Mona Lisa

Been working on this tune for a couple weeks now and needed to kick it out the door. Few spots are potentially sketchy but hopefully not distracting (if so please comment). If you're familiar with Nat King Cole's version and also Tommy Emmanuel's version you may hear some influences. This song is a little out of my comfort zone in terms of style so it was a great exercise for me.
 
https://youtu.be/A18r0nYfFA8

Wow! I loved the guitar tone - now why can't I get my Taylor to sound like that? (Don't answer that I think I know why - the problem lies with the pick: it's got me on the other end of it). 😂

Back to your cover, I thought it was teriffic - yes there was the odd sketchy moment but not sure I could tell you where so they did not detract from the overall performance and anyway - who cares - it had a wonderful live feel and I absolutely loved it. Andy

Thanks for the nice comments! I've been very satisfied with Taylor's system, having the direct signal allows me to mix the guitar without vocal bleed so I can get a nice mix. Plus, I did just restring the guitar the day before  

I have the first year "flux capacitor" system, it went "tits up"!
Evidently that is why we are now at ES2?
I hate being that guy that helps "work out the bugs"...
It too (my 814) sounds gorgeous: thru a R121 or R121 and R84 in a Blumlien pair...
And you are right; "once you buy a Taylor you're hooked for life".
I've yet to play a Taylor that was not a fine instrument.
But we are getting off topic.
T
 

Cool version and interpretation of others works. 
 
If you ever get bored and want to collaborate on someone's original songs that require a special voice, give me a shout. 
 
Enjoyed hearing this.
 
Thanks for sharing the heart through sound! 
 
 

Sounds nice here.

hey fella, the choice of song is serendipitous.  This is the song that I always sing when I go out karaoke, that and Delila,  and There's Got to Be a Morning After.
 
I find the guitar to be nice and upfront, cleanly played, understated, and solid.  I didn't read the other posts, but this sounds like the guitar was recorded through a real amp.
 
I personally would like the vocals to be turned up just a tad, but that is me.
 
you gots goods man
 
Thanks, I sang along with it, a great song to sing along to.
 
Jesse Q Screed

I thought the performance was just great, so I won't comment further about that. I doubt you could improve it.
 
As to sonics, they were good. Some things that may improve them though:
 
1) I would back off the reverb a little for both the instrument and vocals.
 
2) I may be wrong because we're trying to cut down on our electric bill, so I've got a fan going a few feet behind me instead of having the air on, and it may be mucking with the sound a little, but it sounds to me like you might have a bit too much compression on the guitar. (Now I'll really feel silly if you tell me you aren't using any at all!)
 
3) I think you would benefit from having the mic closer to thicken up both the guitar and the vocals.
 
4) I used to have a 314ce with the 1st Expression System and found a Boss AD-5 preamp thickened it up considerably. I don't know for sure that it would work on the newer one, but it might be worth looking for a used one. Boss never should have quit making that unit.
 
Again, your recording was very good and the performance was perfect. I'm just suggesting things that might make the recording even better. And I could certainly be wrong!
 
Bill

pcolangelo
Hey Jesse, thanks for the comment! It was a cool exercise to mix 2 tracks (vocal mic and direct guitar). Sort of an exercise in making the most out of a little, glad you liked it! 
 
It's definitely a fun song to sing. I love the way Nat King Cole phrased and pronounced his parts, very classy. Maybe I'll give it a go the next time I find myself at a karaoke bar :D 
 
 

This is what I try to do,make the most out of very little.

Wow...     Sorry, that's all I've got at the moment.   
 

very nice indeed. A bit too much reverb for my taste but really well performed.

@SteveC, enough said, thanks!!!
 
@emeraldsoul, thanks for the feedback, I struggle turning down reverb although that's the one constructive criticism I I get somewhat consistently. Moving forward definitely will be more sensitive to the reverb level, confidence and reverb level I believe are inversely related :D Reverb to mix not to hide! 
 
@daryl1968, thanks! Same response as above ^ 
 
@Kenny, I totally agree and thanks for your input. The video production value is lacking significantly and I struggle in this department each time I record. Currently, I'm just recording the video on my cell phone... the most advanced video equipment I have is a plastic tripod that holds my phone :D I've done some preliminary searching for a better video camera but haven't decided if the cost will provide the same level of benefit. As far as quality, I think the biggest issue to overcome is the lighting. I have a lot of windows in my place but the sun doesn't get in much. As far as content, I need to outsource/delegate this to someone who has a passion in this area. I can help with a vision but the actual execution and detail I would rather not worry about. I'm hoping that as I progress and network I'll meet more people and hopefully find some local talent in this area. I'm trying to craft live recordings, for now, in each video I have made the audio and video is recorded simultaneously. I am planning on doing a few tunes that aren't all live but I have not decided on what the video value will be... more than likely it'll just be a vocal cover video, or lyric video...  then someday I'll finish my originals :D  

He nailed it, right!? Growing up he used to play it on the 4th but for the past 15-20 years, nothing, so I recorded my own version this past 4th and it sparked his interest again... plus that video wasn't taken at his house so he wasn't worried about the neighbors :D