Who's Online
Invisible Members: 5 Visitors: 71
Past 7 Days
Song Uploads: 151
Song Votes: 508
Song Comments: 2474
Forum Posts: 640
New Members: 65
Participation Points: 8802.05
|
Get Flash to see this player.
Having playback trouble, try the Quicktime player:
  
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial
|
|
|
|
|
Description:
I was honored that so many of you told me that my previous composition "Whimsical" made you laugh. This piece, "Path of Tears" is on the other end of the emotional spectrum. It is part of a series of recorder duets with optional harp accompaniment I recently composed. James Kopf-Waldron performed on the tenor recorder and assisted me with mixing. He also created the song art, (Thanks, James!) I played the alto recorder and pedal harp.
Hardware:
PowerBook G4 15"/667 MhZ
M-audio mobile pre
Two MXL 990 condenser microphones
Software:
|
Brilliant!!! &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:30:58 AM
Cameron,
This piece is absolutely amazing. It transported me to a
meadow in England, sitting on a rock, waiting for m'lady.
U did it... U captured a moment in time. Preserved forever.
You have moved me tremendously. BRAVO!
10-10-10-10 [ Reply to This ]
Brilliant!!! &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:46:09 AM
Maestro, thank you so much for your kind words! ---especially coming from
such a wonderful musician and composer as yourself.
It's always interesting to hear what images are conjured up for people when
they listen to a piece of music. Yes, I can easily relate to your scenario in
England -- it fits! (James thinks it sounds Native American, another
interesting slant....)
Thanks again for listening, your vote (!!!) and comments.
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
Wonderfully Wonderful!!! &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:33:11 AM
Cameron, I know how long you worked on this! Both you
and James should be very proud. For your first "duet", this
is magnificent! To hear "REAL" instruments is awe
inspiring. My hat is off to the both of you. The playing is
exquisite... and the melodies are brilliant. That harp is
wonderful! I better stop... I'm running out of things to say!
I'm giving it all nines... even though there is a little (very
minute) bit of noise (which can be subdued with a few
tricks, I'm sure you'll learn over time) the production is
superb!!! [ Reply to This ]
Wonderfully Wonderful!!! &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:53:06 AM
Thank YOU, Alimar, for being so supportive through my long and challenging
process putting this song together. You listened to me rant and rave about it
for more than a MONTH, ha ha!
It's always great to get positive feedback about one's work, but more
importantly, the constructive observations which will help my future work be
better. Thanks for pointing out the slight noise issues! I look forward to
picking your brain about how to fix that....so be warned! LOL
Thanks again!
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
Superb. &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:43:44 AM
I needed this one. Excellent. This is the song I sift through
300 techno experiments to find. Beautiful tapestry of
somber melodies. Thanks Cameron. [ Reply to This ]
Superb. &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:56:39 AM
Skipper, I'm glad this song made a difference in your day! (smile) I truly
appreciate you listening and commenting. It's nice to know that this song has
a positive impact on people.
Thanks again!
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
Touching and moving &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:55:28 AM
Very nicely performed. Very relaxing. I found the writing
to be a bit "safe". 8-9-7-8. [ Reply to This ]
Touching and moving &mdash 09/10/04 - 09:01:56 AM
Thanks, mcsweb, for your comments. I am interested to know what you mean
by "safe", though. I know there was no new ground broken here but I feel that
this piece has a good amount of depth. If this music touched and moved you,
I'm basically happy!
But I THINK I know what you're getting at.....and I appreciate the nudge to be
more adventurous in future songs. Thanks again for your input!
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
Touching and moving &mdash 09/10/04 - 09:24:16 AM
You are right, it does have depth; that's why I gave you an 8 in song writing.
The performance is superb, as is the production: 9. You are also right that it
does not break new ground, but it does represent a significant musical
contributrion: hence the 7 in originality (still a high mark from me). [ Reply to This ]
Ahhhhhh &mdash 09/10/04 - 09:03:25 AM
Ahhhhhh &mdash 09/10/04 - 09:09:33 AM
Thanks macapa, for your comments! I'm glad you downloaded this song.
Maybe it will help alleviate road rage if you listen to it in the car....just don't
fall asleep! [ Reply to This ]
Ahhhhhh &mdash 09/10/04 - 09:25:29 AM
Ahhhhhh &mdash 09/10/04 - 09:27:20 AM
Cameron, I gotta tell ya... &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:05:29 AM
This was going on my favorites list at the first harp run... but the piece just took off for me from there.. Marvelous! The sound is very Madrigal but yet the composition is a bit more modern... and I really love that about this piece. I also love that you've truly captured an emmotion in the writing and performance. Please Please post some more... I'm addicted! [ Reply to This ]
Cameron, I gotta tell ya... &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:22:38 AM
Thanks so much, Giovanni, for your comments! I know that you had said
awhile back that you liked harp music, so I am glad that you've enjoyed this
offering.
This is only the beginning....now that I've "gotten my feet wet" recording the
harp. I learned a great deal from this project and need to learn MORE about
recording, definitely. I will be posting many more songs containing harp on
MacJams, and hopefully you and others will enjoy them.
Thanks for your kind words.
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
Cameron, I gotta tell ya... &mdash 09/10/04 - 04:59:23 PM
One more thing... I was so inspired by your piece... i got my recorder out! [ Reply to This ]
Cameron... &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:09:20 AM
This is such a beautiful, soothing musical change of pace. It is your best so far. Thanks for alerting me to this new submission of yours. I haven't yet read any of the other posts. Suffice to say, they probably say it all. You are a superb musician, and now showing your stuff in as a composer. Encore!! 9-9-9-9
Jack [ Reply to This ]
Cameron... &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:27:17 AM
Jack, thanks for your comments. There's always room for one more! I'm glad
you liked this piece. More to come!
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
i dont hear tears &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:11:53 AM
i hear walking in the woods reflecting on a love.
i hear autumn.
i smell dying leaves.
i see her old sweater she left at my apartment.
i catch her scent in a crowd.
i am ruined by the memories of her.
i had just come in the other day to see if you had done
something...and noticed you had not in a while.
i'm glad that you wrote this.
beautiful my brother.
[ Reply to This ]
i dont hear tears &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:32:56 AM
gudkarma, you are such a poet! Not only do I greatly appreciate your
comments, but they are artfully expressed and could be a poem in their own
right.
How do you manage to DO that? (it's great....)
I am particularly fascinated by each person's images which come up when
they listen to a song -- each is different. Thanks for sharing your vivid
images of my piece. [ Reply to This ]
It's a down load for me &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:37:32 AM
all has been said above, you have some rave reiews
and so again we wait to see what next you may do
this missive is meter to that artical P.A.S [ Reply to This ]
It's a down load for me &mdash 09/10/04 - 04:03:08 PM
regulus, thanks for your comments. I'm waiting to see what I "do next", too!
Several collabs are lined up and waiting. I've started on the first one today,
now that this song is done. (whew) [ Reply to This ]
It's a down load for me &mdash 09/12/04 - 11:55:11 PM
I just remembered/
It took a moment to recapitulate here, but what you have is dissimilar but
like-unto a pavone. A refined fourteenth century dance of the court (the
castle). The Earl of Salsbury comes to mind. Very popular with the nobles of
the time. and appears to be so here, in the twenty-first, as well.
---
++ Desiderata ++ [ Reply to This ]
brilliant.... &mdash 09/10/04 - 12:37:18 PM
u r playing provides quite a picture....scenes if u
will....musical color.........and the writing ain't to shabby
either.......bravo!!!! [ Reply to This ]
brilliant.... &mdash 09/10/04 - 03:53:12 PM
Thanks, mcboy, for your comments. Coming from a successful studio
musician, I am flattered. I admire your work very much. I'm glad you liked this
piece!
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 09/10/04 - 12:38:34 PM
Solid and soulful piece of art.
The craftsmanship is impeckable on all accounts; the
performance is precize, intonation, woodwind playing/
articulation, nuances, you name it.
Careful balance of the elements of the composition makes
it impossible to suggest any improvements - not that it
needs any, no - like a secret recipe, where the
components seem to be clear and deseptively simple, yet
the taste is unique and fresh.
I enjoyed the development of the piece, where the build is
achieved by subtle increase of "emotional density" rather
than adding complexity and dB force.
It is beautiful, sad, and pretty darn depressive, if you ask
me. I loved it.
PS. I honestly disagree with the notion of "safe" writing,
lurked above: every style and genre it's rules. It the
artist's right to choose to stay within the limits, expand
them or break. Non of the methods guarantee neither
creative success, nor failure. This piece was planned,
written and played by the artists who new what they were
doing - and the results are apparent.
Sometimes we forget what the word "professional" mean;
but it does make a difference - the difference between
17-year old Porto fron a cellar in Madrid and a bottle of
Thunderbird from the convenience store. Ability to hear it
is the first step towards the appreciation of art and a fine
craftsmanship. Not to step on anyone's toe here - I do not
consider myself a professional musician, neither I am a
critic of any weight (for web's sake, English is not even my
native language...). Just an observation... [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 09/10/04 - 04:00:11 PM
iGSTUDiO, I truly appreciate the time you took to listen and then provide such
a detailed comment! You made some good points which we can all relate to in
some way.
To me, music is COMMUNICATION. If people feel an emotion from listening to
my compositions, I consider them a success, and a fulfillment of my purpose.
I'm very glad you enjoyed this piece.
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:23:25 PM
"PS. I honestly disagree with the notion of "safe" writing,
lurked above: every style and genre it's rules. It the
artist's right to choose to stay within the limits, expand
them or break. Non of the methods guarantee neither
creative success, nor failure. This piece was planned,
written and played by the artists who new what they were
doing - and the results are apparent."
These are very good points, and I don't disagree with any of them. I will say
though that if an artist chooses NOT to expand the genre or break any of the
rules, then he/she has chosen a "safe" route. Mozart was famous for being
"safe", and he was fabulous, so the comment is not meant to impugn
Cameron in any way, just give him something to think about... [ Reply to This ]
Killer track &mdash 09/10/04 - 01:06:03 PM
What a fantastic combination of instrumentation and
concept. Your work is of the fisrt order, Cameron. I will
continue to seek out your compositions ass I visit the site
in the future.
Well done ... [ Reply to This ]
Killer track reprise &mdash 09/10/04 - 01:09:43 PM
Er, pardon my typos in the previous posting. I am truly
impressed by your contibutions and meant no disrespect.
My fingers just don’t work so well ... [ Reply to This ]
Killer track reprise &mdash 09/10/04 - 04:07:47 PM
timm061, thanks for your comments and conscientiousness (now THAT'S a
word!).
No offense taken at your "typo". I figured it out. I appreciate your followup,
though, and am glad you liked the song. [ Reply to This ]
One nit, just one... &mdash 09/10/04 - 01:43:08 PM
I love this piece. The recorders fill the soundspace
beautifully. Only one small thing, though. The highest
notes of the harp are perhaps a bit too loud. They stand
out more than the rest of the harp notes which blend in
nicely with the same ambience as the recorders. Tell us
about how you mic'd the harp.
Thanks for soothing this savage beast today. (...or is it
savage breast?) [ Reply to This ]
One nit, just one... &mdash 09/10/04 - 03:34:27 PM
rschletty, thanks so much for listening and for your comments. Yes, I agree
about the highest notes of the harp being too loud. I wrestled with those in
the mix....brought some down, but should have done them all! I'll pay closer
attention next time. Good ears!
I tried miking the harp in mono originally, but quickly realized that it needed
to be stereo for best sound. I used two mics: one pointed at the bass strings,
and the other towards the treble strings. Both mics were positioned about
halfway up the total string length.
I'm glad your savage beast was soothed...even for 3 minutes and 2 seconds!
Cameron [ Reply to This ]
It's one of the highest... &mdash 09/10/04 - 01:46:32 PM
marks i've given out.... 9-8-9-9.
It takes a lot of skill to carry an instrumental and keep
interest for the duration. I've commented on many
instrumentals here that they merely seemed like jams.
You've met the "instrumental requirement" that I look for.
Beautifully played. Real instruments (alimar will be
jealous... although he'd do this with a pen tool...lol)
breath life into this peace (mispelled intentionally).
I gave a slightly lower production mark (although 8 is
nothing to sneeze at) for the little bit of hiss, and I think a
pop was in there somewhere. But, that's minor.
Need more songs like this at macjams. Awesome work.
[ Reply to This ]
It's one of the highest... &mdash 09/10/04 - 03:47:10 PM
dchapman, I am honored that you gave such high marks on this song, coming
from someone who knows much more about recording than I do. I hope to
improve with each new song, banish the hiss and little pop beasts!
I removed some of the noises successfully and others NOT so well...but finally
decided to let the song go out as is, you reach a certain point where it just
needs to get out there and be heard, you know? The song had a life of its own
and wanted to get out of my house!
Thanks again for your in-depth, thoughtful comments. I have learned a lot
from working on this song. It's only the beginning. I'm glad it's here on
MacJams. [ Reply to This ]
COOL! &mdash 09/10/04 - 04:14:28 PM
whoa... where did you get the harpists and the recorder...
...ists.... ? This is AWESOME! It's like, the Fair Lady
Castlebosom has been abducted by the Evil Sir Mullet and
the entire MacKingdom is mourning!
Seriously, Cam, man... this, this is sweet.
10s across the board. Fandoodles. Moved. [ Reply to This ]
COOL! &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:28:40 PM
Thanks for listening and for your votes and comments, fosod!
The harpist (me) and "recordists" (me, James) waived their usual outrageous
fees to do this session. Thanks for the Lady Castlebosom reference -- made
me laugh! [ Reply to This ]
That's why you're a professional. &mdash 09/10/04 - 05:40:40 PM
It's nice to see all the great comments you have
received, you always give great comments and
encouragement to others. I'm just a hack with a
guitar, but I really can appreciate this effort. Real
instruments recorded with actual microphones,
what's this world coming to.
[ Reply to This ]
That's why you're a professional. &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:35:25 PM
Thanks very much for your comments, Z293. Everyone's comments are where
it's AT....although it's great to get high scores, feedback is actually
more important, and ultimately more valuable.
Please don't call yourself a hack (even if you were kidding). You're a person
who has music inside, expressing it in your own way. We're all here to listen
to each other's songs and support one another in this great community. The
"playing field is level". Anyone, "professional" or not, can produce a great
song. [ Reply to This ]
That's why you're a professional. &mdash 09/10/04 - 11:26:41 PM
Hey I take offense to that Z293. I put you on my favorites, because I for one
think you are anything but a hack. Your playing is excellent! Oops sorry this
is Cameron's song... [ Reply to This ]
To say it's beautiful &mdash 09/10/04 - 07:26:35 PM
would be an understatement. Cameron, this is
spectacular: Performance, composition, mastering: it's
musical perfection. Four 10s from me. Thank you.
Miss Chaos [ Reply to This ]
To say it's beautiful &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:53:21 PM
This is &mdash 09/10/04 - 07:51:10 PM
very Shakesperian.
A masterpiece you two!
A hugely descriptive track, and that Harp playing is
wonderful.
I am so pleased you posted this.
10's deservedly.
Slimmie [ Reply to This ]
This is &mdash 09/10/04 - 11:09:49 PM
I'm very glad you liked this piece, Slimmie.
...Yet another reference to your mother country. Maybe I lived in the British
Isles in a past life.
I feel greatly rewarded that so many of you have been touched by this song in
some way. Each imagination is sparked differently. Fascinating! [ Reply to This ]
Just Beautiful! &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:12:12 PM
Just Beautiful! &mdash 09/10/04 - 11:15:43 PM
Coming from such an accomplished musician and PIANIST extraordinaire as
yourself, I truly value your comments -- thanks! [ Reply to This ]
to da guy &mdash 09/10/04 - 08:13:52 PM
who posted 3's and 4's... yer supposed to vote the quality of the song not yer iq! ;)) [ Reply to This ]
I can see both imges &mdash 09/10/04 - 10:49:23 PM
I can understand the Elizabethan images several have
alluded to, mostly based on the instrumentation and the
modes used. There is a definite quiet tudor rose quality
there, that when imagined that way almost feels more like
a pean to venus, the sweet poignant sting of love...
At the same time, there are definitely certain phrases and
harmonies going on in the recorders that do sound quite
native american. Maybe somewhere between the two we
have sort of a Pocahontas story (which would have been
about the right time period).
Very nice piece I think there's a lot to grasp here, and it
shows based on the comments I've seen. Good work
Cameron! [ Reply to This ]
I can see both imges &mdash 09/10/04 - 11:23:12 PM
Bryan, your thoughtful and insightful (and very interesting) comments are
greatly appreciated.
You have identified several elements and recurring themes which seem to
resonate with many listeners of this song. I truly wouldn't have thought of the
"Elizabethan" aspects, and find it interesting that others see them.
I don't know WHAT was happening when I composed this recorder duet last
March. It just popped out, sort of on its own, in about an hour. Then James
said that it sounded Native American. Hmmm.....then I added the harp part.
The source of music and its inspiration is truly a mystery, isn't it? I'm just glad
when it HAPPENS in my presence. [ Reply to This ]
perfrct &mdash 09/10/04 - 11:24:50 PM
There is neither an open seam nor a breakdown including the fine cover art.
this is totally perfect tune.
Classical? pops? even Genre is meaningless for this. Universally beautiful.
what can i say in words? so i just repeat to listen to. [ Reply to This ]
perfrct &mdash 09/11/04 - 08:25:50 AM
koolpaw, you have hit on something in your comments which makes my day!
To say that this song transcends all genres, that it's "universal" means that I
have truly achieved my goal.
Music is a language, and I'm glad that many people "understand" this song on
some level, unique to them.
Thanks very much for this observation. [ Reply to This ]
perfect &mdash 09/11/04 - 02:34:00 PM
Well, I have to disagree about the cover art. It spooks me. I don't think it fits
the piece. Sorry to be so harsh but that is my first and lingering impression.
Why not a visage of m'lady treated in a more organic, more "classical" way? A
gossamer veil, a white marble statue in a flower garden, a figure partially
obscured by the mist on the moor? The emboss filter, desaturated skin color
and beady eye just don't do it for me unless I were told that m'lady is dead.
Ah, but beauty is on the eye of the beholder. And this is about the music, not
the cover. So, never mind.
---
www.schletty.com/indwellings/ [ Reply to This ]
What can we say &mdash 09/11/04 - 08:44:40 AM
That havent' already been said?
(It comes to our mind Osamu Kitajima and Loreena
McKennitt. A perfect mood setter.
Our vote is
10 - 10 -10 - 10 [ Reply to This ]
Nostalgic... &mdash 09/11/04 - 02:42:19 PM
This melody reminds me some landscapes of country side
of Japan. It really fits!!
Very beautiful.
Great to listen especially in this season.
Thanks for sharing : ) [ Reply to This ]
Nostalgic... &mdash 09/12/04 - 07:35:45 AM
Thank YOU, mars, for your comments. I'm glad that this piece reminds you of
your home country in some way. This song seems to be making stops in
England, (native) America and now Japan! Very interesting. [ Reply to This ]
Well worth the wait &mdash 09/11/04 - 07:24:20 PM
I know a few of us, including myself, have "harped"
on you for "record"ing and posting a new song. :P
That sounded wonderful! Funny, as my thoughts ran
to a little gelfing playing his flute to a broken crystal
shard... I suppose we all have our different historical
recollections, no? :D
Would love to hear this tune with the entrance of a
string accompaniment, but more as an alternative as
this one's beautiful. I suppose it comes from the fact
this track reminded me of a type of musical score,
making me eager to hear variations on the theme.
I also have to agree with rschletty as that artwork
seems rather spooky. Then again, I've never been a
fan of the "Emboss: plug-in.
Those are the best nits I can come up with. Brilliant
playing and a wonderful melody loaded with a
sadness of emotion. Your the man! Well, the men
since it's a duet! [ Reply to This ]
Well worth the wait &mdash 09/11/04 - 10:22:30 PM
Welcome back, packO! Hope you had a good time in Vegas.
Thanks so much for your comments. Yes indeed, this song was long in
coming. I appreciate your encouragement (along with a few others') to keep
plugging away at it.
Harp and strings....great idea. I'll definitely do that in a future tune. Won't be
"real" strings, though.
By the way, that wasn't the "emboss" plug-in...James says it was a
combination of filters, which may have seemed similar. We thought long and
hard about using this picture. It does have a history which I will tell you about
sometime. (It IS sad....). It's interesting that people have various reactions to it
(at least they're REACTING!) just like they have various reactions to this piece.
Thanks again for your comments! [ Reply to This ]
Well worth the wait &mdash 09/13/04 - 11:55:42 AM
Yes, it would be interesting to hear the story behind the visage in your song
art. Good art elicits responses from viewers. So this is good. The cover art
forced me to use my imagination to conjure up a gracious, happy Medieval
scene, but the title "Path of Tears" suggests that there is mourning in the
castle. This makes the song all the more interesting!
---
www.schletty.com/indwellings/
| |
This piece is absolutely amazing. It transported me to a
meadow in England, sitting on a rock, waiting for m'lady.
U did it... U captured a moment in time. Preserved forever.
You have moved me tremendously. BRAVO!
10-10-10-10
[ Reply to This ]