Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Play of the Day...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Feel free to 'follow' this topic to be alerted (warned..? ) when new posts arrive. I'll be using this same topic throughout for this month's Challenge.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4][/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][size=4]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/rikki-boyes/rainy-day"][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][size=4]'Rainy Day', from Rikki1984 ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]A lonely 'honky-tonk' piano and (almost...) unison bass introduce an atmosphere not too distant from the piano bar days; suddenly the drums and distant up-stroke guitar come in, with the lyrical vocals. The emphasis is on the lyrics, and rightly so, as they're aptly constructed, entirely in keeping with the subject picture chosen. The choruses, with suitable backing vocals, bring enough contrast to the song, with a change in colouration. The final 'outro' chorus is held by a sweet guitar solo [i]à la[/i] Harrison; the piano fades the melody out...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Excellent text (extra marks for including the lyrics in the 'sleeve notes' for all to follow...), a jolly piece with a welcome positive twist at the very end. Deceptively simple in construction, and very well played, entirely true to genre, for all instruments, the singing is to a pretty high, down-to-earth standard with no frills or artifices. This would not be out of place on many 33rpm vinyls from the '70s, and would not disgrace the charts, either. Not much to criticise at all, in fact. It even bears repeated listening, which is, in itself, a compliment. Coming soon to your local pub, so be ready to join in on the choruses...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/christofloffer/butterfly-hurricane"][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][size=4]'Butterfly Hurricane', from christofloffer ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4][/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][size=4]January Composition Challenge Voting …[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/christofloffer/butterfly-hurricane"][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][size=4]'Butterfly Hurricane', from christofloffer ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Straight in with arpeggio guitars and melodic bass and guitar. An ominous background storm of percussion lends a sombre ambience, with a constant 'drip-drip'drip' pulsing throughout the piece. The theme repeats with quiet, peaceful insistence until the final note brings us to a rather abrupt lightning end.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Unpretentious, sober, modest... These are the qualities that spring to mind; the work fits well with the picture chosen, and is well executed, well recorded, well arranged... well, jolly good, in fact. Too short to become repetitive; any longer would maybe have required some evolution or modulation. As it stands, though, it lacks nothing, and has a certain tranquillity in its favour. Well done; very pleasant indeed. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#0000ff][font=Arial][size=4][u][url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/wind-and-rain-a-brass-trio-1"]'Wind and Rain - a brass trio', from Bilbo ...[/url][/u][/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Arial][size=4]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/wind-and-rain-a-brass-trio-1"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Wind and Rain - a brass trio', from Bilbo ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]A soft tuba sets the scene with a charming melody, aptly executed and very much in keeping with the 'period' of the picture. Joined by an oboe with a deft counter-melody, then an equally delicately-handled trumpet (flugelhorn..?) adds yet another weft to the tapestry. The three lines continue to complement each other admirably, and reach a deceptive, 'false', conclusion, whereby the oboe continues, until, unable to leave it there, first the trumpet, then the tuba, come back to the table and take up the dance, taking us through to the true harmonic conclusion, where all is neatly resolved.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Contemporary, yet baroque, this finely crafted work is simple in its expression, or, at least, let's us believe so. Short, but not too short, and clever in giving the central respite, re-laying the focus on another instrument. Smoke and mirrors, really (or is it..? There's magic in there somewhere; I can feel it...). Staid production, excellent arrangement and composition; yet another exquisite opus from a source we now trust to produce tip-top works. This is, modestly, another.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/gxmix/butterflies-in-the-rain-gx"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Butterflies In The Rain (GX)', from xgsjx ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/gxmix/butterflies-in-the-rain-gx"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Butterflies In The Rain (GX)', from xgsjx ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]It's raining. It's pouring down. A solo electric piano sketches out a chord sequence, joined by a trip-hop drum beat; the rain eases up. The chords, too, ease up a little as a low-slung bass combines with the bass drum, then return, taking us through to a shift in mood. The bass is now soloed, doubled with a percussive keys bass. The piano is back; it's the turn of the drums to bow out for a while as another shower strikes up. Another dry spell when the drums come back in, the piano, bass and drums continue the beat, eventually with the addition of the percussive synth bass, too. The cohabitation is maintained up to a final chime and an open-ended ending.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Rather more 'rain' than 'butterflies', but the textures used evoke with ease the deluge pictured, so the contract is fulfilled. Expertly-chosen tones from all instruments and effects, perfectly composed and arranged, seamlessly mixed; an altogether finely polished product. The driving, hypnotic beat is cleverly punctuated with sonic signals to keep us focused and interested in the advancement of the melodic narrative, and the ending is similarly astute. Very good indeed. Faults..? None, unless one holds 'squeaky clean' to be a fault.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/dont-rain-on-my-parade"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Don't Rain On My Parade', from Skol303 ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/dont-rain-on-my-parade"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Don't Rain On My Parade', from Skol303 ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]A plaintive, 'blues' acoustic double bass steps boldly forward, at first solo, then joined by a shuffling swing-brushed snare. The bass picks up on the rhythm, walking, striding, hopping along as preamble and introduction to a brash fanfare for 'ska' brass; this salute liberates the drums and propel them into a full ride riddim, allowing the bass to no longer walk, but run with ever-increasing assurance. Not to be out-done, the drums come fully into the picture with a neatly hidden backbeat on the kick, quickly followed by the brass section, and some intriguing vocal/string layers which propel the beat into a neo-funk series of riff-runs and string strokes, brass 'hits' and broken beats, only to end abruptly on a final blast and drum roll.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Phew..! Hot stuff..! If this is rain, it's equatorial, torrid, fuggy and probably not good for one's health in prolonged exposure..! A total voyage from beginning to end, deftly morphing from one style to another, remaining coherent throughout. Excellent virtuoso instrumentation, carefully welded together into a complete joyful expression of harmony and innovation which would be fitting for many a film. The only real deception is its brevity; it would have been four times better if it had been twice as long. Full marks; yet another front runner, I'm sure.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/wrecks-and-rex"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Wrecks, Rex', from Dad3353 ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/wrecks-and-rex"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Wrecks, Rex', from Dad3353 ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]In with a jolt (is that where the term 'start' comes from..?), a small orchestra lays out a theme, helped along by pianos and a strong string bass, punctuated by distant blasts from menacingly thunderous timpani. The piano strengthens, along with a rather mobile melodic fretless bass line which takes on a frontal spot in the soundscape. As the melody flows along, the orchestration intensifies, bringing the storm to a suspension and resolution, leaving the basses to continue alone. A change of tone, as a sustain guitar takes over the lead role over a now more confident and forward piano. The bass is back with a vengeance, reinforced by a filtered synth, reclaiming the centre stage again, as the violins become jittery and urgent, pushing the theme with ever-increasing pace and pulse. The basses and guitars vie for attention, but the melody is now almost secondary to the inexorable impulse of the orchestration, projecting us to a heady climax and ringing final notes.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]It was never going to be easy, reconciling these two very different graphics. The notion here takes a rather sombre and stately entrance, drawing from the picture on the left a minor sense of shipwreck, of calm desolation, of power and menace culminating in firm resolution, then melding into a different aspect of a similar musical theme. The undercurrent lifts more towards the major, positive, side on the right, the calm is insidiously forced away into frantic action as the preparatives for departure become ever more imminent. The perils of the seas are forgotten; all that matters is getting the vessel under way and on its way. Will she suffer a similar fate..? Who knows..?[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/torturedsaints/wings-of-a-butterfly"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Wings Of A Butterfly', from RalphDWilson ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/torturedsaints/wings-of-a-butterfly"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Wings Of A Butterfly', from RalphDWilson ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]A very sombre mood is gravely announced by deep synths and a slow jungle throb. A strong vocal line recounts the theme in beautifully composed strophes, nicely sung with little embellishment and much conviction over this undercurrent. The chorus takes on a slightly more optimistic tone, away from the oppressive rising of the waters, but the flow of menace returns to inexorably put a damper on our outlook. A repeat of the chorus brings again some hope, which triggers a crafted modulation proposing a different tack and, maybe tongue in cheek, a positive way forward, the final lyrics offering us an original option of salvation.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Despite the dark tone of the piece, there is a strong streak of humour (or is there really much to smile about..?) revealed behind a superbly sculptured lyric, floating over a strong and ominous layer of murky synths and naïve percussion. Tunefully sung with simplicity and aplomb, the tragic nature of the text is finally washed away by the charming allusion to a potential, world-wide understanding that, together, in harmony, the worst consequences could be averted. It could have been written by a hippy, it's that good. What's that noise..? It's me, flapping, obviously. Aren't you..?[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/theboysings/my-boat-of-butterflies"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'My boat of Butterflies....', from the boy ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/theboysings/my-boat-of-butterflies"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'My boat of Butterflies....', from the boy ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Slow piano notes ring out, belying the tempo which comes in, a strong insistent bass line and equally powerful, restrained half-time drum beat. A clear vocal line recounts the tale in very direct terms, much as one would talk to a mate in a bar. Very matter-of-fact, quite calmly, in an everyday manner, until a burst of toms sparks off a blossoming into an ecstatic explosion of brass, cascading around from all sides, accompanied by a full patter of drums, propelling the vocals to reach an ever-more compelling register. The pressure is palpable; it surely can't increase further..? The spinning, multi-coloured inebriating bubble bursts, leaving solely the slow piano, constant bass and slow march drums to play out the dreamer's awakening. Only a dream..? Maybe, but what a dream..![/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]There's no two ways about it; this is a masterpiece. Not one sausage to be altered, no ornamentation nor trinkets to gild this lily, nay; rare orchid, with its deceptive entrance, lulling our senses in to a warm, snug place, only to have the doors blown off and a cascade of brilliantly blinding light and colour to invade the soul, lifting upwards and onwards towards we know not what paradisiac destination, washed upwards in a fountain of confident hope, only to be set down on our feet, finally, with a feeling of deep thanks for having been offered that fleeting glimpse of the impossible. Thank you for that. (I'll have some of what he's drinking, please...)[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/boaterfly-blues"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Boaterfly Blues', from lurksalot ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/boaterfly-blues"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Boaterfly Blues', from lurksalot ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Drum strokes introduce a slow blues-rock, complete with upright piano, rolling bass and plaintive solo guitar. Once through and the vocals come in, in true bar blues fashion, with an authentic, blues complaint. The rhythm pounds on, with divers interspersions from the piano and guitar, and appropriate backing vocals thickening the sung lyrics at times. A conclusion is reached over a harmonised vocal chord in guise of exit.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]The format is not new, but then, the blues are eternal, I suppose. This version is true to genre, with a credible choice of instrumentation, played quite within the vein, and a legitimate vocal performance with no operatic pretensions. In equally true manner, the lyrics are all but incomprehensible, although a vague theme comes through. I could borrow a phrase which could well be fitting enough in describing this as 'Mighty Meaty, Big and Bouncy'. I think that's quite compliment enough, maybe..? Altogether a jolly romp and rollick, in rock and roll style. Good work.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/mornats/drops"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Drops', from Mornats ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skol303 Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1453721716' post='2962045'] [color=#000000][font=Arial]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/skollob/dont-rain-on-my-parade"][color=#0000ff][font=Arial]'Don't Rain On My Parade', from Skol303 ...[/font][/color][/url] [color=#000000][font=Arial]A plaintive, 'blues' acoustic double bass steps boldly forward...[/font][/color][/quote] Thanks as always Doug! A very kind review, gratefully received. PS: I'm flattered that you think it's a double bass. It's actually a plain ol' acoustic (5 string), fitted with tape wounds to sound as close to an upright as possible. I'd love to own an upright... but I need to wait until the kids have left home before finding space for one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1453732454' post='2962218'] Thanks as always Doug! A very kind review, gratefully received. PS: I'm flattered that you think it's a double bass... [/quote] [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] I cannot hide my ever-decreasing acuity. You can fool one of the people all of the time. Sounds like an upright to me; think yourself lucky I didn't take it for a nose flute. Edited January 25, 2016 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skol303 Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1453732774' post='2962223'] You can fool one of the people all of the time.[/quote] Well, I'm very glad you were 'fooled'... I wanted it to sound like an upright, so job done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/mornats/drops"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Drops', from Mornats ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]No introduction, straight in with a slow drum march, piano arpeggios, a 'violin swell' effect synth layer and a very apt, conservative, 'Waters'-sounding bass line. The chords play out in a gracious sequence, until augmented by echoing piano 'drops' as promised in the title, and a shimmering lonely pipe. The haunting melody calls up added percussions to shift around our ears, then drops away to leave the percussive elements to drift away with the keys, to the desolate croaking of a bullfrog.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Stately, imposing, bold, the various elements weaving in and out of the structure each hold our attention, only to be replaced by yet another aspect, all the while maintaining the central pedestrian pace and pearl-grey theme. The whole is knit together in one continuous tapestry, slowly swirling around in imaginary mists as the prismatic droplets pose their rainbow colours here and there. Impeccable execution, very true to the picture chosen, and showing a wealth of diversity over a solid concept. A beautiful piece.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/eruption"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]'Eruption', from Leonard Smalls ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/eruption"]'[/url][url="http://soundcloud.com/dredd-and-the-badass-weed/eruption"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Eruption', from Leonard Smalls ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]A discreet layer of synth glides in, rapidly followed by a staggering drum beat of sorts and a tumbling discordance from an inebriated pianist. There is a wandering (wondering..?) bassist walking with a very hesitant gait, the whole to underpin and undermine the spoken, rather than sung, vocals. The lyrics are, for the most part, pretty comprehensible, despite the heavy delays and other effects, in open contrast to the backing, purveying certain wisdoms gleaned from common observation of humankind. We started off with a certain tension; this gradually increases as the cacophony reaches to surpass itself at every moment. Unfortunately, just as the texts were beginning to reveal their inner truths, the now frantic hullabaloo comes to an abrupt and equally discordant end.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Another in the troubling saga of pieces created from who knows what disturbed genius, created with evident intent to force one to listen very carefully for any hint of normality, any inkling of substance, any chink in the densely-woven chain-mail keeping the listener from slipping into any previously-trodden path. Yes, the byways here are tangled thickets. Yes, there are thorns that rip the soft calves. Yes, the sodden swamps and marshes hold us in a suction grip, unable to lift our feet to tap the slightest rhythm. Worth the journey..? Maybe, just like any bleary-eyed journey home after a wild pub crawl in the full force of an East Coast rain-stormy night, one is, indeed, glad when it's over and one can, at last, rest one's head on the unyielding front door's step and drop off into oblivion. Having listened through, carefully, several times, I can assure with conviction that the hidden meaning of Life and the Universe has, as yet, not been fully revealed to me. Maybe another couple of plays..? Nah, not tonight, at any rate.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]My next post in this topic will feature...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"][u][url="http://soundcloud.com/doctor_j_bass/exit-splashtown"]'[/url][url="http://soundcloud.com/doctor_j_bass/exit-splashtown"]Exit Splashtown', from Doctor J ...[/url][/u][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"][/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Good day, all...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here...[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277622-january-composition-challenge-voting/"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]January Composition Challenge Voting ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]... and this 'Play of the Day' here …[/size][/font][/color] [url="http://soundcloud.com/doctor_j_bass/exit-splashtown"]'[/url][url="http://soundcloud.com/doctor_j_bass/exit-splashtown"][color="#0000ff"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Exit Splashtown', from Doctor J ...[/size][/font][/color][/url] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]A full power riff announces an arpeggio crunch guitar and an ominous clap of thunder. The riff repeats, but allows the vocals to establish the theme, as the solid drums and deep bass hold their fire for the while. A chorus, with backing vocals, ends in a riff, followed by another verse and chorus. A break as the lyrics change to a promiscuous whisper, which turn into a solo spot for electric violin-effect and swooping guitars to jostle over syncopated backing from the rhythm section. A complete change as the tempo rocks up to a straight power rock beat, driving the lyrics forward in a convincingly heavy style, through another verse to a final chorus and a terminal punctuation.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Many distant souvenirs are evoked, as this production borrows from a rich culture of prog rock. There are elements of early Genesis, a somewhat strained vocal line resuscitating memories of a certain Lemmy, a bass line in a style not unlike one Entwistle; the list of inspirations goes on, compliments all. A very full structure, played with mastery on all instruments to create a complete opus, covering a wide gamut of techniques with brio. Complex, and not easy to bring off with such resounding poise, and fully aligned with both pictures, as a bonus. Excellent; I look forward to the double album, cover art by Roger Dean, who else..?[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Here endeth my ramblings (ouf..!) for this month; more next time, I hope.[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Until then...[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Have a nice day[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Arial"][size="4"]Douglas[/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Smalls Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Cheers Douglas, excellent reviews, as ever! Hope my "song" hasn't given y'all nightmares or, perhaps , diarrhoea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor J Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Very kind words. Thanks, Douglas, for taking the time to go through all the tracks so thoroughly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikki1984 Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 I just want to echo the other guys and say thanks for taking the time to do this! ☺ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 (edited) Cheers. There's a hidden advantage in doing it; I get to listen to all the tracks, several times over each. You folks astound me each and every month with the diversity and quality of your offerings. Modern music is not dead (Well, that being said, sometimes Lenny limps a bit, but no need yet for a merciful ending. Not yet. Not quite. Nearly, though ...). Edited January 25, 2016 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Smalls Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1453745304' post='2962393'] sometimes Lenny limps a bit, but no need yet for a merciful ending. Not yet. Not quite. Nearly, though ...). [/quote] Why I oughta!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [quote name='Leonard Smalls' timestamp='1453746353' post='2962410'] Why I oughta!!! [/quote] I concur; you oughta. We keep telling you, and there's no point in putting it off. It's for your own good, and you know it makes sense. Just bite the bullet and do the Right Thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mornats Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Wow, thanks for the fantastic write-up Douglas! That put a huge smile on my face I'll be going over all of the tracks tonight or tomorrow and will cast my votes then I'll come back to read your other write-ups. I want to hear the other tracks fresh before reading your thoughts on them. Based on others' comments it seems the standard has risen yet again. This is what I love about this challenge, it pushes people to do just that bit better each time. I first got into recording when a mate of mine told me that it's a great way to learn how to play and compose bass lines and that's so true. He also said if what you record is rubbish then you're the only person who has to ever hear it. That's also so true So to anyone thinking of having a crack next month, just do it. Don't think about it, just go ahead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 [quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1453748619' post='2962436'] So to anyone thinking of having a crack next month, just do it. Don't think about it, just go ahead! [/quote] Excellent advice Many thanks again Douglas for your superb input this month , both in terms of your composition and of course these reviews , I may try the sleeve note thing on mine next time if it really is that difficult to pick out what I am singing !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 25, 2016 Author Share Posted January 25, 2016 [quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1453750216' post='2962459']...it really is that difficult to pick out what I am singing !! [/quote] [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Yes, consider the old, frail and infirm that would glean much pleasure from understanding the tuneful mumblings presented here, month after month. Some of it may even be wisdom, who'd know..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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