With the current inflation we should change it to 'DOLLARS from Heaven'. Anyway, there have been so many 'takes' on this song since it was introduced (by Bing Crosby) in 1936. I'm sure most of you remember that . I used to crack up on the hilarious version by the late, great James Moody (BENNY'S from Heaven) - if you haven't heard it, check it out, you'll get a good laugh (I saw him do it twice, the last time on the Big Island of Hawaii @ 2003. We used to do a comic version (well, we thought it was funny) of it back in the '70's. I can't remember the (substituted) verses we used but it started out--
'I grow pot in my back yard
Sweet Marijuana
Sell my clothes to feed my nose
Sweet Marijuana ....etc.
Always got a good laugh.

I tried playing it the other day to see if I still remembered it. I recorded it after a couple of practice runs. It's full of glitches (so no need to point them out ) but I decided to post it anyway in the hope that others might post some of their music. I can't speak for others but I don't really care if it's 'arranger' music or not, it will still inform others on the forum what type or style of music you like. Remember, different strokes for different folks.

https://app.box.com/s/3bhqh3jse26lla3rkdg9gouij96z0ntz

chas

As usual, Chas, I really like that laid back style of yours. You must be very good at hiding glitches because I didn't notice any. You are right, we need more music demos(myself included)

Thanks Chas.

Bernie, the secret is to have so many glitches that no single one stands out . And yes, let's get some of those demos posted, glitches and all. Me, I like standards/oldies but any style or genre' will do (Terry usually has very nice song selections). As politicians like to say "Let's get to work" (although they rarely do ).

chas

"Slicker than snot on a door knob"...that's what I say. Used to play this little gem with "visitors to NARCO here in Lexington in the 60's. One of them was "Benny man", who was in for a methadone treatment.

For my tastes, as usual, you "NAILED IT"!

Par for the course, friend.


Russ


























for

BTW, if you haven't heard the comic take of this classic (BENNY'S from heaven), here are three versions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqdVa2G7RzI&ab_channel=jaywilton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7MSTcRlKzs&ab_channel=TheMotiondevotion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFdgsSFxwK4&ab_channel=BennyBenackIII-Topic

chas

) As politicians like to say "Let's get to work" (although they rarely do ).

chas[/quote]

That does it Chas. I ain't no stinkin politician. Wait, you'll see ha ha

This is not an arranger song, but a start until I get organized.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hrp7UaCnuw

Bernie, love that harmonica; spent a year trying to master one (to no avail). To this day, one of my favorite performances was/is a 12 yr old 'Lil' Stevie Wonder' playing (live) 'Fingertips'. The other thing I like about your playing and singing is that, unlike some musicians, you know the difference between 'Syncopation' and just 'rushing the beat'. I'm not sure that can be taught; I think you either feel it or you don't.

I listened to about four of your youtube vids. My only suggestion would be to maybe change the variation more often (ie. between verse and chorus and/or bridge). Loved the song choices; nice variation. Keep 'em coming (and encourage some of these other lazy guys to post something ).

chas

Thank you Chas. Do you mean change the lead instrument more often ?

Never mind Chas, it just struck me what you meant. Now that I am aware of it, will come up with alternate riffs, etc.

Bernie, I meant the STYLE variation, ie. Var 1, Var 2, Var 3, etc. No biggie, it just introduces the next part (intro, verse, chorus, etc.). Plus, it's just a suggestion. Adds a little interest to the accompaniment. Might as well use as much of that style as the song will accommodate. Again, purely subjective.

chas

Bernie, keep listening to the original song, let that be your guide.
Then add some of you.

The best part of you is that you really enjoy what you are doing.
You have made some great changes, keep experimenting. Try using the face you put in S.Z. – it’s pretty. (he he he)

More music please, John C.

I needed that as I have a tendency to put it on #2 e.g. ,and not vary it. Thanks guys.

John, you nailed it, saying something few people will mention "my face". I may not be able to change my face, but can change my expression: SMILE LOL

Bernie, in my younger days people would dance past me and make a smile face. My wife told me that they wanted to know why I was so serious. After that I made sure there was always a smile on my face – and yes, sometime it hurt. (smile)

You have the choices: to enjoy what you are doing; and I know that you do. Or worry about “Am I sounding and looking good”, or am messing up. You have the ability to do either.

Boy, I can’t wait until I see the next song with the new face.
Bernie, you have to admit, this is exciting.
Take care, John C.

It’s always good to listen to an arrangement on record you like, and try to note how often the drummer fills, how often he changes the groove, how often the lead instrument changes, etc..

Let that be your guide for how often you use your arranger’s fill and One Touch features, and your version will be as interesting…