June OSAM-Stephen

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:22 pm

I had several tunes that were candidates for this months OSAM, but since this was my favorite, and it got finished today, it got picked.
I did sort of a rush mix, since things are very crazy this week, a lot of band stuff happening, not the least of which is 3 gigs in 2 days, this weekend, with a new FOH mixing console, and sound engineer.
Anyway, comments are always welcome.

Next to You; http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6521885

Regards,

JonSolo · Post by **JonSolo** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:51 am

Besides the absolute fluid guitar the first thing that really "warms" me up with this track is that droning background. Very Farfisa sounding pad that is incredible. And the all the subtle things...whew...the waw guitar, ghosted notes on the percussion; the list goes on as to all the wonderful delights in this piece.

You may have rushed through the mix, and I will listen carefully, but this is cool "jam" song. And the timing of me hearing this tonight was awesome. Nice title to boot!

I will give this more listens tomorrow.

Jon

georgeinar · Post by **georgeinar** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 10:41 am

Well, I got goose bumps right off, but it is a bit chilly this morning so maybe the chill music is just adding to the overall. The sonic space that this fills up is really haunting. I don't know how you manage to come up wtih so many beautiful chill guitar solo songs and yet keep them fresh and individual. You've certainly honed your style here and it's got your signature for sure. I do seem to think there's a bit of tinny-ness in the high hats, but it's so hard to know for sure with these things. I think you said it's hard for you to hear in that range. It isn't much though if it's even an issue, maybe just leave it alone. I noticed the bass isn't real loud either, but it may be that being it's a soft chill vibe it's better off that way. These are such subjective issues anyway. I really loved the notes you played along with those beautiful chords, seemed to be just exactly what this song required. You do a great job of sticking to what will sound good and not overdoing it, yet there's a confidence level there that's not to be denied.

Diego · Post by **Diego** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:53 pm

Very good smooth feeling, Stephen!
You're so talented, I love your guitar playing!
And, to be honest, you always have perfect in-style sounds, you know how to create the right timbre for every style you play!

Great work!!

Regards

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 5:20 pm

Hi Jon,
Thanks for those kind words.
It's not unusual for me to like something I've written, but this one is definitely a new favorite.
glad you found it enjoyable.

Hi George,
Goose bumps!? Wow...that makes my day for sure!

I don't know how you manage to come up wtih so many beautiful chill guitar solo songs and yet keep them fresh and individual.

It's such a relief to have you mention that, because it's a real concern for me.
Being musically illiterate, I can only draw on my musical experience playing other peoples music in bands over the years, and my tired old ears, and I sometimes wonder if things are sounding too much the same.

I do seem to think there's a bit of tinny-ness in the high hats

The drums were played by an internet aquaintence, Tom Menikos, and all I did was replace the original loop, with his fantastic drum track. Let me know your final analysis on that, if you would please.

Hi Diego,
It's such an honor for me to get compliments like this, and from you, it's just a bit more special, knowing your awesome talent.
Actually, the same can be said about all three of you, and I'm delighted that y'all liked this tune.
Thanks very much.
Regards,

ellll · Post by **ellll** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:00 pm

Really nice, great guitar which is expected..

Love the background and esp. the rotary...really brings it up in character!!!

The tune and feel for a jam type performance is fantastic!! You have a good progression as well....Its all here to me....Real talent indeed!!

Great listening....Thanks as usual Stephen...Love it!!!!!

Johnny (elllll)

chordial · Post by **chordial** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 11:32 pm

I just wanted to post a smile after hearing this track ...

It's just so smooth, I can almost imagine you playing the lead, and coaxing the notes out.
Less is more again, and this just hits the spot.
How and how again is beyond me, I could listen to this for ever more, easily…

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:54 am

Hi John,
There have been several comments about the organ that comes in at 1:30, and assuming that's what you're referring to;

Love the background and esp. the rotary...really brings it up in character!!!

,
That helps for future compositions, and I appreciate it.
Glad you enjoyed the listen, thanks for the comments.

Hi Simon,
Your kind words made me smile....

So glad you liked it.
Thank you.
Regards,

Pecca · Post by **Pecca** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:49 pm

Haven´t been very active for a few weeks.. it´s been hot as heck even here is Sweden. Is the ice melting ?

Anyway - very much my taste (tha soong) !
Love the small string picks in it. Tasteful mix imo - altho listening with a low vol atm.

Santana vibes in my ears

Great !

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 11:02 pm

Pecca wrote:Haven´t been very active for a few weeks.. it´s been hot as heck even here is Sweden.

Hot, and very windy here also, we had a week of spring, then POW...right into hot summer!

Thanks Pecca, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Regards,

DrWho · Post by **DrWho** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 4:26 pm

Hi Stephen,

This sounds like it comes from your Sweet Summer CD. This has all your smooth - ugh I mean chill - elements. I really like the drums - I C you had a guest drummer - nice.

Yes, I too liked the organ in the tense section -

So when/whats your next CD going to be?

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:21 pm

DrWho wrote:Hi Stephen,

This sounds like it comes from your Sweet Summer CD. This has all your smooth - ugh I mean chill - elements. I really like the drums - I C you had a guest drummer - nice.

Yes, I too liked the organ in the tense section -

So when/whats your next CD going to be?

Hi Art,
I'm actually working on a new CD, that I want to use the Chill reference in the title that you and Susan designated as the description for my tunes, but because I have so many songs, it's taking a bit longer that I anticipated.
I'll send you one when it's done, if you would like.
Tom, (the drummer on this), just responded to my post at the Recording Project Forum, and asked if I'd thought about having a real drummer play on it, and the rest is history, I love what he did.
Thank you.
Regards,

jazlover · Post by **jazlover** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:20 pm

What is there to say Stephen? You are so very comfortable with that fret board (among other things). I often listen to other people's songs and wonder if I would have something to say in a solo situation. I am not sure I would be able to contribute to the nicely spaced and melodious feel you have. You mine out all that laid-back chill in that guitar playing. It is a sweet signature we have come to expect from you.

Thanks !

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:07 pm

Thanks Jaz,
You say the nicest things.

Much appreciated.
Regards,

ronbo27 · Post by **ronbo27** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 6:47 pm

Pure vintage Stephen! Man, what an elegant blend of sounds to "cuddle" those guitar notes. Take a bow!
CHEERS!
Ron