hey man &mdash 09/10/07 - 08:01:20 AM
these are some uplifting lyrics.......sung in true lounge singer style.....nice little guitar spot.......well crafted song......i'm going to download this and play it for myself and others when i feel that obstacles are in the way.....it will inspire me to overcome or work around whatever is in the way...thanks for sharing...!!!!! [ Reply to This ]
Re: hey man... &mdash 09/10/07 - 08:34:43 AM
Thx for the props, McBoy. I'm pleased you liked this tune and found inspiration in it. I just winged the guitar part in one take... I guess I was inspired! ;)
I've encountered and overcome many difficult obstacles during my life, including this last one with a severe pinched nerve that threatened to end my guitar-playing days.
It was faith, along with determination and hard work that got me through what was a very painful and disheartening period. I... Believe!
--- Joe --- Imagine The Possibilities... IF YOU BELIEVE[ Reply to This ]
Nice Song ! &mdash 09/10/07 - 08:20:08 AM
Very nice Inspirational song, the music is very nice and the guitar sound really clear, the vocal rich with the feelings. Enjoyed this piece my friend
Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi
"Sound of Nature" : http://www.macjams.com/song/35145 [ Reply to This ]
Re: Nice Song!... &mdash 09/10/07 - 08:56:39 AM
Thank you, Yeman. I am glad you liked it. Judging from your life experiences and your music, I Believe you already know a great deal about the subject. ;)
--- Joe
---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a> [ Reply to This ]
I do believe! &mdash 09/10/07 - 09:19:06 AM
I believe that you have a very nice song here. Nice voice and very inspirational for those of us that need a nudge to hang in there from time to time. You did a great job and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the nudge!
[ Reply to This ]
Re: I Do Believe!... &mdash 09/10/07 - 10:07:13 PM
Thank you for your kind comments, Gail. We all need a reminder every now and then of how much more we can actually do if we put our mind to it.
--- Joe
---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a> [ Reply to This ]
Silver linings &mdash 09/10/07 - 10:18:52 AM
I dig the Tinker Bell addition to the song art. Silky Underall, the silver lining of the cosmos. Very sweet tune. i can imagine Engelbert Humperdinck making this a hit 30 years ago. We need songs like this for every era. Thanks for sharing it. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Silver Linings... &mdash 09/10/07 - 10:22:37 PM
Thanks, Tobin. Given the times, we may need some inspiration more than we ever have. ;)
--- Joe
---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a> [ Reply to This ]
Love this... &mdash 09/11/07 - 07:08:06 PM
a nice easy sounding song with a nice sentiment, so relaxing and I do like your style. As always a great arrangement and vocals, Nice!, cheers M [ Reply to This ]
Re: Love This... &mdash 09/12/07 - 01:52:50 PM
Thanks for the listen and the props, Maurice. I am pleased you enjoyed it.
--- Joe
---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a> [ Reply to This ]
Huge &mdash 10/17/07 - 12:28:27 AM
I can imagine this rocking a whole football stadium - tobin mentioned Englebert Humperdinck,yes its a big song - it could have been sung by any of the great crooners also Freddie Mercury or it could be done by some rock bands too.
Of course - it sounds best by Joe Stewart - great voice,nice vibrato - you sing with conviction.Catchy and clever melody too
Enjoyment at 6 am (uk) - regards Richard [ Reply to This ]
Somehow &mdash 10/17/07 - 10:28:28 AM
I missed this song.What a voice you have.Did you do that vocal in 1 take?Great lyrics and killer Gilmore-type guitar solo.Wonderful song! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Somehow... &mdash 10/17/07 - 12:24:07 PM
Thanks, Mark.
One-take vocals? Sort of. The hardest part of the vocals were the somewhat *conversational* sing-song introductory verses. Infusing them with proper inflections and what Richard (Paddler) noted as conviction, took me a few run-throughs, but led to one complete acceptable take.
The vocals after the guitar solo were a spontaneous afterthought and recorded separately in one take and enabled me to cover one botched note in the guitar solo... which was also improvised in one take, something I'm doing more frequently, as of late. When it works... it works. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Re: Huge... &mdash 10/17/07 - 12:04:50 PM
Thanks for the props, Richard.
Singing with conviction... in front of a microphone in an empty room... was probably the most challenging aspect of this recording. Hmm... a stadium song. Now there's an interesting thought.;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
classic &mdash 10/20/07 - 03:36:22 PM
Many inspirational sources comes to mind listening to this song Joe. The magnificent start got me thinking of the song Albatross from Fleetwood mac, but then it changes into some tune from Monty Phytons, The meaning of life, the galaxy song, and then I hear some Peter Skellern (you're a Lady) in here. This is the description of the moods I feel and how the music you have made sounds and reflects in my ears. But it stands out n its own as a well crafted song.
And then there is the words... So true and vital... in my opinion. [ Reply to This ]
and... &mdash 10/20/07 - 03:38:39 PM
...then there is the guitars, the singing and the production. Very well done! You made an extremely well produced song here Joe.
Just beautiful! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Classic... and... &mdash 10/20/07 - 09:45:43 PM
Thanks for listening and for your kind comments, Thor.
This is not my usual musical fare, but it was the message... which I have found true through long experience... that really drove this song. The music seemed to follow, almost effortlessly. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Ah, this is great &mdash 10/23/07 - 01:17:22 AM
Ah, this is great. Nice emotion, and it has an evergreenish quality. Thank you for pointing it out. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Ah, this is great &mdash 10/23/07 - 10:41:51 AM
Thank you for listening, my magic-fingered friend. I am glad you liked it. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
what a cool tune &mdash 10/27/07 - 11:00:43 PM
The lyric and vocal performance is well delivered, with just the right guitar solo.
Nice arrangement and mixing.
Inspirational!
[ Reply to This ]
Re: What a cool tune... &mdash 10/28/07 - 11:04:02 AM
Thanks, Timothy. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.
Just the right guitar solo? It was improvised... inspired, you might say. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Sentimental... &mdash 10/29/07 - 10:53:00 PM
This is a beautiful song... It really tugs at the heart.. and your vocals on this is full of emotion.. reminds me a bit of Neil Diamond, heartfelt and sincere. I think this is one of your best vocal performances. The background musical arrangement really complements the romantic theme and seems to highlight your vocals. [ Reply to This ]
Er.. &mdash 10/29/07 - 10:56:43 PM
Reading through the lyrics, I meant inspirational, rather than romantic... although if you did change the lyrics to one of love and longing, this will make a really romantic song, too. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks, Leon &mdash 10/30/07 - 09:52:43 AM
Your point is well-taken about how easy it would be to convert this song to a romantic ballad. But the message is what propelled it to be what it is.
Thanks for listening... and for the props. I am pleased you liked it. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Smooth.... &mdash 11/09/07 - 07:43:21 AM
....very smooth, not enough of this approach these days in contemporary music. Very well done, neighbour. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Smooth... &mdash 11/09/07 - 02:42:43 PM
Thanks, Dennis. I guess it's up to us old-timers to *keep the fire burning* on smooth. LOL ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
yep &mdash 11/09/07 - 04:01:23 PM
pretty huge song here and very nicely done....agree with dennis...not enough of these beauties nowdays..much enjoyed ja! [ Reply to This ]
Re: yep... &mdash 11/09/07 - 07:36:39 PM
Thanks, d.a. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I appreciate the listen and the comment.
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Inspirational &mdash 11/15/07 - 11:26:38 AM
Wise and uplifting lyrics. I'm thinking uplifting like looking at life through the eyes and mind of someone like Marianne Williamson.
Possibilities, it's all out there.
Nice tune.
[ Reply to This ]
Re: Inspirational &mdash 11/15/07 - 11:49:20 AM
Thank you for listening and for your comments, Damien.
It's been said wisdom comes through pain. That being the case, I guess I am officially a... wiseguy. lol
But the lyric reflects how I see Life through my eyes and my brain, after long years of broad experience.
Perhaps Marianne Williamson is channeling me? ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
10's &mdash 11/16/07 - 05:12:19 AM
I'm back.
I wanted to hear the dynamic saga production, and hear that heart felt vocal delivery again.
Great guitar solo [ Reply to This ]
Re: 10's &mdash 11/16/07 - 12:03:38 PM
Wow! Thanks, again Tim. Gee, I feel like... Bo Derek now. LOL
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
well &mdash 11/17/07 - 12:43:28 AM
Dear Tim... &mdash 11/17/07 - 12:54:32 AM
I believe &mdash 11/18/07 - 09:29:07 AM
That this song is great! Your singing is so clear . I love the lead guitar in this. Enjoyed [ Reply to This ]
Re: I believe... &mdash 11/18/07 - 10:33:00 AM
Thanks for listening and for the compliments, ego. I am glad you enjoyed the song. :)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
I simply love it &mdash 11/22/07 - 12:04:56 PM
I love this song it's wherry touching.Kudos
Peace Love & Respect
----
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
Re: Kenta &mdash 11/23/07 - 12:22:50 AM
Thanks for listening and your comments, Kenta.
You keep believing and everything is going to work out for you, my friend. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Nicely produced &mdash 11/25/07 - 10:08:12 PM
I love your unabashed big sound. Perfectly paired with the lyrics. I don't know how I've missed this one for the past two months, but I'm glad I finally arrived. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Nicely Produced... &mdash 11/25/07 - 11:37:57 PM
Thanks, Kristy.
You probably missed it because it's not on the main Nature trails... you can only find it here, off the beaten track, in what we refer to as the... *deep woods* of Inspirational (contemporary) music. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Hey Joe! &mdash 11/27/07 - 06:29:55 AM
Very nice inspirational! The lyrics are outstanding. . . and I love the guitar solo.
Nice work! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Hey Joe... &mdash 11/27/07 - 10:21:59 AM
Thanks for listening and commenting, Marcus. I'm glad you liked it.
I'm not usually so reflective when I write lyrics, but I felt the need for this one.
The guitar solo was improvised... perhaps *inspired* by the message. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Burt Bacharach-ish &mdash 12/10/07 - 05:42:01 PM
Hey Joe,
Love this song...sounds a little like Burt Bacharach ran right into a Les Paul!
Peace,
HS [ Reply to This ]
Re: Burt Bacharach-ish... &mdash 12/10/07 - 06:21:05 PM
Thanks for listening and your comments, Harold. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Burt has contributed some great music to our culture, so I take it as a real compliment.
Thanks,
Joe [ Reply to This ]
Nice lyrics &mdash 12/11/07 - 10:10:41 PM
great arrangement and lovely singing. You present the song in a low-key, restrained way that suits the track perfectly. I love the guitar work (nice sound btw) and the sound of the whole track. Very nice. Glad i stopped by to check this out. Peace. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Nice Lyrics... &mdash 12/12/07 - 09:48:46 AM
Thanks for your comments and for listening, David.
I'm pleased you enjoyed the song. ;) [ Reply to This ]
Cool &mdash 12/16/07 - 05:22:10 PM
Cool song, J. A. The guitar solo reminds me of the electric solo from the Carpenter's song -- what was it? It was groundbreaking, especially for the Carpenters, to have this psychedelic guitar solo in one of their tunes. Your guitar work is excellent, and makes me think you've paid a lot of dues with a variety of bands. Well-mixed and EQ'd, and a pleasure to hear.
Lyrics are very interesting. Yes, there is certainly more within us than we will ever know, and each of us has talents which will never be tapped fully in this life. But we remain sinners, and as such we have need of a Savior, who is the true Power of the universe. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Cool... &mdash 12/16/07 - 07:26:47 PM
Thanks, John. I'm glad you enjoyed the song.
I believe the Carpenters' tune you're thinking of was *Goodbye to Love*. It was a very powerful solo and unique to the Carpenters' catalog.
Yes, I paid my share of musical dues back in the day, but no longer. Now it's just for personal satisfaction. ;)
The lyrical content is purposefully philosophical, yet *spiritual*... as opposed to religious. Still, it is open to interpretation in that context, as well.
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Hmmm &mdash 12/20/07 - 09:06:37 PM
Weird I never checked your music out until now and ME LIKES!
You do have that lounge quality with exceptional lyrics and fantatstic singing! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Hmm... &mdash 12/20/07 - 10:46:18 PM
WOW! I've been discovered! lol
Thanks, Tom. I'm glad you liked and thanks for the props. I did all sorts of material during my musical career... lounge music included.
Hopefully, I'll be posting a wide variety of music that will showcase more than just that aspect of my experience. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
I Believe &mdash 12/25/07 - 01:56:14 PM
Joe I can see why this is such a well respected song on MJ. Great song-writing, powerful delivery. This is a favorite for me, and I'm looking forward to listening to the rest of your songs.
Nice to meet you and happy holidays,
Alan [ Reply to This ]
Re: I Believe... &mdash 12/25/07 - 02:25:19 PM
Thanks, Alan and welcome to MacJams.
I'm looking forward to hearing more from you, as well. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Great Anthem &mdash 12/27/07 - 09:11:59 PM
Nice inspirational anthem. This builds so well and the production and performance are right on. Perfect spot for the guitar lead to take it higher too. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Great Anthem... &mdash 12/27/07 - 10:52:31 PM
Wow... &mdash 12/31/07 - 11:51:38 PM
I guess there isn't much more to say. I've seen you around for a while but haven't had a chance to listen to any of your stuff... I'm glad I did now. Well produced, heart felt, inspiring... great job.... [ Reply to This ]
Re: Wow... &mdash 01/01/08 - 12:15:37 AM
Thanks, Aaron. I'm glad you stopped by and gave it a listen and happy you liked it.
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
What terrific words &mdash 01/17/08 - 11:24:00 PM
Enjoyed your high reaching vocal sounds and the backround really fits in. I think I needed to hear this tune. Very uplift and again, very powerful words.
Enjoyed this tune from start to finish.
A great addition to MJ for sure and a much needed one of inspiration to us all ! [ Reply to This ]
Re: What terrific words... &mdash 01/18/08 - 09:40:22 AM
Thank you, Bill. I'm pleased it worked for you.
The lyric was inspired by my own life experiences and observations. Life is full of obstacles, frustrations and disappointments. But we are given all the tools and resources needed to overcome them, if only we recognize them... and *give in* to them.
Our own (self-imposed) fears and doubts are our earthly fetters. They only have as much strength and power over us as we give them. Thus, most of the limitations and obstacles that exist are the ones we create in our own minds.
Get beyond those... and the *true* obstacles that remain are not all that formidable. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Very cool song &mdash 01/18/08 - 11:59:47 PM
Full of hope! You sing with real emotion and everything sounds
great! :-) [ Reply to This ]
Re: Very cool song &mdash 01/19/08 - 10:14:20 AM
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Roxylee.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
nicely done &mdash 01/24/08 - 01:33:49 PM
wonderful Full, Big Sound, joe.
your vocal does the job just right - i like the emotion you've poured into your delivery - especially on those high Wo Wo's.
quite a nice guitar solo at the break.
i like your message, too - it's not dogmatic, just aimed at the best part of each of us. thanks for a lovely song -anne
[ Reply to This ]
Re: nicely done... &mdash 01/24/08 - 03:27:33 PM
Thanks for listening and commenting, Anne.
I'm not big on dogmas... or catmas, for that matter. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
a little part &mdash 02/05/08 - 03:56:51 PM
of the things that keep some of us here trying to make songs... well said sung, Joe
. - Harold [ Reply to This ]
Re: a little part... &mdash 02/05/08 - 11:02:35 PM
Thanks, Harold.
But I thought what kept us here was the irresistible allure of Fame and Glory. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Amazing song :-) &mdash 02/16/08 - 02:46:43 AM
Most beautiful - this song is full of feeling. I like the wonderful lyrics. Excellent work! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Amazing Song... &mdash 02/16/08 - 11:48:01 AM
Thank you, Andreas... for listening and for your complimentary comments. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Mix &mdash 03/11/08 - 01:43:50 AM
This mix is superb. It sounds like every thing is glued together and in a very cohesive space. Great guitar playing. The drums get a little stale but there is enough going on that my ears can dance from sound to sound. Great job Joe! [ Reply to This ]
Re: Mix... &mdash 03/11/08 - 09:59:03 AM
Thanks, Adam.
I tried to keep this mix relatively simple and uncluttered, so that the message stood out.
Drums are probably the *weakest link* in my musical knowledge... probably because I had a terrific pro drummer in my last couple of bands. I never had to concern myself with what he was playing, because he was always perfect. This particular drum loop had few options for transitions, so I only used those which sounded *right* to my ears. They are very subtle, to be sure. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Hey Joe, &mdash 03/12/08 - 07:52:10 PM
I know I'm a little late commenting on your music.....there's just so much music and little time. Hey though, this is really a good song....we certainly need a lot of faith and hope in this crazy world we are living in. This is written very well. You have a great voice, plus the sound and production is very pro sounding.
Thanks
paul [ Reply to This ]
Re: Hey, Joe... &mdash 03/12/08 - 10:07:26 PM
Hey, Paul... it's never too late. Even though this, my *latest* post, has been around for six months here, it was brand new to you. That's the beauty of music.
Thanks for the listen and the comment, I'm enjoying your work, as well. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
I believe this is brilliant. And &mdash 04/05/08 - 08:40:15 PM
That you are very nice and a brilliant singer and exceptional
artist and why it took me so long to get here I do not know.
Please also read my post in the forum Dowloading Songs. When you have a moment thanks/ Dowload for my ipod. fav 10 all the way. This is outstanding. Off to listen to the rest .
Thank you so much.
Peace Dee.
[ Reply to This ]
Re: I believe this is brilliant. And... &mdash 04/05/08 - 11:26:00 PM
Thank you, Dee.
You are too kind. I am pleased you liked this song.
I tried searching for your Forum post, but no luck. However, if memory serves me, I believe you posted about running out of HD space, due to all your MJ downloads. Looking at your Faves list, I can see how that could happen. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
great! &mdash 04/07/08 - 05:39:13 AM
Very uplifting lyrics. I try to live by that philosophy, but it is not always as easy as one might think! Listening to this tune gave me new motivation. You have a great singing voice. You sing in a very relaxe but yet pwerful way, I really want to listen to the words you sing. [ Reply to This ]
Re: great!... &mdash 04/07/08 - 09:40:43 AM
Thank you for listening and commenting, Magnus.
No, it isn't always easy to maintain your focus; Life is filled with obstacles, disappointments and setbacks. But as you work to overcome them, your spirit grows stronger and the obstacles less powerful.
I am glad the song's message helped jump-start your motivation. Keep at it, my friend. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Dang! &mdash 04/14/08 - 08:04:25 PM
Something sincere... oh, how do I handle something so sincere? With thanks. As a guitar-head, I have to add that the guitar tone and your touch on it is just perfect. [ Reply to This ]
Re: Dang!... &mdash 04/15/08 - 01:53:28 AM
Thanks, Bob. My lightning-quick lick days are behind me now, so I have to concentrate more on things like touch, style and tone.
Not such a bad thing, really. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Nice song! &mdash 05/22/08 - 07:23:26 PM
Re: Nice song! &mdash 05/22/08 - 10:24:51 PM
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