The Last Few Leaves of Autumn (w/ I. Spike) by Mystified
Genre: Pop Classical
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Description:
Song notes from Mystified:
I always wanted more out of the original "Last Leaves of Autumn" piece that I posted last year.
I originally 'heard' it with some ghostly, ethereal baritone vox, but when it came to posting it, I settled for adding orchestral strings from the new Jam Pack 4:Symphony software I had recently purchased.
Then, a month or so ago, I mentioned that I still wanted to add some vox to this composition 'one day,' and I. Spike offered to take a look at it.
He suggested lyrics instead of ethereal voices, and I'm very glad that he did. (Thank you, Mr. Spike!)
I really like the result, and think it does the song beautiful justice. Wistful, wandering and somewhat woeful, it is a lovely reflection of those last few leaves of autumn....
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Song notes from I. Spike:
The lyrics and melody for this song were directly inspired by the original track that Myst created. I thought her title, "Last Leaves of Autumn", matched the musical underpinnings perfectly. So it wasn't hard to conjur up a few more words and a melody, to go along with the title and the brilliant music bed.
This is our first official time working together, although we have been a sounding board for each other for quite a long while.
It was a most excellent experience and one I would do again in a heartbeat!
Thank you Myst!
~photo by Mystified
I always wanted more out of the original "Last Leaves of Autumn" piece that I posted last year.
I originally 'heard' it with some ghostly, ethereal baritone vox, but when it came to posting it, I settled for adding orchestral strings from the new Jam Pack 4:Symphony software I had recently purchased.
Then, a month or so ago, I mentioned that I still wanted to add some vox to this composition 'one day,' and I. Spike offered to take a look at it.
He suggested lyrics instead of ethereal voices, and I'm very glad that he did. (Thank you, Mr. Spike!)
I really like the result, and think it does the song beautiful justice. Wistful, wandering and somewhat woeful, it is a lovely reflection of those last few leaves of autumn....
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Song notes from I. Spike:
The lyrics and melody for this song were directly inspired by the original track that Myst created. I thought her title, "Last Leaves of Autumn", matched the musical underpinnings perfectly. So it wasn't hard to conjur up a few more words and a melody, to go along with the title and the brilliant music bed.
This is our first official time working together, although we have been a sounding board for each other for quite a long while.
It was a most excellent experience and one I would do again in a heartbeat!
Thank you Myst!
~photo by Mystified
Lyrics:
Last Few Leaves of Autumnmy footsteps lead me closer
my wandering takes me farther
I know not where I go, or where I come from
a whisper to my memory, now fading fast from me
why do I have this sense that I am falling
my feet do not betray this gravity
but still I’m filled with something more than melancholy
is it just the last few leaves of Autumn
last few leaves
is it just the last few leaves of Autumn
the nights are longer, the air is colder
this time is sad but the tears run dry
ice crystals dropping slowly from the sky
my head drifts full of dreams
floating in a bronze filled sea
this little death is so beautiful
frozen right in front of me
I whisper to my memory, don’t forget how this feels
I revel in this flight, this kind of falling
my paper wings are torn by drops of ice
and still I’m filled with something more than melancholy
is it just the last few leaves of Autumn
lyrics by I. Spike ©2007
Hardware:
Lots 'o stuff, including macs!Software:
Logic Express, GarageBand...etc. etc. and so forth!You must be registered and logged-in to comment.
MissChaos
wow. I'll be back with words.
Mystified
Thanks, MissC ;)
Roxylee
What a great collab! The lyrics go perfectly with the beautiful orchestration, and it is sung with passion. ISpike, you have a great voice!! Thank you for teaming up!
Mystified
I agree--Spike's vocal performance is wonderful.
I'm really glad he sang to this track!
Thanks for your comments and for listening.
What can I say that others soon won't :)
Mystified
I'm glad you said something :)
thanks for listening and taking the time to comment!
But I can tell it's well done. I like the texture of the voice and the simplicity of the arrangement.
(This sounds like the kind of 'sensitive music' an especially attractive woman would have to drag me to a theater to get me to listen to. ;))
Mystified
...than being dragged to the theater by an 'especially attractive woman' ;)
I enjoy your witty comments, Bill. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment :)
Tom Atwood
if I could. Excellent.
Mystified
Nice to hear from you and so glad you enjoyed the piece.
Thanks for dropping by.
Not my cup of tea musically or stylistically, but undeniably a great achievement production wise(particularly given the equipment you have)
Thanks for letting me listen to this as it evolved and developed.
I am glad you finally got it done and dusted and got it sounding so nice!
I Spike - I particularly like your vox towrds the end of the tune. Very emotional - great work.
I. Spike
I really appreciate you commenting on something that's not you cup o' tea.
Thanks for the vocal compliment.
It was fun singing in a style I'm not really used to. It was kind of like acting, taking on a new character with costume n' all.... (And yes, the costume is chicken outfit.... but I guess that would be obvious... must go feed the monkeys now!)
Ciao!
---
"What matters, matters, and what doesn't matter, is antimatter."
I actually can't stand tea at all - gimmie a cup of black coffee any day
:-)
As you are probably aware, I have heard this take shape from the first rough mix, and it has been great to hear how it evolved from mix to mix...the lessons in logic seem to have been well learned.
:-)
I think Cat has done an outstanding job on the production/arrangement here despite my lack of appreciation of this musical genre. (My suggestion during dialogue as the mixes came in to me was to take it in a Rufus Wainwright/Billy McKenzie type direction...maybe that might happen on a future mix?)
The chicken costume idea is cool, it reminds of the stories about Brian Wilson making his orchestra wear fireman helmets when they were recording 'Fire' for the smile album.
Mystified
It IS fun to try out different voices, and er...costumes.
And the chicken outfit is SO becoming. Bok! Bok!!
(next on the list: a deranged pear)
guitapick
...this is stunning. Beautiful music and poetic imagery. Wonderful voice, I. Spike.
..."I revel in this flight, this kind of falling"...
One of many fantastic lines.
Kudos, people. I loved everything about this.
I. Spike
Thanks GP!
Fall is my favortie season, and even though this is the first day of Summer.... well that's why we have imaginations, eh?
I sincerely apprecitae compliments on my lyrics, but I must say again that the visual imagery was handed to me by Myst who wrote a perfect piece of Fall...
---
"What matters, matters, and what doesn't matter, is antimatter."
johnny d
I love when the strings enter the tune. Sweet!
What a pretty song.
The performances are striking on all levels. Lyrically, Vocally, the arrangement, the playing, all top quality.
So well written.
Perfet.
all 10s
poded
fav-ed
got to love Mjs for such spectacular marvel artistry!!!
Mystified
Thanks for your comments here. :)
It's nice to know that others appreciate the details (such as the photo).
This is one of those pieces that is very much mood and feeling, and I think Mr. Spike absolutely matched and complemented the original 'color' of the instrumental--in voice and words.
WiFiWalrus
not what I listen to when I'm just chillin but it's hot. Very well done.
Mystified
Thanks for listening, and for taking the time to leave your impression of this song!
Reinholt56
Both the backing and the emotive singing are excellent.
I will have to listen a few more times to separate the music from the words because the words are thought-provoking so I have trouble listening to the backing at the same time. Listening a few more times will NOT be a chore.
A wonderful collaboration.
Paul.
Mystified
You always leave such thoughtful comments! When you listen, you *really* listen. I appreciate that.
I'm glad you enjoyed this song and took the time to leave a comment.
Moviz
great rendering of this lovely haunting song. Wonderful use of words and the whole sound is perfect. Love the feeling in the vocal, M
Mystified
It's nice to hear these comments on this collaboration.
Once again, I'm so glad that mr. Spike added his lovely voice and lyrics to this piece.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment here :)
Morning Light
I LOVE.....IT IS BEAUTIFUL....... :)*
Mystified
I always appreciate your sunny and cheerful comments !
:)
patsfan459
This song really fits the genre. The accompanying piano is great (I appreciate it because i am a classically trained pianist). The lyrics are amazing as well. keep up the good work.
Mystified
I appreciate your comments.
Piano has always been a love-hate kind of thing for me, so to hear that it sounds good is 'music to my ears,' anyway :)
Of couse, Spike's lovely voice has added so much to this piece (thanks again, Mr. S ;) and I'm so glad that he gave this song a new, more vibrant life.
now that's a beautiful combination of talent. sweet strings with the delicate piano - I Spike - you give a wonderfully expressive vocal performance. pauses in the music work well. simply gorgeous and terrific teamwork! most impressed, anne
I. Spike
Ya'll always say such nice things.
I really dug doing this collab.
Thank you for your ears and lovely compliments!
---
"What matters, matters, and what doesn't matter, is antimatter."
Rebsie
Very powerful vocal and beautifully delivered. The higher bit towards the end is quite stunning. And the music bed is the ideal vehicle for it.
I'm so glad you two have managed to get a collab together after all this time. I'm sure a lot of inspiration has been generated between you both, but an actual collab is the natural fulfilment of that.
And you've created something to be very proud of. :)
I. Spike
I think Myst and I are really enjoying how this one came out. I know it was a blast to get into exploring the visuals in this piece.
Thanks for your kind words!
---
"What matters, matters, and what doesn't matter, is antimatter."
Mystified
It was, indeed, a fulfillment to do this collaboration.
Thanks for your very kind words, and for taking the time to leave a comment.
:)
MissChaos
Sorry about that -- heard it then didn't have adequate time to comment. :-) This is a fluid & organic beauty. Yeah, it has that "Phantom of the Opera" showtune feeling to it. I kept waiting to hear the female protagonist part (that's you, Cat!). If you ever re-work this, maybe take a tad of reverb off the piano -- it becomes a little much at higher volumes. I wanted to hear the individual notes of the gentle piano but they became muddy within the effects. I'm always fascinated by your lyrical talent, I. Spike. You take common or visceral themes and make them poetic and palpable. And, dang, if this isn't just the most sublime display of your vocal ability! I'm happy for this e-musical union.
Mystified
....for these thoughtful and appreciative comments.
I agree that Spike's voice is simply sublime in this.
I'm so glad he graced "Last Leaves of Autumn" with his beautiful voice and beautiful lyrics!
RickW
Music and voice are an awesome match. Congrats you two on an outstanding collab.
God bless,
Rick
Mystified
As always, I appreciate your taking the time to drop by and leave a comment.
Glad that you enjoyed this one. :)
michael2
collaboration. you two work really well together. the song is really well written, performed, and recorded. very cinematic.
Mystified
...for your kind comments here :)
jiguma
One of the best proper singers here at MJ Mr Spike. The Phantom of the Opera reference is one I was going to make before I saw it in Miss C's comment. I'm not a big fan of this style of music, but the two of you have done a fantastic job with it. Mysti, the musical bed you set is really pro sounding.
This is a song you might even be able to sell ;)
Cheers,
Neil
Mystified
I always enjoy reading your thoughtful comments and posts here on MJs. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
I especially appreciate that you've done so even though this isn't particularly your type of genre. :)
stevel
Lovely sound on this one....it has a kind of 'show tune' type feel...dramatic! I concur with a few others that this is not especially a style I would gravitate to normally..but I have to admire the consumate artistry on display here. Vocals are really great and the musical backing is perfectly fitted!
Well done guys
Steve
Mystified
You know I appreciate your support, but I'll say it again--
I really appreciate your support :)
Cori Ander
Such a wonderful song. And it even got a comment from old Tom!! Well deserved!
Mystified
...from old Tom!
Yes! And I really enjoyed seeing a comment from Curry, too!
I'm so glad you've like this song and enjoy it.
Thanks for listening and leaving a comment, yourself :)
thetiler
Love how the stopping in various areas have a sailing - coasting feeling, almost alike a Zephyr guiding off a swell on a faint wind on a beautiful summer's day. Love the broadway feel of this. The singing is really very nicely done Great care seems to have been put into this The violins seem so somber-reflective. The tonality is fresh and non synthetic like which is a great ambition in a new era of software-upward- mobility in its quest o be more ambient acoustically
Well done in all avenues of participation!
.
Mystified
...for your listens and your thoughtful comments!
ledebutant
I've always loved this piece of music, I think I remember commenting on it, Mysti, that I enjoy it when you post instrumental pieces, because your voice is so stunning that I think it sometimes gets overlooked what an excellent musician you also are. This is a gorgeous piece of music that any singer would love to get his or her hands on, and Mr. Spike was the lucky one, this time.
You guys make a good musical team, and I think your music really allowed Mr. Spike to shine vocally. It's so funny that you guys didn't work together sooner, given that you were each other's sounding boards for so long. Listening to this song, it seems that making it a priority would have made sense. ;-)
Mystified
I remember that comment that you referred to, and that means a lot :)
There has been something incredibly freeing in being able to build upon an improvisation, and in some cases, create a second piece with vocals if I choose.
Or...as in this case....invite someone else to add their vocals to it, as Mr. Spike so kindly has.
It's another way to explore music and express the colors and tones and hues.
So thanks again for your very kind comments. :)
lilichi
I think this is the first (and probably only) song I rate here, but is so worthy, wonderful. Mysti you rock. The guy that sings does a good job too.
Mystified
Thanks for dropping by for a listen and leaving a comment :)
RacerX
everything is spot in this track. great music bed, excellent vocals and seriously good, quality, thoughtful and poetic lyrics. very enjoyable D/L
Mystified
I'm glad that you enjoyed this piece--and thank you for taking the time to let Spike and me know your thoughts on it, as well.
It means a lot to get these comments :)
What a beautiful song and perfect performances! This isn't my usual genre of music, but something this powerful just can't be denied.
Mystified, this is such a wonderful piano track. I. Spike really connected with the lyrics and vocal performance. Wow!
benjhannah
I like the way this song progresses- it's like dark scene from a musical! great voice!
Macaudion
It's everything that it was meant to be...
Beautiful!
Thank you!
elektronix
The most wonderful ballad I've heard for a long, long time!
Can't give more comments, have to hear it again...
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Bernd
thetiler
Thanks for posting at the chat!
surak777
absolutely lovely
I Don't Know what to say ..
It's the 1st song i heard for you both ..
it's the style that i hope one day to play it ..
The vocal of I. Spike is not just amazing ..
it's in the level that he can be a famous singer ..
he reached the level .. i'll try to hear more of his songs ..
The playing is great .. the piano is WOW .. with the symphony is great ..
one of my Favorite songs at MacJams till now ..
Very Nice Collab .. and the lyrics is very nice ..
Wish to accept me as a new friend and check my songs ..
Regardz
=============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi
screamalexz
wow! the vocals. wow.. this is absolutely beautiful. the lyrics are great. whether this is one's style of music or not i can't see how anyone could but love this piece. but i'm for sorrowful beautiful songs.
Ed Hannifin
Wonderful soundbed, with a perfect spot in the middle for the perfect vocal...
And in that perfect space we find... the perfect vocal...
What a performance. It really does sound like something from a Broadway show, but a modern, hip and not tacky Broadway show.
I'm warning you, guys... write a Broadway show around this one, and PBS will be fundraising to it well into the next century...
Man. Can I even inhabit the same universe as you two? Dang.
Ed
I. Spike
To everyone who stopped by to listen and leave your most appreciated comments, a very heartfelt and sincere "Thank you!"
I know we all spend a lot of time in our own unique sound laboratories, creating our little beautiful monsters. We can see how lovely and wonderful they are, even if they have three heads, fire hydrants for arms, and are covered in green and purple matted fur.... but sometimes others cannot see their beauty. I think this song had a quality to it that drew everyone in, even if it wasn't their cup of tea. That to me is a very amazing thing, and is part of the fuel for the creative process. That and having to write because if one didn't, one might be fitted with one of those snug fitting wrap around white jackets and placed in a nice padded room....
gail60
I loved this piece. Very enticing. The voice is absolutely gorgeous. The piano is wonderful as well. Really great collaberation all the way around on this. Enjoyed every second of it. Thanks for sharing.
johnny d
Incredible.
All
piano
vocal
arranging
performances
mixing
writing
the dissonance!
Incedible
free too
I gave a few listens
thanks