Korg Forums

JonSolo · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:11 am Post subject: Leave - Jon Solo March 2008

It was inevitable. If I have a song called "Stay" it is probably best that I write one called "Leave".

That was just by chance actually.

Here is where you guys can tear me to shreds. I have stripped down to just one voice, one piano, and a thin string pad (which does not kick in till halfway through).

Before you listen to it, let me add: there is no way that I am cut out for this vocal track. Gino Vanelli could do it. It would take a really strong singer to make this track sound the way it should.

But I tried. So here goes:

Leave - Jon Solo March 2008 OSAM

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6321162

Enjoy.

Jon
_________________
Jon Solo

http://www.solosounds.net
http://jonsolo.me
http://www.soundcloud.com/jonsolo
http://www.twitter.com/thejonsolo

Windows 10 | Intel i9 9900K | 64 GB RAM | Scarlett 18i20 | Nektar Panorama P6
Korg Kronos - 88 | Korg Kronos 2 - 61 | Roland Fantom 6 | Push 2 | Maschine Mk2 | Slate ML1 | JBL LSR308/310
Nuendo 11 | Ableton Live 11 | Reason 12 | FL Studio 20.9

georgeinar · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 2:06 am Post subject:

Just started it up. The recording sounds very nice. That piano is perfect sounding. And when the strings come in it seems just what it needs at that point. This is a beautiful song, and I see what you mean by it needs a strong vocal. Gino Vanelli is one of my all time favs and I see what you mean by someone like that singing this. It could really soar with a world class singer, that being said I appreciate you gave it all you had, and it sounds so honest and earnest. I think there's a cheerfulness in your voice that may make it difficult to soar in a mournful way, I'm not good at describing these techniques as I can't even sing for beans. But as I found with my Goodbye song, when you slow down like this and contemplate every note there's huge room for long extended notes and emotional ripples which are extremely hard to do when you don't have lots of other music to cover you and which is why I beefed up my synths on my song, because being spoken there was no way I could get those soaring notes that that song needed.

Meanwhile back to you: There is a long spot where the tune repeats over and over and I was waiting for what you were finally going to do when you broke thru and you finally went basically where I was expecting it to resolve. It seemed to take too long, but maybe after more listens I'll get that part better. You have achieved a master composition and I can imagine other versions of this done different ways, but I really like the sparseness in this. It took a lot of courage to see this project this far. I will listen again after dinner and a movie and maybe I'll have some other ideas or high minded praise. I am still so jealous of your singing. You're quite pitch perfect nearly all the time. There was one spot when the melody does a weird flat or sharp in an unexpected way and I couldn't quite catch which note you were aiming for, but the second time you seemed to hit it perfectly. But I certainly don't mean to sound critical. There isn't many of us who would even begin to tackle a song of this caliber. I do appreciate your sharing this song and everything you contribute to our OSAM folks. You are such a help. I hope I've helped here too. Cool

_________________
George Nelson is 2loose
http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/2loose for my cds
http://www.soundclick.com/2loose or follow my tweets = 2loose_buzzgoth (twitter name)

Lorenzo · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:11 am Post subject:

I would like to add something to the Georgeinar comment cos I think his critics is perfect for this song: just to experiment something... I would like to hear this song with a really slow jazzy sounding drum set in the second part and a acoustic bass sound, I'm not saying that they are necessary but I would like to know how it would sound with them..
Regards, Lorenzo
_________________
http://www.synthaddicted.com

jazlover · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:34 pm Post subject:

I love it. Even more than Feb OSAM. What can I say, I am an emotional twit. A song of sorrow are always closer to my heart. Your voice, the piano and strings are a great blend. I wouldn't do anything to it.

I wish I would have the courage to sing,
but then I hear myself and think
I guess I should.........Become myself again
.................................Take back my inner man
.................................Forever I will stand

just another keyboard player. Mad

Seriously, great tune!
_________________
“I’m into scales right now.”
John Coltrane

Dee · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject:

Hi Jon,

This song is just perfectly constructed and I think you underestimate your vocal ability. I have listened over and over and just love it. George has just about said it all really and I agree about you being almost pitch perfect. For me the tone of your voice in the line "but you tore it in two" is really beautiful. You have a superb high register and if I were you... Very Happy

.....I would use it much more.

About the 'long spot' that George refers to: how about increasing the rhythm of the piano chords when you reach the last 2 lines "Crawl back into your shell, I’m sure that you’ll do well".....just an idea....it's really good as it is.

Think I'll have another listen,

Regards from
Dee (another emotional twit - hello jazlover, join the club)

JonSolo · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:23 pm Post subject:

Dear emotional twits...I love you. Smile

And to everyone, thanks for the feedback. First let me say I am far from perfect pitch. I will be the first to admit that I have to fix a note or two here or there...and this vocal track was about my 15-18th take over a period of eight days. It would seem to be what I wanted, and then...BAM...I heard something I did not like.

As to adding more arrangement...it is possible. I will experiment with percussion and bass in the next few days and see what I can "drum" up.

As to the long section, honestly I could not think of a good bridge to the next section, so i extended what would have been the "chorus" if the song had one. There is likely a way to build that up and add something to complement the thinness of my voice in the last part.

I should have an alt posted in a week or so.

Jon
_________________
Jon Solo

http://www.solosounds.net
http://jonsolo.me
http://www.soundcloud.com/jonsolo
http://www.twitter.com/thejonsolo

Windows 10 | Intel i9 9900K | 64 GB RAM | Scarlett 18i20 | Nektar Panorama P6
Korg Kronos - 88 | Korg Kronos 2 - 61 | Roland Fantom 6 | Push 2 | Maschine Mk2 | Slate ML1 | JBL LSR308/310
Nuendo 11 | Ableton Live 11 | Reason 12 | FL Studio 20.9

georgeinar · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:19 am Post subject:

I just listened to this again. I think it's one that really grows on you. And this time I followed along with the words, which also I really like. It takes me to a place I can relate to. I think the only part you seem to be stuggling is the very very end which is way up there. And I don't see why you can't try some takes of just the ending and see if it will fit without showing an edit. There are moments of real brilliance in this tune and I can't even imagine how you could sing this all the way through so well. What an excellent song.
_________________
George Nelson is 2loose
http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/2loose for my cds
http://www.soundclick.com/2loose or follow my tweets = 2loose_buzzgoth (twitter name)

Stephen · Platinum Member Joined: 28 Aug 2002 Posts: 4709

Jon.....That's a remarkable piece of work there.
I got a little goose bumpy when the strings came in, nice touch there.
The ending seems to fall just short of what I expected vocally, and you may be right, I'll call Gino, and see what his schedule looks like.
Razz

Did you try some vocal harmony at the end?
Maybe backup vocals?
I seem to get the feeling that with your vocal ability, you could pull this off, in maybe a Michael Buble style.
Question

I can't tell you how impressed I am, not only did you write this beautiful song, but got to sing it as well.
BRAVO!!!
Applause

_________________
Stephen
https://www.soundclick.com/artist/default.cfm?bandID=1514031
http://www.soundclick.com/jsf
http://cdbaby.com/all/jstephenfoster

Location Central U.S.A.

Diego · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:13 pm Post subject:

I'm a little late on that...excuse me.
I like it a lot, very good piano playing, and as always very good singing.

I think that some vocal harmonies fits perfectly, especially where the melody rises high notes, it will add some very intense and deep emotions.

Regards
_________________
Diego http://www.myspace.com/diegoinmusic

Korg M3 with EXB Radias & EXB-256 onboard
MOTU Traveler - iBook G4

Diego · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:21 pm Post subject:

Oh, excuse me, I forgot to add two things...
I think that sometimes the piano playing is a little too "full" and obstruct the natural flowing of the vocal melody (i.e. when you use chord repetitions dubbing the vocal line).

I would like to show you a video from a couple of guy here in Italy: they've just won the "young" section of a musical festival. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69DwFhJQT9o
I think that these vocal harmonies are great!! I like that song a lot!

Regards
_________________
Diego http://www.myspace.com/diegoinmusic

Korg M3 with EXB Radias & EXB-256 onboard
MOTU Traveler - iBook G4

Pecca · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject:

Will not go into details, but i just love it.
I think your singing is very good. You´re just being modest Cool

What microphone and effects do you use for the singing part ?

Cheers / Pecca
_________________
Korg R3 - Korg 01W/fd - FL StudIO, Harmor, reFX Vanguard, Toxic 4 (BioHazard), PoiZone, Sytrus, Adventusdf...etc

JonSolo · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys. When my voice clears a bit more I will attempt some of the vocal things discussed...though I have went through it and the song seems to deserve a lone vocal...just one more powerful than mine.

I will work with several instrumental variations. Nothing seemed to work on top of what was there, though no doubt this song could be done in different styles and accomplish that feat.

Pecca, since my MXL went I have done the last two songs with a Shure SM57. I run that through a VST tube compressor plug and finally though one of two reverbs...either Native Reverb Plus or Roomworks. I may place a hint of chorusing on the voice just prior to compression as it gets tucked it the back and no one seems to notice the phasing once it's compressed.

Jon
_________________
Jon Solo

http://www.solosounds.net
http://jonsolo.me
http://www.soundcloud.com/jonsolo
http://www.twitter.com/thejonsolo

Windows 10 | Intel i9 9900K | 64 GB RAM | Scarlett 18i20 | Nektar Panorama P6
Korg Kronos - 88 | Korg Kronos 2 - 61 | Roland Fantom 6 | Push 2 | Maschine Mk2 | Slate ML1 | JBL LSR308/310
Nuendo 11 | Ableton Live 11 | Reason 12 | FL Studio 20.9

DrWho · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

I think you got some good feedback above - especially about potentially adding vocal harmonies, and the section that repeats. I am not qualified to comment on vocals as I can't sing - but it is clear that this one is not easy to sing - and you gave 110% - okay maybe 124.37%

This style isn't really my cup of tea - sorry I couldn't provide more comments.
_________________
Care for a jelly baby?
http://www.soundclick.com/artist/9/surfacetension_music.htm

JonSolo · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject:

That's cool DrWho. The style really isn't my cup of tea either. I have been doing J.M. Jarre type of electronica (along with IDM with structured melodies and solos) personally as my genre for the last 20 years. I thought it was time for a change, and wanted to offer things that were a little more "accessible". I know that it is subjective, or otherwise I would not have devoted such a long period to the other style of music. The last 3 or 4 years though has seen me exercise more singing. (It actually started with the Forever Garden Part 7...since you have it, you can hear my vocals toward the end.)

And yes I have gotten good feedback to work with on this song. My voice is starting to clear, and hopefully I will be able to do more with it by the weekend. One challenge will be that I am working in Vista. It is really a dog for pro audio. I even snagged SP1 and am not satisfied with the performance. (more on that in another topic)

BTW, Diego, those guys do sound great! I wanted to ask, have you heard of Sara 6? She did some solo stuff awhile back and then played with a cover band.

Jon
_________________
Jon Solo

http://www.solosounds.net
http://jonsolo.me
http://www.soundcloud.com/jonsolo
http://www.twitter.com/thejonsolo

Windows 10 | Intel i9 9900K | 64 GB RAM | Scarlett 18i20 | Nektar Panorama P6
Korg Kronos - 88 | Korg Kronos 2 - 61 | Roland Fantom 6 | Push 2 | Maschine Mk2 | Slate ML1 | JBL LSR308/310
Nuendo 11 | Ableton Live 11 | Reason 12 | FL Studio 20.9

chordial · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:11 am Post subject:

I followed this along with the words too, perfect for a stripped down arrangement like this, a brave and very honest track.
After a few listens, the longish first section fits well, building up, and anticipating the section at 3 minutes.
There are some slight vocal waverings, but again after a few times through I didn't notice them anymore, great vocal range too.
I'd love to be able to record a track like this.
My take at the moment is to listen to the osam music itself, and comment on how it makes me feel, this song works for me.
Great stuff Jon Smile

_________________
Chordial