What the heck, Tony and I like the oldies. Also, the reason I use the SEVEN so often is because I'm a superfan of the great Milt Jackson. I also love some of Vic Feldman's stuff. Both very soulful. You may remember Milt with John Lewis and the Modern Jazz Quartet from the 60's and 70's. Never was much of a Lionel Hampton fan. Probably the style (big band). The exception was of course my cousin (second), Count Basie. At one point in my life I lived two blocks from him in St Albans, Queens (NY). Anyhoo, just noodlin' through some old tunes and decided to quick record this one. It's got to be 2000 yrs old . Unprocessed.

https://app.box.com/s/yrw0ee6n713nk2qyn4beg5f3usj7kn0m

chas

Now you're talking,Chas. My kind of music. Thanks for sharing.

SWEET!! Love it!

When you can play songs like this, like this, there's no need to learn new material ...
Thank you, chas ...

Thanks guys. Tony, for some reason the old tunes from that era just seem to flow more naturally. Even the lyrics actually made sense . Of course most of the tunes we now label as 'standards' started life as 'show tunes', composed mostly for Broadway shows by the great Broadway composers of that era. Ahhh, what a 'golden age' for music.

chas

Thanks for posting your work

Sounded really good. Love the B sound. I thought you were too lazy to record new material and was expecting a blank box p.s. check your spelling

Bernie, Chas, Steve, in the golden years lyric were put to a melody, they were one, they flowed beautifully.

I think of the song Feelings, lyrics and melody were saying the same story. Misty, What are you doing the rest of your life, I’ll remember April, How high the moon, the list is long.

My request; please start posting his kind of music, it will make my day.
John C.

How true,John,

The wonderful lyrics told a beautiful story,coupled with a great tune. Now,it seems,we have repetitive lyrics going nowhere,and questionable tunes. Of coarse,there are those that would disagree,and that's fine.

Smooth!

chas, I agree ... A good number of them were also written for movies ... It's interesting that in the 'old days' songs were written for movies, and with the advent of MTV, 3 minute movies (videos) were made for songs ...

John, you just named one of my favorites tunes, 'What are you doing the rest of my life'. Favorite version - Dusty Springfield (she nailed it). Second favorite, our own Capt Russ. His guitar voicings are to die for and inspired me to try to learn it. I didn't, it was too hard and I couldn't get the same feeling/effect that Russ did so I just gave up. I'll just listen to his . Is it just us old folks that love these old gems or are we the only ones with any taste these days . I'm kidding, of course. Most of the other genre's have the same kind of rich history; we just happen to like and be influenced by this one.

Things I'd like to hear from some members here:

Donny - Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Steve - Short piano medley (of his choosing)
Randy - My Funny Valentine (Sax)
DonM - Georgia or Rainy night in Georgia or Always on my mind (or all three )
Russ - Midnight Sun (preferably on vibes but I'm open)
Tony - Any good Jazz standard with a good backbeat (@ 120bpm) (vocal)

There will be no monetary reward for honoring any of these requests .

chas

Chas,
Are you hip to Esperanza Spalding? You mentioned Midnight Sun - This woman proves my point that the vocal (or melody) and the bass are ALL YOU NEED to get across an idea, and that's why they are the 2 most important elements in a song, for me. Check it out on good speakers, or you'll miss the beauty of the bass.

Chas, I’d be happy to but for the next few months we are in Florida where I don’t have a piano in the house to record with just the SX900. Even though I’m playing a weekly piano gig in the lobby of the cancer center, in my opinion the FP3 they have for use there would not be a piano I want to record anything on.

Are you kidding? I've been listening to her forever. She's fantastic, just not for the great unwashed . She's a master player and highly respected among her peers. BTW, I know you're one of the best musicians (and vocalist) on the forum and the only reason I didn't include you on my 'request' list is because I haven't heard enough of your work to identify you with a specific song or genre'. But by all means, do something for us that you think is most representative of your style (I know you don't limit yourself to one genre').

Steve, I understand, but you only get a temporary reprieve until you get back to cold country . I have a mental impression of everyone and I picture you as one of those "tickle those ivories" type of players, you know, versatile, tasteful, professional.

chas

FOREVER, really?? What is she TWELVE? lol

Whoo Hoo - I made the A-list!
Here's a few samples I've made on different instruments over the years.
(sorry - not a box user)

The Prayer was done on a PA900
She's No Lady on an X-1
Nightingale Sang on 9000Pro with digitech VR harmonizer, and
All My Tomorrows is on an ancient PA80. I liked the Rhodes sound when I got it - and yes, I took some liberties with the song format. Sue me.

All done in real time - hope you like 'em!

??? She's a 35 yr old Grammy Award winner. WELL known in jazz circles.

chas

PS: I'll be listening to your tunes right after the game. At the moment I'm going through a gradual withdrawal with this crappy new XFL .

We saw her somewhere around 2008 at the Regatta Bar one of Boston’s great jazz venues, wonderful show she put on. If my memory serves me correctly at 20 she was one of the youngest faculty members at Berkeley College of music

Chas, You made my day with your comment , thank you. Yup I like to consider myself one of those “tickle the ivories” type pianists.

Nice My kind of relaxing music. Not. a vibe fan but well done. Live to hear you do all organ, sounds like thats your thing

Dave, there IS NO A-list. There are a lot of very talented players on this forum. I just randomly picked a few guys that I strongly identified with a certain type of song, genre', or playing style based on music they have posted in the past. ABSOLUTELY no intention of slighting anyone.

chas

Fantastic version Chas, and your absolutely right about the old songs. There's just so much more for a musician to dig into with songs from that era. Thanks for sharing.

Bill, I'm a lousy solo organist. Always had the crutch of a great guitar player when gigging. What I love most is accompanying a talented female vocalist/stylist doing Billie Holiday/Sarah Vaughn/Ella Fitzgerald type stuff or a male Blues/jazz singer in the mold of Joe Williams/Lou Rawls. Dislikes - playing with a bass player. I did do a solo version of 'There is no greater love' which I recorded. If I can find it I'll post it although it isn't very good.

chas

Like 'em? ... I love 'em ...
The KB intsrument matters not, it's the vocal instrument that matters ...
And you could give a clinic on how to use a vocal harmonizer ...

Thanks, Dave ...

PS: I did think "All My Tomorrows" could have been a step higher ... BWDIK ...

Glad you liked 'em Tony ... and Chas, I was just funnin' with ya about the A-List. LOL ...

Okay Dave, just finished listening to the tunes. Loved them all but do agree with tony about coming up a half or whole step on 'All my tomorrows'. Boy, did I feel like wanting to do 'She's my wife' on organ with my 'crew' and you on vocals. Not that I didn't love your version, I did, it's just that it's the kind of tune that everybody wants to jump in and play. The Prayer - one of my favorites every since I heard Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin do it. Powerful tune and you did a super job with it. Hope everyone has a listen....although it's much easier if you put them on Box. Thanks again. BTW, I hope you caught the opening number of the Oscars. Janelle Monae (Sp) nailed it.

chas

Thanks for the listen, and the kind review Chas.That version of "All My Tomorrows" is actually a kind of funny story ... not funny -HaHa, but interesting. I bought that PA80 about 10 minutes before I found that EP sound, and I just started playing the tune. I wasn't even all that sure of the changes, as you may have figured out by the way I changed a line or two, but I just "felt" it, and it came through my fingers. Never really thought about a key, but maybe you're right - I'll revisit that song, and see what happens. The Lyle Lovett tune was 100% inspired by Lou Rawls' version, and facilitated by a pattern on the X1 that just screamed to be played. As soon as I heard that style I started chipping away at about a dozen tunes that sat right in that pocket. The bass line, particularly grabbed me by the .....well, bass.

"The Prayer" was suggested to me by divine inspiration ... literally.
My cousin had just died suddenly, and for some reason I was drawn to the melody of that song, as I replayed memories of him. I couldn't get it out of my head, so I called Eddie's (the deceased) brother and told him about the song, and that I thought it might be nice to sing at his memorial service. His brother hesitated for a few seconds, and the silence on the phone was deafening ... then he told me that "the Prayer" was Eddiie's favorite song and he and his wife used to share songs with each other when the TV was boring. That song was a favorite for them both, and when Eddie's widow heard about my suggestion - she was filled with an overwhelming warmth, and catharsis because she knew Eddie had made the suggestion to me. That's what I truly believe, and it's very special to me to this day. More funniness ... Eddie's wife is Japanese, and a family custom from her culture is to place objects of personal interest in the casket before burial, so the deceased will have familiar items in the afterlife. Family and friends placed various things in the box - a Yankees bat, a bottle of Scotch, a few sax reeds .... but my Dad (the original joker) wrote him a check for $1,000,000 and tucked it in his jacket pocket, saying "I sure hope he doesn't cash this!"


Cracks me up every time I think of it.
Thanks for the nudge to remember how these tunes were introduced to my repertoire. Good times. Good times.

Hi Dave,
Don’t know about A List, , should be A PLUS List.
Beautiful songs , Really enjoyed them.

Hi Chas, from the responses, you’re not the only ones.

Great tune, really enjoyed it.

Dave...a couple of songs from Synthzone members that were keepers for me (stored on my hard drive) was your "Nightingale" from a few years back and Donny's "We'll Meet again." I happen to really like those WWII songs.

But you did a brilliant job on "Nightingale"....great arrangement, harmonization, creativity. One of the best you posted on here over the years. And, almost forget, your vocal on "Fly Me to the Moon" was top notch...right up there with your best.

Mark

Thanks Mark. I wish I had better recording gear when I did Nightingale. I'm happy with the performance, but not so much with the tech end. Too much sibilance, and the EQ just isn't right. I've remixed it over the years, and still can't seem to get what I want. What amazes me is the tracking quality of the Digitech VR harmonizer - that recording is probably 30 years old, and gear has improved so much since then, but I'm really impressed with how the harmonies followed my vox on that track.
Many of you know, I use the right hand (chording) to trigger my harmonies, so I can get the passing tones, and extended notes to alter the voices. My left hand has always been a better bass player than a chording guy, so my LH chords are rather simple, and I do the embellishments with the right whenever I use arranger fluff.
Thanks again for your kind words!

Dave why not RErecord the song using your new technology, etc?...
would be a fun project no?

Maybe, someday. It's not a priority, and like Joni Mitchell said in her "Miles of Aisles" concert ... "Nobody ever asked Van Gogh to paint a Starry night AGAIN"
There are so many things that are higher on the to-do list before that.

I have been listening to 27 year old Kandace Springs. Records on blue Note and has the 11th most popular jazz album today.

Fantastic player and vocalist.

Incidentally, just my opinion, but Chas gets my vote as best jazz instrumentalist (best friend here, too). Don gets my vote as most versatile vocalist/arranger entertainer. Dave gets my vote as best vocalist/player/entertainer.

Nigel gets my vote as most patient administrator for putting up with this crew.

Big, big thanks for the recent support. My dear son, Logan Russell Lay is home and recovering.

Russ (ever so grateful) Lay

Russ, glad to hear your son is home. How is he doing? Best, zuki

Jim, he is at my house, because mom is a respected long-time RN, and we set the house up with minimal walking. He will be there for 3/4 months recovering (strength and speech therapy). Didn't know until yesterday, he was on the national lung transfer list.

Dr. says he was gravely ill; he's not anymore, but will need months of therapy to regain all his strength and mental capacity. He looks for complete recovery.

Thanks so much for your concern. Always thought you were one of the really "good" guys.


Russ

That's great news, Russ ... you are all still in my prayers ...

Really great he's home and has capable hands watching. Appreciate your comment about me (means more than music) and I will never forget your generosity (keyboard debacle - lol). Best to you and family

Cap’t Russ great news on Longan!!

Jim, the SD-5 is still in the box you delivered it in Never been out of the box or turned on.

The battery in my 1994 Solton MS 60 just died and I am considering using the SD-5.

Ya just can't rush into these decisions (LOL).

Best personal regards,


Russ

Dave, love your harmony work! How do you rate the 4X on board harmonizer in comparison?

The TC unit in the 4X is as good as any of the harmonizers I've ever used! (The Voicelive3 has more voices, but it's not better - just more prolific)

Great - thanks

Korg TC tracking is top notch also, that is the main downfall
of Yamaha's VH2. Digitech vr VH units were also very good in tracking and sound.

Dave....I like the way you moved around with the melody line...and the chords you used to feed the harmonizer...and other things in your Nightingale version. I'm curious. You said you played it "in real time." How long did you have that arrangement floating around in your head before you recorded it? It's really a great take on an old song. I'm very impressed with your creativity.

Mark, Thanks again for your very kind comments. That arrangement is based on Manhattan Transfer's recording. I didn't try to copy it, but I definitely tried to mimic the feel. They are way "up there" in my harmony professors. Earlier influences include the Four Freshman, The Beach Boys, and more recently, Pentatonix. Addressing 4 parts is very different than standard 2 part harmony, like the Everly Brothers, or Simon & Garfunkel. The lead voice needs to be simpler, less affected (vibrato, scoops etc) and dynamic expression is crucial to the believability. It's very much like working the expression pedal on an organ - the up, and down regulation of the volume is as important as the subtle bends on a guitar string ... it's happening ALL THE TIME in some way. This is why many singers avoid using compression on their vocals. Misuse can severely affect dynamics.

Dave, I read all your posts. Sometimes they are annoying, sometimes you’re a pain in the A--S, but after listening to your music – your singing, the rest does not exists.

Great job. Enjoyed.

I am not suggesting that you change anything, just sharing.

In The early 80’s I left my band and started doing jobs with my guitar and a drum machine. I did not like it’ After playing with a band it sounded empty. I added midi to my guitar and plugged it into a Yamaha keyboard. the guitar was controlling the chord changes. The sound was full again – big room, small room, I was able to cover the job.

Dave, I admire your thinking, it’s out-of-the-box thinking.
Freedom Freedom Freedom.

Take care, post more songs, John C.

I hear ya, John - sometimes my mouth starts before my brain is fully engaged.
Sorry for the annoying, A**H*** posts. I'll try to minimize those, but glad you like the tunes!

Outrageously good. You are flying in some pretty great company there, Chas. Thanks for sharing.

Wooa Chas, almost missed this. Sounded great, had a little "Groove" Holmes sound going on. Good stuff

Thanks Larry, I knew Groove back in Philly (he grew up in Camden, played football at Camden High) although he spent the most productive part of his career on the West Coast. He had a great left hand and like Brother Jack McDuff (a former bass player) and a few other great left hand bass players, he was (big surprise) left-handed. Ahhhh, loved those days; smokey jazz clubs, great jazz organ trios, well-dressed sophisticated women, SOLID DAY JOB .

chas

A name from the past got to see Groove Holmes at Sculler’s Jazz Club in Boston, don’t remember the exact year but Groove passed in 1991 at the young age of 60. I think it was about a year before he passed we saw him. Seems like a lifetime ago!

Chas very cool you knew him back in Philly!

chas ... remember YOU asked for it ...
Recorded direct on the Pa900 during a recent performance ... just a style (Big Band Shuffle I think) and me and a guitar strum pad ...a and it's NOT 17 minutes long
https://app.box.com/s/8gaf03rher6g6z8mj2hp0xhenvg3lc6k

Tony Nice arrangement ....enjoyed listening..
Thank you for sharing your music with us ..
I'm still tapping my foot my kind of music! wtg!

Hot ziggedy dog! When it comes to picking tunes, we are on the same wave length. This is one great song to swing to (and you beat me to it ). Okay, now my 'scathing' review . I wasn't crazy about the opening (2/4) arrangement. Full disclosure, I almost always do the same thing (the half-time followed by the full-on swing), so it's not the concept, it's just that particular arrangement I wasn't enamored of. After that it was Great. Part two of the arrangement was very good and the vocals were tasteful, expressive but not over-the-top, excellent timing, with that just-right 'Big-Band Vocalist' sound. That PA900 ain't too shabby either. Sorry I had to kick you in the butt first .

chas

Thanks, Donny and chas, for the listen and positive comments from two guys whose musical ability I admire ...

Hey, chas, who can't use a 'kick in the butt' from time to time ... truth is, I hardly felt it ...
Funny thing, as often as I have used this style, that's the first time I've used variation 1 ...

Ah, the past is coming back. Lights low and jazz quartet playing, a cocktail and dancing with your sweetheart. Did a lot of that (and playing myself) in the 50's and 60's.

BTW can you tell me what you played? Keyboard? Backing track of arranger keyboard. Just curious how you put this together.

Thanks for the post, loved it.

Gerry M

Tony, you have the feel, and the talent to make it sound good,
and I like your arrangement.

Thanks, John C.

Tony,

Nice job with “Almost Like Being in Love.” I really enjoyed the instrumental break very much!

John and Steve, thank you very much ...

Gerry, by you comments I believe you are rightfully talking about chas' "How Long Has This Been Going On" which does invoke those thoughts ...

Tony: Yes, indeed.Just curious how chas put this together. It's my kind of music! Hope he reads my comment

Gerry