Category: Songs

I just received notice today that one of my songs (You Know Me) has just won the honorable mention in the 2009 Billboard Song Writing Contest. I got a nice certificate and letter. It’s a nice validation so thank you to Billboard.

I was recently asked in a radio interview how I came up with the groove for this song; a hard question to answer. My writing is usually done at the keyboard and is as more sub-conscious than analytical thought process. Ideas come to me through my playing and I try to develop them.

Of course the development includes a fair amount of critical through so I think I can answer this question through a post analysis of what I did.  

The song is based around the intro, which is a modal pattern (C Dorian) with that ascending bass line. I liked this sound and it reminded me of some of the Jazz coming out of the late 50’s – 60’s, and smattered about in early fusion projects.

This kind of style often creates a very laid back mood but I wanted it to groove so I added those anticipations to the bass. Once I did that, it really took on some life and gave it a hint of Latin rhythm.

That feel set up the verse with a slight Bossa groove. But I still felt that it should have a touch of r&b / soul to feel to it so the traditional IV – I pattern found in many Bossa tunes was supported by the trap set playing a more standard rock ballad style while the percussion and bass laid a little more on the Latin side.

The bass plays a big role in the feel for this song. By over emphasizing that fretless phased sound (thanks Jaco for such a lasting impression) the intro seems to surround and wash over you.

The lyrics were inspired by my wife of course. As I was writing this I thought of how Jobim would use simple imagery to tell his story. I thought of Ipanema and wanted to capture the impact meeting Michelle had on me through that technique.

This all sounds so dry for what I think of as a sweet and somewhat wet song. I hope you enjoy it. Be well.

I just finished up tracking some of the songs for the new CD. I’m running out of time (and out of money) to meet the publisher’s deadline – but working hard to get done.

So far I have Silently She Calls My Name, Bounce and One Day mixed. I think we’re in good shape with just a few more tweaks. A Better Way, Can You Tell Me and A Strange Place are tracked. A Better Way has changed a lot from the first mix (the early release) with a new vocals, bass and organ.

So here’s a quick run down of some of the songs.

Silently She Calls My Name: It was written with a kind of Latin Rock groove to it featuring some incredible percussion work by Ricardo Monzon and drummer Andrew (Nez) Nesbitt, as well as some intricate B3 work.  It uses imagery that reflects how you can be mesmerized and enthralled without a word being spoken.

Bounce: is jazzed funk – and the song literally bounces thanks to a simple and catchy keyboard hook lifted by a solid rhythm section performance from bassist Keith Kirkpatrick, Ricardo and Nez.  The lyric speaks to the importance of being able to “bounce” when dealing with hard times, job loss, financial and other social pressures.  While this does apply to my own life, I see this as a recurring theme for many people I know and meet.

One Day: Another reflection on the impact on people of the current economic situation, the song reminds you to keep focusing on what’s really important in your life – the people you love.  This light 12/8 groove and modal flavor conjures up some old Steely Dan ghosts with an updated beat.