A cool breeze

[Jeffrey610]

There is a chill in the air, and I'm talking about Weather, Politics, Religion and Finance. Do you feel it?
I admit, I'm not much on philosophy. . .I'm more introspective than external, but you can't miss what's going on around us lately.
With that in mind, I though I would share a musing I wrote years ago (I was fascinated by Triplets at the time. . . you'll notice, I'm sure). So I dug back into a better time in my life and pulled out this COOL BREEZE. When I decided to transpose it into the Notation 3 Composer yesterday I noticed a difference in volumes and balance when played on Notation (as opposed to Notation 3) so, adjust instruments as needed if played in Notation.
Lastly, I created the tune on live instruments and it had a swing to it that I found hard to write down. I think I did the feeling justice, but. . .well, you be the judge (jury and executioner, too) as I could use the critique. I don't live in a vacuum. ( well. . .not anymore :-)

[Sherry C]

Hi Jeffrey,


Well maybe it's because I'm staring out at a white winter wonderland right now, but this piece actually makes me feel like I'm on a patio at a beach-side watering hole enjoying the breeze there


I don't know how this might differ from your "live instrument" version, but I love the vibe (and the vibes!). If this was done via mouse note entry, you've done a fabulous job of capturing a live feel. I listened with headphones on, and really enjoyed the stereo movement and spacing that you have - well done! There are a couple of very short solo passages that feel a little "stiffer", but overall this is good stuff.


Re. the sounds and volume(s) differences, you may have originally composed this when the GS Wavetable was the default sound device. We have since implemented our own NS Synth, which uses soundfonts (with Composer you can choose which one) and so the instruments will sound a bit different. You can use the GS Wavetable if you want, but given it's latency issues and the better sound quality of the instruments with most soundfonts, we typically recommend using the NS Synth and finding a soundfont that you like and re-adjusting volumes if desired.



Keep 'em coming!
Sherry

[Jeffrey610]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Sherry C,
Your critique was very helpful on many levels. I guess I could have spent a little more time and effort on those small solo parts and maybe make them a bit more dramatic or noteworthy (Pun). . .I'll see.
The fact that the Notation 3 has better soundfonts than GS Wavetable is notable and I will be using Notation 3 for all my Musings and Rambling musical jaunts from now on. LOVE IT!!!
Yes, Sherry C, I did enter the musical number note-by-note, including the drum lines, from an obscure Audio Program that one plays into and it spits out a Dot-matrix printout of what you played. Totally Archaic. . . But, it preserved the moment. I think I input the original drum line via MPC-3000 and synced it by MIDI to the Keyboard. The swing was an internal function of the MPC. Either way. . .I'm ecstatic that you felt SOMETHING. . .especially since I was feeling the same things you described when it was created. Beach or Poolside enjoyment with just a touch of Sangria and a COOL Breeze.
Thanks so much for your review, I will keep trying to be better. . .and better.
Jeffrey610

[ronaldstone]

Jeffrey, When I listen to what you have created and to say that it is "awesome", would be an understatement! When I listen to music that makes my right foot move in rhythm with the song, that song has passed its first test. Then when I listen for some of the subtleties in the arrangement, it becomes even more pleasing.

You should have a job in the music business with the talent that you have. I've added your arrangement into my Composer arrangements.

Thanks for what you have done with this arrangement and sharing.

Ronald

[rrayner]

Hi Jeffery - thank you for this entry. It is amazing to me what you have been able to do with Composer. I love your music, but I have to say I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your percussion parts. I would like to know more about how you create them, but I fear that I have no knowledge whatever about your references to MPC and syncing with Midi. You say, "I think I input the original drum line via MPC-3000 and synced it by MIDI to the Keyboard", are you saying that you recorded yourself playing on a traditional drum set to start, then created a Midi file? Such a world of mystery out there. Do you start with actually playing a keyboard, capturing as Midi, then inputting it into Composer? You could start a separate thread as a discourse on the subject and enlighten a lot of people.

However you do it, please keep them coming.

Ralph Rayner

[Jeffrey610]

Dear Mr. rrayner, First, thank you for the comments and critique. I really need to know how my musings are perceived and any thing I can do to be better at getting them out of my head.
Now, I must confess, that the drum parts are not complicated (to me!) and do not warrant the attention you suggest. That said, I don't know how to start a thread on how to make drum lines. Maybe you can help me with that.
My explanation as to how "COOL BREEZE" drums were conceived is this;
The MPC-3000 is a sampling machine used heavily during the Hip-Hop era. It's primary function was to Sample sounds and sequences from outside sources (by any of a myriad of methods) and then be able to manipulate the sample in time, speed, pitch, reverse or forward and in style. I simply input the drum line note by note and selected a swing tempo, much like a 5/4 tempo with pause, and then input (also note by note) the chords and bass lines. The Trumpet was muted and much like Miles Davis would do (sparingly, but with depth and morosity). I must also confess, that the Vibes were the TOTAL INSPIRATION that I had to get out of my head. It haunted me. Right until I wrote it down.
Well, write me back. I guess I can tell you a little more about how I compose drum lines. I no longer use anything but my feelings and Notation. I think I even got the Swing. :-)

[Jeffrey610]

Sherry C,
I have taken your recent review and critique of "COOL BREEZE" to heart and was inspired to pay a lot more attention to the smaller musical passages and try to make them POP!
Of course, that also required me to create something. So, if you wouldn't mind listening to a diddy I put together for you. . .I would love to hear your response. It's called "FUNK IN MY TRUNK".
P.S.: I also requested you as a friend. I hope that wasn't too presumptuous.
Humbly, Jeffrey610