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The Mist Comes Up The Valley (collab w/Mystified)


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As promised, I'm now moving on to new recordings...

This one is still an old song, but it's a song that I never recorded before. I wrote it back in 1984 (or earlier). One of the beauties of working with Phyllis Capanna (phyllomania) for so many years is that I was always free to write songs that I couldn't, for the life of me, sing. This is one of those...

On this occasion, though, I thought that the MacJams voice that suited the tune was that of Mystified, and thankfully, she agreed to sing it. I am very, very pleased with the results. Mystified put enough work into it, and sent me enough tracks, that I could have made it a choir of Mystified, but along the way I fell in love with her third vocal take, and built the mix around that as best I could. Her approach on that take was gentle and wistful, and I think it suits the song very well. Mystified, I am very grateful.

Thanks for thoughts on the mix and presentation also go to Ziti and perceptualvortex (Fran and David)... Gentlemen, I continue in your debt... Fran, thanks for that warning about using artwork...that could have been a bad thing...

The photo of fir trees in mist is 'Trees Against Fog', taken by Julia Freeman-Woolpert, used gratefully and with permission.

And the next post, he promised, with jiguma in mind, for good or ill, will be an actual new song...
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Lyrics
The Mist Comes Up The Valley
© 1984 Ed Hannifin


In the morning, we turn our backs to the wind

It’s no use, pretending the cold will give in

The mist comes up the valley, swallowing granite and tree

I thought I heard a gull cry, but we’re ninety miles from the sea

And I might be anywhere

I might be anyone

I could be anywhere at all


You can’t see what causes a heart to remain

Surrounded by the evergreen and the rain

But when the mist comes up the valley, and the firs turn black and white

The only light’s the moonlight, but the moon is out of sight

I might be anywhere

I might be anyone

I might be anywhere at all


It’s easy, when dreaming is all that you dare

To fall for a life made of water and air

The mist comes up the valley, softening all guarantees

An open invitation to imagine the world as I please

And I might be anywhere

I might be anyone

I might be anyone at all

Song Stats
Hits: 4500
Comments: 150
Fans: 47
Plays: 725
Downloads: 162
Votes: 29
Uploaded: Jan 28, 2007 - 02:08:42 PM
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2007 - 02:08:42 PM Last Played: Sep 14, 2009 - 10:48:38 AM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

Song Actions
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Keywords:
mist (6), valley (13), trees (10), fir (2), granite (3), morning (46), wind (44), cold (52), dreaming (16), water (58), air (15), light (115), evergreen (2)
Hardware:
iMac G5
Focusrite Saffire
Rode NT-1A
Whatever Mystified used...
Software:
GarageBand 2
Comments
said 1029 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
I need to listen...
to this several times because it is another of your songs that make me want to stop and reflect.
Suffice to say right now... this is a gem of a song. Wonderfully written and played.... and sung beautifully by Cat. Ed, I can't argue with you falling in love with this (third) vox mix.
Welcome to the present..... (slight chuckle)
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
As you might expect, Jack...
...I'm happy when anything I do prompts someone to stop and reflect... I LIKE stopping and reflecting... So this is a very cool thing for me to hear...

I'm pleased you like the song and the playing behind it. I think everyone who listens is going to appreciate what Cat brought to this song... She really brought it to life... This particular take of hers had a sweetness to it that really got to me...

And as for the present... well... This is a PRESENT recording of an OLD song... I'm already working on present recordings of songs whose age is not measured in decades...

Thank you for listening and commenting, Jack. I think your comment was already up by the time I knew the song was up... I always appreciate your thoughts...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
blaky smith said 1029 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Simply fine
Just to say it's a so beautiful song, as usually with a very good guitar playing and now the nice voice of Mystified.
Good collab, good results, bravo !
Downloaded. Thanks to share...
Marc
Check out my latest song called Sur le sable (w Jiguma)
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Another listen from France!
I don't know why I think that's so cool, but I do... My one experience of France was a change of planes in Paris on the way to Milan, one time, and my memory of THAT is that suddenly the onboard food was way better...

I'm pleased you enjoyed the song, playing, and of course, Mysti's voice...

I see that you've got songs up now, Marc... I hadn't noticed... I'll give listens over the next day or so...

Thank you very much once again for listening and commenting. Much appreciated.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
thoddi said 1029 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
warm
The first thing I thought of was the warmth from the strings. And the bass sounds very good. Is it a real instrument or midi?

The composition gives you away as a solid songwriter Ed. I had to stop for a while and close my eyes to enjoy this to the full. The sound from the guitar is like in the recordings you've shared from earlier days. It's like I would recognize you if I heard one of your tune on the radio, even though it's a pretty traditional folk style.

Mysty, your vocals here are the most direct and nearest I have heard from you. And I think you have the voice of a goddess:) Beautiful and soft, and the harmonies is just right.

Wonderful work from both of you:)

10's all over, and I'll have a copy of this please:)
Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Thoddi, you have good ears...
...musicianly ears... I did a lot of simplifying of the guitar tracks... When I began, I had many more than make their appearance here... And I did try for a warmer sound than I sometimes use...

I am rather proud of the bass sound, which others have commented on. I came up with an interesting "trick", just by messing around, that worked very well. The bass is, in fact, MIDI. I played the root note from the chord progression, using the Oxygen 8 keyboard, with the GarageBand Upright Jazz Bass sound (trying for that Danny Thompson tone... I wish...). I then adjusted the timing for all my little mistakes, and then I copied the track to another track. On the second track I used a synth bass, pitched low. I started very low and brought it up just enough that I began to hear a little extra weight in the bottom of the timbre. I thought it sounded cool.

Thanks for the acknowledgement as a songwriter. That is what I think my main calling card is. People can certainly play and sing rings around me. That said, it's very neat to hear that there's something in my guitar playing sound that's identifiable.

I'm also pleased that you are picking up on that quality that Mysti has brought to the vocal here... it's very present and intimate, to my ears... it draws me in as I listen...

Thanks for the listen and comment, Thoddi. You always get me re-listening, and thinking...

By the way, I still intend to comment on your very cool collab with Cori Ander. I just have this "bet" going with Johannes... I'll be there soon, and I love it...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1026 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Thanks so much!
I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the comments here!

Thanks for listening and the really kind words.

I've always had a soft spot for folk music--singing harmonies with my Dad as he played guitar when I was a kid.
...Pretty much how I learned to sing :)

And Ed's song is so beautiful, here.
It was a pleasure to join in...

Check out my latest song called Father Time
Vic Holman said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
mother nature's son
nice to see and hear this up Ed. wise choice on not doing the vocal yourself. i can't picture you with a high falseto. Mystified sings like a angel here. and yes! the two guitars sound great. i had to take a break and this is a perfect "mellow down" for me, as i'm creating a cacaphony. it fits the weather that surrounds me at the moment. snow on the ground fog and cloud cover. living in a mist, no gulls but a gang of blackbirds plotting something.

Excellent song!

Vic
Check out my latest song called November
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
A lot of people don't know, Vic...
...that I did all those really high parts for the Bee Gees...

Well, you're right. I've been hearing this song in my head for twenty-three years, and now I can hear it for real. Mysti really brought this to life, and really stepped into the song to do it...

Glad you like the guitar sound, since, as you know, I love how you layer guitars yourself...

Creating a cacaphony, are you? Can't wait...

Blackbirds.... hmmm.... we had a pair of redtail hawks screaming quite dramatically over us as we walked to church this morning... I'd worry about the blackbirds, though...

Thanks as always for the listen and your thoughts...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Thank you, Ed
...for inviting me to sing along on this beautiful track!

The invitation came at a time when I was working on too many other projects, and I had to set it aside for a while. But, thankfully, Ed was VERY patient and when I was ready to buckle down and learn and record the song, I was able to really give it the attention it deserved.

What a lovely song...with wonderful lyrics! I feel fortunate that I was invited to add my voice to this piece. I'm glad you like the result :)
I do, too.
It was surely a pleasure working with you on this song, too, Ed.
So thanks so much, again :)


Check out my latest song called Father Time
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Mystified....
I feel like I need to give layers of thanks to you... You really made this song come to life...

The hardest part, for me, was whittling down so many gorgeous vocal tracks to the ones heard here... You gave me a lot to work with, and it was all strong...

I am very glad that I waited until you could do this. Your voice is just so suited to this melody...

And, just to add to your resume, you're a great person to collaborate with. I hope to have that pleasure again during my MacJams career...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
ziti said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
sweeeeeet
sweet.

I can't say much other than your beauty as a human bean comes thru in your music.

This is as nice a recording and performance as you will hear on any album....and the song is wonderful.

Bravooooooo

z
Check out my latest song called All Smokey
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Thank you, Fran...
That's TWO of us human beans on this one, pal...

I'm blown away that you think that highly of the recording and the song. That means a great deal to me.

I appreciate the listens, comments and crits that you gave it along the way...

Thanks again,

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
guitapick said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Beautifully done...
...lyrics/guitar/vocal/production...even the picture.

First time of heard Mystified. What a fine, unspoiled voice. Perfect.

I really enjoyed this.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Thank you, Bob...
I'm really enjoying the songs you've posted so far... I'm pleased that the whole package comes across as a good one...

I really do like the picture... I found Julia's work on stock.xchng and there it was: a fir turning black and white... It's a beautiful, stark shot... more dramatic in a larger format... Worth checking out over on stock.xchng...

And as for Mystified... she's a veteran around here, and her work bears listening to... You'll be amazed at her range and depth... AND humor... be sure to catch her "chicken lessons" if they're still up...

Glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate your listening and commenting.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
jiguma said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Well, almost.......
......... new Ed ;)
Still, a lovely song - you must have written some killer songs over the years Ed. The guitar sounds just right, and Mysti's voice is so sweet and clear - like Judith Durham on a good day (OK, she rarely had a bad day). I'm not sure the song needed the bass, but it works nonetheless. I'm wondering how the bass sounds on monitors, as it's quite loud in my 'phones (which are usually a little bass-poor).
Getting tracks from Mysti must be getting them from Fran - a veritable choir (or guitar ensemble) all at once.
Excellent post - mellow and pleasing to the ears (and the space in between).
Peace,
Neil
Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Neil, Neil, Neil...
...determined to be my harshest chronological critic...

I've been meaning to let you know that the Rusty Dusty Brothers have popped up a couple of times on my iPod in the office and on the walk home lately... one time, no lie, I thought... "the Byrds... what TUNE is that?..."

Now that I've posted a bunch of my songs from the recorded archives, this year is going to be the year of alternately recording old songs that never got recorded before, re-recording old songs that got recorded poorly, and...recording new songs! At least, new-ER... things in the one to five year range...

I will, of course, be investigating Judith Durham... Not a name known to me... but it will be...

Glad you like the guitar sound. I worried over it, as I do.

As to the bass... let's see... if those are the Sennheiser HD-280's, I'm listening on those now... I can see how the bass sounds a little forward... I did intentionally try, on this tune, to roll some of the bass out of the acoustic guitars, and let the upright carry the bottom end. I also made a conscious decision to try to have the bass be a little more forward this time than I usually do... In my room, on my monitors, it sounds about how I wanted it to be, but that continues to be a learning curve for me... it'll be interesting continuing to hear how others respond to it... In addition to the trick I used with the MIDI tracks (see thoddi comment, above), I also experimented with ChannelStrip and other plug-ins...

Of course, some brave day I'll just ship whatever tracks I'm working on off to you and have you put REAL bass on them... THAT would be fun...

Yes, the original mp3 and the original AIFF tracks from Mystified really did sound like a choir... and a really nice sounding choir, at that... The comparison with Fran is an apt one... I've also experienced the Ziti 'Wall O' Guitar" effect... and thank God, in both of their cases, it sounds good... It's the whittling down to simple beauty that gets hard...

Thanks for the listen. I am always eager to hear what you think, about whatever it is that I'm doing...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
jiguma said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Just ignore me Ed - on the chronology thing - just joshing!
Judith Durham - the voice out front of The Seekers. Pure, clean and , well, pure and clean ;)

Any time you want tyo send a track for bass, please feel free - it would be a pleasure.

The headphones I'm using are still my KOSS R/80s - very bass-poor, which is why my songs are a little boomy on monitors - I've almost convinced Jan I need some monitor speakers to "further my art".'

Cheers,
Neil

---
Wannado
Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)
said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
SMOOOOOOOTH
is it true sopranos have more fun? beautiful clarity to the vocal - sung easily and effortlessly. the harmonies are a beautiful flower blooming in fast motion. "where 3 or more vocals are gathered"....is ALWAYS a good thing, imho. you delivered a solid backing for this bird to soar, ed. i noticed the bass right away, and liked the rich dark gravy it gave your sonic stew. the lyric is a strong reminder that gentleness is needed for the spirit to thrive. nicely done, folks. anne
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Fun? FUN?!?
Anne, music, and especially singing, is harsh, wrenching, grueling work...

I'll try to have Mysti reply as to the fun capacity of the American soprano in its natural habitat... I did think that you'd be one who could appreciate what she has crafted here...

Glad you like the backing here, too. You in the SISTER-hood always seem to have truly first class backing tracks... More specifically, I am ridiculously happy that you liked the "rich dark gravy" of the bass track... That gets me laughing, but it certainly sounds like what I was shooting for...

Pleased you like the lyrics, too.

Thanks for listening....

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1024 days ago (February 1st, 2007)
It's true....
....That this song was very easy to sing to--as I worked with it, I connected with it. I'm grateful Ed thought of me and let me in on it.

Oh..was I supposed to confirm that sopranos have more fun....?

Well...what do YOU think? ;)
Check out my latest song called Father Time
Doadars Uncle said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Rich!
Fullness. Great recording.

I love the presentation in many ways!

No complaints from me!

Doug
Check out my latest song called Capitalist's Drag
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Hello, Doug!
I'm pleased you've no complaints! Rich and full are good words to hear about a recording... Glad you like the total presentation...

Thanks for listening and commenting...

Much appreciated...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Morning Light said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Beautiful Melody....... I Love....
Your Beautiful Voice, singing a very Special message.......and i enjoy the subject matter........with affinity :D*
Check out my latest song called Morning Rose
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
Thank you for listening,...
...o artist formerly of the night...

For my part, I'm glad you like the melody... and I'm right with you about Mystified's beautiful voice... Pleased, too, as chief-lyricist-and-bottle-washer, that you connected with the subject matter...

Thank you again for listening and letting me know your thoughts...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
thetiler said 1028 days ago (January 28th, 2007)
What a treat ! ! !
and couldn't think of a better female singer to sing a duet with than The Myst. You lucky dog you! I envy you Ed. Love the photo, love the tune. Thanks so much Ed for cluiing me in on this wonderful tune. Nobody has effected me more than Myst's magical voice She can really put ya on a magical mystery tour for sure. Her voice is that special!

Way to go you two!

She does so many styles, but I wish she would do TONS more within the folk realm. Her voice really shines with folk. It's almost like her voice was made for folk. Myst it's something to be really proud of. Cause it can really grab you, and grab you hard :)

NIce playing and writing Ed. A complete terrific package. Music needs more of this for sure.


Check out my latest song called The Bluebird Cafe (with two other guest)
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Yep..'treat' about says it...
I feel really lucky to have gotten to work with Mystified on this one. As I've noted above, her voice is a perfect match for this tune... she does, in fact, have a magical quality to what she does... You can imagine that voice as Merlyn's Nimue, calling from the woods...

I feel very fortunate to have had the gift of this collaboration...

Thanks for listening and commenting, Bill. It's good to hear from you again.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1025 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Thank you
Thanks, Tiler, for your very generous praise, here.
Check out my latest song called Father Time
perceptualvortex said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Ed and Cat
Ed, you already know how amazing I think this is, and the immediate swarm of fans over here would tend to confirm that. Mysti, your singing was seemingly made for songs like this, it all fits so perfectly. It's really very beautiful, great job guys!
Check out my latest song called Machine Man (w Beastie Boys)
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
David...
...thanks again for all your recent help... Especially for helping me know when 'enough is enough'... Your help and encouragement is priceless...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Thank you, David....
I feel very fortunate that Ed asked me to sing on this track, and was patient enough to wait for me to get to it.
Check out my latest song called Father Time
Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Evergreen quality
I must admit that I have been a little bit nevous about your "second coming out". What maybe if it wouldn't keep the grip of the old days.

So this is both long awaited, welcome and a in a way a breathe of release. Instead of loosing the grip I feel it has got deeper and stronger. I feel this composition has more of lasting value than the old ones, I even dare to say MUCH more, but that is a matter of my very personal taste.

Maybe early to say after listening just three times, but to me it has evergreen qualities. One I will enjoy as much after listening 333 times. I wish this one will come out wideworld and that established artists will take it into their repertoires. Not that yours and Mysties beaufiful rendition lacks anything, but so it can be spread to millions of people instead of hundreds. I am convinced that it holds for that.

Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Evergreen quality
I must admit that I have been a little bit nevous about your "second coming out". What maybe if it wouldn't keep the grip of the old days.

So this is both long awaited, welcome and a in a way a breathe of release. Instead of loosing the grip I feel it has got deeper and stronger. I feel this composition has more of lasting value than the old ones, I even dare to say MUCH more, but that is a matter of my very personal taste.

Maybe early to say after listening just three times, but to me it has evergreen qualities. One I will enjoy as much after listening 333 times. I wish this one will come out wideworld and that established artists will take it into their repertoires. Not that yours and Mysties beaufiful rendition lacks anything, but so it can be spread to millions of people instead of hundreds. I am convinced that it holds for that.

Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Wow, Curry...
I've just come in to check out comments on the song before work, and there is a Wall Of Curry!....

I understand the anxiety... I am shifting over to tracks that are recorded in my little spare-bedroom-office-studio with my iMac, and not recorded or begun in a more professional space... This IS still an old song, but it is a fresh recording of an old song...

I do hope that the song has some staying power... It is another one that captures a moment, for me... and the moment is timeless... Please feel free to recommend it to any major recording artists you run across...

I am always glad when you enjoy one of my efforts, my friend. I was really hoping to surprise you with this one...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
You were!
You WERE surprizing me with this one!
(with a happy smile on my face)

---
Johannes Curry
Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Mystified, who brings so much vocal joy
Hi Mysti. This one is not only beautifully vocalized but also warm. Eds productions often (maybe always) have a very warm basic mood. You have very sensitively catched this up. The result is a production that is all together really really pleasant to listen too. Thank you for taking on this task!
Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Mystified, who brings so much vocal joy
Hi Mysti. This one is not only beautifully vocalized but also warm. Eds productions often (maybe always) have a very warm basic mood. You have very sensitively catched this up. The result is a production that is all together really really pleasant to listen too. Thank you for taking on this task!
Mystified said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
:)
Thanks, Curry.

I really appreciate those comments. They mean a lot :)
Check out my latest song called Father Time
Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Production
Superb production. Guitar sounds splendid. Would be interesting to know something about the guitar, mic placement and other relevant factors.

PS Sorry .. I am NOT doing these double posts, seems like the system cant take muliple comments so instead of posting the next one it reposts the previous one again .. very frustrating. (I felt I have comments on some different aspects of this and wanted to split it up to make things easier) ...
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
As to the production...
...The guitar was recorded using my Rode NT-1A. Biggest problem has been minimizing the fan noise from the iMac, which tends to be brought up from the noise floor by any compression I use. I have had to struggle with fading tracks up and down, and judiciously using SoundSoap to clean some tracks...

I eventually settled on a position of the mic boom so that the mic is facing directly AWAY from the iMac, and I have some Auralex foam on the boom to try to knock the noise down... Not perfect yet, but enough to record...

I position the mic so that it faces the guitars at about the octave fret, about six to eight inches away... There are two tracks of acoustic guitar being heard, with a slightly fainter acoustic 12-string in one channel and a faint acoustic 12-string run through the GarageBand 'Acoustic Echoes' preset in the other... That gives it all a whisper of jangliness... The guitars have a small amount of the GB matrix reverb, and are also treated with the ChannelStrip GB acoustic preset... forget which one...

Read my reply to thoddi, above, about the bass...

Mysti sent me pristine tracks... Already trimmed and almost noiseless... I made a couple of VERY small edits, of small noises that were brought up by compression, but nothing major... Her vocal has a tiny bit of matrix reverb, and I believe that on ledebutant's recommendation, long ago, I used the TrackPlug 4 female vocal preset, which worked very well...

That's about it...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Creatvie use of GB
Such a creative use of GB's possibilities .. I take impression of your way of thinking while experimenting .. maybe I can have some future use of experimenting like that .. thank you for an extensive answer!

On fan noise: Don't know if I read you right here, but you don't need to have noise floor or compression on while recording!?! That's GB effects, aren't they? In that case you use them only while mixing ..

---
Johannes Curry
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Hello again, Johannes...
"Noise floor" is just a phrase that refers to how loud the noise is on a particular track... It doesn't matter if you record without effects, which is what I almost always do... If you use compression later, it is likely to raise the loudness of whatever noise is in the track... In the case of my "live" tracks here, that means it brings up the fan noise...

On this song, I don't think I used any effects until I got down to mixing...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Cori Ander said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
... finally
I have a special iTunes list containing a few tunes to play in the morning for my kids to wake up to. I have choosen songs that first of course doesn't have harsh or troubled moods, secondly have a tone that give hope and lust for life, joy and light. Shortly, tunes that makes a perfect way for kids to wake up.

It is very difficult to find songs that meet my requirements for tunes in this list. But this one qualifies as almost a model tune here. And from tomorrow it will no doubt be the opening number.

PS This time I try to quit Safari before posting this one .. hope it works ..
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Finally....
I am tickled and pleased to think that you'd put this tune into the 'wake-up' rotation for Mackie and Sunbeam... You and I, being dads, know how crucial that wake-up time is... I'm honored...

Funny thing about the double-posts. Seems like you've got it figured out, though...

Thanks again for your supportive and thoughtful comments, Johannes...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Tadashi Togawa said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Beautiful singing voice.
Your song is always gentle.
Harmony is beautiful.

Check out my latest song called Mexican taste
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thank you, Tadashi....
I am pleased that you like the song, and find it gentle.

And yes, Mystified has done a lovely job with the lead and harmony vocals....

Thanks for listening and commenting...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1024 days ago (February 1st, 2007)
Tadashi...
...thank you for your lovely words :)
Check out my latest song called Father Time
RickW said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Wonderful
Ed, you and Cat are two of my favorite artists here on MJ, and you never disappoint me. This collab is yet another example of fine artistry by both of you; beautifully written and performed.

God bless,

Rick
Check out my latest song called Picture of Perfection (MJRF)
Ed Hannifin said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Rick!
That's very kind of you to say...

I much appreciate the kind words and the appreciative listen...

Thank you very much for both...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Darkstalker X said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
I <3 this.
Hahah, well thanks for showing me such audio!, I really liked the song and it's soft tones, it puts me thinking, somehow, it's really a piece to close the eyes for, and think of something beautiful.

Keep it on.
Check out my latest song called Peacemaker
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thank you for listening, Ramon...
I'm pleased that you enjoyed the effect of the song... I hope you'll check out a few of my other ones if you have a chance... I will certainly check out a couple of yours...

I appreciate that you listened, and let me know how you liked it...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
MissChaos said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
agree
I can't say much that hasn't already been said.

I came. I heard. I loved.

What a great combination.
Check out my latest song called Mama Cries - Album Version (MJRF)
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thank you, Miss C.
I naturally hoped that you'd like it.

Thank you for listening and letting us know what you thought...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1024 days ago (February 1st, 2007)
: )
Thanks, Miss C.
Lovely compliments, those...
Check out my latest song called Father Time
Mcboy said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
wow
what a gorgeous piece of music......!..........beautiful......
Check out my latest song called Heros( aclarke/mcboy)
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thank you, McBoy...
I am pleased that you like it. I'm heading toward your new one in moments...

Thank you for listening and leaving a comment...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
caroline said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
this went straight from my ears...
.. to my heart where it has lodged itself for a long time to come - how very lovely - thank you my dear and yes - HUGS!!! xoxox
Check out my latest song called clink that link mjrf
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
I just know...
...that Mysti is getting the hugs....

Thanks for listening, caroline... straight to the heart is how we like it...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1025 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
caroline :)
...glad you dropped by. Thanks for listening, and very glad you enjoyed.
Check out my latest song called Father Time
Jim Bouchard said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Well...I'm with Neil
I've been meaning to comment earlier on this but I keep coming back to it to listen and I never seem to get it straight in my mind. It's a gorgeous melody and a great vocal performance and the acoustic picking is really quite nice. One thing that bothers me a lot is the bass part. It certainly sounds like you over-adjusted all the mistakes out of it, and the human element and swing is gone. I really don't think Danny Thompson would play it so straight, and you made that reference in a comment here so I make that comparision, so it sounds even more midified to me. I would really much prefer real bass on this, especially since it's so organic to begin with. The acoustic guitar tracks sound a little thin, like they are overly compressed, and you mention something about adding compression to them in one of your comments, and I was thinking that maybe you should not use any compression at all on the guitar tracks. It's not like they really need it, they are so delicately picked. Sometimes we get a little carried away with all the audio shaping tools at our fingertips that we ignore the simple things. But I'm in the minority here, so ignore me if you like, I just thought I'd offer another perspective.
Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thank you for the comment, Jim...
This is plainly going to continue to be a frustrating bit of 'learning experience'
for me... I tell you without exaggeration that I listened to this track on my Alesis monitors here, on four different headphones, on my iPod earbuds, on my Sennheiser replacement iPod headphones, and on my little Boston Acoustics speakers at work... and I finally got it to where the bass seemed prominent enough to have weight without overdoing it, or so I thought... And when I had people pre-listen to the mix, I got unsolicited praise back for how the bass was turning out...

I can see why mix engineers spend so much time and energy working on bass response...

(Often, of course, MY songs don't really have much in the way of bass, so it's not an issue...)

I WAS joking, and I hope it came across as a joke, about getting Danny Thompson's tone... I know very well I'm not sounding like Danny Thompson here...

Of course, most of your crit concerns the MIDI-fied nature of the bass, and I think that's just down to me not being a bass player. I really didn't 'over-adjust' the mistakes, because really the mistakes that I corrected were BAD mistakes... coming in EARLY... playing the wrong note entirely... and I didn't mess with note velocity at all... Perhaps next time, if I don't have Neil do the bass, I'll get even braver and try doing it on bass myself...

In its original form, this song had about a dozen acoustic guitar tracks... once I started working with Mystified's voice as the central element, I cut back and back and back until it was down to four acoustic guitar tracks...

I'm prob'ly guilty in terms of using more plug-ins than I needed to. I was just seeing what all the stuff sounded like, and I thought it sounded pretty good.

All of these things said, I don't care if you're in the minority... this is really good and solid listening, and I appreciate that you're willing to let me know how it really sounds to you. I'm re-listening with what you're saying in mind...

If you ever have the inclination, I'd be pleased to ship you the files and you could try a mix. Or maybe I'll have Neil put in real bass and THEN ship you the files... that might be fun...

Thanks again for a detailed and thoughtful listen. Much appreciated.

Ed


Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Jim Bouchard said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
I'd be delighted!
If you like you could just give me a disk with the .band file at fran's gig this week. I'll even take a crack at a bass part myself, I've been getting a pretty good bass tone lately out of the old epiphone. See ya around!
Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze
said 1028 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Sublime!
So very good this....classic yet contemporary. Lovely guitar work Ed. And Mysti...your vocal harmonies are elegant and downright angelic. Well done you two. VERY well done.

Take care!
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thanks, Michael....
I'm glad you like the guitar work. Mysti's vocals really are the centerpiece of this effort...

Thank you for listening and commenting...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
FEEL said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
thanks for pulling it off the shelf
and sticking it on that old turntable... this takes me back. Though you held on to this tune it sounds as if it were written a while ago. Those harmonizing vocals are spot on. Nice pick for your vocalists. I would also like to hear you sing some new stuff in the future and looking forward to whatever you have in the works. Thanks for sharing, nice job the two of you.

John
Check out my latest song called Pigs Fly
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Part of what drives me...
...as a MacJammer, even though I want and intend to keep writing new things, (and this may be different from most MacJammers) is that I have this unheard back-catalog of songs that I really want to be heard... So this is one of them, a song that I wouldn't want to never have its turn at being recorded and heard... So part of my energies now are going into recording old songs, and part into recording newer things...

Next song will be pretty new, and I'm working on it now.

Glad you enjoyed the vocals on this. Mystified did a superb job...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Myshkin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Gorgeous
Man, when those harmonies kick in during the chorus...
Wow. Love the lyrics too. The whole effect is very ethereal/mist-like. Top stuff guys.
Check out my latest song called Iceland
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thanks, Ross...
I imagined Mystified singing this alone at a mic on stage, with two other Mystifieds leaning in to "air mix" the harmonies on those "chorus" lines...

I'm pleased you like the lyrics... and particularly glad that the total vibe is ethereal and misty...

Thanks for listening and thanks for commenting....

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
composerclark said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Good karma
You know you're doing something right when a song jumps to the top of the "Fan Picks" listings in its first 24 hours of life at MacJams. You are both deservedly well-loved and much appreciated within this community.

A lovely song, beautifully sung and accompanied.

For what it's worth (which isn't much, considering I'm listening through poor speakers), I think Jim Bouchard's points about the audio quality of the guitar and bass are worth considering. I'll try to have another listen tomorrow though my better speakers at work to see if I still hear it the same way.

Really nice stuff here, and thanks to both of you.
Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
So...that's karma, is it?...
I'm pleased you like the song and the performance, Clark...

I am taking Jim's thoughts about the bass and guitar very seriously indeed. It's a funny thing, because I'm sitting here listening on my best stuff and it sounds pretty much as I intended... and a few people are really liking the bass and guitar sounds... and then some are not... It's hard to balance out in my head...

I would be pleased if you would give a listen on some other speakers and/or headphones, and let me know what you hear...

I've approached Jim about doing a mix, and I think I'll approach Neil about some real bass... We'll see if there's a more definitive version out there....

Thank you as always for your thoughts.... I'm always eager to hear what you have to say...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
composerclark said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Another Listen
Okay, I'm at work, and I just had another listen.

I still think it's lovely. The guitar and bass sound good; no need to rethink anything. However, and here's where I get into trouble because I don't know anything about the recording process, plugins, etc., I think the guitar does sound kind of... detached ? or distant? Struggling with words here, and what I'm describing is a really minor thing, but I guess I'm not getting as much of a sense of intimacy in the guitar sound as I am in the vocal track. Does that make any sense? As for the bass, it is very subtle, and it's perfectly fine as is. However, I think a string bass would definitely add a lot... Hope all of this is taken with the understanding that the BIG picture of this piece is that it's beautiful -- period.

---
My website has full-length recordings of almost everything I have written, as well as free downloadable scores.
Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall
said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
beautiful
wow what a voice what a song. Just great!
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Thanks, egobandit!
That is, indeed, a voice...

It's good to hear from you. I'm glad you like the song...

Thanks for listening. Thanks for commenting.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
illuminati said 1027 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
Just stunning!
What a beaut of a tune. Mysti, you are officially my second favorite female singer on this site. EJH, you write and record deep, quality stuff.
Check out my latest song called Vainglorious
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Thanks, Matt...
But really....who could POSSIBLY rank higher in your vocal affections than Mystified?.... heh heh...

Thank you for listening, and thank you from me for a very complimentary comment... I appreciate you saying this...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
I. Spike said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Lovely...
Very pretty song.
Nicely played and deftly sang.

Check out my latest song called Mighty Cracker Fly
Ed Hannifin said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Thank you, sir Spike....
That pretty concisely sums up what we'd like to hear...

Thanks for listening and commenting....

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
bronco said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Nice Combo
When people talk about beautiful music this should be what they are talking about. This song is so sweet it could probably mellow out even a cup of Louisiana coffee with chicory!
Check out my latest song called Strange Feeling
Ed Hannifin said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
As it happens...
When I was growing up, my parents were drinkers of Lusianne coffee... the one with chicory... and just recently the cook at the place I work stocked some, so that's what we've been drinking...

Thanks for listening and commenting, bronco. I'm glad you're hearing it as beautiful...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
bronco said 1025 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Astonished!
It always amazes me to find out that people outside of Louisiana drink Luziane coffee! The chicory actually came about when people were too poor to buy coffee and they would roast the chicory themselves. People got so used to the taste that even when they could afford coffee they would add it.
Check out my latest song called Strange Feeling
Rebsie said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
:)
Nice work you two ... lovely harmonies and nice rich spacious guitar.
Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)
Ed Hannifin said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Thank you, Rebsie...
I'm glad you had a chance to listen to this one... Mysti certainly did a nice job on the harmonies... I'm pleased the guitars sound good to you...

Thanks for both listening and commenting. I appreciate it.

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
kristyjo said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Very pretty,
sweet melody & vocals. Guitar was nice, too.
Check out my latest song called What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Ed Hannifin said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Glad you like it, kristyjo...
I have kept coming back to this song over the years partly 'cause of the melody. I think it's one of my prettier ones... prob'ly why I can't sing it...

It really has been a terrific experience to have Mystified bring it into being...

And thanks for noting the guitars... I think on this tune, my learning curve is around the guitar and bass blend...

Thanks for commenting...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Macaudion said 1027 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
It must be, that this is simply a reflection, of you...
And I can remember when there were complaints about folk music dominating the charts here... - It's been awhile since anyone has registered such a complaint, and I would think that after getting huge dose of what we've been missing, that there 'might be anyone' who would try to maintain this very pleasing lore of sounds...

I miss this stuff!

What a perfect choice; having Misty's warmth grace such a poetically rich arrangement of words. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. So Elequent, too! You're every inflection complimented each pluck of the strings, Misty. I loved the way you harmonized w/ and against the melody, and against yourself... a very, very nice touch! (don't know if I said that right)

Mr EJH, I didn't know that you played bass - You're getting some really warm tones out of it. Why don't I know that you're a bass player...

You're also getting some fairly warm tones outta you're guitar, too! Did you record this recently? Maybe I should do a bit of reading to catch up w/ what you're doing here.

I loved the simplicity of this one, too - something you have a corner on, Ed - But the writing ends up being a complex arrangement of some fairly simple thoughts... Depending on where one might be, she/he could hear anything, at all...

This was quite a pleasing piece to take in. A beautiful job, both of you!

Thank you!!! Macca
Check out my latest song called 123 iGetU
Ed Hannifin said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Mac O' Dion!
No pressure, of course, but I WAS rather waiting to hear how this would strike you...

I don't remember a time when MacJams was dominated by folk songs... I'll take your word for it...

Your appreciation of Mysti's vocals and sensitivity to the track is right on... The more I worked with those tracks, the more I appreciated what she had wrought...

Now, as you can see from the discussion above, I DON'T play bass. I mean, I own one, and I can plonk along with the root notes, but I'm no bass player, and lately I've preferred to do that root note plonking with my little Oxygen 8 keyboard, with the notes taped to the keys... I did think, and on my system here it's true, that I got a cool tone out of it, blending two different GB sounds...

I started recording this last summer, on vacation. I asked Mystified if she's sing on it just before September... So that's when the guitar was done, and many more tracks than you hear on this... other chord voicings, strums, more 12-string and all that... Once I had Mysti's tracks, I started paring down all those guitars to get out of her way... I found that the simpler I made things all around, the more of her there seemed to be, and that was how it sounded best...

Your appreciation of the writing really gets to my heart, 'cause what you describe is exactly what I prize in songwriting, and what I would wish to hear about any finished song of mine... I think when I succeed that 'depth out of simplicity' is what is happening... I can be heartfeltly humble about some things, but I can also say with a bit of pride that I think that some things I do 'work', and I think this lyric works... I think I did a good job there, and married it to a melody that suits it... You, who has seen me go through my insecurities as a guitar player, among other things, and chided me in that department, might be pleased... maybe... that there ARE a few things that I think I do well...

Thanks, D., for chiming in with thought and heart again...

[Counting the moments until the Drumoff starting gun...]

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 1024 days ago (February 1st, 2007)
Macca...
Thanks for the kind and sweet words :)
I'm glad you took the time to listen and leave these comments here.
Check out my latest song called Father Time
j2morrow said 1026 days ago (January 30th, 2007)
Lovely tune
Nice and relaxed. Great job on both the guitar and voice. A real winner.
Check out my latest song called CAPTURE THE RAPTURE
Ed Hannifin said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Hey, JT...
Thanks for the appreciative listen. I'm glad you're liking the tune and the vibe... Glad the voice and guitar sound good to ya...

Thanks for commenting...


Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Very nice
Poppy and radio friendly...

Nice song and nicely performed/produced
Ed Hannifin said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Hello, biba_nova,
"Poppy and radio friendly" is something I don't hear a lot... Thanks for that...

jiguma (Neil) is working on a remix that I think will be poppy-er and maybe MORE radio friendly... it'll be interesting to see how that turns out...

I'm pleased you enjoyed the song and the recording. I have enjoyed your own collabs with Mystified...

Thanks for commenting....

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
said 1026 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
:-)
You are welcome.

I am looking forwards to hearing the remix. Again, great job on this version...

Thanks
Mystified said 1024 days ago (February 1st, 2007)
: )
Thanks for the comments here, Bryn!
Glad you enjoyed this one

sbc :)



Check out my latest song called Father Time
stooey said 1025 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
It may be picky but....
The only criticism I can make to this is the typo in the lyrics.

You have

But when the mist comes up the valley, and the firs turn black and white

"firs" instead of first!

"Like I said picky. :-) I can't fault the music at all. Well played, well sung.
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perceptualvortex said 1025 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Personally
I prefer 'firs'. It has the advantage of making more sense :-)
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bud said 1025 days ago (January 31st, 2007)
Beautiful recording - wonderful voice
great playing, memorable lyrics, excellent production - and by the way - I really enjoyed being transported to the valley. Thanks.
Check out my latest song called eye for you (w/particledots and michael2)
Ed Hannifin said 1025 days ago (February 1st, 2007)
Thank you, Bud....
It's good to hear that it sounds good to you on all the significant levels... recording, voice, playing, lyrics, production... I love to hear that...

Best of all is to hear that it transports you to the valley... That suggests to me that the total vibe of the song is a unified impression of that very real valley in my memory...

Thank you for a thoughtful listen and thoughtful comment.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
ktb said 1024 days ago (February 1st, 2007)
wow
whats not to love. I think this mix is huge. You've captured the perfect blend of Mysti's wonderful voice and framed it with this incredible warm guitar and fretless bass. Its very compelling. Radio friendly dare I say. I never heard earlier versions, but this sounds very cool. Hope you guys see clear to do a few more like this :-)

The vocal interlude was making my ears tingle.
Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)
Ed Hannifin said 1024 days ago (February 2nd, 2007)
Thanks, John...
I appreciate your enthusiasm for the mix. What you describe is what I intended: to frame Mysti's voice with two simple elements, letting the voice carry the song. I think that Mysti really caught the essence of the song, and, much as I have listened to it in the production, I keep coming back to it this week for the beauty of the vocal.

Thanks for listening and commenting... I hope I'll see you at the Ziti gig...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
futzpucker said 1024 days ago (February 2nd, 2007)
Stunning...
This song is such a joy to listen to... All the elements work so perfectly together... beautiful sounding guitar played very sweetly, poetic lyrics, sung by a voice from heaven. Such wonderful heart in this lovely piece. Thanks to the both of you for where this song took me.
Check out my latest song called Just As It Is
Ed Hannifin said 1024 days ago (February 2nd, 2007)
Patrick! I'm glad to hear from you!
You, too, are saying some things I would hope to hear. The song was written from a place balanced between wistful and joyful... I think you're picking up on that... And really, it's the message of the heart that's the thing I'm hoping comes across...

I'm glad you got a chance to listen, and took the time to let me know how it struck you... Thank you as always....

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
aclarke said 1022 days ago (February 4th, 2007)
Beautiful
in its simplicity. Ed- sounds like you finally got that guitar back from Fran :)

Cat- gorgeous singing- once again!

Wonderful job both of you.
Check out my latest song called Ballad of The Little Tiki
Ed Hannifin said 1021 days ago (February 4th, 2007)
Thanks, Mr. Criss...
I'm glad you're responding to the simplicity, Adam...

My part of this was begun last summer on vacation... mid-August... Fran still has the guitar...

And I will keep responding positively to all praise for Mystified's vocal here... The perfect vocal for the song...

Thanks for listening and commenting...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
VicDiesel said 1020 days ago (February 5th, 2007)
Lovely
This is such a sweet song, and such a masterful arrangement. The double vocals and doubled guitar give a fulness to the sound, while still keeping it very sparse. Total bliss listening to this.
Check out my latest song called Desert Stars
Ed Hannifin said 1020 days ago (February 6th, 2007)
Thanks, Vic...
I'm glad you like it. I was aiming for something that would sound full but simple, and I hope that is how it comes across... I pared it down from a heck of a lot of guitar tracks and vocal tracks...

Yeah, I can be satisfied with "total bliss"...

Thanks for taking the time to listen, and further thanks for leaving a comment... I do appreciate it...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Einarus said 1019 days ago (February 7th, 2007)
Sweet
I kinda knew I was in for a treat when I saw what kind of a collaboration this was - I turned out to be right.
This is really beautiful. Lovely writing and very smooth playing and Mysti's vocals fit in there perfectly.

Really, really nice work.

-Einar S.
Check out my latest song called Good Things Come in Fours
Ed Hannifin said 1018 days ago (February 8th, 2007)
Einarus!
Always glad when you give a listen....

I'm pleased you enjoy the combination here... Glad you like the writing and playing, and who can argue with the Mysti vocal?

Thanks for listening and commenting....

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
stevewhit said 1002 days ago (February 24th, 2007)
hI EJH!
This is so good. great guitaring, and superbly sang.
Thanks for posting
Definite fave.

Steve
Check out my latest song called schooldays
Ed Hannifin said 995 days ago (March 3rd, 2007)
Thanks, Steve...
I'm glad you like the guitaring, and Mystified definitely did lovely singing on it... I appreciate that you listened, and that you left a comment...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
echoroom said 999 days ago (February 27th, 2007)
Wow
Ed, this is wonderful. the lyrics are so evocative ... this is a song to play outside, not captured by walls and artificial light. Great vocals that so suit this song.

It's all been said here, so i'll just say thanks.

Stee
Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)
Ed Hannifin said 995 days ago (March 3rd, 2007)
I was hoping...
...that you'd find your way to this one, Steve...

I'm glad that you like the lyrics, and I think you're right about the match of singer/singing performance to song. Mystified really got the spirit of the tune.

I'm imaging playing it outside as I write this... Sounds about right... 'Course, the New England winter isn't over yet... ice storm yesterday... So I may have to give it an airing in early May... I know what you mean, though, and that's another perceptive comment on your part...

Thanks again for giving a listen and letting me know what you think...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
ledebutant said 993 days ago (March 4th, 2007)
Easy Bliss
I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to come here and comment on this song. I've been approaching my 1000th comment for a while and the week that you posted this I was on 995. I thought it would be no problem for me to post four more comments and then put my big #1000 over here, but life had other ideas that involved a lot of snot, coughing and lying in a stupor. I was plotting my return, though, because I really wanted to leave that thousandth comment on this song by two of my favorite musicians and friends, so, I saved it for you.

How stupid would it be to say I like everything about this song? It might be stupid, but I'm going to say it, anway. I like everything about this song. Mysti's vocal is so lovely. I'll forgive you for posting a non-Phyllis version, because I agree with you, Mysti's style is beautifully matched to the music and the subject matter.

Such a wonderful mix, too, Ed, full of space and clarity. Actually, those are two words I associate with your music, overall, as well as peace. This is no exception.

The lyrics are just profound, especially "It's easy, when dreaming is all that you dare, to fall for a life made of water and air." I also particularly love "You can't see what causes a heart to remain, surrounded by the evergreens and the rain." This is some of your best writing, some of the loveliest.

One thing I admire so much is your restraint. You are obviously an accomplished guitar player, but you always play what serves the music and the song. I'm learning to play and have written a few songs now and I keep having to remind myself that not every technique I know has to make it into every song. I think of you when I remind myself to keep it simple. It's easy to remember, when I think of your music, that simple is sometimes better than anything else.

Thanks for this song, both of you.
Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)
Ed Hannifin said 973 days ago (March 25th, 2007)
Hi, Lisa...
I, in my turn, am sorry to take so long to reply to your comprehensive comment...

I am honored that you chose to bestow your 1000th comment here. That is pretty darn cool...

I'm happy that you like the song that much. I was getting a little worried there for a while when I didn't hear from you. As to your specific comments...

I really did think that Mysti's voice was the one for this tune. She seemed in my mind to have the sort of tone and approach that suited the song... And she really was great to work with...

I'm glad you like the mix. Space, clarity and, sure, peace are good words to have come to mind in a listener. I think they're in keeping with what I aim for, and value, in mixes and in life.

You are one of the ones around MacJams whose thoughts on a lyric I most value, so I'm really happy... well, ecstatic... that you like the lyric construction and picked out lines that I especially love.

I am also especially thrilled that you picked that word 'restraint' to describe what I do. The thing you write in that last paragraph above, about not having to toss in every technique, or sound, or idea one has is one of the things I've tried to keep in mind. Keeping it simple is another way to phrase it.

In sum, I feel pretty well received and understood and appreciated in this comment. It made my night when I first read it, and it continues to make my day today upon re-reading it.

Thank you for all your thoughts and listens and comments over these past two years. It means a great deal to me.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Mystified said 967 days ago (March 31st, 2007)
awww...thanks :)
Lisa,

I, too, caught this comment just now and want to thank you for your 1000th comment and your kind and encouraging comments. Wow. I'm humbled.

I'm so glad that Ed was patient with me on this one. I was a bit overwhelmed at the time with things when he asked me to sing on this, and so when I finally DID get around to recording, I could really look at it and approach it from a clear, fresh perspective.

So thanks again, Ed, for giving me the opportunity to sing to this beautiful track.

And thanks again, everyone, for the comments you've taken the time to leave here.

I really appreciate it, and am honored to be associated with this song :)

Check out my latest song called Father Time
said 989 days ago (March 8th, 2007)
emdash
Put me down as a Believer!!!
Ed Hannifin said 973 days ago (March 25th, 2007)
All right, Neal, it's done...
...Thank you for a listen and a comment...

I'll check out your stuff shortly...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
DOCTORBIZARRE said 965 days ago (April 1st, 2007)
SWEET
Very nice son Mr. Ed and beautiful vocal arrangement Mystifire!
Check out my latest song called STORM
Ed Hannifin said 959 days ago (April 7th, 2007)
Hey, Bizarre!
It's good to hear from you again...

I'm glad you like the song. Mysti did indeed do a nice job singing it...

Glad you stopped by for a listen and took the time to leave a comment...

Don't be a stranger...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Willywagga said 955 days ago (April 11th, 2007)
Great Song
Really great song, lovely lyrics, beautiful voice. But there's something not settling right for me and maybe it's just me but; when I listen to how the vocals move through the song it's as though there's a kind of abruptness at the ends of the phrases where a resonance may be needed. Sometimes she applies her own resonance in her voice, but sometimes maybe her voice needs a little more air.
This is not a complaint because I love the song, I really like the guitar work and the productions values are rich and sweet. It doesn't remind me of anything in particular but Natalie Merchant kind of sweeps past, ye know the way.
Great Lyrics
Check out my latest song called The Jes on Sea Road
Ed Hannifin said 942 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Hi, Willywagga...
Sorry to take so long to make a reply. I'm pleased to know that you like the song. I'm listening to the song to try to hear what you're hearing regarding the vocals... Your description is pretty precise, but I'm not sure that I hear it....Even so, I'm taking it seriously, and I'm still listening...

I'm pleased that you like the lyrics and the guitar work...

Thanks for listening and for leaving such a thoughtful comment.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
said 949 days ago (April 17th, 2007)
Stumbled upon this
Lovely song, great vocals as usual but what stands out the most for me is the the riff and its reccording, reminds me of one of my old time favs Jim Croce
Ed Hannifin said 942 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Thank you, Tom...
I'm sorry to have taken so long to reply. I'm glad you like the song, and the recording...

I was once a very big Jim Croce fan... Actually, a Jim Croce AND Maury Muehleisen fan... I loved their guitar interplay all through their career together, so that was a big influence...

Thank you for taking the time to listen and to leave a comment. Much appreciated.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Hectorious said 949 days ago (April 17th, 2007)
Hello Buddy
Ed I must say i have been listening to your stuff and I find your music clever and very insightful. 10's
Check out my latest song called Short Circuit (Sample)
Ed Hannifin said 942 days ago (April 24th, 2007)
Hector!
I'm very happy that you took the time to listen. I value your musical taste very highly... Thanks for the kind words and the vote.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
VicDiesel said 935 days ago (May 2nd, 2007)
Sweet melody
My criterium for a vocal track is: would it still be worth listening to if the melody was played on a flute or violin or so. At least 9 out of 10 songs (on this site and elsewhere) do not pass that test, meaning that they are a poem (probably not publishable on its own) with a backing track that can be interesting or not. But not an integrated composition with vocal line.

Which is my very roundabout way of saying that this is a great track. The backing is tasteful, the production sounds just fine, and the vocal is an actual musical part.

My compliments.
Check out my latest song called Desert Stars
VicDiesel said 935 days ago (May 2nd, 2007)
Ahem.
I find that I already commented on this song. Well, at least I didn't contradict myself.

I thought it was new, since you showed up in participation picks.....

---
--
I review yours, you review mine, 'kay?
Check out my latest song called Desert Stars
Ed Hannifin said 931 days ago (May 5th, 2007)
Thank you, and thank you...
Thanks, Vic, for taking the time to listen and comment...twice...

I agree with your criterion for a good vocal line. I think this one started life as an experiment in using "little chords" up the neck while waiting to go on at The Nameless Coffeehouse, long ago.. so the melody started out on an instrument, and migrated to the voice...

I remember, also, long ago, hearing Jack Hardy say that "a song is a lyric set to a melody". He particularly made the point that the way to write one, and the way to judge one, is to have the lyric stand alone as a lyric, and the melody stand alone as a melody, and then have them fit together...

I think here I was fortunate in that Mystified knows how to let a melody come to life through her voice. She has enough trust in her voice to let it come forth simply when that's what's called for; she doesn't over-decorate.

All of this is to say that I think that's a very deep comment, and one that I connect with. Thank you very much.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
paul f. page said 934 days ago (May 3rd, 2007)
The Mist...
Ed,
I thought for sure I had listened to this song a few weeks ago...but I couldn't find a comment, so...here goes: This is just such a pretty song that is so nicely recorded! The vocals are wonderful--the little harmony separation at the end of each verse is especially nice. Guitar work is just great to listen to...and maybe could be pumped up just a notch. I love the acoustic slides over frets, something impossible with digital guitars. Life "So Fine", the bass is perfect to my ears. Wow. I just really like this song so much. My one criticism: too short. I had to listen to it three times running in order to get my fix. But now that I have downloaded, I can enjoy your work over and over again. Great stuff. You are really an artist.
Paul
Check out my latest song called Double Etude
Ed Hannifin said 931 days ago (May 5th, 2007)
Hey, Paul...
It's good to hear your thoughts on something I've done. As you know, I continue to enjoy your work very much...

Thank you for weighing in on the controversial bass question. I continue to like it, even while appreciating was Neil and Jim brought to their versions of this tune...

Speaking as the guitar player, I'm happy that you like the guitar bits. Sometime I might like to come back to this and re-do the guitars. I was a little bothered by squeaks and deadnotes... I am hoping to get back into more regular playing this summer, and perhaps strengthen up my hands again...

And I really do think the vocals ARE wonderful. Even though I was certain that I wanted Mystified to sing this, and so waited while her schedule cleared, it is always a little weird letting someone else be responsible for bringing your song to life, or not. Mystified's singing was exactly what I hoped for on this, only better than I could imagine. I remain grateful...

Thank you for a thoughtful listen and a thoughtful comment... Always good to hear from you...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Norman Goodman said 925 days ago (May 11th, 2007)
Soothing voice and guitar
I actually started out on guitar playing folk, fingerstyle and bluegrass and other similar idiomatic and stylistic approaches. I state this because I have developed a particular appreciation for this style. This song is well written and performed. I enjoyed the enchanting melody and vocal delivery that was supported by some very very nice guitar playing. The song flows well and to my ears comes off as refreshingly pleasant and warm without utilizing warn out melodic cliches.
Check out my latest song called Sailing Across a Sea of Light Pt II
Ed Hannifin said 923 days ago (May 14th, 2007)
Thank you...
...for your thoughts, Norman.

I have just glanced at your page, and it's plain that you are a MacJammer I have somehow managed to miss... I'll go rectify that as soon as I can...

I'm glad, and proud, that you appreciate the melody on this one. I recall that when writing it I tried to get out of my usual melodic ruts; thus, I'm happy that you find that it is "without worn out melodic cliches." That's a good thing. That's what we were aiming for. And, as I will keep saying, Mystified really makes that melody come alive...

Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment. I do appreciate it.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
beatrix said 918 days ago (May 19th, 2007)
Well guys...
Mystified, your voice is so beautiful. Ed, your songwriting touches my heart deeply. These lines especially are some of the most beautiful I have ever read:

"It%u2019s easy, when dreaming is all that you dare

To fall for a life made of water and air

The mist comes up the valley, softening all guarantees

An open invitation to imagine the world as I please"

The more I listen to this song, the more I just want to blubber!! It's beyond beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your talent.
~b
Ed Hannifin said 917 days ago (May 19th, 2007)
Beatrix!
I've been missing you! AND wondering what had become of you... I was just thinking of sending you a note, but I didn't know if you were even checking in at MacJams...

Well, in a song where I actually like the whole lyric, you've picked my favorite part... So I'm happy as can be about that, and that you listened to this song... I have felt, back from my first days on MacJams, that you always gave my songs a good listen, and "got" what I was trying to do as a songwriter... It really is good to hear from you again...

And yeah, I think Mysti's beautiful voice really transports this into the 'beyond beautiful' territory...

Thank you for stopping by and listening and leaving your thoughts... I'll have more soonish, so I hope you'll give them a listen...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
paddler said 900 days ago (June 6th, 2007)
..
Hi Ejh - I think this is the first song I've listened to by yourself.A very laid back song,and mistys voice certainly does it justice.A joy to listen and I'm sure I'll be back for more!

Regards RG
Check out my latest song called Tiger Flame (Halloween Challenge)
Ed Hannifin said 899 days ago (June 6th, 2007)
I'm glad you've arrived...
I just got an email from Cori Ander with a whole list of your songs that I am supposed to go listen to... and I will... I sure loved 'Carnivores'...

I hope you'll check out a few of the other tunes when you have a moment... some of them are in this vein, and some are less laid back... I'd be interested to hear what you think...

As I've said a million times above, I persist in thinking that Mysti's voice is simply the one for this song...

Thanks for give a listen, RG...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
daphna said 867 days ago (July 9th, 2007)
great writing
ejh. This song has a wonderful quality to it - I love your changing melodies and then the chorus brings it all together in a very satisfying way. And of course Mystified's vocals make the song. Great collab. Well, the only thing I would say as a critique is that I felt the song ended almost too suddenly for me. Some kind of bridge in there before the final chorus, would make it awesome.
Check out my latest song called I Love My Mac mjrf
Ed Hannifin said 866 days ago (July 10th, 2007)
Another Daphne check-in!
Thank you yet again, Daphne, for another listen and comment. I have to admit that I'm partial to this song, both as written and as incarnated in this Mystified version. It kicked around a long time unsung and unperformed, but I never gave up on it... And I mean, it must have been more than twenty years just sitting in a notebook...

I'm glad it felt too short rather than too long, as I'm a guy who can over-write, given half a chance... I made a choice to keep it simple, back in the day...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Ibstrat said 847 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
Ed
I've been randomly checking thru music on macjams-there is a ton of great stuff here... and I thought i would come back to your page and listen to a few of your songs.
The lyrics,vocals,guitar and whole arrangement are beautiful-very inspiring music.Are you sure you are a part-time musician?
Check out my latest song called Blues in Bm
Ed Hannifin said 847 days ago (July 28th, 2007)
Thanks, Mark...
You catch me on a night when I think I need to hear that...

You know, having heard your latest, which I love by the way, I'll just put the hint out there that if you ever want to work up an instrumental version of this, or any of my other ones where you like the melody, THAT would ALSO make my day...

And we've STILL got to get together...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
Ibstrat said 845 days ago (July 30th, 2007)
Good Idea
I really like the idea of doing one of your songs as an instrumental.I'll get started right away!
Also, let me know what weekend you have free.
Check out my latest song called Blues in Bm
Cori Ander said 829 days ago (August 16th, 2007)
Nice
A nice arrangement of a beautiful composition!
Cori Ander said 829 days ago (August 16th, 2007)
Oops
Oops .. this comment was meant for Ibstrats version of your tune ..

---
Johannes Curry
Ed Hannifin said 662 days ago (January 29th, 2008)
Well...plainly...
Mark DID do a nice job on that, didn't he? I really like it...

Now SOMEDAY my OTHER favorite fingerstylist is going to do a version of one of my songs...

Someday...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
davisamerica said 710 days ago (December 13th, 2007)
wow..right then
this is stunning...very nice tune and vox by mystified are lovely...ed you are too cool..took some time to find you but enjoying your material alot!
Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)
Ed Hannifin said 662 days ago (January 29th, 2008)
Thanks, davisamerica...
I always liked this melody, and so I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Mysti's vocals are just perfect for it...

I'm flattered and happy that you've been checking out my stuff... Thank you very much,

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
magnatone said 639 days ago (February 22nd, 2008)
This is Beautiful
What a great collab between the two of you. I'm poking around on your page - this is beautiful music and I'm looking forward to hearing more of you. This is a download! Thanks
Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown
Ed Hannifin said 636 days ago (February 24th, 2008)
Thank you, magnatone....
I'm very pleased to find that you're sampling the songs here... Here's hoping that you land on the good ones... I appreciate that you listened and that you let me know...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
SJB said 276 days ago (February 19th, 2009)
Hi Ed
I've only just come across your back catalog and should have got here sooner.
Lovely acoustic production on this. The stereo separation of the guitars gives them such space and clarity - I must try and copy that!
Singing is of course top notch.
best wishes
Steve
Check out my latest song called Short tune
Ed Hannifin said 274 days ago (February 20th, 2009)
Thank you for listening, Steve....
You seem to know your way around an acoustic guitar, so I'll take your comments on the stereo separation as highly informed... And Mysti's singing is definitely perfect for this tune. Thank you very much for listening and leaving a comment. Much appreciated.

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
MarkHolbrook said 165 days ago (June 10th, 2009)
Stunning
A deep full sound. The vocals are really great on this. Another wonderful tune Ed!

Cat has a great voice!
Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge
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Psychotherapist and long-time guitarist and songwriter ... [see more]

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