CD
© Paul C Smith 2000
TRACK INFORMATION:
*
TRACK PLAYING TIME = 2'56
JUDY features a classical guitar melody with synthesiser/
strings accompaniment. I introduced the strings only for the last
theme in order to 'swell' the atmosphere, toning down again for the
softer ending. The composition is in the key of A major, but with
some use of the MELODIC minor scale in the B section.
I have exploited two chords in particular for the main theme,
being 'A Major 7th' and 'Dsus9', repeated, then through a 'Bm7' and
'E7', with an 'Eaug9' resolving nicely back to the tonic chord.
The synth arpeggios are on a bright acoustic piano and
synth pad - numbers 2 and 95 in general midi voices, with a fingered
bass (34).
The overall intended feel of the composition is one of peace
and tranquillity!
*
TRACK PLAYING TIME = 2'31
DEDICATED features a trio in the form of an electric
guitar melody, nylon-strung acoustic guitar on chords, and a
bass guitar. (cheers Russ!) I multi-tracked the parts on a
TASCAM 4-track recorder, and mixed with a computer editor.
The use of 'sus9' chords adds to the gentle 'reflective'
mood of the overall sound. The title is in acknowledgement of
the hard work and dedication that many musicians put into their
music, often spending weeks developing a composition that may
only last a few minutes!
The lead melody contains many long, sustained notes
with gentle vibrato - thanks to PA Green for the inspiration!
TRACK PLAYING TIME = 2'56
HAUNTED HOUSE features twin lead guitar melody/harmony
and is the liveliest track in the collection! I wrote the
track for my original band DREAM SCULPTURE, but the CD track
is just me multi-tracked.
The idea of the wailing (string-bending) guitars is to
represent the 'funfair style' ghosts, which periodically
reappear to give you the shudders! A little bit of guitarist's
self-indulgence in this track with the two lengthy improvised
leadbreak oportunities.
In the key of A minor, I took great delight in writing
a testing bass line for Russ as he had admitted to being bored
in between hoovering!
TRACK PLAYING TIME = 2'04
The TWO FRIENDS in question are my faithful classical
guitar and my electric strat. On this track of the CD you
may (hopefully) hear them complimenting each other. The
music is in the key of C Major, featuring 'Maj7' and 'sus9'
chords, to give a deep reflective mood.
With the classical guitar taking the passive role of
chord picking, there is no call/response between the two
guitars, but I feel that the parts are fairly balanced as
a pair.
TRACK PLAYING TIME = 2'13
HIDING features my classical guitar being played in
the fingerstyle manner. It was recorded in the living room
using a PC and an audio editor to add a concert hall reverb.
I probably took around 200 takes before getting a
good one due to hooligans shouting in the street, a neighbour
hammering and the Ice-cream van going past the house every
two blinking minutes!!!
The composition is in the key of A Major using the A
Major scale. I would like to dedicate this solo to all SHY
people!
TRACK PLAYING TIME = 4'16
The introduction to STRAT BALLAD you would probably
realise is inspired by the Jimi Hendrix Little Wing/ Wind Cries
Mary 'ballad' style of leadwork - although I hasten to add that
here the analogy ends! I have again used longer sustained notes in
the melody phrases in order to produce delicate vibrato
controls.
I have again multitracked all parts myself using computer
hard drive recording and a few effects - thanks to Mr Abbs for the
use of his Korg pedal.
I hope you enjoy the tracks on my CD as much as I have
enjoyed recording and producing them.
- Paul C Smith
EMAIL ME FOR YOUR COPY OF THE GUITAR BALLADS CD
CLICK TO RETURN TO PAUL'S HOMEPAGE