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guitar ballads

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!

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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
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