urb

This is a little rough and ready but I was doing my usual morning jazz shed and thought I'd share some of it - mistakes aplenty but hey some ok stuff too - hope you enjoy some of it http://youtu.be/ilpo13NaE2M

Nice one guys - can I put in a small request that when the voting is open that someone posts this in the 'General Discussion' thread please? Also to widen the reach bunging up a link up on the BC Facebook page and Twitter feed would also be good - and, lastly - would it be cool to pin the voting thread at the top of Recordings just for the duration of the voting period? I think the effort that goes into this every month really needs a bit more recognition and surely if more people hear the tracks the more likely they are to vote... it's massively to BC's credit that a bunch of its members can pull together 30-or-so minutes of original music every month... I'm impressed anyway! Hope that's all cool Mike

ACS are the best... end of

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1366498613' post='2053339'] Finally got round to listening to this! Firstly, nice mix. I like the vocal samples. Your playing is just sublime as always mate. Super funky 'wah' effect going on. Really diggin this beat - is that a ready-made break or something you programmed? Either way it's got a great groove to it. Love the glitchy effects that kick in around the 2 minute mark - Squarepusher-esque, which is always going to go down well with me Can't really think of anything to offer in terms of improvements, Mike…It might even be one of your most 'cohesive' tracks to date in these challenges (aside from the Xmas track feat. Meshell Ndegeocello, which just rocked!), in that everything fits together just right. Good work mate! [/quote] Thanks Paul - I guess overall this track is more in keeping with my 'usual' style - plus the speed of my writing and recording process has greatly increased in the last couple of years, which actually helps the continuity of a tune with one idea flowing into the next - hence this sounds like a complete piece instead of lots of bit hacked together - re the drums I actually used both Superior Drummer 2 for the main beat but started the whole thing with some beats from Stylus RMX, I made a beat sandwich - and actually added the main drum part last... the glitchy stuff is from RMX's 'chaos' function... which is pretty cool. Loved Graeme's entry too - really nice retro rave vibe - I was back in the 1990s for a minute there - and didn't really want to leave! Good stuff people... M

This is amazing and I would love to do the course - I'm slightly concerned that I'm so busy right now I won't have time to keep up - but I would highly recommend anyone who DOES have the time and is keen to learn more about jazz, Gary Burton is one of the world's top improvisers - you'd learn a hell of a lot from him for sure... got for it.

[quote name='bobbass4k' timestamp='1366300786' post='2050792'] I'm still hoping to get mine done, I've uploaded a quick snippet to see how Soundcloud transcoding will affect it, as most of my entries have ended up with swirly treble after being put on soundcloud, so I figured I'd try and minimize that this time, it's here if anyone fancies a sneak peek: [url="https://soundcloud.com/bobbass4k/apr-comp-test2"]https://soundcloud.c.../apr-comp-test2[/url] [/quote] Sounds good - not mangled at all...

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1366242702' post='2050156'] I have some ideas laid down , but again, I need a vocal , this month could be awkward as I have gone toward a distinctive rhythmic style which may need some accent for the voices. [/quote] Hey man - just do what you can - this month is looking eerily quiet as it stands - I know it's a lot of effort to do something good but it's really just a bit of fun - would be nice to see others getting involved or failing that giving feedback on some of the tunes posted - it's about getting creative and making mistakes and learning something (I think) - imagination is just as important as technical skill - and hey if you can combine the two - job done! Anyway hope some other folks are doing something too Mike

Sounds awesome Johan - but I told you that already - welcome to London and welcome to Basschat

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1366042434' post='2047635'] Nice one Mike, I look forward to listening to this (no headphones at work ). I can't see any problem at all with using samples bundled with Garage Band. I'm guessing they'll be copyright-free anyway, so all good. [/quote] Let me know what you think - this was a fun track to put together - and I'm pretty happy with the end result - which could inevitably be taken further but for now this will do - it's got me wanting to start writing new 'proper' tunes again Cheers for listening - headphones or big speakers recommended for this one

I know I should probably give this 24-hours before posting (as I usually don't) but I don't think I'm going to take this any further - I kind of like it as it is - hope you enjoy: https://soundcloud.com/munkio/love-buggin NB - vocal samples used come from the Garage band expansion pack of voice samples... hope that's cool...eveything else played/made by me...

Got something cooking today - I'm thinking love-meets-funk kinda thing - got a fair bit of production tinkering to do - hope the end result sounds good... not sure it will yet Also going in a different direction to all my previous tunes too

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1365345841' post='2038278'] Great stuff Mike! Superbly played as always mate. And those drums breaks / synth lines are just brilliantly bonkers. Love it PS: nice video too. I like the intro graphic thingy and the 'purple haze' you have going on. 'Tis cool. [/quote] Thanks Paul, Garry, Nige and Rob - you're all very kind - I'm still not sure if this all works together in terms of the clashing styles - I think I want to keep at this stuff but mellow it out a touch - those bass frequencies are a bit harsh... anyway it was fun doing this and I'm pleased I got through the thing in one take without too many f-ups...

After seeing a load of very serious UK musos on Facebook posting links - and his 'I Saw Three Ships' video popping up on No Treble a few months back - I have to conclude that Jacob Collier is one hell of a great musician - and while his covers are getting him a lot of hits on YT, his own stuff is not a million miles from James Blake - but he seems to be heavily into jazz as well... anyway I'm sure some of you've seen this guy in action but take a moment to check out his stuff - what amazed me most is that he's from London, and studying at the Royal Academy of Music - yes he has a musical theatre background but is not some talent-show reject etc - just a stunningly gifted young musician. [url="http://www.jacobcollier.co.uk/music/"]http://www.jacobcollier.co.uk/music/[/url] Great bass work on these tracks and everything else too... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWwukihlvIQ[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BE52oSiYKo[/media] I look forward to hearing this guy grow up and keep developing - he's 18 right now... gulp! Hope you dig some of this stuff

[quote name='Kevin Glasgow' timestamp='1365375954' post='2038865'] Nice one Mike! Sounding wicked man!! [/quote] Thanks man You're very kind Kev I was going to post this as I know you're a modest sort Kev, but this is bloody awesome: http://youtu.be/1gG_dpMdoWs Look forward to catching you guys live soon Mike

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1365427516' post='2039388'] [size=5][i]"He didn't think it too many"[/i][/size] Bonus geek points if you can name the comic strip. The rewards of a more well-balanced life if you can't. PS: this month's picture is that of the 'romantic' beetles, [b][u]not[/u][/b] the guy with the axe. Just to be clear! (see, I'm trying to confuse y'all as part of my dastardly plan...mwahahahahaharrr!). [/quote] Er... Slaine? I'm old enough to be a former 2000AD subscriber *geek*

Without dynamics an audience will switch off when listening to your band live - I'm sure you know this - but it's a solid argument to put to the guys and say if we start at 11 then there's no where else to go - with my band if someone is soloing or we are starting a tune we always build up from simple, quieter stuff to louder busier stuff - but always drop back - and don't be afraid of less is more - drums dropping out for 16 bars etc are great dynamic devices that can break up the wall of sound and let your grooves BREATHE... I don't need to tell you this I know - but I've been in similar situations in the past - experience has proved that lower the volume is always a good thing...

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1365156676' post='2035975'] I have to say that was awesome! Really enjoyed it. Was that solo mostly off the cuff or mostly something you've developed? (But, rather like a Volvo driver offering Michael Schumacher a few tips about driving, but can't help suggest to pick up on the triplets the drummer gives to mark the end of your solo!) [/quote] Thanks - any solo like this is improvised on the spot but obviously comes from years of developing a 'vocabulary' of phrases - when it all goes to plan these present themselves in free flowing way that doesn't require too much 'thinking' other than "mmm, I liked that, think I'll try it again etc" over the next chord. One thing I have learned is pausing, leaving gaps, and repeating phrases really create interest in your solo - relentless licks quickly become very boring to listen to - finding those tension notes and hanging on them is also really important to build the tension then release it - one of the trickiest things is to build your solo and bring it to a natural, melodic conclusion - but all this has taken years of continual practice so just keep at it and keep practicing - it does come together in the end - but hey I'm still working on my sh*t that's for sure - I have sooooo much to learn.

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1365032732' post='2034520'] Not surprised you're proud of this, sounds amazing and must be great fun putting it together. Very impressive. [/quote] Thanks dude - just one more from the same gig - with a bass solo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsmH-IkTsDg Thanks for checking it out M

Sounds way cool - even just on bass-freq-limited iMac speakers - very good mix too - are the drums programmed? If so good job.. I couldn't tell

I've been meaning to make a video for this track that I recorded for the Feb Composition Competition - so here you go - mad fusion dubstep and all: http://youtu.be/7f88JhIZygs Hope you enjoy

I use thumb and three fingers - I made this video about a hundred years ago http://youtu.be/-PigAe4VIMI

[quote name='funkgod' timestamp='1364516631' post='2027723'] Mike its always a pleasure listening to your clips. i just wish the band was up here in the northwest,,,,, Prob just as well really cus id want to nick your drummer! first one reminds me of a snowboy track we did years ago Beyond the snowstorm, its that semi move all the time ,still love/play that one, great band, Thanks [/quote] Thanks dude - I love this band and it's something I've wanted to put together for ages - if you want a job doing well, do it yourself! Anyway I'm lucky to play with these guys - a few more clips from the same gig here: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/202496-some-banging-live-latin-jazz-from-my-new-band-hdmulti-cam-video/

So proud of my jazzy-funky band just wanted to share these clips from a recent gig - we're at Spice of Life in Soho on 2 May if you want to come and check it out [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbiQwNU_6kk[/media] [media]http://youtu.be/qNa6aT2ZYKo[/media]

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1364475332' post='2026953'] I think my work is a minority interest. I am too eclectic for the great unwashed. (that and the fact that my ditty is a bit crap ) [/quote] Hey Bilbo - don't worry I'm the one-vote-wonder... it's the taking part that counts - amazing effort from everyone this month - well done all