Thank you, Tom (emeraldsoul), for taking the time to listen and to respond so thoughtfully. You make some really helpful points. About the bass: I did think of including a bass part at one point, but ultimately decided that I liked it better without any bass at all. There's just the left hand of my quiet piano chording comp (and the occasion bassoon) in that range. Maybe that wasn't the best decision.

Thanks again for all of your comments - I really appreciate them.

LJ

Cactus Music, Thank you so much for those very encouraging and thoughtful comments. They really gave me a lift!

LJ
P.S. You're oh so right about going overtime! I know I'm guilty of exceeding average song length all too often and really need learn to pull out the pruning shears :)

Creative, very distinctive, and very cool.  It gives me a bit of a cabaret or even Django Reinhardt vibe (?).  I appreciate songs that tell a story.  Your vocal delivery is perfect and oops, it just ended .....
 
Nice one!!!!

My first and perhaps most important comment - I was not disappointed.  
 
I can only echo the sentiments above which I've used before as well, your unique style shines through on this one.  The interesting chord progression + melodies + clever lyrics, the quirky arrangement, the pauses for effect, and the airy yet strong vocals... it just works.   And this one does have a bit of an old time "French" feel to it for me, if that makes sense.      But I am curious - who has been a naughty boy?   

Listened again. Still sublime.

11Dreams: Thanks for that good cheer :)
 
eph221 and bjornpdx: I want to thank you both for your continued support and encouragement. Your words mean a lot to me, and I sincerely appreciate your kindness. 

Freddy J, thank you so much for your very nice, precise and kind comments. I've been enjoying listening to you play and sing, too! As I said, I really like your very live sound and delivery.
 
LJ

This is great stuff from start to finish. I couldn't stop smiling when listening to this. The mix can be better, and the drummer... but it doesn't matter when listening to a unique song with a brilliant arrangement.

stevec
My first and perhaps most important comment - I was not disappointed.  
 
I can only echo the sentiments above which I've used before as well, your unique style shines through on this one.  The interesting chord progression + melodies + clever lyrics, the quirky arrangement, the pauses for effect, and the airy yet strong vocals... it just works.   And this one does have a bit of an old time "French" feel to it for me, if that makes sense.      But I am curious - who has been a naughty boy?   

Hey stevec! 
 
It's really good of you to take the time to post such a thoughtful review. You write really well - you choose your words with such care and manage to convey your message very clearly while putting a smile on the reader's (ok, my) face  <--- like this.
 
 "Who's a naughty boy?" Well, that depends on who'd like to be, stevec (I don't even know what that's supposed to mean, but I couldn't come up with a clever answer).
 
Thanks again and cheers,
LJ

Lj - I've told you in the past that I'm a fan - this just solidifies it for me. This tune sounds like it comes from a different era - Kind of like that song - Those were the days my friends, I hope it never ends . . . - you're just flat great.