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Description:
A Rebsie solo job while Revolving Doris is on holiday.
I have a special empathy with Scottish trad music and this is a very ambient and meditative take on an old favourite.
Originating from the Isle of Skye (off the west coast of Scotland) the song is a lament for Donald Bàn MacCrimmon, one of the Dunvegan pipers, who was killed at the Rout of Moy in 1746. It was originally a pipe tune and the words were allegedly written by MacCrimmon's sister. I dunno if that's true though ... they look to me just a little too romanticised to be authentic for the time period ... the sentimentality is laid on with a trowel. I suspect the Victorians may be responsible.
The lyrics make mention of a crying banshee ... any excuse for a bit of wailing!
I took the photo at Callanish, Isle of Lewis, in the summer of 1991 ... in the days when I was experimenting with grainy high-speed film. :)
Lyrics:
Lyrics and melody are both traditional.
MacCrimmon's Lament
(Cumha Mhic Criomain)
Dh'iath ceò nan stùc mu aodann Chùilinn
Is sheinn a' bhean-shìth a torman mulaid
Gorm shùilean ciùin 's an dùn a' sileadh
O'n thriall thu bhuainn 's nach till thu tuilleadh
Cha till, cha till, cha till MacCriomain
An cogadh no sìth cha till e tuilleadh
Le airgiod no nì cha till MacCriomain
Cha till e gu bràth gu latha na cruinne
Tha osag nam beann gu fann ag imeachd
Gach sruthan 's gach allt gu mall le bruthach
Tha ealtainn nan speur feadh gheugan dubhach
A' caoidh gun dh'fhalbh 's nach till thu tuilleadh
**translation added by request!**
The mist of the peaks swirls around the face of the Cuillins
And the banshee sounds her cry of sorrow
Gentle blue eyes are weeping within the castle
Since you went away never to return
MacCrimmon will not come back, not come back, not come back
In war nor peace, he will not return
Not for money nor for anything will MacCrimmon return
He won't ever come back, until the day of judgement
The breeze of the mountain fades away
Every stream and every brook runs calmly downwards
The birds of the sky are full of melancholy
Lamenting your going away never to return
(Cuillins = a range of beautiful craggy mountains on the Isle of Skye)
Hardware:
Mac G5, Tascam US-122, Rode NT1-A mic
MIDI keyboard, electro-mandolin, bodhrán, windchime
Software:
GB 1 (I ain't proud.)
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Enchanting &mdash 07/14/06 - 01:00:15 PM
Wow, this is such an enchanting and beautiful song. Mediative through a very scarse use of instruments, and then that voice... so pure and simple. Oh yeah, it didn't take much to totally blow me away. Listening for the third time while I'm writing this... So good, Rebsie.
Walter [ Reply to This ]
Enchanting &mdash 07/14/06 - 03:18:07 PM
Thank you Walter ... I really appreciate that!
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 07/14/06 - 02:22:23 PM
Is this Scottish? It sounds even more strange to me than Welsh:)
This music is wonderful Rebsie. Beautiful moods and harmonies.
I like how your voice is up front in the mix like a storyteller when you sing the lyrics. It would be nice to read an English translation of it.
To bad you didn't get to the fjords of Norway this summer. This tune could be played while we sailed under the steep mountains... Like magic it would be. [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 07/14/06 - 03:36:40 PM
Aww, that's OK Thoddi ... we'll come over in 2007 and I'll sing it for you then
(if you remind me!)
I've now posted a rough translation (above). It is indeed a song of the
mountains, as you can see! I'm very glad you like it.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 07/14/06 - 06:14:51 PM
Damn - in my own translation from the Gaelic I thought it was a complaint about
the out of town Tescos causing the local shop to close.
KK [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 07/15/06 - 05:51:15 AM
Hahahahahahahahaha
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
I just imagin &mdash 04/17/07 - 10:14:28 PM
You Continue to Out do Yourself &mdash 07/14/06 - 02:45:47 PM
Found this (in my e-mail alert) and as always look forward to You and William's work/creations(though in this case a Resbie solo work.) Lovely voice, excellent production and very enthralling and enchanting.
Top notch piece here.!
dwwave
[ Reply to This ]
You Continue to Out do Yourself &mdash 07/14/06 - 04:11:50 PM
Thanks David. Your comments are always appreciated.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Rebsie and the banshees! &mdash 07/14/06 - 03:02:24 PM
Lovely track Rebsie...it feels ancient and modern at the same time. A great
performance vocally and instrumentally. The muse is with you!
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Rebsie and the banshees! &mdash 07/14/06 - 04:07:18 PM
Rebsie and the banshees! Ha! Even when I do traditional music I can't deny
the influence of post-punk-goth-thingy.
Yeah, I gave the muse a good talking to.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Lovely Rebsie! &mdash 07/14/06 - 04:07:29 PM
Strangely, this reminds me of David Crosby's "If Only I Could
Remember My Name" album as much as anything. Beautiful sounds,
and beautiful language. Your touch on the instruments is subtle and
perfect.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Lovely Rebsie! &mdash 07/15/06 - 06:31:28 AM
Thanks Neil ... I don't know David Crosby at all but I'll take your word for it!
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Lovely Rebsie! &mdash 07/15/06 - 09:37:21 PM
As in "Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young" - you probably need to be of a certain
age to remember - or not remember, as the case may be!
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/21517"> Gulaga Dreaming </a> & <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/22219"> Angel Eyes</a> [ Reply to This ]
Lovely Rebsie! &mdash 07/18/06 - 07:10:44 AM
David C. has a beautiful, soaring voice. A wonderful, wonderful tone. I hear the
similarity [ Reply to This ]
Lovely Rebsie! &mdash 07/19/06 - 05:58:14 PM
OK, thanks ... I'll have to ransack husband's CD collection and see what I can
find.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Stunning &mdash 07/14/06 - 04:29:20 PM
%u2026 and that's just my wife. The music ain't bad either. ;-)
But I'm kidding, of course. Sounds like you've well and truly got your muse back. So glad to hear it, but I never doubted it. It was within you all along%u2026 no need for the Wizard of Oz; just like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, you had it in you all along. Next on the list, where's your moose?
Eppmeister [ Reply to This ]
Stunning &mdash 07/14/06 - 04:31:06 PM
Okay, let's try this again:
Stunning
...and that's just my wife. The music ain't bad either. ;-)
But I'm kidding, of course. Sounds like you've well and truly got your muse back. So glad to hear it, but I never doubted it. It was within you all along... no need for the Wizard of Oz; just like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, you had it in you all along. Next on the list, where's your moose?
Eppmeister
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"You never say please. You never say thank you."
"Please don't be an idiot. Thank you."
-- Bayliss and Pembleton [ Reply to This ]
Stunning &mdash 07/15/06 - 06:35:18 AM
Er ... my moose got into next door's garden and ate all their runner beans. I'm
in trouble now.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
stirring &mdash 07/14/06 - 05:01:40 PM
Rebs, your voice really shines on these traditional pieces. I love the
harmonies that seem so unusual at times but very pleasing and
mesmerizing just the same. There are very nice subtle touches in the
arrangement that give it such enchanting depth. The only thing I'd
change is to bring down the volume of the main vocal; it seems a bit too
loud in contrast to the rest of the mix and it was a little jarring when it
came in at first. But other than that one volume issue I think it's just right
and absolutely beautiful. [ Reply to This ]
stirring &mdash 07/15/06 - 06:45:16 AM
Aww, cheers Peter. You're probably right about the volume on the vocal. As a
long-time listener to my stuff you'll know that mixing is not my strongest
point. :) I was trying to make the voice the central focus (within reason) ... I
recorded the vocal first and fitted everything else around it, which is an
unusual way of going about it. Thanks for the feedback.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Like I said earlier... this is fantastic! &mdash 07/14/06 - 06:48:27 PM
You've done an amazing thing here - I know you had doubts about it
and felt things weren't going well but your effort has paid off very
generously indeed.
To my mind this track is a kind of paean to the virtues of subtlety and
restraint - someone else (me for example!) might have given the
mandolin and bodhran much more prominence but you've used them
sparingly to infuse the song with delicate atmospheric colourings.
And you vocals are stunningly beautiful - the harmonies are wonderful.
There's an amazing sense of space in your mix (you'll have to give me
a few tips) I like the closeness and breathiness of the main vocal with
the other vox set back and down in the mix - I think this is one of the
few examples of a vocal set so far forward that has actually worked for
me.
You've created a great and magical musical place here
KK
[ Reply to This ]
Like I said earlier... this is fantastic! &mdash 07/15/06 - 07:04:11 AM
Thank you ... I really appreciate the encouragement you've been giving me ...
with this song and generally. I was having a lot of doubts about posting this
but now I'm glad I did.
I'd like to be able to say I chose to keep the instrumentation subtle for artistic
reasons. But my mando and bodhran skills being what they are it was more a
case of "uh-oh ... better put that low in the mix and drown it in reverb".
Thanks again ... your friendship and support mean a lot.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
love it! &mdash 07/14/06 - 08:25:18 PM
You could post one of these a day and it wouldn't be enough! I absolutely
love this stuff. The vocal is nice and intimate, right up front and
absolutely perfect. And it's just different enough to make it distinctive, a
delicate balance with all the ambient abstractions that counterbalance the
humanity of the voice. [ Reply to This ]
love it! &mdash 07/15/06 - 07:13:18 AM
Thank you Jim, that's a lovely comment and much appreciated.
There will be more of these in due course ... I'm working on something with
Didge Ache which is likely to be a similarly sparse song but with a didgeridoo
drone. I'm really looking forward to that.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
oh for goodness sake!!! &mdash 07/15/06 - 05:57:10 AM
you make me sick!!! in a good way!! your voice is beautiful, the arrangement is lovely. pink and fluffy it ain't but it touches my soul rebsie - thank goodness for the return of the muse and for those who shoved her/him your way xoxo [ Reply to This ]
oh for goodness sake!!! &mdash 07/17/06 - 04:53:06 PM
You mean there's a good way to be sick?
Thanks Caroline!
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
transported &mdash 07/15/06 - 06:17:48 AM
thanx for that... I've always wanted to visit the land of my heratige..
that is about as close as I can get without boarding a plane... what a
well crafted and tenderly performed piece... DL'd and Fav'd... you
nailed this... A great way to start a weekend [ Reply to This ]
transported &mdash 07/17/06 - 09:14:10 AM
I think you'll have to board that plane anyway some day ... Scotland is one of
the most magical places. If you have ancestry from there then you have a
perfect excuse!
Thanks so much for your comment, I'm very pleased the song took you
somewhere.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
magical...... &mdash 07/15/06 - 09:30:29 AM
.................................................................................................................. [ Reply to This ]
I love celtic music... &mdash 07/15/06 - 11:28:02 AM
and I love this. Beautiful vocals and harmonies. Being of Scotch ancestry
myself (lots of Warks north of Hadrian's Wall!) this piece evoked a deep
nostalgic feeling. Love it.
Slainte! [ Reply to This ]
I love celtic music... &mdash 07/17/06 - 04:55:00 PM
Thank you!
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Words are just stupid... &mdash 07/15/06 - 12:15:57 PM
....in comparison to this ;)
What can I possibly say?
Gorgeous. Stirring. Sadness.
A brilliant, beautiful tapestry of expression from you, Rebsie. [ Reply to This ]
You are such a pro! Good all over ya Rebsie! &mdash 07/15/06 - 04:37:36 PM
You went completely all out from when I heard this.
You are always one to underestimate yourself... I dare say that you
should listen to this song some time in your background som emonths
down the road.. and furing a cup of tea, look out across your feelings
and emotions as if they were green hills nestled above the water. You
may never doubt yourself again...
Your talent is so very special and so very noteworthy.
I sit stunned by your magickal ways and means.
In awe..... [ Reply to This ]
Made me weep &mdash 07/15/06 - 07:55:23 PM
I love the Gaelic--you're voice is perfect for it. I visited the Isle of Skye with my husband the summer of 1990-a year before you took that picture. I was 6 months pregnant with my daughter and my husband died in 1993. I would love to scan my photos of the trip to Scotland and put them on dvd with your song in the background. What would I have to do to get your permission? [ Reply to This ]
Made me weep &mdash 07/16/06 - 05:50:43 AM
Assuming it's a DVD for personal use you can have the song with my
blessing. I'm glad it meant something to you.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Etherial &mdash 07/16/06 - 04:22:23 AM
Has anyone used that descriptor, yet? Yes, the instruments were waaay
back, but that's what made it haunting. Kind of like the grief that isolates
you from others even though they're in the same room with you. Anyway,
that's what I thought of when i heard this. Beautiful. [ Reply to This ]
Etherial &mdash 07/19/06 - 06:15:15 PM
The sense of isolation is very strong in this song, yes, and I hope the
arrangement helped to draw it out. Thanks for commenting!
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
vocals &mdash 07/16/06 - 09:36:16 AM
your vocals sound perfect..nice control in the voice
its just one of those songs that you can't turn off for some reason [ Reply to This ]
vocals &mdash 07/19/06 - 05:54:57 PM
Thank you.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
perfect touches &mdash 07/16/06 - 12:07:55 PM
nice instrumentation, especially the deep drone, midrange mandolin, and
sparkly chimes... and of course, your soft-but-earthy-toned voice,
enunciating this ancient and delicate language with aplomb. The key-
shift was a bit of a surprise, but seemed to fit after it went by. The
ending didn't quite sound right, it almost sounded like it was about to
start another verse, with the bodhran starting again... and suddenly
faded.... possibly lengthen the fade, or just hold the final chord without
drums? Definitely a fave for me, thanks!
ttfn,
Drakonis
[ Reply to This ]
perfect touches &mdash 07/17/06 - 08:39:47 AM
Thanks Drak, glad you like it! Sorry if the ending doesn't quite work for you,
but I kinda like it like that. And yes, the key changes are weird ... there's a
shift of a whole tone between the verse and the chorus and back again. But
you know me, I don't really organise or fine-tune my music, I just let it all
splurge out. :)
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
haunting! &mdash 07/17/06 - 03:49:52 AM
The first interpretation of this tune I heard was by "Rawlins Cross" from Newfoundland, Canada. It's one of my favorite tunes. I was thrilled to hear your vision of it. Beautiful! [ Reply to This ]
haunting! &mdash 07/19/06 - 06:06:00 PM
I don't know their version ... I'll look out for it.
I'm glad you enjoyed mine, anyway.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Haunting ... &mdash 07/17/06 - 04:22:44 AM
Haunting ... &mdash 07/17/06 - 08:30:55 AM
You mean you didn't have one already?!
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Spirit &mdash 07/17/06 - 09:22:09 PM
Wonderful as usual Rebsie! You carry on the folk tradition with a proud
touch of class that shines like the sun on a mountain lake! [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Spirit &mdash 07/19/06 - 05:50:32 PM
Awww, thanks Bronco!
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Magical &mdash 07/18/06 - 07:14:24 AM
Very soothing.....character that moves this listener.
GB 1...retro recording ;-) [ Reply to This ]
Magical &mdash 07/18/06 - 09:10:39 AM
Yeah ... I need to use GB 1 to get that really authentic sound of yesteryear... :)
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Purity &mdash 07/18/06 - 10:48:00 AM
I've been waiting to comment on this until I could get my brain back
and say something intelligent, but it doesn't seem to have recovered
from the impact of your performance here, Rebsie. This is truly an
incredible piece of work and, dare I say, your most stunning to date.
Also, your pitch was excellent and there was a real purity of tone that
added to the beauty of this piece. [ Reply to This ]
Purity &mdash 07/19/06 - 05:47:01 PM
Thank you! I always appreciate your comments and that's really nice.
I had to do a preposterous number of takes before I found one that sounded
right of course. ;)
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 07/18/06 - 01:03:11 PM
All I gotta say is, "wow" - Rebs - this is such a beautiful arrangement, I love the chimes and low strings, the plaintive plucking of the mandolin sounds a bit like banjo, and this sounds sometimes like a bit of oldtime mountain music (they from the Appalachians do share quite a bit of history with the old Celts) - your voice is incredibly sweet and the whole piece is lovely and haunting. My only suggestion would be to bring some of the background instruments up just a hair, what you're doing with them is mesmerizing - and could stand to be a little more towards the fore. Excellent work, Rebs - it sort of makes me wish for RD holidays more often. : ) [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 07/19/06 - 05:30:23 PM
Ha! Well, I'm looking forward to William coming back but there will be more
bits and bobs like this because I'm having fun exploring these really old
songs.
I expect you're right about the background instruments being too soft ... I
confess I mixed it with headphones, which I know is a big no-no but life's too
short for plugging in speakers ... and I usually end up putting instruments
slightly too low in the mix.
Thanks for your nice words! I really appreciate them.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
bewitching! &mdash 07/19/06 - 03:01:30 PM
Rebsie, you are truly connected with the Powers that Be, the Seen and the Unseen....you have a direct line to the wonderful alternate worlds existing alongside ours, that most of us do not usually see.
This inspired performance brings these worlds into our consciousness. Thank you!
Your voice is lovely as always, and the simple accompaniment is perfect. The drone provides a very meditative state. This is probably the most meditative piece I've ever heard you do.
Your intakes of breath are very soothing, and have great expression. They add a lot to the piece.
I really don't have anything "technical" or too specific to say about this tune, because it has put me into almost a trance.
May the Blessings of all the Spirits continue to be with you! You've certainly got 'em in your corner with this wonderful tune. [ Reply to This ]
bewitching! &mdash 07/19/06 - 04:24:15 PM
That's such a lovely comment, Cameron, I'm really touched by that.
Yes it is the most meditative piece I've done, I think. I go into a different state
of consciousness while I'm singing songs like this and try to let the songs
express themselves and don't think about it too much. I feel the ancestors
breathing down my neck and I just let them get on with it. I'm amazed when
others are able to pick up on it though, because I'm never sure how much of
the stuff I have in my head I'm able to bring through into the song.
You've put a big grin on my face with your comment. Thank you.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Incredible.... &mdash 07/19/06 - 11:06:41 PM
What a great, great piece of work. Beautiful beautiful singing. Great
arrangment. And I know it's a sad song but there is such warmth in the
voice. I of course I love the mando too.
You understand your own voice so well. It's also brilliantly produced.
Those glissandos between the verses are so ghostly.
I must go and bury my head in the sand more often if this is what turns
up. [ Reply to This ]
Incredible.... &mdash 07/20/06 - 11:20:25 AM
Talking of having a big grin on my face ...
Lovely words and much appreciated.
Nooooo ... no sandy head-burying needed for me to produce this sort of
stuff.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 07/20/06 - 01:59:13 AM
Another one of your most beautiful productions! I want to cite Cameron
here, who put it perfectly: "...you are truly connected with the Powers that
Be, the Seen and the Unseen....you have a direct line to the wonderful
alternate worlds existing alongside ours..."
/Johannes "Curry" Cori Ander
[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 07/21/06 - 08:34:08 AM
Thank you Johannes! I'm really delighted to see you back at MacJams ...
you've been much missed.
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<a href="http://thelostrecords.com/revolving-doris-artist.html">Revolving Doris: Imber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Excellent !! &mdash 08/31/06 - 03:22:56 AM
Rebsie this is absolutly the best song I heard latley
the wonderfull set and vocals ....back grounds all
so wonderfull ...so gracefull ...well done !! [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/08/06 - 02:46:48 PM
Well, what can I say? Comments don't come much more flattering than that! Many thanks indeed. [ Reply to This ]
Loved It! &mdash 12/08/06 - 10:02:58 AM
Totally loved the feel and vibe of this piece - seemed to invoke the beauty and frailty of this era - thank you for this insight and beauty! [ Reply to This ]
&mdash 12/08/06 - 02:50:40 PM
And thank you for such a lovely comment. I'm glad you found your way to the heart of the song. [ Reply to This ]
Simply beautiful.. &mdash 12/11/06 - 11:45:35 AM
Hi Rebsie, &mdash 12/22/06 - 02:15:24 PM
Sorry it took me so long to stumble across your songs. Very traditional and flowing, a celtic spirit embraces your beautiful melodies and harmonies, glad I listened,-MJG [ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 06/15/07 - 08:44:15 AM
as i toil away at the day gig and listen to mj radio there are certain songs that just seem to draw me in and this one left me numb with pleasure. beautiful and haunting, the first thing i'd love to know is how you created the backing sound bed. that was very cool. excellent use of simplicity and unfetered focus. it left your fine voice front and center for the listener to enjoy. which i did very much! [ Reply to This ]
So well put together! &mdash 09/25/07 - 06:07:30 PM
The mists carry the haunting sound of your voice over a desolate landscape. Gorgeous!
Thanks,
Doug [ Reply to This ]
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Walter
[ Reply to This ]