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Tailor Made by guitapick [Email]
Genre: Acoustic

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 1388
Comments: 77
Votes: 11
Plays: 170
Last Played: Oct 12, 2008 - 05:20:55 PM
Downloads: 32
Fans: 35
Uploaded: Dec 11, 2007 - 11:23:00 PM
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2008 - 06:11:16 AM
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Description:
Inspiration is the finest of cloth.


Back in April, I put out a post, asking what program to get as a beginner in the recording realm. Got plenty of fine advice. The last response (I almost missed it) was from this guy, Taylor Morgan, who told me he just so happened to have a spare iLife disc with GB2 on it. Just send him my address and he'd mail it to me. No charge. Free.

This, in my world, does not happen every day. Especially from a "stranger". I was extremely touched by his generosity and promised him a song in return.

Interestingly enough: after I'd installed the disc, I was given another copy by my job, here in NYC. I ended up giving Taylor's to my friend in France. Funny how things work that way...

Well...this one's for you, Taylor. Wherever and whenever you may be. Thanks so much. And to all my friends here at Macjams. To the spirit of music, sharing, and giving. A little holiday season gift to all of you. (I like it with headphones, btw).

Bob

Lyrics:
Tailor Made
Music and lyrics by Bob Prince
© 2007

I've got a secret
I don't plan to keep.
I've hidden it
inside this song.

It ain't meant for laughter
or makin' folks weep.
If you follow,
I'll help you along.

Not too loose
or too tight.
Tailor made.
Fits just right.

Time for a clue
'cuz you passed it
you see:
some tunes I write
don't come from me.

(instrumental)

Not to loose
or too tight.
Taylor made.
Fits just right.

I've got a secret
that I just can't keep.
So I've hidden it
inside this song.




Hardware:
Fernandez Classical Guitar
Rode NT3 mic (guitar)
Senheiser mic (vox)

Software:
GB2
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Bob... &mdash 12/11/07 - 11:32:45 PM
...Don't tell me I'm the first to comment?
I love the sound of a 6-string acoustic classical guitar. You play it with such polish and sweetness. I love this song's instrumental especially...mostly because the whole performance is unaffected. Your secret is no longer hidden, either: it's in the beauty of your craftsmanship. Nice...such a gift!
Peace.
Paul

[ Reply to This ]
Hey Paul... &mdash 12/11/07 - 11:40:02 PM
...that's really nice that you're here first. Like we're in the same room, together.

Glad you liked this, my friend. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

:)

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Tailor Made &mdash 12/12/07 - 05:11:44 AM
fit the season ....very cosy and just to sit
and think of the long night .gorgeous pickin
friend ,and thank you for sharin such cool
song !!

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You're welcome... &mdash 12/12/07 - 04:16:37 PM
...my pleasure, Feter. Thanks for the listen and taking the time...

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Bob &mdash 12/12/07 - 05:19:11 AM
I just love when you play this style and your voice is so great on this.... just the right expression. The clarity of vocal and guitar is nice too.... And glad you're having fun with your GB, regards M

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~ &mdash 12/12/07 - 04:20:51 PM
Yeah...definitely having fun with GB.

Glad you liked the vox. I purposely changed the volume during the middle section...like it's hidden/buried in the tune. The "secret". Not sure if that was the right choice...but I like it.

Thanks, Maurice.

Bob

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This is &mdash 12/12/07 - 06:52:54 AM
beautiful.You have a fantastic touch on the guitar.I love the way you reharmonized the melody several different ways.I used to love playing pieces by Antonio Lauro...this reminds me of that music.Your vocals fit perfectly.Wonderful.

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Antonio Lauro &mdash 12/12/07 - 01:03:39 PM
I used to play a couple of his "Valse Venezolano"s when I had an actual classical performing repertoire. I love his music.

We seem to have many similarities, Mark. Hope to see you at Fran's gig (in March) if I can make it up there. Be fun to hang out...

Thanks for the listen.

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right then bob &mdash 12/12/07 - 08:46:58 AM
great back story and excellant tune.....production/mic perfect...very nice...very nice!!

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Hi Davis &mdash 12/12/07 - 08:23:19 PM
Means a lot to me whenever you drop by my house.

See where you've got a new one out...I'm on my way...

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another &mdash 12/12/07 - 10:22:12 AM
Another winner. This sounds like a followup to your personal song to your daughter. But I guess she can't have this one since it's for Taylor.

Well, Daddy's a song machine, and he'll soon have another nice one, as nice as this I'm sure.

Nice one Bob.

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Yes... &mdash 12/12/07 - 04:26:23 PM
...I got Ava's stamp of approval on this one...even though it had nothing to do with her.

Thanks, Damien...I've got a bunch more cookin'...as do you, I'm sure. Just a matter of getting them recorded. We'll just keep rollin' along, I guess.





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wow... &mdash 12/12/07 - 10:24:42 AM
delicate sweetness, this is what it is all about, friends, guitars, music, sharing... ahhhhh. There are little bits of blues, jazz, classical, ballad, and folk hidden in this song, I love it. 3 cheers for Taylor! And such gorgeous writing and playing here, Bob! Thank you for writing and sharing this with us all. So, did you get your friend from France hooked on Macjams yet? :-)
ttfn,
Drakonis

[ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 12/12/07 - 04:41:31 PM
Hi Sir Drak!

Once I decided to write a tune for Taylor, I was riding my bicycle and coming up with ideas. But these few bars (intro) I'd played with a year or so ago and put on the shelf for awhile kept surfacing and developing. Went home and the basic tune was written that night.

Hadn't even thought of lyrics 'till, not so coincidentally, I was riding my bicycle about a week later and the opening line just popped into my head. Just like that. Figured that was the right direction, so I followed it.

"Yay, Taylor" is right. Would never have written this without him.

I've been writing with Andrew (in France) for about 5 years, now. Really threw a crimp in when he moved from here to there, though. Now we've got a couple of transcontinental tunes in the works. You'll be hearing from him, I'm sure.

[ Reply to This ]
great &mdash 12/12/07 - 01:28:56 PM
nice playing, really sweet and the lyrics are great too. i like the story of how you came to GB as well. great post.

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~ &mdash 12/13/07 - 07:56:38 AM
I'm hoping Taylor comes back and listens to this...he was the inspiration (bet ya caught that, huh?)

Thanks, michael. Definitely into your latest...

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Ahh &mdash 12/12/07 - 03:11:12 PM
Sweet guitar playing, very cool!

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks, man... &mdash 12/13/07 - 09:43:06 AM
...took a bit of practice time to get it under my fingers...

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Excellent Performance &mdash 12/12/07 - 05:08:18 PM
Great-sounding tune, Bob and played very, very well.

It has a great live feel and presence to it.

Cute sentiment, too. ;)

--- Joe

[ Reply to This ]
Hey Joe... &mdash 12/13/07 - 07:51:20 AM
..."Where ya goin', with that gun in your hand?"

(had to finally say that)

Thanks for the listen. Very happy you liked the tune. Waitin' on your next...

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a stitch in time &mdash 12/12/07 - 09:01:45 PM
that is mighty fine guitar playing.
okay i say that every time. but worth repeating. Some nice variances

plus. the big one.... the recording on this is really great! Very nice presence and attack.

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Thanks, Vic... &mdash 12/13/07 - 07:37:32 AM
A compliment from you about my recording technique means a lot to me. I put mucho time into it and, for the most part, am very happy with the results. Want to experiment more with the pull down menu reverb and low/hi filters...but that'll come in time. I love the 10 band eq. Rolled off a bit of bass (the Rode tends to be bassy) on the guitar and was very impressed with the accuracy.

One thing confusing me is the false harmonics I play at the end. It's nit picky (which I can definitely be)...but they sound different now than they did when I finished the master. I'm going to revisit it, when I get more knowledge under my belt.

Thanks, Vic...

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This is absolutely great Bob &mdash 12/12/07 - 10:14:37 PM
I hear this in a Michel Legrand score for a Jacques Demy film - very Umbrellas of Cherborg. Love your touch on the guitar and the intimate vocal style - very cinematic.

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~ &mdash 12/13/07 - 11:37:58 AM
I didn't know what genre to use...so I put down "Acoustic". Maybe "Soundtrack" would be more like it?

This song's been running around in my head for many moons. Such a trip to get it outta there...

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Guitar &mdash 12/13/07 - 06:36:15 AM
Your quiet and melodic guitar sounds very good here. I especially like the way this calls up memories of melodies I can't quite put names too, because this is a new melody. That familiarity adds a special warmth to the song.

Thanks
Bill

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I know exactly what you mean... &mdash 12/13/07 - 11:43:43 AM
...I actually hear part of a Mary Poppins tune in there...(I love that movie)...

I'm very glad you like this, Bill

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great song &mdash 12/13/07 - 10:27:53 AM
Bob, you always know how to make great music. Loved this one. Great lyrics and sweet story. Always so awesome when people act so nice to someone without any expectations in return....love that! Good singing my friend. Wonderful playing.....couldn't find a thing I didnt like...Shoot! :)

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The secret... &mdash 12/13/07 - 11:50:53 AM
...truly is in giving...

So simple...but sometimes so easy (tempting) to forget.

It means the world to me that you'd drop by and listen, Gail.

Thanks...

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Damn! &mdash 12/13/07 - 11:51:28 AM
Your playing is just so amazing. I've been listen to a lot of Bach lately and you no doubt have a "masters" touch when it comes to your technique. Not to mention the tone and production. Your sound and playing are very seductive to the ears. I really enjoyed this.
Thanks for the D/L.



Congrats!

Chris

BTW-I have a proposition for ya. I'll send you a note.

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J.S. Bach... &mdash 12/13/07 - 08:39:38 PM
...was supposed to have been an unbelievable improvisor. If I had to choose one composer to ever listen to (please: NO), he would be the one.

I'm very happy to still have some of the technique I had when I was performing his and other past master's music as a living. Job and family took the place of their sounds and now I stick to writing my own, for the most part. The edge could be sharper (I know you know about "the edge")...but I love to play and am glad it can be appreciated by you and others.

Thanks, Chris.


[ Reply to This ]
Just beautiful Rob, &mdash 12/13/07 - 12:55:26 PM
Playing, singing, lyrics.

Lovely light touch on the guitar, wonderful clarity and accuracy.

Bastard!

Cheers

Dick

[ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 12/13/07 - 04:37:34 PM
Them's fightin' words, pardner...

;)

I love your music, Dick....ya bastard!

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Paying it forward... &mdash 12/13/07 - 11:19:05 PM
First of all, Beautiful song. Very bluesy in a classical kind of way. I loved the directness. Refreshing it a VERY overdubbed MJ world these days (myself included sadly)!

Secondly, I love your story above about the GB gift and the karma ripples that happen in life. I was sent BFD Drums software from a MJ-er from England of all places, after collabing on a few things. Then, out of the blue a month or two later, we're working on a new thing, and BAM!, the Logic Studio 8 upgrade comes to my door via UPS, free, no strings. Well, this community may be "virtual" but the generosity is amazingly real.

Thx,
Philip



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Overdubbing: &mdash 12/14/07 - 01:13:08 PM
You didn't notice the screaming electric guitars along with the gamelan orchestra in the beginning?

I didn't think there was too much of anything in your latest, Phillip...sounded great. But I'm glad you liked this.

Thanks for sharing that story.

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Xcellent! &mdash 12/14/07 - 08:50:32 AM
sweet and slightly melancholy mood you've made here, bob.
gorgeous chords you've chosen.
and what an intimate vocal you give us.
wonderful concept, wonderful Taylor, wonderful world.
LOVED IT!
anne

[ Reply to This ]
Hoping for... &mdash 12/14/07 - 03:12:04 PM
...Taylor's return. Glad you liked, Anne...

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Bob &mdash 12/14/07 - 04:34:40 PM
I've got a lot of catching up to do at the moment (listening to loads of songs). This has just stopped me dead in my tracks. It is just beautiful, unhurried, relaxed and very, very masterful. i really don't know what else to write except that I absolutely love it. Obviously downloaded.
Cheers
Len

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I know what you mean.... &mdash 12/14/07 - 11:09:21 PM
...about catching up on tunes. I'm in the same situation.

Just very happy you'd make me a part of that...

Thanks, Len.

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hey &mdash 12/15/07 - 11:42:13 AM
this is sweeeet.....sorry it took so long to get to it...my apologies

man, you make great music.


fantastic my friend

z

[ Reply to This ]
You've been... &mdash 12/15/07 - 01:11:30 PM
...playing with your new toy. And I've gotta say, after listening to both cuts you sent me, that I'm c-o-m-p-l-e-t-e-l-y blown away by that Alessis...both the incredible sound quality (great combo of crisp and smooth) AND how well you guys were playing together. Hoy hoy...

Glad you like this, Fran.

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i really &mdash 12/15/07 - 04:37:50 PM
like this...after a couple of listens, actually i am quite stunned at the beauty of the guitar playing. i always knew you were a great player, but this little spasm here shows a level of emotion and soul i hadnt seen before....really unreal.

the vocals are troublesome to me tho...not in pitch or tone or phrasing at all but the recording of the voice seems very apart from the guitar. it doesnt sound natural. of course with pipes like yours, it must be a lot more challenging than recording my mose allison on valium delivery...i am not sure what to say to fix it. it could be just me.

but compositionally, and performance, this is a remarkable recording.

congratulations!!!!!!

[ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 12/15/07 - 10:46:30 PM
Let's talk about it...I know what you mean. I've been playing guitar for a long time. Vox are only in the past year. I think they work here...but not to the degree that the guitar does.

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Hey, I Read That Post... &mdash 12/15/07 - 04:55:43 PM
That original post you are referring too. I remember reading it. Glad you took the offer. And this song is the result!! Sweet!. I love the mood you have created here. And that guitar is singing so sweetly against that melancholy vocal. Enticing!! This song entices and I like it!

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You go.. &mdash 12/15/07 - 10:40:52 PM
..nyc!

That's so cool you remember the post. This is the outcome. Ain't that somethin?

Peace, Brothr

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Voice &mdash 12/16/07 - 06:50:21 AM
Your voice and your delivery, and your lyrics, make me think of Bob Dorough (composer/performer of Schoolhouse Rock). Very appealing.

OK, now you make me think of Leon Redbone (but you're more of a guitarist than he was).

Your guitar playing is very enjoyable. Every note is well-chosen and played. You're certainly not just a strummer.

Towards the end -- some surprising, tasty chord choices. A beautiful capper.

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I'm familiar... &mdash 12/16/07 - 11:55:45 AM
...with both Dorough and Redbone. Both are flattering comparisons. Thanks.

The chords at the end (and some in the body of the tune) made me think of labeling it in the "Jazz" genre. But there are too many variations from that style, IMHO. So I took the "easy way out" and chose "Acoustic". I mean...you can't argue with that, can you?

Thanks for the drop by, John. Looking forward to your next.

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Sublime &mdash 12/16/07 - 12:01:14 PM
Your vox go beautifully with your playing, Bob. This is a wonderful, intimate track ... I want to hear you sing more!

Lovely track

steve

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Thanks, Steve... &mdash 12/17/07 - 07:58:54 AM
...nice to hear a compliment on my voice from you. I really admire your singing.

The next few tunes I'm recording are instrumentals...but I do have a couple of vocals in the works. They WILL get done!

Thanks for the visit.




[ Reply to This ]
Low key, top sound! &mdash 12/16/07 - 10:21:35 PM
Lovely playing Bob, and a nice tune to boot. Well recorded too - beautiful sounding instrument (maybe it's just the way you play it).
Neil

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Hi Neil &mdash 12/17/07 - 09:55:39 AM
Glad you like this tune. Although my playing has something to do with it, I have to say that the guitar is stellar. I bought it about 30 years ago and it has aged beautifully. Sounds great with Savarez strings, in particular.

Thanks.

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great &mdash 12/19/07 - 08:24:52 AM
tones out of that fernandez.....pretty warm sounding ........nice use of that old melody.....bravo!

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The Fernandez... &mdash 12/19/07 - 08:41:35 PM
...is my old friend. The warm sound is so full and inviting.

Thanks, McBoy.

:)

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I love the guitar &mdash 12/20/07 - 10:34:15 PM
sound on this. I mean, I really love it. Great playing -the classical sound with a little blues swagger almost. Very intimate recording. Your vocal is perfect for the lyrics and the music - a nice humorous lilt, and the near-spoken parts. Very nice work, and a great back story. Kudos. Peace.

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Classical Blues... &mdash 12/22/07 - 10:15:08 AM
...with a side order of jazz chords, please.

Nails it...somehow it came together on this one. We do our best to play what we hear...don't we?

Best,

Bob

[ Reply to This ]
wish &mdash 12/22/07 - 08:44:33 AM
I could play like that, man

. - Harold

[ Reply to This ]
Thanks... &mdash 12/22/07 - 10:12:48 AM
...wish I could play like McBoy.

But we play like who we are and that's good. I've always enjoyed your stuff, Harold. Thanks for the listen, hermano.

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pay it forward &mdash 12/24/07 - 01:32:46 PM
what a great song, and wonderful Mj story. I agree tis not something that transpires everyday, and I'm happy to know it happened in a small way here. Wonderfully, heartfelt composition and performance.

[ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 12/24/07 - 02:07:33 PM
Thanks, KTB...MacJams is a great place to find inspiration, as well as show the products of it...

Best to you...

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Tip of the hat &mdash 12/24/07 - 01:41:24 PM
This is a very nice way of saying thank you. Great song.

Your guitar playing is gorgeous, and I mean both the playing as such and the recording. It has a very warm singing quality.

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This... &mdash 12/24/07 - 02:13:58 PM
...is a very nice Christmas Eve present, hearing from you and KTB, Vic.

I'm really glad you liked the tune. I absolutely love that nylon string. My longtime confidant.

I'll be posting a remix of this soon, though. Fran pointed out that the voice seems a bit separate, and I had to agree. So I added some reverb to the final master and that definitely "fixed it up". Better balance...

I'm really happy with this recording you're hearing, here, though...but one of the true percs to this site is the learning experience. Living and learning.

[ Reply to This ]
A lot &mdash 12/27/07 - 05:24:01 PM
of charm in this song, both the playing and the lyrics. I love the brightness of your sound.

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Thanks, Will... &mdash 12/29/07 - 05:32:55 PM
...and have a happy/safe New Years...

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Damn! &mdash 12/29/07 - 09:52:23 PM
That Fernandez sounds stunning!

No, wait- I believe it is your playing/composition that is stunning.

I've many more to listen to, but I started with you, and I'm glad I did.

~Brian

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Hey Bri... &mdash 12/29/07 - 10:26:36 PM
...I should have included you in the description. In "Foot of the Bed" you advised that I should simplify the guitar parts during the vox.

I took that advice to heart with this one and am very happy with the result. Thanks, man...

[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Sound &mdash 12/30/07 - 10:49:29 AM
From that Fernandez. Your playing and recording is so nice and crisp.

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The Fernandez... &mdash 12/30/07 - 11:16:31 AM
...was one of the first made in Japan, when they hired some of the luthiers from the Spanish "company" (don't like using that word for instrument builders) to come over and teach 'em how.
I love it.
Thanks...

[ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 12/30/07 - 03:59:23 PM
You certainly play that guitar with gusto. And what pours out of my speakers right now is pure art.

Sorry about arriving late to this party, but better late than sorry... I really enjoyed this one, and think I will need a copy for future spins... thanks:)

I like how you speak the words to this... and a nice story about what happened with the iLife disc.

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I like it... &mdash 12/31/07 - 01:42:51 PM
...when people "show up late"...adds spice to the party.

Thanks, Thor. Happy New Year.

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A fun hear &mdash 12/30/07 - 07:15:23 PM
and so nice and sweetly done! Love the description! A nice sound on the guitar! Really enjoyed the sophistication of the guitar chordal structure! Love the harmonics at the end.

Glad I stopped by!

Way to go!

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Thanks, Bill... &mdash 12/31/07 - 01:38:21 PM
...I'm glad you stopped by, too.

Happy New Year. My in-laws are out there in Berkelely for the winter. Keep an eye on 'em for me, will ya, please?

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heart - melting guitar &mdash 01/02/08 - 07:37:36 PM
You sure have a nice classical sound. Yes, really, really nice. You throw in those jazz chords and a couple of licks for fun, and it's all relaxed and happy. Your voice is doing that 'is he talking to me, or is he singing' thing, and that really adds to the mellow feeling, too.
Three cheers for Taylor. I'm glad he inspired this song!

I mist have been very busy to have missed this the first three weeks it was out - Oh, wait- yeah, Christmas. Anyway, better late than never.

[ Reply to This ]
I had a feeling... &mdash 01/02/08 - 10:53:53 PM
...that I'd miss a few listeners...but I wanted to get it out as a holiday gift for the community.
I appreciate it any time you visit, Kristy. Thanks.

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Toulouse !!!! &mdash 01/03/08 - 03:02:39 PM
Really fine, fine guitar playing and recording.
Tender delicate and confident playing. I really envy that confidence I always fumble around myself grasping at straws. You create wonderful clarity here. Terrific stuff.



[ Reply to This ]
Very nice! &mdash 01/28/08 - 04:05:21 PM
Great guitar work. Good recording. Neat story about the song too. I can't wait to hear the second take.

[ Reply to This ]
~ &mdash 01/28/08 - 09:53:14 PM
Nice lookin' guit, thar, Stephen...looking forward to dropping by and checking it and your other stuff out.
Thanks for the drop by. Very happy you liked the tune.

Bob

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Tailor Made. &mdash 07/10/08 - 06:27:09 PM
Brilliant as always. Bob your the best.

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Thanks, Dee... &mdash 07/10/08 - 10:53:13 PM
...I just, this moment, got back from re-mixing this with a pro at his studio. I liked this version that you've just listened to (thanks again)...but have to say that I'm very, very happy with the remix that I just had done...

Been remiss with your tunes...I'll visit shortly. Very busy, lately.

Best,

Bob

[ Reply to This ]