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Description:
Nothing fancy....sung a capella start to finish.
Recorded this a month or so ago and decided to post it up.
* * * * * * *
Something brought up in Cameron's post that I'd like to get your comments on as you listen:
The half-step rise in pitch between the second and third verse is intentional, but is it too jarring or distracting?
I'd like to know your opinion, as I might rerecord it, staying in the original key throughout.
song art ©2004 arturo
Lyrics:
traditional
Hardware:
Behringer B-1 Condenser Mic
M-Audio Mobile Pre USB
Mac Mini 1.42 GHz
Software:
GarageBand 2
JamPack 4: Symphony for Master Track effects
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Effortless, soaring, uplifting &mdash 09/12/05 - 10:12:55 AM
All I can do is chastise you for not sharing this gift (your voice) with the world sooner. You hid your light under a bushel too long, Moses! This is a very difficult song to sing well, Cat, and not sound like Judy Collins or a thousand others who have sung it. You sounded like Mystified: sweet, intimate, clear and extremely on pitch. A joy to listen to this.
[ Reply to This ]
Effortless, soaring, uplifting &mdash 09/13/05 - 01:30:28 PM
Bushel....hiding.....where?
Thanks, Tom, for your gentle reprimand and your very kind words.
I'm sure that this song has personal meaning or memories to everyone who cherishes it in some way. I first sang this song publicly (and a capella, too) at my sister-in-law's mother's funeral, on short notice.
I will admit that I'd not heard many recorded versions of it--and so I came to its interpretation in thinking of that funeral service and how I wanted to give a message of comfort and peace to the family.
This recording is much how I sang it that day, several years ago now.
I'm glad that you find it soaring and uplifting. For me, it's one of the nicest compliments I can receive.
Thanks, again.
[ Reply to This ]
ooooh, basking in Myst... &mdash 09/12/05 - 10:15:49 AM
Very pretty, emotive take on this... I like your vocal
embellishments, tasteful reverb... bu tmostly the
sparseness of this is chilling and captivating, and your
building from the initial light hum to the strongly-sung
words was great. Stirring.
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
ooooh, basking in Myst... &mdash 09/13/05 - 02:28:33 PM
Thanks, Drak. One of the joys of singing is to be able to express such
feelings as this song conveys.
I very much appreciate your comments, as always :)
[ Reply to This ]
Timeless spiritual.... &mdash 09/12/05 - 10:20:10 AM
performed beautifully. Reminiscent of Joan Baez (at
Woodstock I think), yet quite different. Your soft
vocal touch and the non-hurriedness of the singing
allow me to linger on the meaning of the words.
D/L-d... thanks.
Jack [ Reply to This ]
Timeless spiritual.... &mdash 09/13/05 - 03:23:23 PM
Thanks, Jack.
I appreciate your comments on this song very much, and am glad to know you downloaded it to listen again. :)
[ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 09/12/05 - 10:46:56 AM
wow &mdash 09/13/05 - 10:55:23 PM
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/12/05 - 11:08:59 AM
It is no easy feat to bring off an "a capella" performance
like this with the conviction, sweetness and power that
you exhibit here.
Your voice is lovely, and your phrasing is expressive. You
take your time and allow the notes to unfold beautifully.
A couple of very minor things: the vox was just on this
side of distorting a couple of times; you may want to take
the level down a tiny bit.
The last third of the vocals was slightly higher in pitch
than the rest of the song. As I said, it is no easy task to
sing a capella and you have done a great job with this
song, but it is so very important to watch the pitch on
something like this.
Very heartfelt and beautiful performance, Mysti! [ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/12/05 - 11:33:57 AM
Cameron,
Thanks so much for your comments!
I'm going to take a moment to reply to you right now, because where you noted that the last verse of the song went up in pitch...it did. A half step, to be precise.
That was done on purpose, and I did check pitch at the end of recording to make sure I had stayed to them properly (This was one take from start to finish).
It's something I've done often in hymn singing to vary the repetition a little in multiple verses. But in a capella there's nothing to cue the listener in that you're doing it...
Should it, therefore, be avoided? (just wondering, as it sounded like a 'mistake')
Thanks for your comments, Cameron :) [ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/12/05 - 01:32:55 PM
Cat, thank you for being open to my comments.
I think that a modulation to a higher key on the last verse is absolutely fine,
but it might be good to go a full step higher rather than a half-step, or even
further away if possible.
For example, a typical modulation would go from the key of C to F. The last
note of the phrase (C) would then become the pick-up note to the new key of
F. See what I mean?
On this track, the first several notes of the key change were higher in pitch
than the previous section, but then in subsequent notes your voice gradually
settled downwards in pitch, almost back down to the previous section's key.
Perhaps singing a full step higher, or a fourth higher if possible, would help
solve this.
I want to assure you that your voice sounds WONDERFUL on this track, but a
half-step modulation on an a capella performance like this is perhaps more
challenging than it really needs to be.
Thanks again for your receptivity! [ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/12/05 - 01:59:38 PM
I am reluctant to comment on this issue, but I have decided to go mano-a-mano with Cameron to defend Mysti's honor and virtue (and pitch) .
Cat, you sent me an a capella file a few months ago (for a possibile collab that never happened) where you did the same thing: modulated a half-step on the last verse. Made it a bear to try to figure out an acccompaniment. So, I was prepared for that in this piece. I agree with Cameron that a more traditional key change would be a full step (or even a full fourth or 5th as he suggests). But, unlike Cam, I do not hear you "settling back" into the original pitch in this piece. What I hear is a true, and very difficult, half-step modulation. No wavering. Is that the best key-change in an a capella piece? Maybe not. But it is "courageous" and I believe you pulled it off.
Now, back off, Cam! (Unless you want a piece of me?)
[ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/12/05 - 02:56:39 PM
Tom, I am in no way attacking Mystified's performance or "honor and virtue"
on this; I am simply going by what I *HEAR* is happening on this track. It is
certainly not my intention to cast aspersions on her in any form or fashion.
Please do not make assumptions that I am! There is no need to come to her
"defense".
My ears are by no means infallible. I just call them as I hear them. I should
feel free to do so without have to be perceived as "attacking" anyone;
I merely offer my observations and suggestions here. Maybe this particular
observation about pitch is not perceived by anyone else. This is okay with me.
Cat can take my observations or leave them as she desires. It is no more, or
less than that. I am just trying to help. [ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/12/05 - 03:56:04 PM
NOTE TO ALL: Tom and I have just communicated by email and it turns out
that his above comments were just in fun, so I over-reacted a bit. As he said
to me, "That darned internet".
So, all is well. [ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/13/05 - 11:18:13 PM
Just a quick thanks to you both again, Cameron and Tom. :)
The discussion I've had with each of you following these observations has
been both helpful and interesting.
I so appreciate the thoughtful comments I get from both of you--as well the
support in my exploration and creation of music!
[ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/14/05 - 04:52:45 AM
well hell... I could tell he was kidding around and I don't even know him!! But yeah, damn internet haha. If only we could hear the 'typed' voice.. like we can hear the music!
Love the song.. beautiful voice!!
[ Reply to This ]
courageous and powerful &mdash 09/14/05 - 09:05:54 AM
written for your voice &mdash 09/12/05 - 12:40:29 PM
Cat, this is simple and lovely. Your voice trills almost make
this a Celtic rendition. And your vocal vibrato is gorgeous.
The last verse that's pitched up a half step is a nice touch...
Just as I was drifting off into a daydream about doves and
bell towers, you lift me up just a tad higher for a grander
view. Beautiful and profound. [ Reply to This ]
written for your voice &mdash 09/14/05 - 11:33:45 AM
Thanks, Miss C, for your comments.
While you say this is 'written for my voice,' I think, too, that some songs just seem to resonate with us, and this is definitely one of those songs--proven by its popularity.
I never would have considered recording my voice before I discovered GarageBand, so I'm grateful to have had the opportunity, and grateful that others here, like you, share in my joy of singing again.
[ Reply to This ]
Flipping Henry &mdash 09/12/05 - 01:01:43 PM
To post an acapella is probably one of the hardest things
for an artist to do, there is no music to hide behind..
Cat, I am in awe of your most beautiful voice.
Slimmie
D/L
[ Reply to This ]
Flipping Henry &mdash 09/14/05 - 12:36:28 PM
beautiful &mdash 09/12/05 - 01:30:27 PM
Really beautiful and stirring, Mysti. I've always been a sucker
for this song. You sing it like an angel.
The key change might be a little strange in this a capella
version because there is no instrumental ramp-up like we'd
normally hear in a fully arranged version. I think that
because I am so familiar with the song that it still worked for
me because I'm used to hearing it go up like that there. [ Reply to This ]
beautiful &mdash 09/14/05 - 12:48:40 PM
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments on this, Peter.
I appreciate your taking the time to listen, and I'm glad you enjoyed this rendition.
[ Reply to This ]
Bravo! &mdash 09/12/05 - 02:30:15 PM
Bravo! &mdash 09/14/05 - 04:23:22 PM
It almost sounds like you recording in a &mdash 09/12/05 - 03:57:48 PM
tiled bathroom :)
Love it!
You have a great strength doing gospel. I wish you would
do tons more.
I am now listening for the 5th time and it is as fun to
listened to as the first time I heared it, maybe more. . .
I liked when you sing "His grace" and you go way high to
end the phrase. That section felt like Celine Dion, and
you know how high she gets.
It is songs like this one that you have done, that really
bring out your special singing talent.
I can understand how the two we did, didn't bring out that
briliant southern gospel - slow - new - age - feel. You
have really inspired me to do more tunes along that line.
You brought out some of that quality in Shenandoa as
well. Those two pieces are so very pleasurable to listen to.
Even though I would love to say the tunes we did where
the best you have done. I just have to mention I think
your soul really soars doing those soft reflective pieces
whether it be gospel or similar.
Again, for my entertainment value and shear listening
enjoyment. These are the types of tunes that are highest
on my list that I hear you do. They are preceious Mysti!
I think the real treat would be to do more songs like this
with that slow soaring ability and do your harmonization
like we did on "My Way Home" !
Now that would be something special to behold!
Good going on this one, really!
Bill [ Reply to This ]
It almost sounds like you recording in a &mdash 09/14/05 - 04:52:56 PM
Wow...thank you very much for such generous praise, Tiler.
I've never considered myself a 'gospel' singer as my vocal style is much simpler. But I do like to sing spiritual, uplifting, and yes, reflective music, so I'm grateful to hear these positive responses.
I'll definitely be doing more inspirational songs like this one in between alien warblings(?) and various genres in the future.
Thanks again for such kind words...
[ Reply to This ]
What Do I Know About Pitch? &mdash 09/12/05 - 04:35:51 PM
But I know what I like. I like this. Very well done. The quality
of your voice is strong yet vulnerable at the same time.
OK, who's ready to do the next a capella spiritual at
MacJams? :) [ Reply to This ]
What Do I Know About Pitch? &mdash 09/12/05 - 07:19:48 PM
Mungo, YOU'VE got that low voice going... Maybe it's time for the the MacJams
Virtual Choir...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
What Do I Know About Pitch? &mdash 09/14/05 - 04:54:57 PM
Thanks, Mungo :)
I'm glad you liked this!
As far as the next a capella spiritual....maybe you can talk Ed into singing one? ;)
[ Reply to This ]
What Do I Know About Pitch? &mdash 09/15/05 - 10:45:19 AM
What I know about pitch is the modulation would have seemed less jarring if the pause between the verses had been a little shorter or nonexistent. What with all the comments about it, I was well prepared.
And I'm game for a virtual choir. I've got an a symphonic/choral arrangement of this song (part of a suite) that when it's done I'll want to hear . . . somehow.
Mystified, you can have the solo!
---
sometimes more feet than shoes. [ Reply to This ]
Hard to do... &mdash 09/12/05 - 07:17:03 PM
...and done well...
I'm with Tom's first post on this one... this is one of those
songs that Baez and Collins and others have sung so often
that it's hard for someone to bring something new to the
tune. A lot of times it turns into vocal pyrotechnics and
showy diva stuff, which is really not the feel from which
this song was born...
What you bring to the song is a whole lot of nothing, in
the sense of "no show-off-ness", no flash, no "bad
acting" and drama in the delivery... You get out of the way
of the song and let it be sweet and exultant...
I don't have Tom's or Cameron's ears, but I am actually
pretty picky about pitch, at least in other people's singing.
I think the modulation works here. Having read comments
before listening, I sort of expected something jarring
when it came around, but in fact the feel of it, to my ears,
was organic and fitting. Seemed just fine.
And as for pitch, I think this is one of your most "naked"
performances, and your pitch sounds very good to my
ear... Moreover, it doesn't sound like the song is "work" to
sing...you sound poised and at ease...
The recording itself is also good. I found myself checking
the equipment list: what's she USING on this? I particularly
like the reverb you chose--it gives the song a nice space
in which to live and breathe. (Which one was it? email me
if it's a huge secret...)
You did a really nice job on this, Mystified.
Ed
[ Reply to This ]
Hard to do... &mdash 09/15/05 - 04:59:40 PM
Thank you, Ed, for your thoughts and comments.
I like that idea of bringing 'a whole lot of nothing' to a song by way of a simple and non-flashy delivery. Some songs, like this one, seem to come already infused with enough beauty and soul of their own.
I'm just lending a voice.
As for production, I used the Female Basic preset, less the 'overdrive' and compression, then let JamPack 4:Symphony take over with preset Master Track options. There are several, and one I used for this track is the "Bright and Airy" Orchestral setting.
Thanks again for your comments, Ed.
[ Reply to This ]
pure crystaline vocals &mdash 09/13/05 - 02:26:29 AM
Lovely performance Cat...you voice sounds as strong and
pure as always, I like the modulation you have put into
this. Shouldn't you be performing 'The Star Spangled
Banner' at baseball games now??
Steve
[ Reply to This ]
pure crystaline vocals &mdash 09/15/05 - 05:09:12 PM
Eeeek....The Star Spangled Banner?
Maybe they can upload a recording from MacJams...Hmmmm.....
Seriously, though. Thanks for your comments on this, Steve.
It's great getting your feedback consistently on my postings here at MJs. :)
[ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 09/13/05 - 10:19:29 AM
You have a very Celtic quality to your voice - beautiful! I wish I could sing like you!! [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 09/13/05 - 10:19:42 AM
You have a very Celtic quality to your voice - beautiful! I wish I could sing like you!! [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 09/20/05 - 01:46:38 PM
Thank you very much elfie for those kind words.
As for your voice--cherish it as all your own. It's already a beautiful
instrument!
...and keep singing ;) [ Reply to This ]
this is &mdash 09/13/05 - 02:54:38 PM
pretty darn perfect...i am so proud to consider you a
friend. You are constnat inspiration. [ Reply to This ]
Very nice &mdash 09/13/05 - 08:37:50 PM
lovely rendition &mdash 09/13/05 - 11:05:33 PM
of the song. The half-step didn't bother me, I kind of liked it
as a build-up to the end. I really enjoyed the fact that there
was no instrumentation in this - a fine solo. cheers. [ Reply to This ]
I am left breathless.... &mdash 09/14/05 - 04:56:56 PM
I liked everything that Ed said about this... I thought that you did what this tune needed for a change, you got out of the way, but in doing so, you allowed your beatiful vocal work everthing that was needed in order to shine.
Simply, beautiful Mysty. Thanks for this one too!!!
Cydniko [ Reply to This ]
This &mdash 09/14/05 - 06:20:02 PM
is a wonderful song,
I am so envious of your beautiful voice.
I hope you will listen to ours when we post a song here.
The 3 Divas [ Reply to This ]
I Wouldn't Change A Thing &mdash 09/14/05 - 06:27:43 PM
I like the half step key change. Musically, it communicates that you're raising your voice to the Lord.
Angelic interpretation. [ Reply to This ]
Another Mysti wonder &mdash 09/14/05 - 06:27:54 PM
Another Mysti wonder &mdash 09/14/05 - 06:30:10 PM
The change of key came as a bit of a surprise at first - so I listened again and
felt much more comfortable about it. I've just tried it on the piano and a whole
tone works well (but may seem a bit tacky!) A minor third could be interesting... [ Reply to This ]
gorgeous.... &mdash 09/15/05 - 02:39:11 PM
Motherhood of earth &mdash 09/16/05 - 04:52:16 AM
Singing voice of young maiden.
Sometimes,to the way of the voice of mother in the earth.
People who listened are healed. [ Reply to This ]
Magical &mdash 09/16/05 - 12:39:23 PM
Stunning. Just stunning. You sing with such
confidence and competence and still turn it into
something intensely spiritual. Quite incredible. This
is something most of us singers can only aspire to!
The pitch change is a little daring, because it's close
enough to the original key that it could be
interpreted as a mistake ... but I personally think you
carried it off here - possibly because of the change in
tone/intensity that goes with it. [ Reply to This ]
Now THAT's singing! &mdash 09/16/05 - 10:58:16 PM
Lovely, lovely lovely voice Mysti. Not a big fan of the
song, but your performance of it was possibly the best I've
heard. The upshift on the last verse sounded fine to me -
I was looking forward to it, and not disappointed.
Thanks,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Uplifting! &mdash 09/17/05 - 04:43:12 PM
finally got arround to listening to this. I must say, Myst, your
voice is an inspiration. Soulfull, heartfelt. Thank you. [ Reply to This ]
Uplifting! &mdash 09/17/05 - 07:58:24 PM
Brought tears to my eyes. I mean that very sincerely. What a beautiful voice
and such emotive expression... [ Reply to This ]
i have always loved this song.... &mdash 09/18/05 - 02:19:55 AM
and i still do but more so - sorry to be so late getting here my dear - i was on holiday - and now i'm off to your newest one!!! thank you so much for this - love and hugs!!! xxxx [ Reply to This ]
very nice &mdash 09/18/05 - 07:40:16 PM
I know it's very difficult to make a classic song interesting
to listen to, but you're voice is soothing and beautiful.
The key modulation makes it more interesting. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Graceful &mdash 09/19/05 - 03:22:26 AM
This is my favorite hymn, although I sing it a whole lot
lower. heh.
Really nice unplugged version, and I like that you dove
into the a capella pool. Sometimes it feels good to just...
sing.
Very nicely done. [ Reply to This ]
Nice Job &mdash 09/29/05 - 09:02:23 PM
You have a nice voice, but you already know that. I love how you
deliver some of those lines
I liked the change in pitch. I say stick with it.
Bob Roberts [ Reply to This ]
Angelic &mdash 11/16/05 - 03:42:10 PM
I just joined MacJams, listened to your treatment of the classic "Amazing
Grace", and was enthralled. Your voice is that of an angel. What a
wonderful gift God has given you. [ Reply to This ]
Wow - tears, joy and inspirational &mdash 11/18/05 - 06:39:19 AM
God has given you agift &mdash 11/22/05 - 02:20:55 PM
Very pretty, stirring, the way it is meant to be really. I can almost picture
the author as he penned these words. I am not sure if you are familar with
his story, but he renounced a life of sin (which for him was slave-trading)
and found out he, even he could still be a recipient of God's grace. Yeah,
as the words came to him I imagine it was with the emotion and haunting
feeling that I am hearing from you.
Blessings, [ Reply to This ]
Amazing Cat &mdash 11/27/05 - 10:49:25 AM
You're making quite the fan out of me.
Simply put, magnificent.
As for the pitch-up, works flawlessly. Adds to it, doesn't allow the song to become one big run-on tone. An excellent tactic. Even better about it, was the gusto that the third part started with, and then gently subsided.
I felt like I was sitting in the back of a grand cathedral, alone with your voice echoing off the hallowed walls, the light streaming through the myriad of stained glass windows. Not being one that is that religious, I found myself filled with hope in your voice.
Thank you Cat. [ Reply to This ]
Oh, Yeah &mdash 01/21/06 - 12:22:31 PM
I just listened to "Grace" and wondered, "Where are the words?"
Here they are. I just wish more people truly understood the
meaning of this song and where it came from.
John Newton worked in the slave trader, running ships of slaves
across the waters. He came to the Lord after nearly losing his life
and his life was turned around.
There's so much more to this song. It is not just a beautiful song
for funerals and Woodstock. It is a testament to the grace of God
and the future of those who truly accept what the Lord has done.
Thanks for your rendition. [ Reply to This ]
I have heard this before and &mdash 02/13/08 - 11:42:52 PM
posted but something this good should be heard again and again.
I enjoy when your are ready to stop and then before that ending period you sing high.
So much is terrific in this tune.
Way to go. [ Reply to This ]
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