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What If? (with kevmikwa)


by

jiguma

 Genre: Acoustic Rock

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Description
This feels like an old song to me - started in January, and now ready to roll. Mike Watkins (kevmikwa) plays all the drums LIVE, which sounds so much better than loops or midi to me - thanks Mike!!!!!!!!!

The lyrics are about the random nature of our lives, and the insignificance of each and every one of us in the "big picture". "Lyell's Line" refers to the geological time line connection to Sir Charles Lyell, a British geologist of some note.

What if .... I hadn't found MacJams?

Picture is of my little family ....... What If?

Loud is best!
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Lyrics
What If?
© 01/2006 by Neil Porter

Our momentary flash is just a mystery
Our given place in space and time
Our lives just random points in history
Just pinprick bookmarks on Lyell’s line

But I’ve got you
Together here and now
A simple life down by the sea
We get one chance
To do the things we do
Determine how our lives will be

What if you weren’t with me in the morning?
What if things were different in the early morning light?
What if you weren’t with me in the morning?
What if you weren’t here?

INSTRUMENTAL

I’m thinking of our lives’ trajectories
Their coalescence, yours and mine
How tiny changes in our histories
Could cause our paths to realign

But I’ve got you
Together here and now
A simple life down by the sea
We get one chance
To do the things we do
Determine how our lives will be

What if you weren’t with me in the morning?
What if things were different in the early morning light?
What if you weren’t with me in the morning?
What if you weren’t here?

INSTRUMENTAL

Accidental lives become our history
Collected moments gathered over time
Momentary flashes just a mystery
Just pinprick bookmarks on Lyell’s line

But I’ve got you
Together here and now
A simple life down by the sea
We get one chance
To do the things we do
Determine how our lives will be

What if you weren’t with me in the morning?
What if things were different in the early morning light?
What if you weren’t with me in the morning?
What if you weren’t here?

INSTRUMENTAL


Song Stats
Hits: 3791
Comments: 56
Fans: 11
Plays: 519
Downloads: 154
Votes: 19
Uploaded: Mar 15, 2006 - 07:11:24 AM
Last Updated: Oct 12, 2009 - 08:31:36 PM Last Played: May 22, 2013 - 04:48:06 AM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

Song Actions
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Hardware:
Seagull S6 guitar, Fender Precision bass, Yamaha PSR300 midi keys, Rode NT3 mic, Mac G4
See kevmikwa's site for Mikes setup.
Software:
Logic Express
Comments
thetiler said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
I like you maintain . . .
a consistance sound style through out your songs. You seem to maintain
really nice style with the chorus. Like that two chord progession at the
end of phrosings utilizing the chorus. Nice words, like how you make a
theme in your songs with your living enviorment.

Nice!
Check out my latest song called An Affair To Remember
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
I like you maintain . . .
Thanks for the kind words Bill. Funny how you don't notice things 'til
someone points them out to you - that 2 chord thing you mentioned isn't
something I'd noticed before. My own experiences/environment are really all
I have to work with - glad you liked it.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Something old </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18184"> Something new</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
Those subtle Beatle influences...
Hey Neil, this has such a flavor of some of the early to mid Beatles. The lyrics as well as the actual vocals and instrumentation. Just all flows together as a good song should. This is a nice song to listen to first thing in the morning here in California.
cool vocal harmonies
infectious guitar
Lennon like lyrics

I don't mean to embarass you by the comparison. It's just what struck me about this song.
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
Those subtle Beatle influences...
Appreciate the comment jack - anyone who says my stuff is Beatle-esque is
OK by me! I guess it's just all those years living with that music having an
influence now. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Something old </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18184"> Something new</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
Although...
I vigorously dissent from the philosophical underpinnings of this gem
(along with Sir Lyell's mythical "timeline"), I must say this is your finest
work to date! Your love for family and friends shines through your lyrics.
Wonderful guitar and bass playing (no surprize here!) and, you're right,
the live drums DO sound so much better than loops or MIDI. Three
thumbs up, my friend. This is a fave.
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
Although...
Thanks for the comment Mike. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree here
philosophically. Having a live drummer play on this was a really interesting
experience, and has really made me realise how inadequate drum loops and
midi are in driving a song along. Mike Watkins is a very good drummer
(which helped) and he also was able to contribute to the feel of the song in a
way that loops or midi never could. Downside is that these colabs take time,
and some small technical glitches which occurred. However, this is more
than made up for in the much more "organic" feel to the track.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Something old </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18184"> Something new</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
said 2627 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Although...
Neil:

If I didn't agree to disagree I'd have almost no one to talk to! (Occupational
hazard. Ha!) Anyway, I absolutely love this piece. A full case of KUDOS!
Macaudion said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
The classic master
It always feels like your music is a required part of life Neil. Of the
many values that your music displays, the one that continually strikes
me is the high degree of it's 'stayed' value. - Not unlike a favorite pair
of blue jeans... Lots of welcomed character - We are what we do... In
my world, what you do is gratefully welcomed, Neil! - Dion
Check out my latest song called Pavel
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
The classic master
Hey Dion, great to get your comment - glad you liked it! Hope to post that
other one we were discussing soonish. Thanks again (as always), Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Something old </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18184"> Something new</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
perceptualvortex said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
It's got
that smooth Jiguma flow and groove that's so enjoyable. The lyrics reminded me of the Rush song "Ghost of a Chance", but more optimistic. And of course you sing a lot better than Geddy :) I don't disagree with Jack's Beatles comparison, I kind of thought of that too. Thanks for another good listening experience Neil.
Check out my latest song called Mercury (RPM 6)
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
It's got
Cheers David. As a bassist, I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I've
never heard Rush or Geddy, but from the "bassist" forum thread, suspect I
should have. I have enormous respect for bass players who can sing AND
play at the same time. Glad you liked the song, appreciate your visit.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Something old </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/18184"> Something new</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
jgurner said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
One of the things that's so great...
...about this tune, and so many other of your tunes, is your message is as
smooth and as easy as the music. Life is truly just a random series of
events that happen to us in no particular order and "What if' is a very
powerful question each of us asks ourselves at some time in our lives.

This has also been educational, as I have now Googled Sir Charles Lyell,
and now know much more about him than I did before.

Very nice, Neil. And the live drums sounded great.
Check out my latest song called Anniversary
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
One of the things that's so great...
Thanks Joseph. "What If?" is something I'm thinking about more as I get older
- I often think back on times I made decisions (sometimes not even
apparently important at the time) and wonder how things might have turned
out differently in the here and now. This is especially true in relationships,
which is really what this one's about, but also in other events which have had
a long term impact. Now if we start thinking about this on a bigger scale (like
what if George hadn't invaded Iraq) the question takes on even more
significance.
Peace,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What IF?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
drakonis said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
interesting song
I like the sentiments in the lyrics, I like your voice, and really like the main
melody. For some reason, the key-shift and unusual melody/harmony in
the chorus was hard for me to get into (that's probably just me though).
Nice guitar playing and great drums.
ttfn,
Drakonis
Check out my latest song called Belle Aire (for Mandolin Orchestra)
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
interesting song
Thanks for dropping by Eduard. The chorus does take off in a slightly
unexpected direction the first time around, as do many of my tunes. Maybe a
few extra listens might do the trick :) The drums really made a big difference
I think.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
loyd vader said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
cruisy vibe
very relaxing..............................is it just me or could the cymbals have a little less highs and the kick a little more overall grunt?........harmonies are fantastic, melody is a little geddy lee but considering you've never heard him, this is a good thing as he an amazing musician..........gee i gotta get one of those rode nt3's!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out my latest song called im not lazy, im just tired
jiguma said 2627 days ago (March 15th, 2006)
cruisy vibe
Thanks for visiting Lloyd. Good call re the drums - mixing the drums at my
end was rather tricky (to say the least). Mike sent me 11 tracks of drums,
cymbals etc, and while this sounds like it should make things easy, there
were some little technical difficulties with getting a good mix - the cymbals
could have come down a bit and the kick could have had more grunt (I'd have
also liked to be able to mix the snare higher in the mix). As this wasn't for a
CD, I figured what I had would do the job while I worked my way around the
technical difficulties I was having. I appreciate your comment, and admire
your good ears! Maybe an update later on.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
Tadashi Togawa said 2627 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Wonderful painting.
Doramus is a special product.
Harmony is transparent and beautiful.
Sound of family's painting.

Check out my latest song called Mexican taste
jiguma said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Wonderful painting.
Thanks Tadashi - glad you enjoyed the song and the picture it painted for
you.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
futzpucker said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Worth another listen
I enjoyed the vocal phrasing, the sound of the shimmering guitar, and
the fact that you added organ at the chorus and took it out for the
verses. The excellent live drums did make a significant difference, as
you mentioned.

But like several others, I really was taken by the strong family feeling in
this song. It's likely that since I have one daughter away at college and
one who will follow her soon enough, I am more drawn into your lyric
than were this not the case. Family is everything, and this song is a
sweet reminder of that.

Thanks for giving us this song.
Check out my latest song called Just As It Is
futzpucker said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Worth another listen
I enjoyed the vocal phrasing, the sound of the shimmering guitar, and
the fact that you added organ at the chorus and took it out for the
verses. The excellent live drums did make a significant difference, as
you mentioned.

But like several others, I really was taken by the strong family feeling in
this song. It's likely that since I have one daughter away at college and
one who will follow her soon enough, I am more drawn into your lyric
than were this not the case. Family is everything, and this song is a
sweet reminder of that.

Thanks for giving us this song.
Check out my latest song called Just As It Is
jiguma said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Worth another listen
Thanks a lot for leaving a comment Patrick. There are a number of threads
through my songs, but family is the most important. Interestingly, during the
development of "What If?" with Mike, his wife Sarah had their first child - a
little boy - I felt strangely connected as our daughter is expecting our first
grandchild in June. Family is getting stronger!
Working with Mike was a great experience.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
selters said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Another Great Jiguma!
Another Great tune from you mister Neil! And the additions of Mister Watkins sounds great! He sounds like a very good drummer, I have heard all his other Collabs! The tune itself sounds very good, it could be that this is the one of yours that i like the best. It could also be that i feel that everytime i hear a tune from you, because seem to understand your music better and better. Your harmonyvocals are outstanding. Im planning to start doing some Harmonyvocals on my stuff, and your vocals are a true inspiration! You have such a distinct and special sound, that i believe that I have never heard before! That could be just me though. It sounds mysterious in a catchy way. I am now looking forward to hear more from you! A download and a FAve!
Check out my latest song called So Far (Out Of Reach)
jiguma said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Another Great Jiguma!
Wow, thanks a lot Magnus! It never ceases to amaze me that people so far
away enjoy, and can relate to, my music through the miracles of GB/LE and
MJ. I just figure if people enjoy listening half as much as I enjoy making the
music, then I'm doing OK.
I suspect I didn't really do justice to Mike's drumming on this through my
impatience to upload the song - the experience of having a live drummer
made me more and more interested in playing live again.
Thanks again, your visits are always most welcome!
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
jiguma said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Another Great Jiguma!
btw, good luck with the harmonies - much easier than you'd think :)

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
Mcboy said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
late beatle-esqish....
sound, no doubt.....i love the beatles...therefore.....i love this
track....nostalgia plus contemplation served on a lyrical platter......doesn't
get any better than this!.....much kudo's!!!!
Check out my latest song called Bluesphemy (MJRF 2010)
jiguma said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
late beatle-esqish....
Cheers Mcboy, I'm pleased you like this one. I guess all those years of
listening to the Beatles paid off at last!
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
Ed Hannifin said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Almost forgot...
...to come back and vote and comment...

Neil, I listened to this last night with my son on my lap, then got
dragged away for bedtime stories... He loved it, although he wouldn't
take the time to leave you a comment. Stories, you know.

I love the lyrical thrust of this, which I take to be a reflection on the
gifts that come our way in life... I hear gratitude in this, rather than,
say, an extended meditation on life being pointless or anything like
that...

I want to start a whole movement of Songwriters Writing About
Gratitude From The Viewpoint Of Satisfying, Happy Lives. I think there's
a niche there.

I listened first time over speakers, and loved the mix. Now I'm re-
listening over headphones and appreciating, as so often before, the
low and I think compressed growl that you get for a bass tone... It
really anchors the tune, you really keep the tune "weighted", but at the
same time your playing is really melodic...

I really do enjoy the sound you get in your tunes.

I will say that the general recording of the drums seems really good to
me, but perhaps a dB or three lower in the mix than I might have
expected. I think the drums could come up a little bit, although
perhaps leaving the cymbals about where they are. It sounds like
there's more sound there than is coming through. Cool that you got to
have live drums. All praise to Mike!

Ed
jiguma said 2626 days ago (March 16th, 2006)
Almost forgot...
Thanks for the long comment Ed, I really appreciate it. You are correct in that
the song is about gratitude that things have turned out the way they have.
Life is far from meaningless, and even though most of our lives seem
meaningless sometimes in the big picture of things, the "What If?" factor is
always there. Who can say how a particular collection of genes leads to
genius or genuine happiness, all we can do is stumble along and watch the
results of our accidental lives - some of which won't be apparent for
generations.
Sorry, that's about as deep as I get :)
I'd have loved to have been able to get a better mix on the drums - put it
down to my inexperience, there was certainly nothing wrong with Mike's
drumming! That bass sound is what I've always played, although I'm now
working out ways to refine it in Logic E - it's all about gates and compression
(at least that's where my experiments are taking me).
Glad The Peep liked the song. I'm afraid the next one isn't perhaps quite as
positive.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
Nolan said 2626 days ago (March 17th, 2006)
Atmosphere
You always create such atmosphere in your tunes. This really sounds
like being on the coast in the morning to me.

You must be stoked with those drums. They sound awesome!

Awesome chords and lyrics as usual. Love it mate.
Check out my latest song called And Say We're Happy
jiguma said 2623 days ago (March 19th, 2006)
Atmosphere
Cheers Nolan, and thanks for the kind words. Most of my stuff is started around 6am looking out over the ocean, so that would explain the atmosphere :)
Liked the drums a lot!
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
kevmikwa said 2625 days ago (March 17th, 2006)
Not like a normal recording session
When I've recorded with bands I've been in, it's often hard to stay
focused and get a good take. Even if you like the song to start with,
recording involves a LOT of consecutive listens, as we all know. This
session was different for me - I must have listened to this track 100
times and it still is very fresh and enjoyable to me. I really dig jiguma's
style, guitar tone and phrasing.

To jiguma: your comments are entirely too flattering, really - and
you're way too humble. I'm just layering on top of what is already a
fabulous song (in my humble opinion). We both know that I didn't set
you up for success as I should have. The drums are still a little shifted
in time (seems I'm playing behind the beat by 0.03 seconds), but that
is because the files I sent to you had some weird silence added to the
front. That really shouldn't have been your problem - I should have
sent you files that were ready to go: drop them in at the zero mark and
roll. Additionally, everyone is commenting about the mix - in your
defense, we both know that the files I gave you were hyper-realistic ...
they had bleed (you can hear the snare in the hi-hat mic, you can hear
the toms in the overheads and so on). So again, you were at a bit of a
disadvantage. I think you did a wonderful job with what you had been
given.

To those who left kind comments (The Conductor, jgurner, drakonis,
futzpucker, selters, Ejh and Nolan): a big thank you for the thoughtful
words. Oh, and in the case of selters: you're next on my list of collabs!
Now only if I could get a minute edgewise with my firstborn son finally
here ...
jiguma said 2623 days ago (March 19th, 2006)
Not like a normal recording session
Really glad you dropped by and left a comment Mike - hope family life is going well - loved the pics!
I guess there were some frustrations with the process, but for all that, I really loved having a "real" drummer to work with. One of the constant frustrations with home recording for me as a bass player is the lack of a drummer to bounce off - to get those rhythmic ideas you hadn't thought of "on the fly". Working with Mike wasn't quite like that, partly because of the technology and partly because Mike was working with a pre-recorded song, but it was way ahead of using loops, and much more exciting for me than pencilling in a midi drum track. I suspect there are ways of doing this more in "real time", but I'm not sure yet what they are. Definitely something to work towards though.
This was yet another colab that was really fun to do.
I wouldn't recommend using Mike to anyone else - he'll never be free when I need him :)
Thanks again Mike - I really appreciated the time you put in.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
Einarus said 2625 days ago (March 17th, 2006)
Smooth
Very nice vibe you've created. For some reason I'm looking all the more
forward to the summer...
Nice performances by the both of you - live drums always make a really
big difference when it comes to maintaining a natural groove, which you
guys have succeeded here.
I really liked the final chord. It kinda leaves you wanting more; leaves you
floating on the waves, waiting for the tide.
Very nice.
Check out my latest song called Preparation
jiguma said 2623 days ago (March 19th, 2006)
Smooth
Thanks for the listen and the comment Einar. Funny, but I'm looking forward to winter now - getting sick of the heat! Then again our winter would probably look pretty good to you too.
Cheers,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
alfalpha said 2625 days ago (March 17th, 2006)
nice song all round!
Jiguma, I really like this very much, really well crafted!...although I'd say
it has more of a 'America' sound to it with Simon & Garfunkel-esque
harmonies, perhaps? Dunno, different things to different people...
The bass line really grabs me!
(Actually, the whole bloody song does !!!! ;))
AA
Check out my latest song called Mania- w/DavisAmerica-The 'Sprout' Remix
jiguma said 2623 days ago (March 19th, 2006)
nice song all round!
Cheers Alfalpha - yes, America, S&G, Beatles all influences for sure. I never think about "who will I try to sound like on this?", it just happens really, and I seem to have little conscious control over the sound that comes out. Like everyone, I'm limited by my particular vocal sound of course.
I'm hoping my next new post will break the mould a little.
Thanks for listening,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
AquilA said 2624 days ago (March 19th, 2006)
Cheers Mate
Your considerable skills are in plain sight. Easy to imagine you sitting by
the shore in that morning light contemplating our little puzzles of time,
people and place. Particularly like the chord progressions in the
instrumental portions, and must agree with the Beatle comparisons, which
is a compliment. Nicely done. One question: does the Lyell phrase refer
to a geologic time line, or the train line in Tasmania, or something else
entirely? Just curious.
Check out my latest song called Bounce Buffet w/ Hectorious
jiguma said 2623 days ago (March 19th, 2006)
Cheers Mate
Thanks AquilA for your positive comments - the Lyell Line is the geological
one (I know it's technically not "his", but he probably considered it once or
twice :)
Must check out the Tassie version.
Cheers, Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
TobinMueller said 2622 days ago (March 20th, 2006)
Joyous
A song full of joy, which you express so well and have yet again. I
cannot help but think What If many times a day, and to acknowledge
the people that bring nourishment and joy. Thank you for expressing
this in song. From the very start your guitar continuum had me
hooked. I really dig the bass work, which adds a danciness that makes
impossible not to move the the music. The organ washes are
expressive and subliminal. The light almost jazz touch on the drums is
just right, altho there are a tad too many cymbal crashes (in my ears).
The middle instrumental break could use a more coherent melodic
drive in my ears, too. But your vocals have a sweet cute cuddly
careless quality on this one that is irresistible. And I am curious about
the final chord choice (it definitely added the the question mark aspect
of the song); but I like that it ended with a flare. I dig the whole reverb
panning placement you've created, so warm and joyous. Wonderfully
happy track.
Check out my latest song called Frozen Man (by James Taylor)
jiguma said 2621 days ago (March 21st, 2006)
Joyous
Thanks for the positive comments Tobin. The end note just happened. I'm
not sure how - it was just a bit of a jam at the ending, expecting to fade it
out later, but it sounded good so I left it. It's one of those things that would
be very hard to replicate.
I'm a bit of a cymbal crash fan I must admit - the new one I'm working on
started out with way too many, but after some helpful advice from Dion I've
reduced them significantly.
You've been listening to my songs for long enough now to know that my
vocals are loose, and "carefree" is a very nice way of saying that - thanks
again for dropping by and putting pen to paper (er .... finger to keyboard).
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
thoddi said 2622 days ago (March 20th, 2006)
Good question...
and a good song. I especially like the chorus/bridge you start with "But I%u2019ve got you..". Nice touch:)

Your lyrics seems to me often to be about the near things like family and friends. I too think that's an important thing to keep in mind as the most precious things we can be blessed with.

Great with those live drums, and your guitars and bass are nice played as always. Another gem from you Neil:)


Check out my latest song called And here comes Christmas Eve
thoddi said 2622 days ago (March 20th, 2006)
Good question...
hmmm, that quote character didn't come out so good...

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Imagination is more important then knowledge!
- Albert Einstein.
Check out my latest song called And here comes Christmas Eve
jiguma said 2621 days ago (March 21st, 2006)
Good question...
Thanks Thor. I'm a very strong believer in putting my family (small though
we are) ahead of everything else. I was less than a perfect son to my mother,
and the best I can do now is do the best for the ones I love. It sort of crept
up on me as I got older how important family is - my regret is that I didn't
work it out earlier.
Peace,
Neil

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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
Myshkin said 2622 days ago (March 21st, 2006)
I love it!
This is great Neil. Live drums certainly do make a difference. If I could make one tiny, itsy-bitsy suggestion? It'd be great to have you singing maybe an octave above the melody on the "What if" part. Really belting it out, but maybe pulled back in the mix. I don't know - whaddya think?
But yes, the lyrics, the sentiment, the melody and all the rest all work together for a great song. Well done.
Check out my latest song called Plumb Locomotion
jiguma said 2621 days ago (March 21st, 2006)
I love it!
Hi Ross, so my gratuitous grovelling on your avatar forum thread worked to
get you here :)
There is a track similar to what you describe in the last "What If ....." section,
but it's mixed way back - frankly because I don't do "belting out" very well.
I'd love to be able to sing louder and have a different vocal sound, but I think
I'm going to need lessons to do it. If you listen really hard on good 'phones
you should be able to hear me in there almost hitting those high notes.
Good to hear from you again, thanks for the visit.
Cheers,
Neil

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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
BareKoala said 2621 days ago (March 22nd, 2006)
purdy morning music..
thank you - gentle on my mind xoxo
Check out my latest song called Let my People Go (Go Down Moses)
jiguma said 2621 days ago (March 22nd, 2006)
purdy morning music..
Thanks Caro - hope alf is OK up there in the Deep North!

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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
jiguma said 2621 days ago (March 22nd, 2006)
purdy morning music..
Thanks Caro - hope alf is OK up there in the Deep North!

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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
jie said 2621 days ago (March 22nd, 2006)
Hi from Scotland
Enjoyed the song nice structure.Reminded me of my youth some how got a 60s feel to it. maybe thats just me. keep up the good work, Cheery
Check out my latest song called I Dont Know 2
jiguma said 2620 days ago (March 22nd, 2006)
Hi from Scotland
Thanks John, and welcome to MacJams! Most of my music has a retro kind of
sound - I'm a retro kind of guy :)
My grandma was a Scot.
Cheers,
Neil

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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/9855"> Avec Vous </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/19004"> What If?</a>
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
Corporal Beef said 2619 days ago (March 23rd, 2006)
Liked it
Really nice song here, and you're right, live drums always sound better (I am biased, however). I love the chord changes and the organ in the background.
Thanks for posting.
Check out my latest song called 12.31.12
paul f. page said 2117 days ago (August 7th, 2007)
Just great....
....What they said.
Paul
Check out my latest song called I Speak Of Love
Doadars Uncle said 2054 days ago (October 9th, 2007)
Hey Neil!
Thanks for pointing this one out! Deep truth here friend!

Simplicity seems to be the best answer.

Peace,
Doug
Check out my latest song called Alone (reboot)
lavalamp said 1715 days ago (September 12th, 2008)
Dig this
Love the McCartney bass on this. This is a smooth song. It would be neat if you could revisit this. Just for a tune up and re-post.

Great writing.

(I have a song with the same title)

Dave
Check out my latest song called A Funky Little Thing
jiguma said 1715 days ago (September 12th, 2008)
Dave
Thanks for revisiting this one - it seems like such a long time ago that I did it, but you are right about a revisit.

I'm looking at completely re-recording a few of my older songs for a CD, and this is certainly worth a look. The vocals always sounded a bit weak to me (I was just discovering I could sing), so an opportunity to re-sing it at least would be time well spent.

Love getting these little surprises via Doofy's code on my page.

Cheers from Oz,
Neil
Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break
thenpowell said 1177 days ago (March 4th, 2010)
what if
great arrangements perfect harmonies,a soft blue voice.is the band real,if so,can i have them.
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Name: Neil Porter
Location: Pambula Beach, Sapphire Coast NSW Australia
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My old bio page looked pretty out of date, so it’s time for a new one: For the full story, see my interview in the MacJammer Blog "The Jiguma Is Up" by Tobin Mueller. I started to learn guitar when I was about 10 – but didn’t last lon... [see more]

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