Very mysterious and evocative.. &mdash 08/24/05 - 01:15:50 PM
I await more with eager anticipation.
As ever, Mystified excels with her voice.
R. [ Reply to This ]
Very mysterious and evocative.. &mdash 08/24/05 - 01:44:20 PM
Thank you. This is one of those pieces in which the sounds help write the piece.
I was actually just trying to find the right layering and patch-tweaking to arrange
something else entirely, and as I auditioned different strings, I began playing
this figure. I recorded it quickly so I could get back to what I needed to be
doing, adding the double reeds later to fill it out. It fit the sadness and
overflowing compassion of the Lady of the Lake character. It's as if Mystified is
channeling something heavy and ancient as she sings, like a goddess, bringing
the true nature of the piece to light. [ Reply to This ]
Tantalizing &mdash 08/24/05 - 01:21:20 PM
This brief piece certainly makes me want to hear more.
There is a richness to Mystified's vocals in this that I'm not
sure I have heard before. A woman of many voices, to be
sure. Excellent arrangement, Tobin. Beautiful mix.
9-10-9-9
[ Reply to This ]
Tantalizing &mdash 08/24/05 - 01:34:55 PM
Like Maria Callas, that's what I thought of when I first heard her tracks. The
depth of sound was so saturating, I actually thinned it out using some EQ
compression, becuz I was overwhelmed. This mix lightens the sound of both
the cellos and her lower soprano qualities so that they don't conflict. Yes, I am
excited about what is to come, as well. Thank you for you eagerness, it means a
lot. [ Reply to This ]
This piece... &mdash 08/24/05 - 02:02:57 PM
like love, and life... is too short! Which may be the perfect
length for it. There is beauty, longing, earthy siren-
calling, soft restlessness... very evocative, and very well
written and performed. Tobin, nice rich strong bed of
strings (I like the double-bass coming in at the very
end)... Mysti, powerful vocal performance. I look forward
to hearing more from you two! Nice "second" choice of
artwork, though I liked the first ephemeral image a little
better, richer colors, less stilted pose.
BTW, don't know if you saw this guy, another flash-in-
the-pan MacJammer has been doing "phony-cean" singing
too, check out (http://www.macjams.com/artist/Philos60)
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
This piece... &mdash 08/29/05 - 01:49:06 PM
I appreciate that you were the first commenter when the song originally posted.
thanks for re-posting. I dug the first art too and will just have to write a new
song to go with it just to have an excuse for posting it again. Thanks for your
kind words and
emails, too. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, &mdash 08/24/05 - 02:29:21 PM
Tobin, for inviting me to sing along on this one!
After listening to this instrumental track for a few plays, it
seemed obvious the style and flavor of voice it needed.
Music like this seems to draw emotion and sound from
the voice naturally, and so by the third take, I had the
melody I thought worked for this.
As for the 'lyrics,' it was Tobin who suggested that I sing a
'made-up' language, and it worked very well! Sometimes
words simply get 'in the way.'
I'm looking forward to doing more on this project as well.
Thanks for your kind comments, Reinholt, Tom, Drak, as
well! :) [ Reply to This ]
Thank you, &mdash 08/29/05 - 12:30:05 PM
And thank you again. Off we go! Now that we started, we'll never be able to
stop... [ Reply to This ]
too short &mdash 08/24/05 - 02:31:31 PM
unearthly &mdash 08/24/05 - 02:35:50 PM
i wish i could sing like that. beautiful, haunting. you sound italian, you sing so well! tobin mentioned that he thought he heard hebrew in the lyrics, i agree, but that is the fun of it, i suspect. i always thought of the the lady of the lake as a priestess who knew a dozen langaugaes, some of them unearthly. i think you pick just the right sounds, in every way. bravo! [ Reply to This ]
unearthly &mdash 08/24/05 - 03:58:29 PM
Thanks, Suzanne.
When considering the sound and 'phrasing' of the imaginary language for this song, I decided to use sounds from French and German, primarily. I've always liked the voiced 'ch' of German in singing. The only 'word' I really consciously voiced was at the end and which sounds about like 'morto' --similar to the words morte/muerto/morir, and which I thought was fitting for a lament. [ Reply to This ]
Evocative &mdash 08/24/05 - 02:47:38 PM
Brings me right back to the Cloisters museum, in Manhatten. Naturally, this is supremely good music here, well beyond my meager ability to analyze why I love it, except to say that it captured my aesthetic sensibilities from the start and didn't let go. Beautiful work, Tobin and Mysti. [ Reply to This ]
Evocative &mdash 08/29/05 - 11:36:44 AM
The Cloisters is a lovely spot. My nephew Chris currently lives there with is wife
and year old daughter. thanks for the nice comments. Yes, this one just came
off my fingers, no analysis on this end either. And, from Mystified's comments,
it just came out of her too. Flow. With all the over thinking I usually do, it is
nice to have one just happen like this. [ Reply to This ]
Chills... &mdash 08/24/05 - 03:35:02 PM
This is hauntingly beautiful and leaves me wanting more. I
glad to see there will be more to come. There comes a time
when the beauty of a voice goes beyond the words the words
it sings. I think anything but a made up language would be a
distraction. This is the comple package Mysti's voice, Tobin's
music, and I love the artwork.
Can't wait to hear what comes next. [ Reply to This ]
Chills... &mdash 08/29/05 - 11:50:37 AM
I can't wait either. The process we are using to do these is different for each
track and that in itself is interesting and enjoyable. As each of us does a draft, it
changes what came before in a fundamental way. The tracks are destined to get
complicated as we go along (I think we have 3 more on the boards right now), so
I have no idea what anything will sound like until we finally post it. Long range,
long term collaboration does take patience! [ Reply to This ]
a few words &mdash 08/24/05 - 06:16:00 PM
It's hard to write about this and not use words like "wonderful" or "magical" or "spellbinding" or "fantastic" or "frothing over with swirling multilayered richness", so I give up. I think i will just play it again (for the seventh time)... [ Reply to This ]
I definitely &mdash 08/24/05 - 10:19:35 PM
look forward to hearing more.
A beautiful prelude. thanks to both of you for sharing [ Reply to This ]
Tobin, you amaze me... &mdash 08/24/05 - 10:53:51 PM
.... with the diversity of music you create.
Thanks for the early listen on this one. This genre isn't
usually my bag, but amazing talent and craftsmanship of a
song transcend genres.
Hauntingly beautiful. Fabulous job Mystified! [ Reply to This ]
Tobin, you amaze me... &mdash 08/29/05 - 12:17:05 PM
Thanks, Darren. I think I attribute this to two things: My bad memory makes me
keep making up new stuff. And I get bored too easily. Both are getting worse
with age. This is how I keep a smile on my face. [ Reply to This ]
Well done &mdash 08/25/05 - 12:23:56 AM
NIce backround.
Tobin you sure now how to compose in a lot of styles!
Good going, both of you! [ Reply to This ]
Now that's impressive! &mdash 08/25/05 - 02:01:00 AM
This is not really the sort of music I normally listen too,
but I'm finding that MJ does tend to stretch your
boundaries. The combination of Mysti's amazing voice
and Tobin's string work is really beautiful. Looking
forward to hearing more of the LOTL series!!
Thansk for doing this,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Congratulations you two! &mdash 08/25/05 - 03:27:22 AM
This is some beautiful and refreshing music!
Some music leaves me feel stronger and somewhat more
enlightened after listening. This is one such piece!
Thanks a lot for the uplifting music! And congratulations you
two! [ Reply to This ]
Prelude &mdash 08/25/05 - 05:34:57 AM
The fairy of the song whispered.
I will sing.
Line light shines from the space of a dark grove.
[ Reply to This ]
Prelude &mdash 08/29/05 - 12:20:40 PM
lovely voice and harmonies &mdash 08/25/05 - 08:22:09 AM
This is a very exciting collaboration, and I look forward to
hearing much, much more.
The concept of this little excerpt is excellent; the
harmonies and overall treatment remind me of Britten and
Vaughn-Williams.
If this is a prelude, I would love to hear more of a quiet
beginning, with thinner orchestration (maybe even solo
vocals) which then builds up to the material presented
here. (Maybe I feel this way because I'm just waking up
now, and this is the first music I've heard today.)
But perhaps you wanted the intensity from the very
beginning.
The balance between strings, winds and vocals is good.
The mix sounded a bit "close" to my ears, not quite how
an orchestra would sound live. Maybe pan the instruments
a little differently (wider in the strings, for example)? It
might help the sound from being too "synthesized".
This brief taste of music is a lovely composition; Myst's
voice is perfect for it, and I greatly look forward to the
expanded suite! [ Reply to This ]
lovely voice and harmonies &mdash 08/29/05 - 01:04:24 PM
Thanks for your careful listening. I just couldn't wait to hear Mystified start
singing and sort of fell in love with the shortness of the piece. The only part I
wish was different were the entrance of the double reeds which is now kind of
buried beneath the vocals. It is always surprising how many details get lost after
vocals are layered in. But the emotions are caught elsewhere and it ended being
a compromise I felt ok making. Again, thanks for your ideas; I will use them as
we move forward with the project. [ Reply to This ]
Best of Mysti &mdash 08/25/05 - 09:20:36 AM
This is the best performance by Mysti that I have heard (in my humble opinion). The mix is fab, and the music is too. I hope the other pieces are as excellent as this one. I can't wait to hear them. [ Reply to This ]
what can ya say &mdash 08/25/05 - 10:34:05 AM
tobin, this is too beautiful for words except wow and
HOLY CRAP!!!! No one could have pulled this off except
mystified, she is blessed with a great voice and she has
worked countless hours to hone...but it is her skill as an
improviser that is even more astounding...she has music
playing in her head all the time that the rest of us would
struggle to create...and she just opens her heart and out it
comes.
The composition, performance and production are stellar.
world class music [ Reply to This ]
what can ya say &mdash 08/29/05 - 01:58:29 PM
Thanks, ziti. You sound like Frank Barone! Thank you for your careful listening
and wonderful words for Mystified. I am looking forward to collaborating with
you in the future too! [ Reply to This ]
... &mdash 08/26/05 - 01:43:37 AM
Speechless &mdash 08/26/05 - 01:49:02 AM
Super mixing on this track really brings the symphony to
life behind Cat's amazing vocals. Incredible quality. :O) [ Reply to This ]
Speechless &mdash 08/30/05 - 07:56:17 AM
Thanks. Mystified supplied nice pre-mix settings. I just tweaked and then
added several compression-EQ alterations to the mastering in Peak to give the
pice a little more lightness. I always spend about one hour per minute in the
post-production process. [ Reply to This ]
Gorgeous! &mdash 08/26/05 - 07:39:02 AM
If I were to have a criticism of this sumptious piece, it's that
it's too short. Go on make it longer... indulge us! [ Reply to This ]
Singing in tongues &mdash 08/26/05 - 09:02:04 AM
Great idea to use a made up language. It sounds like a real
one. Meaning is certainly conveyed through the singing.
Beautiful and powerful.
The strings are a bit overpowering, especially in the
beginning. Maybe shifting to more cello and bass strings
would make more room for the vocals and woodwinds. [ Reply to This ]
Singing in tongues &mdash 08/30/05 - 08:10:48 AM
The problem I found in the woodwinds was the vocals, since Mystified sang
unison with a few of the double reed lines. If I were to have redone the entire
instrumentation from scratch, I would need to separate each voice and
instrument thru panning, since I couldn't do anything else with EQ or
compression than I already did. The cellos were downplayed becuz they
conflicted with the voice in the lower mids, so I compressed both of them
(differently) to make room for more diction in the vocals; if I left the vocals at
the level Mystified originally placed them they overpowered the woodwinds
completely; I also wanted to keep some of the string resonance; Cameron's
idea of widening the pan would have been best if I would have gone back and
redone the entire music bed track, which I didn't do (I only remastered it).
Actually, my system must play lower frequencies at a high level becuz other
ears on MJ frequently comment that I need to boost the bass (even tho I listen
to each track on at least 3 systems and they sound good to me, sigh). [ Reply to This ]
Art &mdash 08/26/05 - 11:15:21 AM
This is very short, and like you say I can look at it as a
prelude, which I am. I can't wait to hear the rest of this story
- words or not is not important, the drama, and the beuty
makes me feel like someone is struggeling with a great
problem in life. I am sure you have your own intentions. I
think too that it would be stronger starting out with less of
the strings and build up. The bass break is very, very good
and almost to me, bring in an element of surprise I am
seaching for. The vocals, what can one say, this is high-
class of course, so elegant and strong, yet soft. [ Reply to This ]
Art &mdash 08/30/05 - 08:32:48 AM
Thanks for noticing the "elegant yet soft" idea. What is so special to me is how
Mystified's voice is capturing the character of the Lady, a woman for whom
words like dignity, conviction and integrity simply cannot explain her depth of
character; a mortal goddess (a pseudo-duality certain people believe is in all
of us) to which a connection to living is innate, natural. This is her at prayer,
before the end-game of the final days of the Celtic way of life. Her prayer holds
history and hope, but everything is intimate to such the Lady, even events
centuries in the past. And everything has many perspectives, becuz she views
the world in much larger time slices. But, above all, she knows how to love, and
that is what pours out of Mystified's voice. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 08/26/05 - 07:18:41 PM
Stunning track rom the two of you.
It brought to mind a celtic poem called
"The Harp of Cnoc I'Chosgair"
by Gofraidh Fion O Dalaigh. (1385):
Harp of Cnoc I'Chosgair, you who bring sleep
to eyes long sleepless;
sweet subtle, plangent, glad, cooling grave.
Excellent instrument with smooth gentle curve,
trilling under red fingers,
musician that has charmed us,
red, lion-like of full melody.
You who lure the bird from the flock,
you who refresh the mind,
brown spotted one of sweet words,
ardent, wondrous, passionate.
You who heal every wounded warrior,
joy and allurement to women,
familiar guide over the dark blue water,
mystic sweet sounding music.
Slimmie
[ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 09/16/05 - 06:44:33 AM
Thank you for the poem, and the white space to think. I especially liked the line
"You who lure the bird from the flock, you who refresh the mind...
You who heal every wounded warrior ...familiar guide over the dark blue water,
mystic sweet sounding music." Merlyn was often said to have become a bird, in
his dream-states, and travel over the land and especially water. But I really dig
the "lure the bird from the flock." We now have lyrics for a new tune, or at least
inspiration. Thanks for adding to it all so. [ Reply to This ]
I DON'T LIKE THIS!!!!! &mdash 08/27/05 - 02:00:57 AM
i don't like the way the music and the voice wrap me in a soft, comforting cloak of all enclosing peace, i don't like the way the piece soothes and calms me. i don't like the way it compels me to listen again and again. and i certainly don't like that i have to get outta here and go to work!!! thank you - one love xxx [ Reply to This ]
I DON'T LIKE THIS!!!!! &mdash 09/16/05 - 06:46:34 AM
Pain can have its own joy, can't it. Thanks for the comments, made me smile. [ Reply to This ]
Wow - unexpected! &mdash 08/27/05 - 07:33:09 AM
I clicked on this one just since my curiosity got up because
I'm a King Arthur and Excalibur fan....in doing so I uncovered
this little gem! Very nice vocals and the instruments flow
very very nicely. Looking forward to more - nice job. Makes
me feel and think and wonder...well done!
[ Reply to This ]
Wow - unexpected! &mdash 09/16/05 - 06:59:52 AM
I have a half-written opera called "Merlyn" from which this is taken. I enjoyed
studying that period, those legends, and contemplating the issues around the
massive changes that occurred in Celtic life at the end of the Druid-Celtic era,
the clash with Roman culture that was also on its last legs, and culture clashes
of mythic proportions at every boundary. Since I no longer hope to complete
the original project, working a few songs with Mystie helps bring back the
wonder and magic I felt when first devising the libretto with this work. Thanks
for your curiosity and comments. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 08/27/05 - 09:13:20 AM
YES! &mdash 08/27/05 - 01:26:40 PM
it sounds like a very deep call to the gods and godesses.
The voice and string arrangement work beautifully
together. Mystified...what a voice!!! [ Reply to This ]
YES! &mdash 09/16/05 - 07:01:46 AM
Thanks, your words capture exactly what we were going for. Thanks for your
careful listen and imagination. [ Reply to This ]
Mouth open! &mdash 08/27/05 - 01:34:06 PM
Wow to both of you, honestly! This is one of the best
examples of the freedom this place brings, allowing two
artists, thousands of miles apart to make something so
beautiful.
10's! [ Reply to This ]
Fantastic operatic piece &mdash 08/27/05 - 03:06:24 PM
Wonderful music, a stunning vocal performance from
Mysti! Great stuff...my mum really likes this too!
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Excellent! &mdash 08/27/05 - 08:18:39 PM
Great stuff. Congrats to both of you. I would have preferred a
more convincing Orchestra sound. But it's great as it is. I
know how difficult it is to try to simulate the real thing.
Looking forward to more from %u201CThe Lady%u201D [ Reply to This ]
Excellent! &mdash 09/16/05 - 07:12:04 AM
Originally, I was going to have this be synth pads with now real orchestral
sounds at all, a keyboardist sound only, but then added the woodwinds and
realized I needed to layer in "real" strings later to create a more realistic sound.
I think there are 6 layers of sounds in the strings, with cellos and violas and
violins separated within chords over the synth pad. If not real, it is warm, which
is what I wanted. Thanks for being able to look past the necessarily synthetic
nature of the backing music. [ Reply to This ]
you give &mdash 08/27/05 - 10:53:36 PM
mysti, this is so beautiful, it hurts. literally
i hear, i feel. it's a language we all understand
tobin-perfect .
windswonder wander wait
air escaping-to hold wrap, stop.
a kiss(tightly)to the soul
gripping freeze. frozen ache no breath
a heart earless cannot choose to hear
but bear, instead
a touch
held..
a moment now but gone
alreadylostin apassing dre a m
was it real
_
i breathe [ Reply to This ]
I'm STUNNED... &mdash 08/28/05 - 09:02:55 AM
...this is beautiful...gets right at the truth, the meaning that
is beyond words...
I'm not classically schooled, but the orchestration is very
pleasing to my ear; once again, Tobin, each instrument has
space for its timbre to breathe and be heard...
And Mystified, this is one of my favorites among your vocals.
Quite something...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Bravi, Bravi, Bravissimi! &mdash 08/28/05 - 08:36:33 PM
wow &mdash 08/28/05 - 08:42:38 PM
return visit &mdash 08/29/05 - 05:01:11 AM
I came back, to listen once again, and realized that I had
been so mesmerized that I had forgotten to say or do
anything. I guess sometimes, I feel inadequate to the task.
Myst, this is so impressive. I can hear the classical training
in your vocals. Yet another shade in a many-shaded voice.
Tobin, a wonderful start to your new symphony. Ovations
to you both. [ Reply to This ]
Evocative and ethereal &mdash 08/29/05 - 10:28:47 AM
This is very good. Reminiscent of some of Fumitaka
Anzai's work with soprano and the Latin language (Kyrie:
Canto Cybernetico). Gives me the same evocative
sensation. [ Reply to This ]
I don't know... &mdash 08/29/05 - 02:33:33 PM
...what I liked more, the music, or the lyrics... Just kidding, of course. Beautiful piece, excellent vocals, very tasteful orchestration (must agree with Cameron, however - I know it's your choice, as you see a bigger picture, but for a stand-alone piece, the strings are a tad too intense - it takes away from the overall development). Will wait for more :) [ Reply to This ]
Reminds me &mdash 08/29/05 - 04:13:51 PM
of the Tabernacle Choir. This song is very much like Christmas even though it's about the Lady of the Lake. I don't mean this out of respect. This is very good and I love Christmas music. Nice job to the both of you. [ Reply to This ]
Reminds me &mdash 09/16/05 - 06:30:48 AM
Yes, there is something very special about Christmas music. I love it, too. I've
often tried to analyze what makes it sound like Christmas music and utilize that
sound on occasion. Funny that you should think this one does, since I wasn't
trying to do that on this one, just capture a deep sense of tragedy and fortitude,
more of an Easter theme really. But I know what you mean. There is joy in
Mysties' voice that transcends, and that is very Christmas. [ Reply to This ]
I'm sorry &mdash 08/29/05 - 08:28:55 PM
I don't have a deep enough vocabulary to gush appropriately
and everyone else has already used all the really good words. [ Reply to This ]
Behold Excalibur! &mdash 08/30/05 - 12:52:28 PM
Took me too long... &mdash 09/07/05 - 06:42:23 PM
...to comment on this. Everyone else has said it all! It's
beautiful. Tobin, you should write more art songs and
classical-type stuff! Myst- you certainly have the perfect
voice for this. Great collab. [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 09/12/05 - 06:00:04 PM
This is a beautiful piece! Mystified sounds gorgeous here...more! More!! [ Reply to This ]
Ode to the luvly Lady. &mdash 09/15/05 - 09:25:19 PM
wow....megawow .....megatasticWOW even. I like all that
swooping and swirling & soaring ..er ............ of sound.
[ not wall of ...maelstrom of ? ...tide of ? ..torrent of ?
....roller coaster ride of ? ....nope. ] well ' something ' of
sound anyway.
That said i feel you both might be skinnydipping in the
shallows with the luvly Lady du Lac , in terms of quantity
mind you, not quality , more please . very nice indeedy ,
very nice. [ Reply to This ]
vertical music &mdash 09/19/05 - 04:21:15 AM
vertical music is Yours....it seems it desires to ascend - like a DNA - to the sky, like a magic forest - surely interesting, but I think you can still improve it ...there is a little of sense of confusion sometimes... maybe adding rhythmical elements and clearing a little the sound...Anyway, I like very much the idea that I think you want to express. [ Reply to This ]
Otherworldly! &mdash 09/21/05 - 06:25:00 AM
You said that this was "Voices from the subconscious,
before words were turned into something other than
emotional metaphors."
I love the concept. I think that we, as humans, are limited
by the structures that we have created for ourselves, such
as language, logic, and you know, society in general. Once
we created these "rules," we confine ourselves by living
within them, rejecting anything that doesn't fit into the
matrix of what we already accept.
I've always felt that art was in the spaces between these
structures. Not really here, not really there, but rooted in
something primordial that we really can't explain because
our logic wasn't designed well enough to analyze it.
That is where this song lives. Thanks!! [ Reply to This ]
Otherworldly! &mdash 11/11/05 - 07:41:01 AM
Drowning in the Lake &mdash 09/26/05 - 09:32:33 AM
Serene and sublime. Very well done, and full of grace. The Lord is with
you, or at least the Lady in the Lake, which might even be better.
Take me down 'cause I'm going to
Lady in the Lake. [ Reply to This ]
Drowning in the Lake &mdash 09/26/05 - 09:32:34 AM
Serene and sublime. Very well done, and full of grace. The Lord is with
you, or at least the Lady in the Lake, which might even be better.
Take me down 'cause I'm going to
Lady in the Lake. [ Reply to This ]
Man this is Brilliant. &mdash 09/29/05 - 11:16:26 AM
I downloaded it straight away.
This is the kind of stuff I want to be able to do.
Wow I love it .
Between Pgreenstone and yourself you have set some standard. [ Reply to This ]
amazing. &mdash 11/09/05 - 04:11:17 AM
absolutly beautiful. i'm a classical person myself(despite myself) and not that this is classical...... i just wanted to say that.....hmmm. well this had lovely string orchestration and beautiful composition period........ period. really .. a lovely track. sooo much respect - shawn [ Reply to This ]
amazing. &mdash 11/11/05 - 07:44:01 AM
I'm a classical guy, too, with roots in symphonic writing, and appreciate your
comments. I love that the worlds of classical, pop, folk and jazz are able to
cohere in ways that come from a centered place inside me. And that this
community embraces that. Thanks again. [ Reply to This ]
Perrrr &mdash 01/16/06 - 09:46:12 AM
fffffect. I'd put an orhecstral intro in, though, to make it longer, set up the vocals more. Wonder of wonders. [ Reply to This ]
oh &mdash 01/25/06 - 10:20:33 PM
wow &mdash 02/07/06 - 10:27:04 PM
This is really cool. I love the singers voice. You are right it is too short. Maybe you will have more on this site. I will have to search for it. Thank you for the beautiful music [ Reply to This ]
Awe inspiring &mdash 10/06/06 - 03:37:30 PM
This is just wonderf |
As ever, Mystified excels with her voice.
R.
[ Reply to This ]