Wonderland w kevmikwa

jiguma

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Description

This is something of a departure from my normal style - not sure what genre .. it moves between a few as it progresses. I have always loved the sound of a Hammond with a nice Leslie speaker, and players such as Brian Auger, Alan Price, Steve Winwood and Georgie Fame were always favs - more recently I've been listening to a lot of Jules Holland (and Friends) compilations, and love the way he arranges. In addition, having Alf Solti (alfalpha) do some brass and keyboard tracks for me has helped me figure out what's involved.

Unfortunately Alf has been too busy lately to play on this, so I decided to do it myself (with Mike Watkins - kevmikwa) on e-drums. The horn arrangement is simple, but gets the feel I was after.

What's it about? Another one about some friends who have been travelling for 13 years (not the same ones as last song btw) - I don't need to give too much more away than that.

A word about Mike Watkins: Mike is a real gem of a find for me, and I use him whenever I feel confident enough to ask. I love doing midi drums, but this track shows just how much better a live drummer can be. Thanks for the standout drum (and percs) tracks Mike!! Thanks also to Anne Cozean for vocal advice and moral support.

Enjoy!

Neil

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Lyrics

Wonderland
© 2008 Neil Porter

It’s been a long, long time
We’ve both had dreams about it
It’s been a long way home to Wonderland
Things can lift you up or things can bring you down
There’s two roads to take us back to Wonderland

It belongs to you and me
We’ve talked so much about it
The dream we had of life again in Wonderland
I did something wrong
So very sad about it
There’s a lot at stake heading back to Wonderland

Words fail me in the morning light
But there’s no way around it
Deep breath, I have to do this right
Just have to talk about it

We fit so well together
We could go on forever
It seems it’s now or never
Don’t turn away
Don’t turn away
I’ll be your team player
I’ll be your soul brother
I’ll be your dream catcher
Dream away
Dream away

I got it wrong this time
I’m not proud about it
It’s been a bumpy ride back home to Wonderland
It’s not you or me
It’s just the road we’re driving
It’s a long, long road way down to Wonderland

Soft words Sunday afternoon
This can work out right
Clear skies, and that Asian moon
It’s gonna be alright

We fit so well together
We could go on forever
It seems it’s now or never
Don’t turn away
Don’t turn away
I’ll be your team player
I’ll be your soul brother
I’ll be your dream catcher
Dream away
Dream away

Song Stats

Hits: 2135
Comments: 86
Fans: 43
Plays: 185
Downloads: 76
Votes: 18
Uploaded: Feb 28, 2008 - 06:06:08 PM
Last Updated: Feb 28, 2008 - 11:03:18 PM Last Played: Nov 10, 2009 - 09:34:13 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

horns (42), B3 (8), RnB (11), biggish band (1), ()

Hardware:

Rode NT3 mic
Fender Precision Bass
Fender Telecaster
Seagull S6 acoustic
Behringer UB802 mixer/pre
Yamaha PSR300 midi keyboard
iMac G4

Software:

Logic Express
Ozone 3

Comments

aclarke	aclarke said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	I can count on you When I want to just listen and enjoy... always different and always interesting. Neil, no citique.... just thanks! Check out my latest song called Ballad of The Little Tiki

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Thanks for the listen! No critique? I'm sure you're not trying - what about bar 27? Glad you enjoy them Adam, Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	;) just joking ;) Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

aclarke	aclarke said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	I understand... but by the 27th bar I was pretty wrecked... :o) Check out my latest song called Ballad of The Little Tiki

ledebutant	ledebutant said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Sigh Adam got firsties. Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)

Feter	Feter said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Wonderland man this is amazing switch ...I can see how you are (bit) away from your usual setting ..but what a blast . Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Hey Feter! A big move for me - outside of my comfort zone a little :) I just love the sound of horns and a big old B3 together! Thanks as always for your comment and listen. Peace, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

ktb	ktb said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	always so enjoyable listening to your Posts, Neil. They seem to be hard wired into my brain for maximum effect. So accessible. Very yummy. The brass and keys are big splashs. Check out my latest song called Texas stump

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	always pleased when you drop by for a listen John - doing the horns and keys were definitely the best parts on this. Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

dajama

dajama said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)

The man has got soul!
This is great - put a big smile on my face. Love the horns, and your vocal performance on here is terrific (like I say - soul!). The intro is great, and the groove is terrific. The drums do sound great - there is no substitute for the real thing. Lyrics are nicely done, hinting at the complexity of a relationship without being heavy-handed. Very cool. Unusually for you, I have to say I found the bass sound a little less powerful than it could have been. Great playing, but the sound was not as rich as your usual. Just a quibble, and possible an issue with my phones (I'm not even going to mention my crappy speakers!). Great track. You go from strength to strength. Kudos, my friend. Peace.

Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)

jiguma

jiguma said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)

Cheers Dave
Thanks for listening and leaving a comment. It's funny about the bass you're (not) hearing. On the aif I was really concerned that it was too big - it's actually the loudest and roundest I can remember doing since "Sydney Weekend" many moons ago. It's a little softer on the mp3, but on my phones and monitors, still sounds pretty big in the mix. What you might be hearing is more clarity in the mids and upper ends of the spectrum and less compression (than I usually use) on the bass and kick. Interesting,I'll have a listen on my stereo and in the car to see if I can replicate what you're hearing.
I really appreciate this sort of comment because it means I can look into it for next time.

Thanks,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Cool Change Exceptional sound quality, this is real foot tapper, Good job getting funky, lean and mean and downright bad ass...Enjoyable changup in the mid

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Mean :) Had to slap myself around a bit to get this mean and bad-ass Tom ;) Getting the sound this clear has been a long term project for me for nearly a year now, and I finally feel like I'm getting the feel for it. Main thing is that it's a heap of fun trying. Thanks for the visit, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	WonderNeil Heck Neil. What a soul man you are here. everything's in check. There are a few places where you let the vocals rip! The organ and the horns are tops. Excellent!! Check out my latest song called November

jiguma

jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

Soul man
;)

I loved soul music when I started playing in bands - in my first ever band we did Otis Redding covers which I loved - mainly because the brass guys we had (who were proper musicians - the rest of us were just messing about) took all the solos (it was my brief days of glory playing lead guitar). Anyway that's what made me realise I'd rather play bass - besides, as a bass player you didn't have to fight off all those girls :)

I suspect there'll be more brass in future songs - not to mention the B3 - I LOVE that sound.

Cheers,
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	:-0 does that mean that the whole band wore sharkskin suits ? that must of been fun covering those tunes Check out my latest song called November

sloparts	sloparts said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Let's make this unanimous Neil All tens, all the time. This is just as good as it gets, with everything fitting in right where it ought to be and sounding soooo cooool. Love it to the max Neil, Kudos and thanks for sharing. Ed Check out my latest song called Just a little Something

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Thanks Ed! I really appreciate your positive comments on this - really glad you liked it. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Ed Hannifin	Ed Hannifin said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Middlesies! (Did anyone get to the middle before me?) Ed Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

ledebutant	ledebutant said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Closer Now I'm closer to the middle than Ed. Middlesier-ers!!!! Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Now Ed .... .... that's just being silly ;) Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

ledebutant

ledebutant said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)

More Growth
Geez, Neil, if you keep this up, you're going to be Elvis or something by the time you're done. You're just growing as an artist at what seems like an exponential rate. I think this is actually my very most favorite of all your songs ever. It's incredibly catchy and your vocal performance is so in the pocket and the lyrics, I just love them, they're so sweet and the cadence is just that perfect syncopation necessary for this kind of this music.

Get ready for a whole ton of downloads this week. You might want to sit down. This one's a killer. I could go on for hours, seriously.

Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)

ledebutant	ledebutant said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Okay... ...after three more listens, make that not just one of my favorite of yours ever, but one of my all-time macjams faves, ever. Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)

jiguma

jiguma said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)

But did you like it? ;)
I'm really happy with this one (although I already hear a few things I want to improve on). I've been sitting on this one for weeks while "Do For Love" had it's run, and it's been so hard not to keep adjusting here and there each day!

As far as the vocals go, I just wish I'd realised I could sing (even a little bit) decades ago, and maybe taken some lessons. Anyway, it's amazing what a bit of confidence (gathered at MJ) can do. It took ages to come up with the lyrics, or more precisely a "topic" - this could have been about some quite odd things in earlier incarnations I assure you :)

Always appreciate your comments Lisa - your new one sounds great.

Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Elvis Lisa, it just occurred to me that we're ALL going to end up like Elvis ;) Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

ledebutant

ledebutant said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

Peanut Butter and Banana
You have just made me resolve to stay away from sandwiches with marshmallow creme and the bathroom. That could very well end up being the fountain of youth.

P.S. I'm listening to this now on my ALP's (same as yours) and I do think the bass could, theoretically, be a little bigger if you wanted it to be. Last night when I was on my headphones it sounded fine, but they tend to give a really strong bass color and the ALP's seem to have a lighter hand in that department. I'm not aching for a bigger bass, and can clearly hear it through the whole song, but it might be interesting to play with that in the mix for the album...AND YOU MUST PUT THIS ON THE NEXT ALBUM!!

Check out my latest song called Black Star (MJ Live Aid w/jgurner)

	said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	I always Look forward to a new Jiguma Tune..You are A true talent Here at Mj's. Its a great thing to have an artist like you around. Thank you Neil!!!!! BTW downloaded for many future listens!

jiguma	jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Glad you like it Tim Appreciate the listen and comment as always - it's my current favourite of mine ... until the next one :) Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)

yes please
it's hip, it's hot, it's so cool. EXcellent job of balancing instr to vocal volume in the mix, neil. your brass is really nice - i think you beat the horns into submission with good result. they partner the keys so nicely. speaking of beat, mike adds a solid percussive heartbeat to it all - his foundation and flourishes are a solid pleasure. beautiful bass making some delicious transitions - LOVE how you use it. spare but effective harmony is right on, and the lead has the perfect attitude. frankly, my dear charlotte, you sing GREAT.

"we fit so well together" section is just waaaay good, and the change after it is the perfect complement. the lazy brass-and-keys-embellished outro takes the cake you're so good, neil - keep em comin! anne

jiguma

jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

Sister Annie!
Where do I send the cheque for those kind words?? ;)

Doing this was so much fun, especially the extended outro - just the sort of thing I always wanted to do in a band but never had the brass section (or, when we had a brass section, didn't have keyboards).

Thanks for listening to the various versions I sent and for the yowling ;)

I wonder what Coop's been plotting!

Brother Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

stephendavis	stephendavis said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Another Fantastic Track This is so great! I love how the intro sounds... kind of Spanish? Anyway, it goes great together! Superb job on the organ. Check out my latest song called Didn't See

dirigent	dirigent said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Wonderland wonderful track, colorful arrangement, a treat!! Check out my latest song called Autumn

thetiler	thetiler said 635 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
	Ya refreshing to see you play a kind of different style. But still there is that Jig feeling to it. Nice! Thanks for sharing. Like that R & B you put in to it. Check out my latest song called The Bluebird Cafe (with two other guest)

echoroom	echoroom said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Upbeat this kinda leaps from the speakers and gives you a big hug. The mix, as usual, is basically faultless on this. This has an almost reggae feel which keeps my foot tappin', and is absolutely the right song length... great horn and organ break at the end, though i do kinda miss the vocal not coming back. Keep 'em wanting more ... Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

jiguma	jiguma said 631 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
	Cheers Steve I loved the outro - my favourite part of the song (possibly BECAUSE the vocal doesn't come back in) ;) Just love how Mike and "the band" clicked in on that outro. I wonder what's next 8) Thanks for dropping by. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

futzpucker

futzpucker said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

You're really getting it
The fun, the joy you feel making music is becoming more and more apparent with every song you post - a melting away of the resistance that we all face when we are unsure of our song writing and performing abilities. It seems as though you are moving past that into a place where you are more able to just let it come forth.

This is a very good thing, and I'm very pleased for your finding it. What a treat, watching you on this journey, Neil...

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

jiguma

jiguma said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

A comment to treasure Patrick!
I'm really glad you liked this - the B3 bit at the end was something I'd especially hoped you would hear. I just wish I could do that live - not much time for pencilling when playing B3 live I suspect :)
I totally understand what you're saying, and you have really hit the nail on the head - it's "the fun, the joy you feel making music" - yep, that's it!
Thanks for the encouragement over such a long time now - I really appreciate it.
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	excellent music and great lyrics and vox...this is soo good. Enjoyed every second in this catchy piece.

Mcboy	Mcboy said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	hey oldtimer your sounding mighty hip....hehhehe....melikes melikes melikes awwlottt.....funky my man funky....! Check out my latest song called Heros( aclarke/mcboy)

Mcboy	Mcboy said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	kev kev..... your drumming is mighty fine.....we must work together one day....having a sympathetic drummer is where its at..... Check out my latest song called Heros( aclarke/mcboy)

jiguma	jiguma said 633 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
	Young whippersnapper good to see you respectin' yer elders boy :) Thanks Mr Boy - the phrase "mutton dressed as lamb" comes to mind. lol Appreciate the listen. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 635 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

I get a very visual image...
...from the groove, not even the lyrics...

That nice, relatively long, horns-and-Leslied-Hammond intro... I see the keyboard player bobbing his head, and the horn players are doing stage moves in sync... Then Neil steps in... MAYBE wearing a cape... the fantasy construction part of my psyche's still working on that one...

There's a lot going on here, Neil, so I'll just pick up on a thing or two. The lyrics are great, for starters. Your singing is confident. The mix is clear, which is good, 'cause there are more instrumental niches on this one than on many of your songs... and the mastering is hot but not the "look, ma, I've got a COMPRESSOR!" hot of those early experiments with Ozone.

I've gotten spoiled by the perfect beat that comes with looped or MIDI'ed drums, and so sometimes when I hear people's tracks on MacJams these days with live drums I get distracted by mis-steps in the time, little moments when the drummer is turning the corner and some wheels leave the ground... Not so here... Mike has laid in a drum track that suits the groove and also suits the arrangement on top of the groove... Doesn't get in the way, not a lot of extraneous cymbal work...

I'd be among those who would vote for maybe another dB in the bass. Not that the bass is lacking, but I think I've come to enjoy and expect the distinctive jiguma loping throb...

This is a good one, though...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

jiguma

jiguma said 633 days ago (March 1st, 2008)

lol
"MAYBE wearing a cape" - now that's funny Ed! I hadn't imagined the horn section doing moves in sync, but it works for me.

You are of course correct about Mike - I think this is the best drum track(s) he's done on MJ - I think it's exceptional that a drummer can come in AFTER the track is established and add a sympathetic and effective (read "stunning") part that sounds like he helped plan the whole thing.

I'll re-visit the bass - from memory I cut some roundness off to give Mike's kick a bit more space, and that could be the reason it's been mentioned a few times. I'd forgotten about that - maybe I can do it with some subtle panning rather than filtering. Good call Dave, Lisa, Ed et al!

Thanks for listening and leaving your comment Ed - always anticipated and always appreciated!
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

MIRx	MIRx said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Cool one, man You have a great voice to my ears, and for sure all the right musical talents. Very well done, no doubt. Enjoyed a lot. Check out my latest song called The Car Tune Cartoon

drakonis

drakonis said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

Excelllllllent wonderland trip
Definitely wanders down a few roads on the way to wonderland, but it all works out right... Mike's drums are crisp, but fit so well in here, showing his consistent magical skill... your horns are great, as is all the other stuff, guitars and organs... the only thing is that this feels very FULL and BUSY as an arrangement all the way through, perhaps switch more stuff in, or out, for the chorus? That's a pretty minor point, as the whole thing is wonderful, great singing and lyrics, as always, Neil. Mike, you are starting to resurface after baby #1, just in time to disappear with baby #2 coming? Good to hear your talent again!

ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Lullaby for the Inner Child

guitapick	guitapick said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	This... ...would be beyond awesome in a live situation with a horn section...you seem very comfortable with this style...really nice, Neil... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

bud	bud said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Nice change of pace and excellent arrangement. Great collab too - Kev's drums sound great. Neat song. Check out my latest song called try not to think

kevmikwa

kevmikwa said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)

And now, a word about Neil Porter
Neil: while it's kind of you to say such nice things about my drumming, your songs make the drumming easy. The parts you gave me had a groove and flavor that pretty much made my job a breeze. I really am the lucky one here to be able to collaborate with you on an ongoing basis - here's to a lifetime arrangement. As a PS: I find myself almost more proud of my tambo part on this one! I appreciate that you not only kept it in but kept it from getting buried, sonically. I dig the way our parts lock together well on the playout.

Eduard: thanks so much for the kind words - really, too kind. Regarding my resurfacing: you are right. I think "Wonderland" will have to tide me over until I next get a chance to resurface. My wife and I have decided to cap the kids at 2, so hopefully the next time I return, I'll be back for good!

Thanks also to ejh and dajama for your positivity. What a great bunch of people we have here!

Check out my latest song called Piece of Heaven

massa	massa said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	Pro quality! This is the first of your songs that I heard and I thought it is awsome. Really nice tune... amazing arrangements... truly inspiring... it's very good to confirm every day the quality of the music posted at Macjams... This one is a classic. already fav. Thanks! Check out my latest song called Song for Collab

Ibstrat	Ibstrat said 634 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	I was tapping my foot in the 1st 1 second of this.Awesome groove.That is one great drummer.I REALLY like this!! Check out my latest song called Blues in Bm

lengold	lengold said 634 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
	I really enjoy listening to Jools too. You've really done yourself proud with this one Neil. Fantastic song and lyrics and a wonderful sound. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

Tadashi Togawa	Tadashi Togawa said 634 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
	This is a rhythm different from always. Smell of mud. This rhythm is your good one side of another piece. Check out my latest song called Mexican taste

davisamerica	davisamerica said 634 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
	wow neil so this is how it's done .... geeze no wonder i can't get it right... this is "wonderland" indeed.... no nits here just foot tapping smiles all around.... and yeah mike is amazing and a really nice guy to boot... hats off gentlemen X2!!! Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

	said 633 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
	Departue has been fruitful! But nevertheless, I could probably pick out that signature vox! Enjoyable tune, thanks . - Harold

cthayes	cthayes said 633 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
	wow! Neil, this is great stuff! You know I'm digging your bass work. The horns are perfect, too. Your vocals have really taken off! As for lessons, you're never too old. I was just starting to improve vocally, then found a good voice teacher and it's helped amazingly. Thanks for the tune! Check out my latest song called Jesus Came Down

droop	droop said 633 days ago (March 2nd, 2008)
	Didn't know yall got that funky on the other side of the world. I get a taste of blood sweat and tears, then some funky Memphis tn soul band. Of course the real Neil comes shining through also. Kev did an excellent job too. You already know I love your voice, so how could I not love all of this. paul Check out my latest song called Last Teardrop

	said 632 days ago (March 2nd, 2008)
	Thanks Hi great tune love the voice, lyrics are cool, great music really enjoyed. thanks. Peace Dee.

	said 632 days ago (March 3rd, 2008)
	Great What a great rhythm/beat... It really swings... I like hearing it.... And good lyrics... I like the things with "dream away".... Good song.... Thanks for sharing...

	said 632 days ago (March 3rd, 2008)
	Great! Great song Mr. Neil, this is an amazing R&B song. Your work on that style is very nice, you just added your own touches to that style. Mikey's drums work is amazing. Really this R&B reminded me your another one with your wife and sisters ...etc. which was also great to listen to. Thanks a lot for sharing this. Downloaded ... WOW Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

said 631 days ago (March 3rd, 2008)

Nice departure....
Neil.
I love the soul-like horn section and the overall grooving beat that you got going. And you really "get-down" in your vocal performance here, as when you sing:
"I got it wrong this time
I%u2019m not proud about it"...
... very good for a blue-eyed soul brother (as we used to say in Philadelphia in my soul band era). ;)

Lovin' that hammond organ sound... very in keeping with the whole authentic feel of the R&B thing.

Find a trumpet player (hmmm... you play one don't you) and I'll grab my tenor and meet up with you in Austr. for your next soul excursion. cheers

jiguma	jiguma said 631 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
	Jack, Alf plays french horn ;) Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Cori Ander	Cori Ander said 631 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
	Wow Neil! Wow! Haha! Love it! Many happy smilies. Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

jiguma	jiguma said 631 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
	Thanks to everyone who commented I kind of ran out of steam with the return comments - which doesn't mean I don't appreciate all of them. I really meant to reply to each one, but real life just got in the way. Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

saymme	saymme said 631 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
	. 10s across tx

Joe Brady	Joe Brady said 630 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
	Lasties? Guess you can't guarantee that! Nice horns! Like Mia Culpa with attitude! I was wrong, is there any way you can get over it, 'cause, like it's time to dance. ;-) Real nice mix, that B3 sound is infectious, one of your best vocals. Mike is just outstanding on this. Great job. Check out my latest song called The Refugee Blues by Feter with Jiguma

ziti	ziti said 630 days ago (March 5th, 2008)
	really a cool blend of things in this track nicely made, as always.....you are the man jiggie z Check out my latest song called All Smokey

bug67	bug67 said 629 days ago (March 5th, 2008)
	AWESOME! Would like to hear REAL horns but, eh, whatever! What did you use for the Hammond parts, EXS? Check out my latest song called Follow the Bouncing Bear With the Kazoo Blues in E (MJRF)

jiguma

jiguma said 629 days ago (March 5th, 2008)

Cheers Dave
Just the boring old "Tonewheel Organ" in Logic/GB set to "Pop Organ" I think. It comes to life when you use the track automation to tweak the Leslie speaker settings.
Getting horns to sound right is a real challenge - there are 3 tracks of horns on this on 3 different instruments in EXS. I played around with the slider that allows some variation in pitch to get it sounding slightly less mechanical. Couldn't agree more about real horns being a better optionn though. Thankjs for the comment.
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

peacepiano	peacepiano said 629 days ago (March 5th, 2008)
	Cool Nice use of the hammond. Kevmikwa's drums add that special sound you get when the drummer in on the same page as you and not some machine banging away. Looks like you are the rest of the team :) Bass, guitars et al are all playing very smartly. The lyric is light and song with just the right amount of "dream" Great stuff. Thanks Bill Check out my latest song called I Should Have Known

jgurner

jgurner said 628 days ago (March 6th, 2008)

I Love It!!!!
What a great sound! The horns and the organ give a nice old school rock and soul sound and a little bit of funky while greatly complimenting your usual cheery, breezy feel. You struck gold here, my friend. And, there's no such thing as a "simple" horn line, just spot on or really awful. And you got it just right.

This is going right to the top of my favorites from you. Well done!

Check out my latest song called Bourbon Street Dawn

8piscean8	8piscean8 said 627 days ago (March 8th, 2008)
	Super This is awesome Neil! You are the mix master. The horns and organ and "real" drums are great inclusions in this piece. The lyrics are thought provoking and deep. Keep on rocking out in AU! Check out my latest song called The End

Sir Bass	Sir Bass said 624 days ago (March 11th, 2008)
	Dig it Reminds me of Steely Dan. Check out my latest song called Funky Jazzy Sonic Fusion

magnatone	magnatone said 623 days ago (March 11th, 2008)
	WOW you are just so gosh darned talented it's amazing. I love the beat here, I love your vocals, I love the lyrics, OK I guess I just love everything about this great piece of music. You're a wizard! Thanks Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 622 days ago (March 12th, 2008)

hey Neil
your on the short list of guys I would humbly come to and ask to produce/mix for me... your ears are trustworthy, and it really seams that you tap into a wide swath of musical knowledge... the bridge or B section is especially smart... it really lets the song breath at the right moment... a break from the horns and organ... really keeps the whole thing fresh... and I'm ready to hear the whole band again after both departures..
always love your imagery... soft words sunday afternoon...
on top of everything else... you understand what makes a song compelling....

sorry it took me so long

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

Moviz

Moviz said 622 days ago (March 12th, 2008)

Missed this
when it was posted, but caught up now. This sounds great, wonderful mixing with everything so clear and in it's place and yes, I can hear the mic difference. ... sounds good and warm. After reading the description above I realize that it's not a band playing after all, but it might as well be. The organ sounds great and the horns, cheers M

Check out my latest song called Come Back Billie

Doadars Uncle	Doadars Uncle said 620 days ago (March 14th, 2008)
	Hey-hey Neil! This has a real Dylan feel to it. (You're a much better singer, though!) Well written. Great production! Doug Check out my latest song called Capitalist's Drag

selters

selters said 607 days ago (March 27th, 2008)

The king of Harmonies.
I got to say, i have always been impressed by your harmony vocals, and this is no exception. I am also impressed by the way the song continues to evolve. What I mean is that the length of the songs, gives it time to grow a lot in my ears. Your production is top knotch, i got nothing to complain about. While writing this I came to think of one thing, it would be very interesting to hear stripped down production from you (I know its a strange thing to suggest :)) Anyway, I loved this tune!

Check out my latest song called So Far (Out Of Reach)

	said 605 days ago (March 29th, 2008)
	A departure indeed! Wow! Big fun this! The horns and the Hammond-ish keys really add a new dimension to the classic Jiguma sound. LOVE IT! Be well!

jiguma	jiguma said 605 days ago (March 30th, 2008)
	Hey Mike! Great to see you back! I'm just enjoying trying some different stuff - "broadens the mind" and all that! I've become less prolific lately despite more spare time, but I think I'm enjoying it more. Cheers, Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 604 days ago (March 30th, 2008)
	Right... Being "less prolific" has it's advantages. I find I'm spending more time on each tune now. I worked on and off for an entire month on what will be my second post: "Janus Faced." I also find that the more relaxed I am the better I can concentrate. You must be enjoying life a little more these days Neil. It seems to be coming across in your music! Be well!

	said 604 days ago (March 30th, 2008)
	Right... Being "less prolific" has it's advantages. I find I'm spending more time on each tune now. I worked on and off for an entire month on what will be my second post: "Janus Faced." I also find that the more relaxed I am the better I can concentrate. You must be enjoying life a little more these days Neil. It seems to be coming across in your music! Be well!

Macaudion

Macaudion said 602 days ago (April 2nd, 2008)

Man...
it's good to be back and hearing music like this, Neil. So much from the heart. Dign' the size of the blusy bawls on this. A bit of a different sort of action for you at least, as far as I've come to know. I also liked that sophisticated departure on this. (I don't even like the word sophisticatedbut that's what happened here. Got some horn talk on this too! Quite the work here, sir.

Well..., you know I like it. I'm sorry that it's taking me so long to par up listening and commenting. I'm trying to give a best shot this time.

Hey Neil, how far do you live from Adelaide. I'll be visiting there in July or August, this year. Bouncing thoughts...

The drumwork is amazingly accurate and real! And you did that, how? Share!

Anyways, nice work. Such a soulful display mister.

Check out my latest song called 123 iGetU

jiguma

jiguma said 601 days ago (April 2nd, 2008)

Great to see you visit Macca!
Just like old times :)

Yes, this is a bit different for me - the drums are Mike Watkins - unfortunately I can't claim credit for them. You might enjoy my midi drumming on "Do For Love" though.

Adelaide is either a very long way from here or just a long way from here. Probably 2 (maybe 3 depending how much you like to drive in a day) days solid drive (1350km), or a couple of flights (maybe 3 - 4 hours all up) via Melbourne or Canberra to Merimbula airport. Our closest rail link is in Canberra, about 2.5 hours from here, so that's not much use.

We're thinking about doing a few weeks away around the time you mention, but nothing is planned at this stage, so we're pretty flexible.

It would be great to meet you "for real", and I could guarrantee at least a meeting with Alfalpha as well - you'd be most welcome to stay with us for a few days if you get here. Keep in touch about this if the distances haven't scared you off :)

I totally understand how hard it is to catch up - I have missed so many songs that I wanted to get to now that I've given up on most of them, and just trying to keep up with new stuff.

Thanks for dropping by my friend!
Neil

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Macaudion

Macaudion said 551 days ago (May 22nd, 2008)

My apologies, Neil
I hadn't gone back to read and find your gracious offer! My bad! I'd love to be able to drop by and see you and Alphalfa and your families! It sounds that it's not something that would work out, but if there were a way that it could make sense, I'd certainly like to do that! It's likely, that I'd want to spend as much time as I can w/ my partner, though - this will be a fairly short trip. I will hold a rain-check, if you don't mind. I am trying to make it a longer trip so, we'll see how that works outThanks again, Neil!

Check out my latest song called 123 iGetU

Dj French Toast	Dj French Toast said 594 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	I love the way your voice sounds on this. Great mix very full and rounded Just a great Song man . The horns rock and Im always a sucker for tambourines enjoyed indeed ! Check out my latest song called Its The French Toast(Colab W/WillBill808)

ste	ste said 190 days ago (May 19th, 2009)
	sugoi! great tune, liked everything about it. so well though out and put together. love the organ sound with the horns. nice bass groove too. well done. Check out my latest song called sweet potatoes

Fan List

Artist Info

Name: Neil Porter

My old bio page looked pretty out of date, so it’s time for a new one: For the full story, see my interview in the MacJammer Blog "The Jiguma Is Up" by Tobin Mueller. I started to learn guitar when I was about 10 – but didn’t last long be... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

Rhythm and blues (or R&B) was coined as a musical marketing term introduced in the United States in the late 1940s by Jerry Wexler at Billboard magazine, used to designate upbeat popular music performed by African American artists that combined jazz

More songs in Rhythm and Blues:

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