These are songs that I am working on now or have recently finished.
Dance in the DarkThis is a song about a chance encounter, getting lucky, and remembering the good times of the past. Younger than I by a fair sight a fair sight she was in her painted-on jeans Her beauty was such that I yearned for her madly It almost seemed she was straight from my dreams My opening gambit was pure inspiration I asked her to help me decide what to drink then I offered to buy her another libation and sat down beside her with a smile and a wink The evening proceeded with light conversation It only got deeper as closing arrived Nothing was offered by way of persuasion and yet when we stood I would not be deprived She offered her mouth and I honored her offer I kissed her so deeply I swallowed her soul I wrapped my arms round her, she willing and nimble She laid hands upon me, and she took control And later it was that she drew me down gently to the grass and the heather, our wild lover's bed And deep in the darkness she had her way with me Deep in the night our bodies were wed I woke in the morning, a warm spot beside me where once in the night my fantasy lay and I thought to myself, "what a magical evening..." It was hard to believe in the light of the day But time after time as I lie in my dotage I think back again to the night that we shared No names were exchanged as we came together 'Twas more than enough that our spirits were bared I wonder what memories she has of our meeting Does she think back kindly on that glorious night? For there's nothing more beautiful than two souls uniting to dance in the dark beneath heaven's own light |
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TonightThis is a song about insecurity, putting your big boy pants on, and taking a chance. In the dark the stars shine brightly in your eyes tonight In my heart the fire burns brightly in my heart tonight ...and then the sun comes up again and I awaken, no longer dreaming My fantasy is put aside No, not forsaken just put away Falling deafly on the night whispered words my dear telling you my love shines bright words you'll never hear In my hoping heart you're always there, not unaware, I wish you could know All my dreams are set on loving you, I wish you knew, if I could only say hello I approach you with nervous agitation fear of rejection, my heart's in palpitation You turn and smile at me and break the akward silence You take my sweaty palm and say hello In the past my courage broken failure was my friend Now at last our hearts have spoken together till the end All my dreams were set on loving you, and now you know you said hello All my fantasies are coming true they're coming true because of you tonight |
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She'll Make ItThis is a song about determination and perseverence in the face of adversity. She doesn't know, she doesn't care Surrounded by love from everywhere Candy cane dreams and peppermint pies She doesn't know why she sometimes cries 'Cause life is not always cookies and cream Sometimes she just wants to scream She can be tougher than the cruel and the mean She will not give up on her dreams She can be brave, she can be bold She can see through the lies she's been told They said she'd take straw and spin it to gold and then when she failed they left her out in the cold 'Cause life is not always satin and lace Sometimes it frays 'round the seams But she can be stubborn, she's got fire and grace She will not give up on her dreams She'll make it, she'll play till everyone wants to hear her song She'll make it, she'll take it straight to the top, to number one She's been working for a long, long time now, on the harmonies All her friends say this is the one To hell with the record company She'll make it, she'll play till everyone wants to hear her song She'll make it, she'll take it straight to the top, to number one She'll make it, she'll play till everyone wants to hear her song She'll make it, she'll take it straight to the top, to number one |
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AI voicesThe following several songs were developed using AI voices to help me represent the approximate sound where clearly I could not sing myself. I did not use AI to generate the music or the words, but merely to sing what I wrote. Have You Ever?This is a song about memories of good times passed. Have you ever seen a sky so beautiful you almost cry and when you have to look away you hope you'll see another day a sky again as beautiful as this Have you ever caught a smile that stays with you a little while, a stranger’s grin, so brief, so true, it lifts the weight the world’s put on you and gives you just a little bit of bliss Oh, these moments fade too fast, like shadows on the heart they pass, But in their glow, I’ll always find, a piece of heaven left behind. Have you ever walked a street where echoes of old songs repeat, each step a chord from days long past, a melody too deep to last, yet still it lingers like a gentle mist? Have you ever watched the rain dance softly on a window pane, each drop a note in nature’s tune, that hums of dreams gone by too soon, and motivates the heart to reminisce Time slips soft, like tears that fall, each memory a tender call, Yet in my soul, they’ll always stay, these fleeting dreams that light my way Have you ever felt the breeze that whispers through the autumn trees, its fleeting touch both sharp and sweet, like moments lost where lovers meet, memories of a long lost stolen kiss Have you ever held a hand so warm it makes you understand, that love can heal what’s torn apart, and mend the cracks within your heart, with tenderness you can’t resist? Hold me close where stars align, your love’s the spark that makes them shine, Each fleeting glance, each tender sigh, a lasting flame as time slips by Have you ever heard a song that makes you want to sing along but then the words are hard to sing without being moved by everything and choking up about all the things you miss Have you ever chased the dawn, when night’s last shadows linger on, and felt the world begin anew, with promise only hope can brew, beneath a sky as magical as this? Sing it low, where feelings bloom, beneath the stars, beneath the moon, This world’s too sweet to ever lose, its grace reflects the hearts own tune |
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Let It OutThis is a song about not keeping your feelings bottled up inside, but sharing them with the world. What do you do at the end of the day, when the warmth of the light fades away? And what do you think when you turn off the lights... What does that voice in you say? Do you feel glad? Do you feel sad? Do you feel life is worth living? When the darkness comes calling, Is it a whisper or a shout? Don't hold it in, let it out Do you feel like you're falling? Is your soul full of doubt? Don't hold it in, let it out In the silence, are you stalling to share what you feel? Don't hold it in, let it out Aren't you mad that the world is so sad? Don't hold it in, let it out What do you see, what future will be? What will come of all that's been done? Can we repair this fear in the air? Shine a light on the dark, till it's gone Can we find peace? Let tensions release? Forge a new world to survive in... When the darkness comes calling, is it a whisper or a shout? Don't hold it in, let it out Do you feel like you're falling? Is your soul full of doubt? Don't hold it in, let it out In the silence, are you stalling to share what you feel? Don't hold it in, let it out Aren't you mad that the< world is so sad? Don't hold it in, let it out Don't hold it in... Don't hold it in... Don't hold it in... Don't hold it in, let it out |
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That's How We SurviveThis is a song about how music can help you cope with the darkness and hardship in your life. Is there a tune that can wrap 'round your heart Pull you back from the dark Cure the fear that tears your soul apart? Is there a song that you sing when you're sad That helps you feel less bad Makes you feel glad to be alive? That's how we survive Sorrow tracing through my memories Grief at the loss of one I love Misery to think that I will Never see again the one I'm thinking of The one I'm thinking of Is there a tune that can wrap 'round your heart Pull you back from the dark Cure the fear that tears your soul apart? Is there a song that you sing when you're sad That helps you feel less bad Makes you feel glad to be alive? That's how we survive |
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We Both KnowThis is a song about meeting up with an old fling back in the hometown and wanting to reconnect, but knowing that you both have seperate lives elsewhere and it just cannot work out. Snow melting fast And Christmas has passed. Feelings growing day to day Makes me want to say What my heart is hoping, "I wish you would stay." Home for the week, We met for a drink Then, walking in the snow I kissed you 'neath the mistletoe. How I wish that I could say, "I don't want you to go." But we both know That even though Nothing we could do Could make me more blue Than to see you go, I'm no Romeo, And while our feelings grow, Nothing I can say Could ever make you stay. 'Cause we both know... |
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These are songs that I have recently produced for others.
Dick's SongThis is an orchestration of a short piano piece written by Dick Anderson. I initially transcribed the piece to musical notation based on a recording, then later interpreted it into this orchestral representation. |
These are songs that I was working on and may or may not have finished.
My Long Lost Rhapsody - KatieThis is a fresh recording made 8/14/2022. My good friend Katie is singing. She was nervous as it was her first time recording, but it turned out great. This is only a rough mix. The music is sad again My memory's getting bad again I don't want to cry again tonight Each day brings so much more new challenges new pain and woe but I will not cry again tonight I know what's haunting me is just a long lost melody If I could only sing the perfect harmony And then it's gone again that perfect tune from who knows when I know that I'll try again tonight I hear it haunting me that long lost melody I almost hum the strain but then it fades... ...there it goes The notes once so close to my soul now won't come to mind I dived into a rabbit hole and yet I could not find the melody that used to lift my spirits and set me free and still that tune I cannot find before so dear to me... My long lost rhapsody |
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My Long Lost Rhapsody - KaraokeFor once, I had words and needed music. It all came together quite quickly once I decided to work on it. As it is now recorded, it is only three days old, and it sounds very good if I say so myself. The music is sad again My memory's getting bad again I don't want to cry again tonight Each day brings so much more new challenges new pain and woe but I will not cry again tonight I know what's haunting me is just a long lost melody If I could only sing the perfect harmony And then it's gone again that perfect tune from who knows when I know that I'll try again tonight I hear it haunting me that long lost melody I almost hum the strain but then it fades... ...there it goes The notes once so close to my soul now won't come to mind I dived into a rabbit hole and yet I could not find the melody that used to lift my spirits and set me free and still that tune I cannot find before so dear to me... My long lost rhapsody |
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ButterflyRecent project. Not finished, but captures the idea. Still needs piano and other production embellishments. Some organ and sound effects at the very least. And the guitar solos are merely placeholders for something much better. A foggy figure on a misty morning A shadowed herald bears bares a warning Reminds me of the times you cried The pain you bore before you died My shoulders know the weight of your demise Even though I tried to ease your cries I relented to bring surcease And deliver you your final peace I never wanted to say goodbye To my lovely butterfly But you hurt so much I thought I’d die So I’ll let you fly up to the sky That morning when you asked me to Lives forever in my mind Because, you said, if you were true That sometimes death is kind But the promise made haunts me still How could I pledge to ever kill The only light in my life That mem’ry cuts me like a knife I never wanted to say goodbye To my lovely butterfly But you hurt so much I thought I’d die So I’ll let you fly up to the sky A foggy figure on a misty morning A shadowed herald bears a warning The time is now to venture forth My life alone has run its course I’ve squared my debts, I’ve done my time I’ve paid my penance for my crime My time alone has come and gone I’ll see you again before too long I never wanted to say goodbye To my lovely butterfly But now's the time for us to reunify So I’m gonna fly up into the sky |
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Reach the StarsRecorded most of this in an afternoon. May get back to it someday... A broken family, a broken home you didn't stand half a chance No barbecues or birthdays You didn't get to go to the high school dance While others played with toys and dolls, the pipe was your only friend You thought the only way to get out was to face the bitter end You've come so far now and it 's a long way down You've got your memories and your scars Keep climbing and don't stop and don't look down You've got the power to reach the stars A chance encounter, sheer happenstance, you met a few someones new A different perspective, a different way to be, they helped you find a better point of view Growing up with pimps and thieves, the pushers, and the fiends Now you've found a new way to fly, without the drugs, without getting high You've come so far now and it 's a long way down You've got your memories and your scars Keep climbing and don't stop and don't look down You've got the power to reach the stars |
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Bluesy sketchWrote words to match the piano, but needs refinement. Recorded it anyway, just to capture the idea. You said, you said you'd be true I believed you, I played the fool then you wandered, our love was squandered then you played around with my heart Here I am greiving that we're done though I know that you were the wrong one How could you be untrue? How can I still miss you? When will you get your due? Tell me now how you broke your vow and tell me how I can still love you? |
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Pilot (On Silken Wings) - AI voiceThis version has an AI voice. Pilot (On Silken Wings)Finally getting back to work on this. Pilot w/vocal guideThis one has a sax playing the vocal melody. Here's the PDF of the lead sheet Clouds adrift, floating high, cotton white, against blue sky Drifting past, on the breeze, hanging high, above the trees Rising up on ridgelift, turning into head winds falling fast then climbing back again Time goes by, troubles fade. The humming breeze, a seranade Thrumming strings, caress the wind, the song I sing, on silken wings Rising up on ridgelift, turning into head winds falling fast then climbing back again How can I resist the pull? Gravity, inevitable My spirit's light in ecstacy. Beneath my kite, my soul is free Beneath my kite, my soul is free |
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At Christmas Time - AI voiceThis version has an AI voice. At Christmas TimeIt's time to write a Christmas Classic. Seeking talented vocalists to record the demo to shop around. The lyrics below need refining. I'm open to ideas. Please make suggestions. The melody is somewhat flexible (but not too much) and the scansion is horrible in the begining but get's better over time because I wrote the words for the middle eight(teen) and the ending before I wrote the first and second verses. It's not the way I usually write, but that's the way it works sometimes. You gotta go with what works. Times are tough, sometimes life is rough, and still we care We persevere despite the fears and tears that we all share And even though troubles seem to grow, we won't be scared Because this is christmas time I had a dream set in a christmas theme and you were there No quarantine, it was crystalline, and you were there And in this dream we had loads of laughs and love to spare It’s what you share with who you care for at Christmas time So wrap your woes in strings & bows and ship them off till spring ‘Cause we all know we have time to go until the new year brings an end to all the joy and our merry Christmas Back to feeling stressed, to feeling listless and alone So let the holiday bells ring When you sing see the joy it brings at Christmas time And when you dance give goodwill a chance at Christmas time Then the world smiles along with you and all you do It’s what you share with who you care for at Christmas time So share more with who you care for at christmas time |
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Don't Give Up On Me (Original)This is the newest project I've taken on. This will contain versions as the song progresses. Don't Give Up On Me (New Drums starting at beginning)Don't Give Up On Me (New Drums starting at prechorus) |
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Tell Me - Backing Tracks (karaoke mix)Hot off the presses. There are no vocals on this mix but they will be coming soon. This has been on hold for a few years and I am finally getting back into production. Too BadThis is one of the songs off of David Guilbault's upcoming EP. In case you were wondering... yes, there is a karaoke version. Too Bad Karaoke Mix |
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AwayThis song is part of the musical I am writing. In the scene, the female lead has vanished and the male lead believes that it is his fault. He sings this song about his guilt. |
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Why with SaxThis song is part of the musical I am writing. In the scene, the female lead sings this to the male lead because he seems to be leaving her behind. This version features Amy Denio on sax. Editing has begun but there is much more to do. Still, it sounds good enough already that I wanted to share. Update: Editing has progressed and the cut is nearing completion. I want to re-record a small section of the vocals, increase the reverb on the sax in the outro, and possibly modify the drums during the sax solo. |
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These are songs that I have written and recorded years ago. If you want to hear some of my even older music, look lower on the page.
Blessed |
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I Saw the Sunrise Yesterday |
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Why |
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The Perils of Stardom |
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Midlife CrisisI'm getting older and I'm beginning to feel the pain I see the grey looking back from the mirror I never thought how I would feel about how life would be at this age Most of my friends got married, most of my friends had kids I've been feeling just a little bit lonely because I never did Then I met you, you're my midlife crisis walking on a frozen pond don't know how thick the ice is bought a brand new car and I don't care what the price is 'cause you... you're my midlife crisis My joints are getting achy from the beating they've taken my heart's getting old but it's not breaking I don't hop out of bed as spry as I used to but at least I haven't lost that voodoo that I do in bed I've been looking for a little adventure, I've been searching for something new I'd been thinking 'bout changing careers again or getting my first tattoo Then I met you, you're my midlife crisis walking on a frozen pond don't know how thick the ice is bought a brand new car and I don't care what the price is cause you... you're my midlife crisis ...and if you weren't just twenty-three I might ask you to marry me but I know it won't last that long, I'll wake one day and find you are gone ...but for now I've got you, you're my midlife crisis walking on a frozen pond don't know how thick the ice is bought a brand new car and I don't care what the price is 'cause you... you're my midlife crisis Recorded by Jordan Borders in his basement, this was the first and only song I recorded in somebody else's studio. It was so fun to be able to just play and not worry about controlling the machines. I look forward to having somebody else produce my music again. Kate Reinert worked with me filming extensive footage for the video for this song. I've been extremely remiss in not getting it edited into a publishable video. Sorry Kate. |
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Till the End of TimeI know you're out there somewhere in the night lost in the darkness and searching for the light I know you'll find me eventually 'cause we both know that this is destiny In a perfect world we'd always be together In a perfect world we'd be together now Life dictates that we must wait until our stars align and when they do, I know it's true, that you will be all mine We'll be together till the end of time I know you're hoping that the truth will come to light I know you think that you can find your mister right What do you think a friendship grows into? He may be standing right in front of you In a perfect world we'd always be together In a perfect world we'd be together now It's up to fate how long we must wait until we see the signs Our separate paths through life must cross before they intertwine 'Cause when you're sick, I'll be the cure Without you I could not endure Because I'm yours and that's for sure Till the end of time In a perfect world we'd be together now I wrote this for a friend of mine who cannot see the forest for the trees. Maybe one day she'll see what I see. Maybe not... I wrote it and recorded all of the instruments myself. However, the synth trumpets will someday be replaced by live trumpets played by my friend Jose. I also intend to re-record the electric guitars. I'm not quite happy with the mushy tone; I want more crunch. I just never seem to get motivasted to work on old songs when there are so many new ones coming into my head all the time. |
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Loneliness of the NightI see you crying and I wish that I could help but I don't know what to say You run and hide but really wish that I would follow, but you know that's not my way Take my hand; I understand how it feels to be alone Come with me and you will see how to face the great unknown We both feel pain and anger We both feel like we're strangers but we're just so much alike ...in the loneliness of the night Can you smell the pretty flowers? ...Feel the warm breeze in your hair? See the sun is rising, and the moon just doesn't care... Turn away from darkness; raise your heart up, taste the light... Hear me trying to save you from the loneliness of the night Make a wish and close your eyes; you know it might just come true look inside and find yourself in me, and I'll find the me in you We both feel pain and anger We both feel like we're strangers but we're just so much alike ...in the loneliness of the night Seeing a friend of mine crying one day outside of her place of business, I made a clumsy effort to help. I hoped she would not be embarrassed, and possibly let me in. She tried, but really couldn't. I wanted to help but didn't know what to do. So I wrote this song. |
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The Morning AfterMy hands are stiff from the cold They ache like hell but I can be tough The rising sun warms my bones, but not enough My cerebellum thumps and throbs I feel the memory of your sweet caress and the taste of liquid courage from the night before whispers on my breath I squint into the brightness of the rising sun I can taste you on my lips as I ride away Your fragrance clings to me like a needy child in lingerie Reality is surreal; the peace of the road beckons me The chill of the wind's caress, contrasting with the warmth of my reverie The morning after you pay the piper; your ticket's punched and it's time to go The morning after is part of life; the price you pay for being part of the show The morning after follows the night, but don't let it make you sad because the morning after is when you find how good it feels to be the best of the bad I'm always running from point A to B The next horizon something new to see But I get tired of being on the road, always in between I'd like to stop and stay awhile But there's no time to spare; always another mile I'll finish the day I die with no one by my side The morning after you pay the piper; your ticket's punched and it's time to go The morning after is part of life; the price you pay for being part of the show The morning after follows the night, but don't let it make you sad because the morning after is when you pay the price it takes to be the best of the bad Always leaving someone behind; this lifestyle's wearing thin but it won't be all that long until I'm back again The morning after you pay the piper; your ticket's punched and it's time to go The morning after is part of life; the price you pay for being part of the show The morning after follows the night, but don't let it make you sad because the morning after is when you know how right it is to be the best of the bad The lyrics to this song were written on the road, cruising from place to place on my bad motor scooter. As with most of my songs, I wrote it all, played it all. Video has been shot, but not yet edited. |
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These are songs that I have produced for friends in the past. It is typical on these projects to have very little influence over the song lyrics and chords, but profound influence over the instrumentation. In fact, in almost every instance, I play all of the instruments except for the artist's main axe. This means that I not only record the music, but write the parts, perform or program them, and finally mix the end result into a cohesive whole.
Coal to DiamondsThis is a song written by Philmore. He had lyrics and a melody and distinct ideas about what he wanted to hear. I discovered the chords that would support his melody, made the arrangement, and played & recorded all of the instruments. |
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Mia DayBack at the StartWritten and performed by Mia, I love the groove and the way she uses the same chords repeatedly but alters the rhythm and melody to keep them from getting stale. She played rhythm guitar and sang. The choir/crowd consists of Steve White, David Johnson, Hailee Stewart, Kate Reinert, and myself. I did the rest. I'm especially proud of the live bass and the guitar harmonics in the bridge. |
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Steven Charles WhiteSpiritualI convinced a reluctant Steve to record this song with me. I produced it, convincing him to change some things and sneaking other changes in as needed. The end result is pretty damned good. I could hear the gem in the rough the very first time Steve played it for me, and I think I have coaxed that gem into being bright and shiny. Steve has made modifications to the song since this was recorded, but it doesn't make this version any less valid. Steve wrote the lyrics and piano, and performed the same as well as the whistle. I built a choir using recorded voices of Kate Reinert and Mama Jay. I played or programmed everything else (live bass, drum programming, etc.) For what it is worth, before this song was even finished mixing, a rough cut was played on Coast to Coast, the syndicated night-time radio show, on more than 300 stations around North America. |
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Gary MiliciUpI heard Gary perform this at several open mics and loved it every time. I begged him to let me record it. When he finally agreed, we set to. After much negotiation and reconciliation of our differing visions, this is what we ended up with. As with most of these songs, Gary wrote and played the guitar and vocals. I did all the rest. However, Gary did play a large part in the production. This was by far the most 'co-produced' song I have ever created. Lonely ChristmasGary recorded a scratch version of this song with several starts and stops, just so I would have a rough recording to work from in establishing a foundation track for the recording of this piece. I edited those pieces together into a cohesive whole. Then I added bass, drums, and vocal harmonies. Each & Every HighwayWhile I was gathering songs to present to a collaborative video production group, Gary sent me this song with only guitar and vocals. I added a little bit to it to make it more attractive to the group. One of the ladies at the presentation fairly swooned when she heard it. In the end, though, the video group decided to make a (c)rap video. Too many young people involved... And for what it is worth, their project never got finished because the artist was undependable. Serves them right... |
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Kate ReinertBreakKate wrote this song after her first Songwriters in Seattle meeting. All she had were lyrics and a melody. I helped discover chords that worked with the melody and then massaged them into the sound that you hear. As usual, I played and recorded everything, except the vocals. |
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These are songs that I wrote and recorded many years ago. The quality of the writing and recording is probably not comparable to my more recent work. Oh well...
I've Fallen in Love (and I can't get up)I wrote this song to be as annoying as possible, intentionally. I was surprised that in the end it is kinda fun, kinda catchy. This song greatly benefits from the excellent guitar work of Corey Mage. The rest is all me. |
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The Ghost of Dreams to ComeThere were lyrics for this song, but they were never recorded. It has survived as an instrumental, but may someday get the lyrical dressing it needs. |
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Something Wicked... (this way comes)I composed this song the first time I played with ACID. It is entirely constructed of loops and never even changes key or chords. It is an exploration in the key of A major. |
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These are songs that I produced for friends way back when. I was blessed to have such talented friends to produce. Certainly, working on their music made me learn how to be a better producer, which then added polish and panache to my own music.
Leif GarciaThis Lonesome CowboyThis was written by my uncle Leif. He recorded the vocals and strummed acoustic guitar. My friend Corey Mage wrote the lead parts and played the electric guitar. I played or programmed all other instruments. |
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Tamara Wimer / Tamara GeeEv'ry EmotionTamara wrote this song and I helped arrange it. She sang, I played all. Now That You're GoneAnother of her songs, with my instrumentation. I'm pretty sure she was still in high school when we recorded these. |
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Michael KerrSanta SantaMike wrote it, sang it, and played the strummed acoustic guitar. The rest was all me. First time recording background vocals for somebody else. Also one of my favorite guitar solos. I cranked it to eleven at 1 AM and recorded it in one pass. It's not perfect, but I didn't want to try again and piss off my neighbors. It Takes TwoMike wrote the lyrics and the initial chords. However, he was using the same chords for the verses and choruses. When I suggested he change it, he said that he wanted something like 'Everything I Do, I Do It For You' by Bryan Adams. I wrote a new progression for the choruses on the piano. This changed the melody as well. Then we brought Tamara in to sing and she totally rewrote all of her melodies in classic Tamara style. In the end, I think we all three deserve writing credits on this one. |
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