KVR Audio

jcub · Post by **jcub** » Mon Dec 07, 2020 1:48 am

Thank you!

seismic1 · Post by **seismic1** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 1:48 am

I'm definitely getting some Yes vibes from this one, but that's not too surprising, given the identity of the "session" guitarist.

I agree with Mark. The song is really solid. The Prog elements work so well because the foundations are so strong. The mix is great.

I see that your favourite Genesis era coincides with mine (up to '78). My favourite Yes albums were up to, and including Going for the One ('77).

Good work

jcub · Post by **jcub** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 7:27 pm

The kind words are greatly appreciated.

Vectorman · Post by **Vectorman** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:57 pm

Very nicely done indeed, Jeremy! You guys have a great vibe together on this piece. Beautiful playing, and it's interesting the almost Peter Gabriel-esque character Billy's vocals have on this (I've heard him sing on other material but it's not something I had really noticed until now).

aaron aardvark · Post by **aaron aardvark** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:33 am

jcub,
Thank you for reviewing my 2 songs! Now your music: working with a guy that's been playing in Yes? That's freakin' awesome! The song sounds great. The vocals remind me of Michael Stipe/Peter Gabriel (which is good). All of those layered vocals must have been a lot of work. Guitar sounds excellent. I like the Chapman Stick, bass I assume. Cool synths. Nice violin. How did you end up working with Billy Sherwood? You are saying you've worked with Jon Anderson also? Holy heck! I listened to Just One Man: very nice! The spiritual lyrics made me google Jon Anderson's spiritual beliefs. I never knew that! How did you end up working with Jon Anderson?

. Are playing lower pitch notes on a Stick like playing a regular electric bass? I've never played one. I've been intrigued by the Stick for about 40 years, especially with Tony Levin.

aaron aardvark · Post by **aaron aardvark** » Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:49 pm

jcub,
Check out the private message I sent you when you have a minute.

jcub · Post by **jcub** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 5:01 am

Aaron - thanks! I sent a response. The song with Billy happened because he put out an offer to work on tracks on Facebook several years ago and I reached out. He was extremely professional to work with and did a fantastic job. I sent him the instrumental tracks and he wrote the lyrics (and came up with the concept), added guitars and then sent me mixed vocal tracks, individual vocal tracks, and the guitars.

Jon Anderson put out a post on his website about 10 years ago looking for people to submit a demo song for possible collaborations. He ended up putting out an album of the resulting tracks called Survival and Other Stories. He is a super nice guy and great to work with - I learned a lot from the process. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity.

The Chapman Stick comes in several varieties. The 8 string version is called the NS Stick and is a collaboration between Emmett Chapman and Ned Steinberger. It is like an extended range bass guitar that can be converted from a standard plucking bass to a tapping instrument. I have mine tuned in straight fourths but you can also tune it with a guitar major third on the second string.

The 10-string variety (like Tony played in the 80's) is tuned in reverse 5ths on the bass side and 4ths on the melody side. Although it sounds confusing, it is actually perfectly symmetrical - if you move up a string (fourth) on the melody side from C to an F you can move down a string (fifth) on the bass side from C to F at the same time. The 12-string can be tuned the same way but you have an extra string at the top of each side.

Emmett Chapman is a genius and a very kind person. I had the honor of meeting him and even went to his house when I was in LA years ago - he modified an instrument for me during the week I was there. I had the honor of accepting an award the Stick won in London a few years ago and demonstrating the Stick live on the BBC.

There are great videos on YouTube from Greg Howard, Bob Culbertson, Steve Adelson and others explaining this much better along with demonstrating amazing playing. Greg has been my teacher for many years and helped me take my first steps on the instrument. I perform solo on Chapman Stick - mostly at Farmer's Markets and outdoor venues. I also play it with a band and in most of my recordings.

Many Stick players have the same Tony Levin origin story - I saw him play one with King Crimson on an ABC show called Fridays in the early 80's. I wanted a Stick ever since. I have seen him numerous times and met him a few times - he is an amazing player and a really nice person.

aaron aardvark · Post by **aaron aardvark** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 6:41 am

jcub,
Thank you for the reply, that is all awesome information/stories. Now in the process of another private message. In 1984, I performed at Gazzarri's in West Hollywood. Much later Tony Levin played there (I think the name of the nightclub had changed by then). He played King Crimson's 'Elephant Talk' song there, which I still really like.

dimitar · Post by **dimitar** » Sun Dec 13, 2020 7:29 am

Really good! Love it!

A Real Time Mystery (Prog Rock)