Sound and Vision

YOU'LL NEED TO STOP THE MUSIC
PLAYING IN MY "STORE" BEFORE
LISTENING TO THE MUSIC BELOW!!

COVER MUSIC

Did someone say cover material?!?
Once again, just a few songs written by other artists that I liked so much,
I had to give 'em a try.

If You Know What I Mean
(Reposted June 17, 2008)
Written by Neil Diamond

Here's the story...

I have a friend who's a fantastic entertainer in the New Hampshire
area by the name of Joe McDonald.
One of his favorite songs that I sing has always been
"If You Know What I Mean" by Neil Diamond.
I guess it's his wife's also, because she insisted that he learn it!!

About two weeks back he emailed me a file with HIS version of the song.
In the email, he mentioned that his wife would LOVE to hear MY take on it.

I had no recording of me performing it!! So....

It started off as a one shot/one take vocal and guitar recorded at the same time.
Just for fun, I added bass and drums.

Then (here's where I got crazy), I took out my trusty
Brian May "Red Special" guitar and - um - started adding
a few things.

(For those of you who don't know...
Brian May is the guitar player from "Queen" who built up
all of the wonderful guitar layers on all of those
wonderful Queen songs!!)

So - if you ever wondered what it would sound like if Neil Diamond
took Freddie Mercury's place in Queen when he passed away....

...here it is!!

**NOTE**
This was a "one take" vocal and acoustic guitar.

It was NOT my intention to take this as far over the top as I did.
I hope Neil and Brian find it in their hearts to forgive me!!!

LOL!! ;)

Something Good
(Reposted June 17, 2008)

Believe it or not, this is my favorite song from "The Sound Of Music".
Richard Rogers wrote it especially for the movie.
And yes - I know I got the first line wrong!!
I think I put an interesting spin on it.

Grass
(Reposted June 17, 2008)
Written by Colin Moulding - XTC

Originally recorded for an XTC tribute album called "King For A Day".
I think you can still get it... somewhere...

Our Love Is Here To Stay
(Reposted July 6, 2008)
Written by George & Ira Gershwin

I was goofing around on the Internet and found this MIDI file.
I have no idea who the pianist is, nor do I know who produced it. (I would love to give them credit!!)
After slowing it down, speeding up the middle, then going back to the slower tempo - I realized
that I had something rather cool here. I then added strings and a muted trumpet... VOILA!!

Wounded Horse
(Posted July 6, 2008)
Written by Andy Partridge - XTC

OK... this one was recorded about a year after my divorce.
I was still feeling sorry for myself, had a few too many "adult beverages", and decided to
try my hand at recording this tune at around 2:00 in the morning.
One microphone - voice & guitar at the same time!
Ummm.... it is what it is...

HERE'S SOMETHING ORIGINAL
THAT WILL NEVER BE RELEASED!!

That Thing
(Reposted July 6, 2008)

Written by Mike Livingston, David Freund, & Prof. Rick Manning

Dave, Rick and I decided about 6 years back to get together in my studio to go over a few songs.
Believe me when I tell you - we NEVER REHEARSE!!!
Since this was in my studio, I figure I'd run a DAT tape...

This is an example of why Rick, Dave and myself are an amazing team.
Dave started playing - offhand - this stupid little percussion thing,
I found a cool little guitar riff, Rick caught on,
I came up with some silly lyrics, Rick build up the chords,
I built up the emotion, Dave came in slamming - and POW!!!
All on the spot!! Completely unrehearsed!!!! Pure "JAZZ"!!
Yes - I AM singing off key on purpose. OK?!?
I'm not presenting this as something "good"
This is merely a "curiosity".
Oh yeah - This proves, once and for all, that I AM the weakest link in this "band"!!!!

PLEASE... SIGN MY GUESTBOOK!!!!