MacJams.com - Song: McGillicuddy's Rant (guitar solo) by composerclark

Scorpjammer said 1207 days ago (August 6th, 2006)

A First for Me
...Downloading before giving a listen, that is.

I knew it would be amazing. Masterful comp and gorgeous guitar playing. I love the warm sound of that classical guitar.

20 years. Fine artists take as long to finish paintings. I never thought of it in musical terms. Thanks for enlightening me.

This one's a real treasure.

MacJams is so fortunate to have you as a member.

Thank you so much for sharing, Ross.

Check out my latest song called Seaside Samba

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

A First for Me
Thanks so much for the comment, Erwin. You're no slouch in the talent
department yourself, and we're lucky to have you here as well.

This was basically a 'pet' project, something I'd tinker with sometimes when I
needed a break on whatever else I was working on at the time. sometimes years
would go by without anything new on this, and sometimes I wrote several
variations in a few weeks. Every time I came back to it, I'd have to refamiliarize
myself with the music, and get used to it all over again, which was kind of neat.

Thanks again!

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

GUION	GUION said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)
	Great job I see that also you are a virtuoso of the guitar. I like much the harmonies and the classic sequences of the interpretation. A complete work. Bravo. Check out my latest song called Baxar

composerclark	composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	Great job Gracias otra vez, Juan Carlos. La guitarrista en esta grabación es una amiga que se llama Sylvie Proulx. Puedo tocar la guitarra, y lo hé tocado por 35 años, pero no como ella! --- Visit my website for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Tadashi Togawa	Tadashi Togawa said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)
	beautiful Theme feels nostalgic. It was a melody of the book 70 the day before of year. It is very beautiful. This guitarist is very beautiful. The composition is also beautiful. Check out my latest song called Mexican taste

composerclark	composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	beautiful You are beautiful too, Mr. Togawa. Thanks very much! --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Mcboy	Mcboy said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)
	very gentle composition.....modern sensibilities in the chord preferences and tonality......i like it......thanks for sharing...... Check out my latest song called Heros( aclarke/mcboy)

composerclark	composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	very gentle Thanks mcb. Glad you were able to check it out! --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

lucas	lucas said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)
	Scherzo Bluesy I was anticipating the scherzo, and was pleasantly surprised by it and the following variation. Very colorful. Check out my latest song called f1:f2 String Quintet in Dorian D

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

Scherzo Bluesy
The scherzo is really a lopsided scherzo; most of it is in 7/8 time, not 3/4. I
called it 'scherzo' because it had a playful, dance-like quality, albeit kind of
demented. Dementia and I are old friends.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)

Theme and Variation from the heart
Some wonderful theme and variations are technically brilliant, cleverly
done, mind twists that invent and satisfy; or are witty or have a depth of
craft that go beyond entertainment of the skill. This may be all those,
but, for me, it was the delicate and open heart of the composer/player
that carried the music past my ears to places deep inside. Thank you for
posting this wonderful collection. It grew with each variation, never
diminishing, and was, in the end, a thrill of heart beyond mind.

Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

Theme and Variation from the heart
Jeepers! How do i reply to poetry like that, except to say thanks a lot, and I'm
very touched!

I'm an emotional guy, and an emotional composer. I value the intellect and
believe good music comes from some kind of a dialoge between heart and mind,
but for me at least, the heart is what starts it all.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

TobinMueller

TobinMueller said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)

Theme and Variation from the heart
Some wonderful theme and variations are technically brilliant, cleverly
done, mind twists that invent and satisfy; or are witty or have a depth of
craft that go beyond entertainment of the skill. This may be all those,
but, for me, it was the delicate and open heart of the composer/player
that carried the music past my ears to places deep inside. Thank you for
posting this wonderful collection. It grew with each variation, never
diminishing, and was, in the end, a thrill of heart beyond mind.

Check out my latest song called Forge A New Life (MJRF)

	said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)
	I enjoyed all the variations but especially ... aw, I tried to pick out one or two favorites and kept changing my mind. I think it's ultimately the mood I'm in. I haven't listened to music in about 10 hours ... so I'm in a parched mood ... Arabesque ... or Folk Dance or ... ah, forget it. :D Well done and, ultimately, quenching. Thank you!

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

I enjoyed all the variations
Thanks for the comment. I was trying to touch on something slightly different
with each variation, and I'm glad you enjoyed them! My own favorite is the hip-
hop one, probably because I am so fond of the classic song (and dance), 'bunny
hop.'

DJ Clark

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)

Owing much to the work...
...of reknowned Franco-Celtic composer Turloch Django O'Debussy...

You know, I like it when someone has musical depth and skill and wit
without turning their music into a long, scholarly "in-joke"...

This has a nice sense of heart and pace in the performance that draws
the listener in and produces a nice, meditative vibe. Doesn't sound
drily performed off the printed page...

Pretty neat piece...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

Owing much to the work...
Turloch Django O'Debussy happens to have been my great aunt's uncle, oft-
removed, so I am touched by the reference! But I am certain that my being
touched has not escaped your notice, given your profession...

This was a piece I never dared show any of my composition teachers when I was
a student, because I was afraid I'd be kicked out or otherwise excoriated for
hopeless romanticism.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

jiguma	jiguma said 1206 days ago (August 7th, 2006)
	Very impressive collection Nicely played virtuoso performance of this gentle, thoughtful and at times, humourous compilation of work - so many notes, so cleanly played. Boy I wish I'd stuck at guitar lessons when I was 8 years old : ) Very impressive collection, 20 years - worth every moment! Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

Very impressive collection
Thanks Neil! Very glad you enjoyed it. I wish I'd stuck with my guitar lessons
too, but the big money was in contemporary classical music composition (ha
ha), so I focused more on that. I still play occasionally, but not like this!

Cheers, Clark

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

cjhoose

cjhoose said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

The name intrigued me...
partially because I remember a children's book (?) with a character called
McGillicuddy... but can't remember what it was. :(

What a loverly discovery though. I'm going to have to listen to it several
time to get all the variations, but they all sound fascinating - and make
for an interesting story to listen to all together. The guitar sounds, for
lack of a better word, delicious.

Check out my latest song called Julia

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

The name intrigued me...
Hi Caroline, possibly the children's book was "The Money Tree" Sarah Stewart?
There's a 'Miss McGillicuddy' in that.

The process that led to naming this theme, described above, is the strangest
of any piece I have written, simply because the name has nothing to do with
anything, really, except that it is (I think) Scottish, and the pentatonic main
theme sounds like it could be Scottish. Or Irish... An Irish guitarist,
Michael O'Toole (you'd never guess he was Irish from the name, would you?)
played this a few times in Ireland, and I guess some of the comments he got
back were to the effect that it seemed to have a kind of resonance for Irish
audiences.

But mainly, I liked the name because of the way it sounds. Also, it turns out
that a 'rant' is a type of dance found in British music from the baroque (I
think), but when I looked it up I learned that this theme has absolutely no
connection to a rant, for which I apologize to rant purists everywhere!

Thanks so much for the comments, and if you listen to it again and find you
like any of the variations more than others, it would be great if you could let
me know. Cheers!

---
Visit my website for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

your a pro
do you teach as well you compose, because my son is looking for a
music school... Clark did you write this on guitar??? or do you write on
piano??? if so how does the one translate to the other ??? too many
questions...wow... Sylvie Proulx did you proud... you make me feel like
a beginner... it's hard to go write another 1-4-5 after listening to this

I just commented to Tobin that he shared the elder statesman position
on MJ with you... you are a gifted quality individual

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

your a pro
Well, I know I look disturbingly (to me, at least) old, but ‘elder
statesman?’ I think not! Besides, I haven’t even been around here that long
(7.5 months). I appreciate the comment, though.

Now Tobin, he’s another story. In fact, he’s in a different league…
he has twice as many participation points as the next closest
MacJammer, which is an amazing testament to his endurance, consistency,
and overall support of this website.

To answer your questions, I am an amazing teacher!!! My students
just don’t realize it… nah, just kidding. It’s hard for me to comment on the
quality of my teaching, obviously, but I will say I work hard at it.

I wrote this on guitar. There is no way I could ever write complicated guitar
music without playing through everything as I compose. Classical guitar
music by people who are not guitarists is, for the most part, a nightmare to
play, because the shapes don’t always fit well in the left hand. Everything
else I compose at the computer, with the partial exception of piano music,
which involves a lot of back and forth between computer and piano.

Yeah, Sylvie is an AMAZING guitarist; I was thrilled with her performance.

As for I, IV, V chords, nothing wrong with that! No one writes more powerful
music at MacJams than you.

---
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Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Parichayaka	Parichayaka said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	Always impressed... ...and always looking for appropriate words to do justice to your work. But after reading Tobin's comment, I'd like to just agree with everything he said and add that I find the last part to be the most satisfying to my ear, rounding up another wondrous musical work of yours, for mortals like us to admire and learn from... Check out my latest song called f12

composerclark	composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	Always impressed... Always nice to read your comments. For what it's worth, I think I like the later variations more too. Thanks so much for listening! --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Bowman

Bowman said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

Rewarding
Clark I have to say this took me a few listens to get in to. While on the
surface it was accomplished and beautifully performed I initially felt a
little distanced, a coolness which may simply have been the mood I was
in. But I listened again and once more and each time was rewarded with
new pleasures and respect for this piece. Maybe that's analogues to your
own journey in composing it.
Overall calm and sometimes wistfully sad it with every listen becomes
more rewarding. It%u2019s not a piece to rush through but rather take your
time with and savor. Thanks for posting such a lovely work.

Check out my latest song called The Orion Express - MJ Space Race 2009 by Bowman

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

Rewarding
Thanks Charles. I really value that comment, because it tells me that for
some people, at least, this piece might take a while to warm up to.

You said it might have had something to do with the mood were in, and I
have certainly found that my mood affects how I respond to music. There
have been pieces at MacJams that, for whatever reason, I didn't respond well
to initially, but then I'd come back for another listen later and be moved.

Anyway, thanks again, and I'm glad you stuck with it. Hearing Sylvie play
these live was very moving; there were so many variations that were
extremely challenging, and she just kept plowing through them all with very
few and minor flaws. By the time she played the chorale, towards the end, it
seemed like everyone was enraptured by her performance, and she got a
huge ovation at the very end. It always makes a big difference to hear
anything live.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

	said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	Rant all you want... ...I'll keep listening. A lovely piece of guitar comp nicely recorded. You outdo yourself here! Be well! The Lowlands Of Holland: http://www.macjams.com/song/23403

composerclark	composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	Rant all you want... Thanks Micheal. Glad you were able to have a listen; I'm looking forward to checking out your new tune too. --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

TomFairnie	TomFairnie said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)
	A special work I don't usually enjoy instrumental pieces because lyrics are very important to be as a poet, but this is a very special piece of work and I really enjoy the progression through the different moods. It's masterful! Check out my latest song called I Ain't Going Dancing No More

composerclark

composerclark said 1205 days ago (August 8th, 2006)

A special work
Thanks very much, Tom. I've just discovered your music today, and I have
really been enjoying it. I am honoured that you enjoyed this despite your
usual preference for music with lyrics.

My feeling is that music and words exist in different planes; they touch me in
slightly different ways. And I think poetry exists in both.

Now, if I might press my luck a bit, given your preference for lyrics and the
lack thereof in all of my submissions thus far (!), I'd be very curious to know
what you might think of some of my other pieces, like '3 pieces for orchestra,
#2 (Interlude),' or 'Last Dance,' because in my mind at least I hear poetry in
both.

Welcome to MacJams, by the way, and thanks again for the comment!

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

chikoppi

chikoppi said 1204 days ago (August 9th, 2006)

...and then there was that girl you danced with
Oh! So that's why I should learn more than power chords for the guitar!
This has to be the most concise, clear, and enjoyable music lesson I've
ever had. Well, several years of high school band don't offer much
competition, but you get my point.

This is truly engaging. One voice throughout many moods, like
memories of the times spent with a lifelong friend.

I would love to learn to work with theme and accompaniment. Is there
any text you would suggest for someone who doesn't have the time for
music courses and only a rudimentary grasp of theory? I've read Fux's
"Study of Counterpoint," but that is terribly dry and detached.

Check out my latest song called Loop It or Lose It 9

composerclark

composerclark said 1204 days ago (August 9th, 2006)

...and then there was that girl you danced with
Hi, your words warm me up on a chilly day here in the North Atlantic!

I have noticed (and been impressed by) your interest in music theory
expressed in some forum threads. I'll make a couple of suggestions here, but
if you want to discuss this more, I'd be happy to correspond with you via E-
mail. Just drop me a note using the new "Notes" feature at MacJams with your
E-mail address, and I'll write you.

When you wrote 'theme and accompaniment,' did you mean to write 'theme
and variations?' If so, you could consider a book like Spencer and Temko,
Form in Music (Waveland Press, $40), which is a relatively thorough but
short-ish book on form. There's a chapter on theme and variations there,
and you could look at the other chapters too, as they are all very useful. It
helps if you have some keyboard skills so that you can play some of the
examples.

You don't have the time to do courses, which is unfortunate but completely
understandible. It is unfortunate because it is very, very difficult to learn all
this theory stuff without a teacher, but of course not impossible with the right
amount of motivation.

Basically, the three areas of music theory that are all highly useful for any
composer are harmony, form/analysis, and counterpoint.

The Fux counterpoint book is somewhat useful, but its primary value is that it
is an important historical document. I'd definitely avoid that as a starting
point. Unfortunately, I don't have a favorite counterpoint book that I think
would be good for beginners. A classic, excellent book is Kent Kennan's
"Counterpoint," but it's expensive, and pretty hard-core. It's well written,
though; but I think it might be tough to start with. Another way of
approaching this would be to go to Amazon and do a search for counterpoint
books, and see what info you can glean from the results. Sometimes you can
peek inside the book, and maybe get a sense of how well you'd be able to
relate to it.

Anyway, I'm happy to discuss this further, so feel free to write me a note if
you like.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

apb	apb said 1204 days ago (August 9th, 2006)
	Scottish? .. well ye cannae beat that can ye: perhaps a wee smidgin' .. :o) 8 1 2 11 .. and that was my top 4 sections and not my voting, silly .. Check out my latest song called Misplaced

composerclark

composerclark said 1203 days ago (August 10th, 2006)

Scottish?
Ceud mìle fàilte, laddie! Na, na, ye canna beat that,
although a bowl o’ haggis, the company o’ Jock Tamson's bairns, ‘n the braw
sound o’ the pipes from across the bricht brae --- ay, brither, t’would be a fine
start!
(Translations of dubious accuracy available upon request)

---
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Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Feter	Feter said 1203 days ago (August 10th, 2006)
	Master Piece !! here s a Bow to the Master ... !! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

composerclark	composerclark said 1203 days ago (August 10th, 2006)
	Master Piece !! Thank you! --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Feter	Feter said 1203 days ago (August 10th, 2006)
	Master Piece !! here s a Bow to the Master ... !! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

composerclark	composerclark said 1203 days ago (August 10th, 2006)
	Master Piece !! Oh now, this is getting embarrassing! 1 bow is plenty, unless followed by a wow. :+} --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Feter	Feter said 1201 days ago (August 12th, 2006)
	Master Piece !! sorry sir but the attichate is to do three bows ...lol .. Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

ktb

ktb said 1203 days ago (August 10th, 2006)

thank you
on two counts. One for this masterful composition. The last several
sections Chorale, Prelude and Reprise were my favorite. It would seem
to me that a composition as long and as varied as this would be
technically demanding in the extreme. I have trouble remembering 4
chord songs :-). Yet you make it seem smooth and spontaneous.

as well thank you for responding so quickly to my recent questions
concerning time signatures and counts. I was stumped and I appreciate
you giving me a breakdown that provided so much clarity.

Check out my latest song called Texas stump

composerclark

composerclark said 1203 days ago (August 10th, 2006)

thank you
I was happy to help. Regarding McG's Rant, the night this was played a number
of people came up to me and said they liked the chorale and the prelude the
best, or it moved them the most, so I kind of thought MacJammers might have a
similar reaction, but you're the first one (I think) to comment specifically on
those two, which is interesting. Or not; I find it so anyway. Thanks for leaving a
comment; much appreciated!

Cheers, Karma dude.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Drew Kopr	Drew Kopr said 1202 days ago (August 11th, 2006)
	Very pleasing Nice, nice, nice...i like the cohesiveness and the tones. Very pleasing to my ear! Check out my latest song called WinterSong

composerclark	composerclark said 1202 days ago (August 11th, 2006)
	Very pleasing Glad you liked it, Drew! I've been enjoying some of your amazing performances, and just left a couple of comments for ya. --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

ziti	ziti said 1202 days ago (August 11th, 2006)
	i am mightily impressed. The playing is stellar and composition is world class. A pristene fully fidelic recording of this is called for....not that this recording is icky...but you know what i mean..a million mikes placed every 1/8th inch.... This is a jewel. Thank you for allowing me to have it! deepest bows z Check out my latest song called All Smokey

composerclark

composerclark said 1202 days ago (August 11th, 2006)

i am
Thanks Z. Coming from one of this site's best guitarists, that means a lot.
Unless you play guitar, I don't think you can appreciate how difficult this is,
and it was all recorded live, one take, at a concert.

I would LOVE a studio recording of this! In addition to Sylvie, another artist
has told me he'll be playing this on tour this fall, but I don't know if he has
any plans to record it or not. John Williams, are u there???

John Williams is my hero. So is mcboy. But I think I may be digressing...

Thanks again Ziti. You're very generous!

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

ziti	ziti said 1202 days ago (August 11th, 2006)
	i am betting that mcboy could play this...he has a recording studio too!.... Check out my latest song called All Smokey

Cori Ander

Cori Ander said 1201 days ago (August 12th, 2006)

A true pleassure
Mmmmm ... this is true pleassure to digest!
This one opens doors and stands for many many listenings!

Lots of interesting things are happening in the music, both
intellectually and mood-wise, but it is in the moods I find the great
treassures of your composition (probably because that is where my
ears are pretuned).

We are not walking on traditional or for me well known grounds here,
yet I feel safe all the way. Lots of new and unknown thing are
happening, still I am not threatened, (and I don't like to be, so I am not
asking for it).

We are on a safe adventure. Even if many harmonies are of non-
expected succession, they success in hamonic ways. We are on quite
an altitude, yet our feet are allways on steady ground. We are often on
exciting bridges but they all lead us safely to new and friendly land. We
are discovering new landscapes and new aspects of life.

I feel sure that the moods of you creation conveys much of your
personanlity. In that case you are a person to whom I would not
hesitate to leave my kids over the weekend. I'd feel sure they'll have a
lot of new exciting fun without ever getting in danger.

This one stands for many many listenings!

Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

composerclark

composerclark said 1200 days ago (August 13th, 2006)

A true pleassure
Johannes, thanks for the very generous and detailed comment! Your big, open
heart comes through in both your playing and your comments.

And yes, by all means drop the kids off here for the weekend! I'm one kid short
now anyway, now that my daughter has left to go back to her mother's home
2,000 km away. (sniff, sniff!)

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Cori Ander	Cori Ander said 1192 days ago (August 21st, 2006)
	A true pleassure Haha, they'd love a trip over the Pond! --- <b><a href="http://thelostrecords.com/cori-ander-artist.html">This is a <font color="green">link to THE ONLY CD I ever made</font></font></b></a> Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

Komrade K

Komrade K said 1195 days ago (August 18th, 2006)

That's roughly 18 months a minute!
A beautiful, delicate, finely played piece that in a subtle way explores the
range of what a guitar is able to do. Lovely melodies and phrasing - I
know it's called a '...Rant' but there's something very romantic about this
(in more ways than one).

KK

PS - I hope the person who coughed near the end was suitably
punished! ;)

Check out my latest song called Ye Mariners All

composerclark

composerclark said 1195 days ago (August 18th, 2006)

That's roughly 18 months a minute!
Thanks very much for the comment, Komrade! As you probably can
understand, it's particularly nice to get feedback after the "one week in the
sun" period that all MacJams submissions get!

A 'rant' in music is very different than the meaning more commonly
associated with the word; acording to one online dictionary, it is "a country
dance of Scotland and Northern England related to the jig. The rant is in
duple meter and binary form. Surviving examples are dated from the 17th
and 18th centuries."

The fact remains, however, that this theme is not very much like a musical
rant either, because it is not very jig-like (although it is in duple meter and
vaguely Scottish in feel). But, I like the sound of the title so I'm sticking with
it!

The person who coughed was swiftly and quietly terminated with extreme
prejudice, but I had very little to do with that.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

scratch_harris

scratch_harris said 1188 days ago (August 25th, 2006)

Well.....
...I'm not sure what to add to all this CC. I could carpet bomb you with
superlatives but you appear to have been thoroughly pounded already so I
won't bother. Suffice it to say it was as pleasant a 15 mins as we have all
come to expect from you. I was particularly drawn to the chorale...there's
a song lurking in there. Peace, love and mischief.

Jon

Check out my latest song called Fire on the twenties

composerclark

composerclark said 1169 days ago (September 13th, 2006)

Well.....
Thanks for having a listen, Jon, and I'm very pleased that you liked it. The
chorale is one of my favorites too; for some reason it's been in my head a lot
recently, which probably means I need to drink more.

Oh, and just to be clear, I am okay with being carpet bombed with superlatives,
should you ever feel inclined that way again. :-)

Cheers!

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

haribo	haribo said 1188 days ago (August 25th, 2006)
	romantic i dont know whether i got exactly what's been intended however! overall i received sun-shiny warmness, optimistic and most importantly a romantic vibe all over me. to describe the impression i got - it's like having a cafe on a sunny peaceful day in somewhere like spain or mexico or portugual next to beach with someone very very important :D Check out my latest song called Fragment

composerclark	composerclark said 1168 days ago (September 14th, 2006)
	romantic Thank you, Hún K�m. I'm very glad you liked it. I don't generally have a particular mood or image in mind when I compose stuff like this, so the images you describe are just fine, and I thank you for sharing them with me. Cheers! --- Visit my website for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Morris R

Morris R said 1186 days ago (August 27th, 2006)

# 9 10
I know nothing about the classical guitar except that I like it, maybe more than any other type of music. I'm continually amazed at what the great masters like Andres Segovia and John Williams can do with a simple wooden box with six strings on it.

Anyway, I hear this, and as far as I'm concerned, it's as nice as anything I ever heard the masters play. I don't know why something like this isn't played by all the top interneational guitar players--its got so much going for it.

My favorite ones were the two before the last one, which I guess re 9 10. The chorale is still in my head, and even brought a tear to my eye. It made me think of my wife, who would have just loved listening to something like this.

composerclark	composerclark said 1168 days ago (September 14th, 2006)
	#9 10 Thanks for the enthusiastic and reflective comment, Morris. It means a lot to me. All the best, Clark. --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Enrique Gil	Enrique Gil said 1130 days ago (October 22nd, 2006)
	serene music to enjoy nice variations with a sweet relaxing melody. Music with an easy to follow tune holds a special atraction to me and this one certainly fits the bill. Is that you playing guitar? Thank you Check out my latest song called Simple Feelings

composerclark	composerclark said 1127 days ago (October 25th, 2006)
	Reply Thanks, Enrique. It's always nice to have your feedback. This was a live performance by Canadian guitarist (and colleague) Sylvie Proulx in late 2005. Cheers! --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

composerclark	composerclark said 1127 days ago (October 25th, 2006)
	Reply Thanks, Enrique. It's always nice to have your feedback. This was a live performance by Canadian guitarist (and colleague) Sylvie Proulx in late 2005. Cheers! --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Pete_NB

Pete_NB said 1117 days ago (November 4th, 2006)

Wonderful Grand!
I've finally gotten a chance to listen to this in it's entirety and am extremely impressed. Your composition blends complexities I have no background to comprehend with simple moving passages and melodies that are a delight.

A true talent!

It got stronger as it progressed through the variations, with the melody becoming more prevalent. I enjoyed it very much, thanks for sharing.

Check out my latest song called First of Fall - Slide

composerclark	composerclark said 1116 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	thanks Thanks Pete. I'm glad you had the patience to sit throught the whole thing! BTW, are you related to Bill Brennan (pianist/percussionist) or any of the other musical Brennan's here in NL? --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

Pete_NB	Pete_NB said 1116 days ago (November 5th, 2006)
	Nfld Brennan's No relation to Bill, but you might have noticed a few of my Brennan uncle's barbershops in the downtown area of St. John's. No musicians of any great repute but many of us dabble in music for fun. And listening to your song required no patience. Time flies when your having fun. Check out my latest song called First of Fall - Slide

thetiler	thetiler said 1091 days ago (November 30th, 2006)
	really enjoyed glad I stopped by. Lot of variations to sink ones teeth into musically. Very nice tone on the classical guitar! Thanks for sharing Check out my latest song called The Bluebird Cafe (with two other guest)

composerclark	composerclark said 1090 days ago (December 1st, 2006)
	Thanks, Bill You're one of the finest guitarists here, so I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Much appreciated, thanks. --- Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores. Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

RickB1

RickB1 said 1080 days ago (December 11th, 2006)

Emily Dickinson
One of my favorite poets. Many find Dickinson to be darkly wistful; on the contrary, there is such levity in much of her work but it sometimes requires several readings to learn how to peel back the darkened crepe behind which she veils her humor and playfulness. This composition is poetry on six strings, rich, and layered. It can be thought to be quizzical, concerned, even anxious. But as I continue to listen, it becomes buoyant and the notes seem to frolic and poke fun at the more serious phrases found in the piece. Sir, you are magnificent, and this is a very rich piece.

Check out my latest song called Defining Moment

composerclark

composerclark said 1080 days ago (December 11th, 2006)

Thanks
Wow! YOU are magnificent! And very kind. All of my pieces are like babies to me -- probably a lot of people feel that way (about their own pieces, not mine!) -- but this one is like a baby whose delivery took an extraordinarily long time (23 years, or something like that!). As such, it has a special place in my heart, and when I finally heard it played straight through for the first time (which is captured in this recording), I got all emotional, especially towards the end, when the chorale comes in. I think part of the reason for my reaction was just reflecting over all the ups and downs of the past 23 years (particularly the downs, strangely enough), because each variation would trigger a memory of the time in my life when it was written. Anyway, I always go on far too long in my replies, but the main thing I wanted to say was thanks for taking the time to listen, and leave such a kind comment.

---
Visit <a style="color:blue;font-size:11px;" href="http://www.clarkross.ca">my website</a> for lots more free MP3s and scores.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

	said 593 days ago (April 11th, 2008)
	Blown Away! I'm blown away.... A great collection of sounds and genres played by a real master. I searched for the name "Sylvie Proulx" and I was surprised that she's a girl!! KUDOS for her playing and the composition. You're indeed a gem here Mr. Clark! Thanks for sharing... Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

composerclark

composerclark said 588 days ago (April 16th, 2008)

Thanks
Thanks once again, Yeman A. Al-Rawi! I really owe you, my friend, and I'll be leaving some comments for your music in the near future. Sylvie is indeed a woman, and a superb guitarist. I feel very lucky to have her as a colleague at the university where we both teach. For some reason, the guitar scene is populated mostly by males, but there are many amazing guitarists out there that happen to be women, and of course Sylvie is one! Cheers.

Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

gregd

gregd said 583 days ago (April 21st, 2008)

Like everyone else said . . .
this is truly an amazing piece of music, and the history makes me smile to top it all off. The fact that this is all one take makes the performance something special regardless of the music, but considering the emotions and expression in each movement makes it that much more special. Thanks for posting such a neat piece of music and performance.
-greg

Check out my latest song called 08nov08

composerclark	composerclark said 583 days ago (April 21st, 2008)
	Thanks Wow! No comments in something like a year and a half, then two comments in the same week... I'm dancing a jig here! Okay, typing was difficult so I am no longer dancing, not that can actually dance in the first place, but the point is, what a thrill, and thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

VicDiesel

VicDiesel said 572 days ago (May 2nd, 2008)

McGillicuddy, the minstrel boy
I just read Tobin's blog post about you, so I'm listening (relistening) to some of your works. I don't believe I'd heard this one before. Quite charming and I can tell why it would be popular with performers. There are (probably; I don't play guitar) some technical challenges, but ultimately they are all rewarding: they serve to thicken the texture or intensify the mood et cetera.

I didn't listen while keeping track of which part is which, but the sectioning is clear. There are some toccata parts, and others are more vocal in character with a clear melody. Quite appealing.

Now about that melody. Initially I though you were sneaking in quotes from "the minstrel boy", but it's probably only those 3 characteristic notes. The reminiscences to that tune do contribute to the Scottish feel of the piece.

Cool stuff.

Check out my latest song called Desert Stars

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Cheeto	12
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doc_elvis	9
drakonis	62
hackneybloke	0
kristyjo	48
Lennon714	23
spitlogic	44
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TobinMueller	70
VicDiesel	45