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Keywords:
Bing Futch (48), New Year's (3), holiday (70), dulcimer (33), dreadmon (48), drums (186), tribal (28), Scottish (15), Irish (39), traditional (65), dogs (13), bark (3)
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Description:
Last year at this time, I recorded a version of "Auld Lang Syne" (Auld Lang Syne 2006) with hammer dulcimer. This year, I decided that it would become a tradition to do a new version every December to see which direction each one took. This time around, I went with mountain dulcimer and vocals. Using the Fantom as a controller, I created a tribal rhythm as the pulse and laid down a simple sub-bass track with a neat soundfont to really ground it. Also, though it has become primarily associated with New Year's Eve, I put this in the "Folk (Traditional)" category because, according to my research, it's used by many different countries for many different occasions. I was going to embellish the arrangement with some other elements, but something came up. Champ, our 16 1/2 year-old black labrador/border collie mix, took a turn for the worst (he was diagnosed with renal failure some time ago and suffered a sort of stroke as well, from which he bounced back) and the decision to let him go was made. In researching the lyrics, it struck me that the verses containing lines such as "we two have run about the hills", "we two have paddled in the stream", "we've wandered many a weary foot", etc., very much related to the kind of adventures that we've shared with this old dog. My wife Jae has been his companion since he was a tiny puppy and I only have known him for the past five years, but what amazing times we've spent together; he is truly a dear friend and I knew we were living on borrowed time, so this sudden signpost hit me like a ton of bricks. Tomorrow morning (12/30), we visit the vet to free him from the pain of this earthly life. I was going to really lay on the sentimentality with this development, but in the Scots-Irish tradition, I decided to leave out the dramatic modulations and tear-jerking minor chords in order to celebrate his life as opposed to mourning his death. The melodic-harmonic riffs that bridge the verses and end the piece are motifs that recall Champ at his happiest, prancing along in the summer sunshine. Finally, I recorded his voice on this, his last day with us, and let him have the final word, as it were. We're sure gonna miss you old buddy. And we will never forget you.
UPDATE 12/31
Thank you for all of the kind words, thoughts and prayers. Champ crossed over yesterday morning with our arms and love around him. He was accompanied by the love of people he knew and of those he never met, but may meet someday. We are amazed and comforted by the powerful vibes sent out from so many wonderful people. May all of that love, affection and thoughtfulness come back to you threefold. Blessed Happy New Year to all!
Lyrics:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll get your pint mug !
And surely I’ll get mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the hills,
and pulled the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine (dinner time?) ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-friendly draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
Hardware:
Appalachian mountain dulcimer
Presonus Firebox
Roland Fantom
Software:
Garageband
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God's speed Champ &mdash 12/29/06 - 07:04:53 PM
Exellent.. I love earth instruments.. and these sound warm and wooden and perfect really... yah hit a sentimental spot here... and your voice matches the warmth of your trax... you are very good at singing spot on, well timed harmonies... and.. I never knew all the words and these are wonderful...
well Brother, here's to a peaceful 2007... please God [ Reply to This ]
I thank you and so does Champ &mdash 12/29/06 - 09:14:48 PM
Really, thanks so much, Scott. Earth instruments, exactly! I was tempted to throw even some kind of software instrument flute in there, but it would've thrown the balance way off. The drums are all sampled soundfonts and I don't know where the sub-bass synth came from (I don't think it's GB standard), but it's incredibly warm and full of power; a little went a long way. Thanks for the connection and for giving this a listen. I'm with you for peace in 2007 - never give up hope, my friend. --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
[ Reply to This ]
Nice clean sound &mdash 12/29/06 - 07:28:09 PM
very nice version of this old chestnut, good mix of acoustic instruments and vocals.
Good one
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 12/29/06 - 09:22:48 PM
Thanks for listening, Stephen! I just noticed you have a new one up, I'm going to go have a listen myself. Cheers and Happy New Year to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Very warm and nice to indulge &mdash 12/29/06 - 07:48:34 PM
I wanted to cuddle up next to it, and then wrap it all around me
This may be one of my favorite of yours, Bing. Very well done. Wow... I really like this. Beautiful vocal work. PERFECT.
You get an A, my friend.
I didn't want it to end, but it ended in a perfect way. Very nice piece of music. Again, you have impressed me with your musical ways.
Thanks! D [ Reply to This ]
Mmmmmm &mdash 12/29/06 - 09:25:08 PM
Thank you, D - a very nice compliment, my friend. Hope you have a beautiful and blessed kick-off to the new year! I'm looking forward to more new music from you. Peace and cheers -- --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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I like this tradition! &mdash 12/29/06 - 08:13:34 PM
The instrumentation sounded odd as it was described, but as it was performed, it was perfect, really. The situation you're in with Champ really does bring a tear to my eye, and, as you say, the song really does address this companionship in a special way. Beautifully done! [ Reply to This ]
Sad and odd &mdash 12/29/06 - 09:30:08 PM
Hi, KJ! Now that you mention it, upon reading the description objectively, it does come off sounding rather odd. I might've worked a bit more on this, but my heart was just breaking; thanks for feeling that. Tomorrow morning comes too soon (he's sleeping now, precious angel.) Thanks for listening and a happy new year to you - I can't wait to share more of your musical journey! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
[ Reply to This ]
Very Nice &mdash 12/29/06 - 10:58:49 PM
Loved the version. Nice way to bring in the new year. Nice vox.
Happy New Year! [ Reply to This ]
Many thanks &mdash 12/30/06 - 12:06:50 AM
Thanks John - Happy New Year (and guitar) to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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16 times around the sun &mdash 12/29/06 - 11:19:35 PM
Mahalo nui loa &mdash 12/30/06 - 12:08:47 AM
Thank you for listening - and thank you so much for the other; I very much appreciate it. Happy New Year to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Sorry about Champ &mdash 12/30/06 - 02:17:57 AM
Losing a pup is one of life's heartaches. Very sorry to hear about Champ.
Your song is very well done and a great tribute to Champ.
All the best for the New Year. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 12/31/06 - 01:41:39 PM
Thank you, Tim - for listening and for the kind wishes. May 2007 be as kind to you (and may it rock as well!) --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Yum! &mdash 12/30/06 - 08:39:21 AM
Nice Bing. Sounds like it could be the "one that got away" from KEMPER CRABB's "Medieval Christmas" album. Beautiful ringing tones! But why didn't you sing?
Be well! [ Reply to This ]
ARRRGGGHHHH.... &mdash 12/30/06 - 08:41:09 AM
I punched the comment button a little too soon. Like a split second before you began singing. My bad!
VERY nice job on the vocals bro! [ Reply to This ]
Whoops! &mdash 12/31/06 - 01:51:16 PM
Thanks, Mike! That button thing happens to me too. : ) Not-so-incidentally, I was thinking about singing all the verses, but that would've been a long song, and I really wanted to let it breathe instead of packing it all in, so I settled for this compromise. Maybe next year, I'll find a way to include 'em all. It's been nice getting to know you more this year - I'm looking forward to the ride in 2007! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Perfect &mdash 12/30/06 - 12:27:24 PM
I couldn't help but tear up while listening to this after reading your story behind it, especially when I heard champ at the end. It's tough to lose such a wonderful friend and companion and this is an amazingly moving tribute to him. [ Reply to This ]
Mahalo &mdash 12/31/06 - 01:55:02 PM
Thanks, Joseph. As a dog (and a cat) person, you are very much "in the know." I appreciate you listening and commenting - noticed that you've got a new one up, which I'll be checking out shortly. A very Happy New Year to you and your four-legged friends. --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Very nice. &mdash 12/30/06 - 12:43:40 PM
I have not yet listened to the 2006 version (that I can remember). Will have to do so.
I remember when I was a kid and used to think the lyrics were "...for Old Lang's Eye." I always wondered who Lang was and what, exactly, was wrong with his horrible eye. :P [ Reply to This ]
That's awesome &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:02:17 PM
LOL! Seriously, thanks for the much-needed laugh, Doof. And in case I hadn't thanked you before, thanks for the script that makes my song info come alive - it has saved me some eye-strain, I tell you. Happy New Year! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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reinvention &mdash 12/30/06 - 12:50:02 PM
This is great Bing, a beautiful reinvention of a classic. production and performance are top notch, but the feeling here is great - lump in the throat time. i'll be playing this tomorrow just as the bells chime ...
Steve [ Reply to This ]
I &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:07:28 PM
Thank you, Steve - your comment goes straight to the heart. I was introduced to your music this year and am very much looking forward to 2007's offerings from you. Happy New Year and many blessings. --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Outstanding &mdash 12/30/06 - 12:50:17 PM
Thank you &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:11:42 PM
Thanks for listening, Drew. There's a thin line between true expression and maudlin which I'm glad was not crossed. Happy New Year to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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honestly... &mdash 12/30/06 - 01:13:06 PM
i was going to pass. a little burned out on holiday songs. but i'm glad i gave this a chance. nice spaciousness to the whole build up and mix. liked how you took your time before going into each verse. as open as the year that lays ahead. good job! [ Reply to This ]
I am feeling that &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:19:44 PM
Vic, we're in agreement there! After doing the research, I realized that some countries like Taiwan and Japan actually use "Auld Lang Syne" as a farewell song for graduation ceremonies (it can be heard in Tokyo played over loudspeakers in stores as the business day is ushered out.) So, I wanted to remove it from the twinkly December landscape in which we normally hear it and place it somewhere else; somewhere kind of tribal. Again, I was tempted to fill some of those spaces, but am glad I didn't - the spaces leave plenty of room for reflection. Thank you for listening and for commenting! A very Happy New Year to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Missing a friend &mdash 12/30/06 - 06:44:24 PM
Bing, this is so poignant... I remember when I was a 9 year old kid and my pet dog, whom I considered my best freind then, fell ill and died after a few days. That was my first real taste of the agony of loss as a child. Even to this day, that memory of watching him breathe his last breath and go into the spasms of death bring a tear to my eye. I gave him a makeshift burial site in the backyard and had a secret prayerful ceremony. I laugh and wince a bit remembering that, the childhood innocence in the face of the pain of loss. Because you remember your own dog through this song, I am moved to this sentimental musing. It's a great tribute, and you played and sang with an aching, kind heart.
Happy new year, Bing... Will play this on my iTune come new years day! [ Reply to This ]
Deeply felt &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:46:32 PM
Leon, that was heartbreaking. One of the things that has really smoothed this rough patch for Jae and I have been the others with animals who have had similar experiences with loss - always aware that you're not alone in the journey, but confirmed through direct communication and contact, so your related situation here makes a strong connection. I appreciate you listening and for sharing your feelings. It is the highest honor and greatest humility to know that a musical expression has crossed emotional borders and awakened such depth of sentiment. A very Happy New Year to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
[ Reply to This ]
Aw &mdash 12/30/06 - 09:36:10 PM
This is beautiful, Bing. I'm definitely relating to your heartbreaking story here. [ Reply to This ]
Mahalo &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:48:49 PM
Thanks for listening, my friend. May you continue to dazzle in 2007 - Happy New Year to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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man... &mdash 12/30/06 - 11:46:52 PM
u are getting a real nice sound on u r mix.......love the djembe as bass...and that dulcimer sings......funky ,folky rockin track......happy new year......! [ Reply to This ]
and &mdash 12/31/06 - 10:25:40 AM
that lyrical treatment does get one in the heart......very creative bing!
---
I live for music.......
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Many thanks &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:53:43 PM
McBoy, thank you for listening! This is the first song I've recorded using the Presonus Firebox and it has made a world of difference with the sound colors. Thanks for the comments - they are very encouraging! Happy New Year to you - continued inspiration and musical joy. --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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A sad story indeed &mdash 12/31/06 - 10:45:42 AM
Bit of tearjerker all in all. Beautifully played and sung. The instrumentation was spot on, simple yet effective.
Nice one.
Cheers
Dick
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Thank you &mdash 12/31/06 - 02:57:53 PM
Hello Dick! Thanks for listening, man - and appreciating the simplicity of the arrangement. I wasn't sure about leaving it so sparsely put-together, but yours is a confirmation that validates. Can't believe it took me til the end of the year to discover your music, so I do have all of 2007 to further enjoy your exploits. Happy New Year and thanks again. --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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What I love about folk song... &mdash 12/31/06 - 01:45:39 PM
...is that folk songs aren't afraid to touch down in the joys and sorrows of real life, and sometimes they do... They get handed down the generations because what they have to say now they can say in a hundred years...
Once they become standards or chestnuts we tend to hear them and not hear them... we don't hear what Auld Lang Syne or The Water Is Wide or any of them are saying...
But with this song, in this moment, you have put the heart and the life back into this beautiful melody and Robert Burns' words... Your taste and skill with the rhythm and the sub-bass accentuate that heartbeat...
But that's what I can say on the third listen. On the first two I just sat here and cried...
I think there is a wordless sorrow that is deeper than anything 'sentimental', and you've touched that here...
Profound thanks and respect,
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 12/31/06 - 03:08:50 PM
Ed, thanks for the insightful comment. This song was truly heading in a different direction until the vet visit on Thursday. It was going to be a big Disney-fied, orchestral, traditional flourish to test my skill as an arranger. As I recorded temp tracks, Champ was barking and I kept pausing, waiting for him to quiet down. Oh, the irony. : ) All the big ideas went south when we got the call on Friday and suddenly, the song became personal in a way that I had never experienced before.
It was important not to put too large a stamp of sentiment on the song, because I wanted listeners to attach their own meanings to it. Without the info posted above, I think many will wonder about the barking at the end, but the emotions could certainly manifest in many different ways - I'm thankful and pleased that it has been so accessible (though I can't listen to it at the moment, and probably won't for awhile.)
Thank you for sharing your connection, and may 2007 be a blessed and Happy New Year for you and yours. --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Beautiful &mdash 01/02/07 - 09:53:17 AM
Thank you &mdash 01/03/07 - 12:25:38 PM
Thank you, Clark - I appreciate you listening and commenting. Very much! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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really great! &mdash 01/02/07 - 11:10:51 AM
I have to say that this is really great. Having been away from the computer for a week, I just about missed this. I was with some friends and played my own version of this on New Year's Eve for the first time, just fooling around, and it struck me what a nice tune it is.
But more to the point, the reason why this struck me is that we had border collie/black lab mix too, Smokey, though he was only 15 when he passed away, just a couple months ago. I know the feeling well. The picture looks so much like Smokey! Great that Champ got to put a word in there! No further embellishments needed! This is an apt tribute. [ Reply to This ]
rediscovery &mdash 01/03/07 - 12:34:27 PM
Hi Jim! Your revelation is very similar - once you really sit down with it and realize what a great song it is, the effect is so much more than when it's being twisted into some commercial anthem for a holiday. I don't think Robert Burns had any clue that people would eventually take his tune and blare it to billions of people. It certainly can be, but it really shows its colors on the other end of the spectrum.
I think Smokey and Champ are probably discovering each other about now in the largest dog park in Heaven. Can you imagine the sight? Thank you for your connection - and I'm glad this track was able to give something to you. Happy New Year to you. --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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AMAZING &mdash 01/02/07 - 06:50:52 PM
Mahalo &mdash 01/03/07 - 12:36:54 PM
Thank you, sir! I really appreciate you giving this a listen, and for your kudos. Happy Rockin' New Year to you! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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He'll be waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge... &mdash 01/03/07 - 10:50:30 AM
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
And this is beautiful. I know what it's like to lose a pet, and yes, Auld Lang Syne does fit very well with the loss of a beloved pet, doesn't it? [ Reply to This ]
Gorgeous &mdash 01/03/07 - 12:42:20 PM
That's just beautiful - what a beautiful vision indeed. Thank you for posting that - and for popping up on the radar so I could check out your music! Be well -- --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Oh...you.... &mdash 01/03/07 - 05:54:15 PM
Your story made me cry. This song is spectacular.
Oh gosh...
No words from me.
Just sympathetic thoughts and warm wishes for your family.
Happy New Year, Bing.
MissC [ Reply to This ]
Mahalo &mdash 01/04/07 - 10:52:15 AM
Thank you, Miss C. - for listening and for the blessing of your words! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Good man &mdash 01/03/07 - 07:19:11 PM
Rare these days. You're one.
Thanks for the beautiful music and beautiful soul. [ Reply to This ]
high praise &mdash 01/04/07 - 10:55:29 AM
Thank you, Cipher - I appreciate you taking the time to listen! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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nice rendition &mdash 01/04/07 - 10:42:31 AM
You have taken the party out of this song but in a good way you have made it more introspective which I like great song [ Reply to This ]
Keep the party! &mdash 01/04/07 - 11:01:51 AM
I sure hope I didn't take the party out! For what's an Irish wake but a big ol' party for the dead? Admittedly, it's not the souped-up pop/speed-metal version that always gets played during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, but it's very much played in the spirit of shaking your rump roast. I'm glad it spoke a different sort of feeling to you though - that's one thing I was hoping to communication. Thanks for listening! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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Woof! &mdash 01/04/07 - 10:47:05 AM
This was moving, especially in context with your words on
the situation with your dog. I'm a dog lover too and had to go through this too.
I've always got a spot in my heart for the folk traditions and it really sounded like you put yourself into this one. This one would be nice with a good cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate on a snowy, chilly night.
They'd certainly welcome this at the "ARK" in Ann Arbor, MI. Thanks for this one and a Happy New Year to you too. [ Reply to This ]
Many thanks &mdash 01/04/07 - 11:04:08 AM
Thanks, Damien - I'm with you on the mug o' hot liquid for this tune. Especially if it's got brandy in it. : ) Thanks for giving it a spin and for commenting. Happy New Year! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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hej &mdash 01/07/07 - 04:18:18 PM
Hello Sunbeam! &mdash 04/13/07 - 05:58:24 PM
My Swedish is terrible, but I think you were asking me if that was the last picture taken of our dog? Sorry to have missed this comment somehow - it's been a few months here. And sorry if I got your question wrong. Actually that picture is of Champ in his happier days. Unfortunately, he could barely stand when we had to let him go. Thank you so much for writing - it means a lot, I know you have animals too! And we still have two cats that give us lots of love! --- Mahalo nui loa,
Bing Futch
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well Brother, here's to a peaceful 2007... please God
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