Janet


OIC.  Yeah...not sure where I came up with those chord ideas...lots of influences and probably trial and error.  :)  

No, there's no other version yet.  You mentioned vocals.  I've written words to this one and would love to find a singer but haven't done much (if anything) to find one yet.  In the meantime I had to record this or my head might have exploded.  :)  

How long to do this?  Well, maybe 5-6 hours of actual recording.  Or probably more, I can't remember.  A few hours to write the words.  3 seconds for the opening line to come into my head and 6 hours or so to figure out the rest of the melody. :)  It was one of my faster ones, but it's a pretty simple arrangement.  Thanks again.  

Trial and error, huh? That's the whole "If it sounds good,: deal. Oh, since you mentioned "stealing." I posted in another thread about listening to some Alicia Keys tracks (I just got done listening to "Brand New Me") as the piano is her signature instrument. She's also classically trained, but indeed the tunesare wonderful to listen to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjY1GQmbbD0


Wait! "Figure out the rest of the melody"? That's supposedly the easiest thing to come up with (Very ironic coming from me) or at least fols say to come up with the tune first. 


Ah, I see. You know, those "I have to get this song down" are the hardest ones to write probably due to unintentionally forcing things. I've been there! However, I'm glad you finally got it written!

So Janet you kind of play this on freehand with both hands AND you have written it too. I'm amazed very nice. All the best eko

Thanks Rus...I'll listen to Alicia Keys some more.  Someone new to steal from.  :)  

The rest of the tune...I almost always come up with the hook first and then have a heck of a time figuring out a verse.  On this one I realized that that first 'hook' should probably be the verse instead.  After I sang it in my head enough, it made sense.  Anyway, I sang what's now the verse for days and just couldn't get it to go anywhere.  Finally I sat down at the piano and thought of the next line (now the chorus) 'the sun comes up in your eyes' and the tune was just THERE.  Then I could finish it.  Sigh of relief!  :)  I've got another one in my head that's the same deal.  I'm wondering if maybe I put words to it if the tune will come.  Hmm..I'll have to try that.  :)  Cause now it's just sitting there going nowhere. Well, except that one night I arranged all in my head and it was beautiful.  Wish I could remember it....

I think when I said 'I have to get this song down' I meant I had to record it or it would keep swirling around in my head forever...or until the next song took its place.  ;) 
Yeah, Eko, that's sorta how I do it.  But I can change things later if I miss a note or hear something that could be better.  I know...a great pianist would learn it right before recording.  I just don't have the time and now my right arm hurts if I play too much.  Another reason to love Cakewalk. :)  Anyway, thanks!  

@Janet: yeah, there's that "client" mentality, too. (no offense, to those that have them - ie: Danny - sorry about the name-drop)

I forgot about your arm. Do you think it is from playing to much or something else. Didn't you have surgery on it or something? How is it?

Client mentality?  

Playing, working, mousing, etc.  I think it started when I was sanding drywall above my head for two days.  Didn't have surgery, but I got an little ultrasound machine and have been working on it.  I think it's getting better, but I'll see if/when I start practicing the cello again...

Janet,
 
Absolutely beautiful song.   I didn't see anyone else mention this but I am hearing distortion on the piano.  I don't know if that it what Frank was mentioning in his comment.    I am listening to the "Play hi-fi" version on SoundClick.  
 
Great song and performance though.
 
Regards

lurvely tune Janet.
The piano fits in the mix really well which is not an easy thing to do.

Janet


Client mentality?  

Playing, working, mousing, etc.  I think it started when I was sanding drywall above my head for two days.  Didn't have surgery, but I got an little ultrasound machine and have been working on it.  I think it's getting better, but I'll see if/when I start practicing the cello again...

Yes, but not has in the physical being, but rather you ear - and mind for that matter. "If I stop now, I'll lose the lyric/music idea." What's worse, is having it, then once you sit down to write it, you lose it only for it to come back when you stop thinking about it. I absolutely can't stand that. (Although it's not always a bad thing). Worse yet, "my head/ear hears and likes this, so I better write it like I hear it!" IOW, your subconscious is your client. And the ones that have the physical kind can attest to trying to keep them happy, but of course, it's a two-way street. Music is supposed to be likeable if only to the physical and inner ear - regardless of the audience. Big Crowd, Small Crowd or one person (the composer/arranger or what have you)


Oh, okay. I didn't know you played the cello. Which instrument do you prefer? I do hope your arm is better.

OIC.  I think.  :)  Yeah, I can spend hours at my DAW, get up and go to the restroom with the music still going thru my head and suddenly say 'WAIT!  THAT's how I want that section to go!"  I wonder if I should just move my DAW to the restroom.  lol

I don't play the cello yet.  Well, like a beginner, I guess I do.  I think I was subconsciously out to prove that it can't be THAT hard to play.  (and I just love the instrument and I found one for a good price.)  Well, I'm here to say it indeed CAN be that hard to play well!  lol  So...IF I can start practicing again, I'll try to at least get decent.  :)  The piano is still my favorite, but my goal is also to be able to play the drums and the bass so at least real drummers and bassists think it's not bad.  :)  Unfortunately, every instrument seems to require your hands and arms.  Oh well...

Thank you Mark.  I'll have to listen again and see if I can hear what you two are talking about.  I appreciate the help! 

Thank you, Daryl.  Funny...I didn't USED to think it was a big deal to get a piano to fit in a mix!  I mean, what's the deal? Everyone else should just move over, right?  lol  Oh well, I guess even this ol' dog can learn a few new tricks, even if very slowly. :)