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Keywords:
horns (30), B3 (8), RnB (7), biggish band (1), ()
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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
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
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
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I can count on you &mdash 02/28/08 - 06:26:02 PM
When I want to just listen and enjoy... always different and always interesting. Neil, no citique.... just thanks! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks for the listen! &mdash 02/28/08 - 07:13:32 PM
No critique? I'm sure you're not trying - what about bar 27?
Glad you enjoy them Adam,
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
;) &mdash 02/28/08 - 07:14:41 PM
I understand... &mdash 02/29/08 - 06:46:25 AM
Sigh &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:05:34 PM
Wonderland &mdash 02/28/08 - 06:33:08 PM
man this is amazing switch ...I can see how you are
(bit) away from your usual setting ..but what a
blast . [ Reply to This ]
Hey Feter! &mdash 02/28/08 - 10:14:00 PM
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 [ Reply to This ]
always &mdash 02/28/08 - 07:04:34 PM
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. [ Reply to This ]
always &mdash 02/29/08 - 12:41:51 AM
pleased when you drop by for a listen John - doing the horns and keys were definitely the best parts on this.
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
The man has got soul! &mdash 02/28/08 - 08:23:22 PM
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. [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Dave &mdash 02/28/08 - 08:39:10 PM
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 [ Reply to This ]
Cool Change &mdash 02/28/08 - 08:28:08 PM
Exceptional sound quality, this is real foot tapper, Good job getting funky, lean and mean and downright bad ass...Enjoyable changup in the mid [ Reply to This ]
Mean :) &mdash 02/29/08 - 12:49:42 AM
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 [ Reply to This ]
WonderNeil &mdash 02/28/08 - 08:50:16 PM
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!! [ Reply to This ]
Soul man &mdash 02/29/08 - 01:07:55 AM
;)
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 [ Reply to This ]
:-0 &mdash 02/29/08 - 10:06:32 PM
does that mean that the whole band wore sharkskin suits ?
that must of been fun covering those tunes [ Reply to This ]
Let's make this unanimous Neil &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:03:09 PM
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 [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Ed! &mdash 02/29/08 - 01:09:53 AM
I really appreciate your positive comments on this - really glad you liked it.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Middlesies! &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:05:25 PM
Closer &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:10:05 PM
Now Ed .... &mdash 02/29/08 - 01:11:35 AM
More Growth &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:15:05 PM
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. [ Reply to This ]
Okay... &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:19:04 PM
...after three more listens, make that not just one of my favorite of yours ever, but one of my all-time macjams faves, ever. [ Reply to This ]
But did you like it? ;) &mdash 02/28/08 - 10:24:01 PM
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 [ Reply to This ]
Elvis &mdash 02/29/08 - 02:51:50 AM
Lisa, it just occurred to me that we're ALL going to end up like Elvis ;) [ Reply to This ]
Peanut Butter and Banana &mdash 02/29/08 - 10:43:45 AM
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!! [ Reply to This ]
I always &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:31:39 PM
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! [ Reply to This ]
Glad you like it Tim &mdash 02/29/08 - 05:26:36 AM
Appreciate the listen and comment as always - it's my current favourite of mine ... until the next one :)
Cheers,
Neil [ Reply to This ]
yes please &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:41:00 PM
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 [ Reply to This ]
Sister Annie! &mdash 02/29/08 - 05:33:42 AM
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 [ Reply to This ]
Another Fantastic Track &mdash 02/28/08 - 09:55:45 PM
This is so great! I love how the intro sounds... kind of Spanish? Anyway, it goes great together! Superb job on the organ. [ Reply to This ]
Wonderland &mdash 02/28/08 - 10:56:59 PM
Ya &mdash 02/28/08 - 11:58:24 PM
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. [ Reply to This ]
Upbeat &mdash 02/29/08 - 12:28:56 AM
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 ... [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Steve &mdash 03/04/08 - 05:54:45 AM
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 [ Reply to This ]
You're really getting it &mdash 02/29/08 - 01:33:57 AM
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... [ Reply to This ]
A comment to treasure Patrick! &mdash 02/29/08 - 05:22:43 AM
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 [ Reply to This ]
excellent music and &mdash 02/29/08 - 04:12:19 AM
great lyrics and vox...this is soo good. Enjoyed every second in this catchy piece. [ Reply to This ]
hey oldtimer &mdash 02/29/08 - 07:13:36 AM
your sounding mighty hip....hehhehe....melikes melikes melikes awwlottt.....funky my man funky....! [ Reply to This ]
kev &mdash 02/29/08 - 04:32:29 PM
kev..... your drumming is mighty fine.....we must work together one day....having a sympathetic drummer is where its at..... [ Reply to This ]
Young whippersnapper &mdash 03/01/08 - 06:35:19 PM
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 [ Reply to This ]
I get a very visual image... &mdash 02/29/08 - 07:20:05 AM
...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
[ Reply to This ]
lol &mdash 03/01/08 - 04:39:54 PM
"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 [ Reply to This ]
Cool one, man &mdash 02/29/08 - 08:59:56 AM
You have a great voice to my ears, and for sure all the right musical talents. Very well done, no doubt. Enjoyed a lot. [ Reply to This ]
Excelllllllent wonderland trip &mdash 02/29/08 - 11:26:04 AM
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 [ Reply to This ]
This... &mdash 02/29/08 - 02:59:57 PM
...would be beyond awesome in a live situation with a horn section...you seem very comfortable with this style...really nice, Neil... [ Reply to This ]
Nice change of pace &mdash 02/29/08 - 03:45:18 PM
and excellent arrangement. Great collab too - Kev's drums sound great. Neat song. [ Reply to This ]
And now, a word about Neil Porter &mdash 02/29/08 - 03:45:37 PM
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! [ Reply to This ]
Pro quality! &mdash 02/29/08 - 04:51:37 PM
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! [ Reply to This ]
I was &mdash 02/29/08 - 10:38:20 PM
tapping my foot in the 1st 1 second of this.Awesome groove.That is one great drummer.I REALLY like this!! [ Reply to This ]
I really &mdash 03/01/08 - 05:45:22 AM
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
[ Reply to This ]
This is &mdash 03/01/08 - 06:38:15 AM
a rhythm different from always.
Smell of mud.
This rhythm is your good one side of another piece.
[ Reply to This ]
wow neil &mdash 03/01/08 - 07:45:18 AM
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!!! [ Reply to This ]
Departue &mdash 03/01/08 - 01:36:10 PM
has been fruitful! But nevertheless, I could probably pick out that signature vox! Enjoyable tune, thanks
. - Harold [ Reply to This ]
wow! &mdash 03/01/08 - 05:38:25 PM
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! [ Reply to This ]
Didn't know &mdash 03/02/08 - 02:18:42 AM
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 [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 03/02/08 - 06:03:05 PM
Hi
great tune love the voice, lyrics are cool, great music really enjoyed.
thanks.
Peace
Dee. [ Reply to This ]
Great &mdash 03/03/08 - 04:12:18 AM
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... [ Reply to This ]
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