My Big Fat Blues Jam

[Paulieworld]

https://soundcloud.com/paulieworld/my-big-fat-blues-jam

[4damind]

Wow, this song has such an interesting vibe... somehow heavy and your guitar playing fits it perfectly. Really love it!
Oh, and one more thing... do you also play saxophone?

[Paulieworld]

I have played one instrument or another since I was 7. I played in bands for decades. When our two sons were killed in 2004, I gave up music entirely for 16 years. My wife suggested that I try using an iPad to make music again. I took her advice, and here I am.

I don’t use any keyboards, guitars, or controllers. Just an iPad and headphones. I found an app called Session Band a few years ago. It’s built around short, little samples by professional studio players. I output little bits and pieces, then cut and paste them to fit my backing tracks. I only use the solo instruments like sax and guitar, and create my own backing tracks. It’s like tape splicing, but digital. I still have my keyboards, guitars and basses, but I don’t use them anymore. My entire “studio” is completely portable, and I love to take it to places that inspire me. I wrote once wrote something while relaxing on a Mississippi riverboat. Another time I sat next to a waterfall in a state park. Most of the time I just sit outside on my patio and watch my neighbors walk their dogs. I know that I could do much better with a desktop DAW and a Mac, but that would limit me to one specific location. Also, most of my band mates have retired, moved away, or passed away. I miss them dearly, but I found that I can get more done by myself. If the results are terrible, then it’s all my fault. If they turn out good, then I take full credit!

[Paulieworld]

I have played one instrument or another since I was 7. I played in bands for decades. When our two sons were killed in 2004, I gave up music entirely for 16 years. My wife suggested that I try using an iPad to make music again. I took her advice, and here I am.

I don’t use any keyboards, guitars, or controllers. Just an iPad and headphones. I found an app called Session Band a few years ago. It’s built around short, little samples by professional studio players. I output little bits and pieces, then cut and paste them to fit my backing tracks. I only use the solo instruments like sax and guitar, and create my own backing tracks. It’s like tape splicing, but digital. If you listen carefully, you can probably hear the splices. I still have my keyboards, guitars and basses, but I don’t use them anymore. My entire “studio” is completely portable, and I love to take it to places that inspire me. I wrote once wrote something while relaxing on a Mississippi riverboat. Another time I sat next to a waterfall in a state park. Most of the time I just sit outside on my patio and watch my neighbors walk their dogs. I know that I could do much better with a desktop DAW and a Mac, but that would limit me to one specific location. Also, most of my band mates have retired, moved away, or passed away. I miss them dearly, but I found that I can get more done by myself. If the results are terrible, then it’s all my fault. If they turn out good, then I take full credit!

[4damind]

What a journey and what a comeback. The fact that music found its way back to you is everything. And honestly, the workflow you've built sounds incredibly creative, using Session Band like digital tape splicing and taking your 'studio' to a Mississippi riverboat or a waterfall? That's the spirit right there.
The results speak for themselves. Keep going.

[enroe]

Yes, yes – you're the one with the iPad. I'm always amazed by what you
conjure up with it. But it also shows that it's not the tool, the PC, or
the DAW that's crucial. What's more important is the musical vision you
have in your head and that you develop.

"My Big Fat Blues Jam": A great song — fantastic solo elements, dynamics,
and groove! I think the song is really good. iPad or not — it’s a very felicitous
and amazing track!

[Paulieworld]

What a journey and what a comeback. The fact that music found its way back to you is everything. And honestly, the workflow you've built sounds incredibly creative, using Session Band like digital tape splicing and taking your 'studio' to a Mississippi riverboat or a waterfall? That's the spirit right there.
The results speak for themselves. Keep going.

Session Band is a great little app for people like me. I don’t play sax, but I like to have one in my music. It’s like hiring good session players for less than the cost of a Big Mac. There is still an element of personal creativity in that I pick the little bits and pieces that I like, then splice them into something that resembles a solo performance. I have no desire to play live anymore, and this is the next best thing.

Thank you for listening, and for your comments. Much appreciated!

[eassae]

Very cool. That bubbly, percussive ostinato that runs through most of the track and steady beat tie things together with some very nice solos overtop.

[Paulieworld]

Yes, yes – you're the one with the iPad. I'm always amazed by what you
conjure up with it. But it also shows that it's not the tool, the PC, or
the DAW that's crucial. What's more important is the musical vision you
have in your head and that you develop.

"My Big Fat Blues Jam": A great song — fantastic solo elements, dynamics,
and groove! I think the song is really good. iPad or not — it’s a very felicitous
and amazing track!

I am also amazed at what this little iPad can do. Last night we watched a documentary about the Apollo 11 mission. I realized that I probably have more computing power in my iPad than all of Mission Control combined.

When I start something, I don’t usually have any idea what I’m going to do. I just start throwing things together until I hear something I like, then I go in that direction. The DAW is actually really important to me. I have tried using AUM to mix live ambient music, but found it to be too difficult. I also like a bit of structure with defined “parts.” The DAW lets me do that.

Thank you for the encouraging comments. I have been going through a creative dry spell recently. As a composer, I’m sure you have been there, too! Your comments really help to keep me motivated. Thank you so much!

[Paulieworld]

Very cool. That bubbly, percussive ostinato that runs through most of the track and steady beat tie things together with some very nice solos overtop.

Thank you for listening and commenting. Have a great day!