought that I would try a number in one of the world beat styles.  Oh well --- I tried.  At least I got to play the mbira that I bought last summer.  By the way the song photo is of a mbira that I just finished building.  Oh ya, the phrase "do what you can and can what you can't " was a saying that my grandmother used to encourage us to do our best.
 
I appreciated the advice that helped me improve the mix on my last number, and I would appreciate any comments, crit's., suggestions, etc. on this number.
 
Thanks 
 
Do What You Can
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Freddy J
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    ProjectM
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/13 06:57:47 (permalink)
    Hey Freddy!


    Cool stuff man! And it's your first attempt on this kind of rythm? Well done! I thought it had a cool wibe to it. And the story behind the chorus line there and the fact that this is your first attempt on World Beat style music is really, really cool!

    My suggestions is to pull back the vocals a little - they're somewhat overwhelming in the mix. Also, I'd get more of the percussion and rythm guitars, bass etc more to the front and make the entire mix a little more bottom heavy. The kick and bass seem absent and this is needed to strengthen the groove the way this piece deserves.

    Also, I'm not to keen on the organ solo. To me, it's a little simple and lacking "life". The sound could work, the melody doesn't. The song is really exciting throughout and this little bit should at least acompany that or even improve on it. I'd start experiementing with that

    All in all, pretty cool stuff! I really like the singing. I will check out your other tunes as well.


    Well done!
    post edited by ProjectM - 2012/02/13 06:59:08

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    #2
    Rimshot
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/13 08:37:23 (permalink)
    Agree with ProjectM.  Bring up the bass and kick too.  Needs more fullness.  I like the hook - it's catchy!  

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    evadianepug
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/13 09:04:42 (permalink)
    I am alone this morning, wife gone to work, so I have my monitors jammed up.  Now, they have excellent sound and I have to say, so does your song.  That keyboard or whatever it is does sound a bit lifeless BUT kinda fits with the simplicity of the song.  Nice move to another sound, Freddy.  You're definitely moving into different areas of sound, buddy!

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    Lynn
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/13 10:46:22 (permalink)
    I agree with the others; this needs a bit more bass to glue the rhythms together.  I think it will enhance the cool beats you have going.  Your vocal is loud enough, and I would boost the other instruments rather than decrease the vocal.  Once you get it right, this song will be very catchy and fun to listen to.  

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    LanceJ
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/13 14:04:50 (permalink)
    I think a live performance of this song would be awesome.  I envision a big stage where you can let the rhythm run full, extended and loud.  It would move the audience. Make room for dancing.

    It has the feel of "Spill the Wine" to me.

    Nice work.

    Regards,
    Lance 

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    Freddy J
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/14 00:34:30 (permalink)
    Hi Marius.  Thanks for the encouragement and for the good advice.  I am glad that you liked it.  I have followed up on cranking up the bass, bringing the instrumentation more forward, and EQ'ing the Kick to give it more punch.  Hopefully, it sound a wee bit better.  Thanks again.
     
    And I agree with you both.  Bass, kick, and all instrumentation have been tweaked and hopefully this helps.  Thanks for you lending you ears and for the feedback Rimshot!
     
    Hey Warren.  Thanks buddy.  Every once in a while I have to step out of the comfort zone and fool around with something different.  Sometime it works but more often it doesn't --- but my "stepin' out" always comes back to the Blues (sounds like a song title doesn't it).  Thanks again for the listen and comments.
     
    Message received and actions (hopefully the right ones) taken.  I did boost up the instruments rather than cut the vox.  Thanks Lynn -- I appreciate the feedback and your taking time to listen.
     
    Hey Lance!  Hey "Spill the Wine" is something good to sound like and what you describe sounds like a lot of fun!!  Thanks for the kind comments and for listening.
     
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    notnat
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/14 10:06:18 (permalink)
    Same beat as "Real Man" by Robben Ford... my band still plays that one... cool tune, hook... I like it... well done Freddy
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    CLEAN
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/15 22:06:43 (permalink)
    Freddy, this is just the coolest tune man - you have become such an entertaining artist. Love the sound of this - love your playing.

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    ohgrant
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/15 22:15:54 (permalink)
    Cool tune and great sounding production

    Me
     
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    bandontherun19
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/15 22:20:29 (permalink)
    I commented on this? But my comment is not here. Cest La Vi...

    So I will re-comment. 

    World schmerald! This is rockabilly (Fredaaaaay) "in disguise." 

    World! LOL! 

    You know, I can't do Kate Upton? (2012 Sports Illustrated cover model?) Not only can I not do her? But I can't can her either? Trust me... If I could mess with Kate Upton's can? Well... I'd be all up in there! 

    This was different from you? (a little) I liked it? But I like most of your stuff. :-)



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    Guitarpima
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/16 10:53:50 (permalink)
    I think it's still rockabilly. I think the music you listened to just inspired something in you that is just great. The song is great. I don't think any of us can get away from our core but outside influences definitly make our core better.

    I think it sounds congested around 200hz to 400hz. It may be the toms causing this.

    Very well done!

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    drumstixkev
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/18 00:28:16 (permalink)
    Hey Freddy
    I think you have plenty of advice so I'll stick to saying I really enjoyed this piece. Looking forward to hearing your next production. KUDOS!

    Kev

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    Scottytunes
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/18 06:11:39 (permalink)
    This reminds me of the Beach Combers music of the 60's. Nice marimba!

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    Wookiee
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/18 09:04:48 (permalink)
    Did not hear the first mix but what I am listening to now sounds fine.  Thanks for sharing

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    BenMMusTech
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/18 20:37:03 (permalink)
    Yea I am not hearing the african vibe to much either, although I can hear a little coming through on the guitar line.  Also it has a gospel vibe too thanks to the way you have layered the vocals.

    So what you have here for me is rockabilly/surf african and gospel so perhaps you have actually succeeded in putting up a "world" music track.

    Whatever way you put it, it's a good song.

    Peace Ben

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    Janet
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/19 18:59:36 (permalink)
    Great song and cool instrument you made.  I agree..it's fun to try something different.  I've heard that quote before too...way to work it into a song.  :) 
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    Guitarhacker
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/20 09:31:38 (permalink)
    I was getting a strong "War" Spill the Wine vide as well.


     Cool tune . Wise saying too. 

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    jamesg1213
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/20 09:39:01 (permalink)
    That's an interesting one Freddy! It does have a nice lo-fi groove, and there is a little 'township' vibe here and there. Honestly though, I don't like the thin, nasally guitar tones at all, they spoil it for me.

     
    Jyemz
     
     
     



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    Freddy J
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    Re:Do What You Can and Can What You Can't (African World Beat --- sort of, maybe?) 2012/02/20 21:47:50 (permalink)
    Thank you Frank!  I sure wish I could play like Robben Ford.
     
    Hey Mark.  Thank you my friend.  I am having fun right now trying out new stuff but eventually I always gotta go back to the Blues.
     
    Thank you Grant.  I appreciate the kind words.
     
    Hi Robbaaaaay!  Rockabilly, Rockabilly but but but Rockabilly doesn't have any hallejulah chorus in the background or mbiras playing in it.  Does it??   Thanks for the listen and comments.
     
    Hi Robert.  Well maybe it is a wee bit Rockabilly-ish?  I do love Rockabilly, Blues, Cool Jazz, African Beat, Jump Blues, and Western Swing.  I just occured to me that they all have one thing in common --- they are all heavy on rhythm.  I must be, as Carl Perkins put in one of his songs, "rhythm bound".  Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment.  I'll take another listen to see if I can "prescribe" something for the conjestion.
     
    Kev, how are you?  I am glad that you liked it and thanks for the good words!
     
    Thanks for the listen and for commenting Scotty.  Beach Combers music --- it must be the rhythm ;>)
     
    John -- thanks for listening and for commenting.  You didn't miss much by missing the first mix.  It was pretty rough and needed some work.  Thanks again.
     
    Hi Ben.  I think that you have nailed it --- rockabilly/surf/african/gospel  --- a new genre maybe?  I appreciate your taking time to comment.  Thanks.
     
    Hello Janet!  Thanks for the kind words --- ya, I'm just trying to have a bit of fun.  Thanks for noticing the mbira.  Now I just have to figure out how to get it tuned right.
     
    Hello Herb!  Thanks for taking the time to comment.  Spill the Wine -- oh-oh, I hope I don't get any copyright suits ;>)  Ya, my grandmum (from whom I got this saying) was a pretty sharp lady.  Thanks again.
     
    Hi James.  Thanks for listening and commenting.  I think that Ben identified the appropriate genre above (lol).  I'm sorry that you didn't like the sound of the guitar.  I was trying to get something that sounded kind of hollow and treble-ish  ---  not like the standard rock guitar.  I guess that I missed the mark.  Thanks again.
     
    Freddy J
     
     
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