MacJams.com - emma [revised]

emma [revised] by davisamerica [Email]

Genre: Art Rock

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There was a recent forum post on what was your favorite "previously posted" song. Emma, is still one of my all time favorites. It was the first tune i finally got "panning"... thank you Jo. I thought I had lost this tune but found the rough work copy while re organizing my hard drive. I tried to reconstruct it as closely to the original as possible. I hope all will be forgiven for re posting ... but then Emma has always had a mind of her own.
Jack

Lyrics:

Emma
[ a love song ]

Emma is sleeping
But I will not wake her
Will not tell her
The things that I know

So close now
What is she dreaming
Her eyes move about
All the places she goes

My love
Emma my darling
You say
I worry you still
I think
You are mistaken
Emma
Who did you kill?

Emma in back doors
In alleys and places
I follow behind
To keep her concealed

How did it happen
That she's come this far from
The Emma who loved me
Who touched and could feel?

My love
Emma my darling
You say
I worry you still
I think
You are mistaken
Emma

.... it's ok ... you can sleep

Some early morning
They're going to find you
I'll have my head turned
And you'll be gone

In the meantime
I'll follow you closely
To see you are safe
I know this is wrong

My love
Emma my darling
You say
I worry you still
I think
You are mistaken
Emma

....awake .... Emma are you awake?

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sigh! :-) &mdash 04/06/08 - 11:42:25 AM

A very, very fine piece of music. An adventure in sonic haute cuisine, in style, in unexplainable desires and emotions and about dangerous women! Beautiful execution; awesome layering, chord progressions, instrument changes and overall length of the piece. I am, to be honest, a bit astounded. And, to be honest, I haven't heard such a good tune for quite some time. Well, at least in this mysterious genre. Jack, you the man.
Marc

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well marc &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:06:35 AM

lol ... what can i say .. am speechless right now cos i thought you were the man. pretty head inflating comments from such a great producer of killer sounds ... wow .. am sure emma's little tools will deflate this feeling soon but for now ... thank you marc!

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really cool track &mdash 04/06/08 - 02:24:53 PM

love the distant vibe of this and the instrumentation and structure is outstanding. well done

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right then &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:07:24 AM

thank you ... very cool to see you took a listen man

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This has.. &mdash 04/06/08 - 02:32:55 PM

... a real 60's feel to it with the guitar and treated vocal. The vocal effect is great (what did you use?). This has moments of tension but uses the gentle waltz time to great effect.

Excellent track.

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vocals... &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:08:44 AM

megaphone ... cos ... well cos i am not very comfortable with doing vocals ... terry [davis2] usually does that heavy lifting ... thanks lenny!

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emma &mdash 04/06/08 - 05:02:14 PM

as I said before ...a true master piece ..Kudos bro !

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feter my brother &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:09:55 AM

you are just always there to rally me on .... that means the world to me ... thank you my friend

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Classical &mdash 04/06/08 - 05:35:09 PM

This has a very 70's Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, theme album vibe to it, while still being completely original and engaging. Romantically sweeping and tender track. I can see why it has stuck with you. DL'd and fav'd.
P

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hello phillip &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:11:15 AM

well thanks man ... just checked out your new collab with echo [steve] ... man you guys just nail it down .... anyroad ... thanks for the listen

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You know those novels...... &mdash 04/06/08 - 06:03:13 PM

that you can't put down, and when you finally do, it stays in your mind long afterwards. That's what this song does to me. All your stuff is a unique adventure. Never a disappointment. Well done, Jack.

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lol terry &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:13:17 AM

a unique adventure to wacky land i would say ... you are amazing and have taught me much over the years ... and u r also a bit too kind!

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As always... &mdash 04/06/08 - 06:13:50 PM

Excellent!

Thanks DavisA!!!

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right then &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:13:40 AM

thanks mark!

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Right Jack &mdash 04/06/08 - 07:02:52 PM

emma
Nice one. Another excellent song from the one and only
( love your voice) davisamerica

Peace Dee

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lol dee &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:14:38 AM

you just make me smile ... you are every where ... thank you dee .. alot

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Emma &mdash 04/06/08 - 07:52:09 PM

Jack, I love this. So glad you dug it back out of the drawer, I think it's one of my faves of yours also! Beautiful environment, so well produced. thanks!

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karen &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:15:32 AM

i love seeing your face on a comment box ... always so kind ... thanks lady

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Very nicely done Jack! &mdash 04/06/08 - 08:02:30 PM

You've done a great job on the instrumentation in particular - nice big, round bass which doesn't get in the way of the rest of the band. Vocals work really well too - a really good post.
Neil

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hello neil &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:18:09 AM

man .... u just made my day ... thank you

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a twisted affair &mdash 04/06/08 - 08:05:37 PM

as lives torque slowly away and out of control... what a nightmare. What wonderful lyrics, exquisitely disturbing music, so beautiful, so wrong. There are parts of the orchestration I would suggest could be a little clearer (at 1:50 and 2:02, about), there are some dissonances that need to stand out a little more, for now they're muddy and almost lost (perhaps a different instrument or move it up/down an octave to make it more pronounced.) But the music writing here is excellent, gorgeous melody and chords, taking us on a twisted journey. Great singing and story telling, love the whispers. Chilling.

ttfn,
Drakonis

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hell0 drak &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:43:20 AM

i am very blown away by your kind comments ... can hear the parts you are talking about now on speakers ... i mixed with headphones ... always a toss up and gamble ... the work mix i had offered some challenges as well ... but then emma was pretty insistent about being released into the world again ... she can be very persuasive. thanks for the listen eduard

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I remember this - this is where I &mdash 04/06/08 - 08:14:00 PM

realized that your writing rose above the normal range of rock and folk and lived somewhere in the higher realm of Burt Bacharach and Kurt Weill. Great tune.

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hmmmm &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:49:23 AM

lol .... thanks for the comments bud ... check's in the mail

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Yes Emma! &mdash 04/06/08 - 08:18:59 PM

This is one of my favorites of yours. Something about this song gives me the chills each time I hear it and I always enjoy it more each time. I really do love it! Wonderful job. Love your deep voice...also a favorite of mine :) Great song Jack.

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hello gail &mdash 04/07/08 - 08:54:57 AM

u shall make me smile if u don't quit it ... lol ... thanks from a true fan of yours ... but u know that ..yes?

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whimsy and gloom &mdash 04/06/08 - 09:37:32 PM

but the best kind....like a charming nightmare.... love the tones and distance that pours forth in the reverb.... very intimate and playful....you paint the story in the lyric perfectly.... love how the instruments move in and out of the mix....here there and beyond....one of my favs in a while here at MJ....way cool

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wow springclock &mdash 04/06/08 - 09:43:39 PM

one of my first favs and ... wow ... thanks

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:-P &mdash 04/07/08 - 04:35:55 AM

you see Jack! Even though I am occasionally guilty of the inflation of meaning (great, fantastic, etc). I truly meant what I said. Your song and you deserve the no 1 slot imnho.
Marc

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hello again marc &mdash 04/07/08 - 09:05:58 AM

man u cool turtle you ... how did i get so lucky to find a friend like this ... dunno why ... but dig it ...thanks bro

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Emma &mdash 04/06/08 - 11:28:24 PM

With your clever use of instruments,your deep stirring vocals and strong lyrical content,this piece creates such a vivid and dark scene.I love when a song can paint such a clear picture,even if it is a fright filled one.Very,very well done Jack.

Daniel

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hi daniel &mdash 04/07/08 - 09:10:41 AM

pretty nice comments from you my friend ... emma gives me the chills ..lol .. daniel i always love seeing you take time for a listen ... very much respect your opinions and your own talent ... so thank you very much gentle brother ... thank you

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Lurking... &mdash 04/07/08 - 11:28:31 AM

in the shadows is the vibe I'm getting. The instrument choices fit extremely well together. Never heard the first post, but I'm impressed to say the least with this one. Nice job Jack.

Fav and downloaded.

Chris

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man chris &mdash 04/07/08 - 06:16:02 PM

do u know how much i love your screaming guitar work .... doubt it but i do and that makes ur comments even better. thanks man

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I love this .. &mdash 04/07/08 - 02:58:00 PM

.. for me it has a nice Strangler's vibe with the instrumentation .. and I love that. Way cool .. and lovely remix .. stereo field is sweet now...excellent vocals/delivery, lovely guitar, great build with the orchestration ..and I love the blend of the modern synths with classic organs and harpsichord like keys... faved and downloaded.

Awesome, creepy vibe really matches the subject matter...right then .. where did the old version go for comparison Jack? lol

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lol alan &mdash 04/07/08 - 06:13:37 PM

and think i will keep the work copy close to the vest ... this one seems to be working ok ... wow man ... u are a golden post comment to me every time ... so respect ur opinion and advice ... always have. thanks alan ... am smiling

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Spaces &mdash 04/07/08 - 06:02:57 PM

I like the simulated spaces in this production as well as the restrained drama, very nice song!

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hello tom &mdash 04/07/08 - 06:17:41 PM

... and wow .... thanks man ..... thank you very much!

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wow &mdash 04/08/08 - 08:43:21 AM

this is astonishing in its creativity and production. The vocal effect was nicely done, and the orchestration is brilliant.

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right then KTB &mdash 04/08/08 - 08:54:15 AM

thank you for the comment and just taking the time to listen is an amazing gift. emma is what she is and she just moved in. i think i may have just gotten simply lucky ... but you are very kind and much appreciate your time!

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Classic! &mdash 04/08/08 - 04:14:49 PM

Yes, this was one of my faves by you as well. You've taken a great tune here and made a better my friend.

Well done, well done!

Take care Jack!

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hello michael &mdash 04/08/08 - 05:09:15 PM

lol..... remember what ur comment was? hehe i do "finally your vox is upfront and center where it belongs" ... i tened to record to the left as u rec all ... pre panning daze! Then as now you are a great friend and thanks for the listen brother!

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Ultra cool! &mdash 04/08/08 - 07:58:27 PM

This is a pretty well as good as it gets on either iComps or MacJams. Wonderfully original and excellently produced.

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hello H &mdash 04/08/08 - 08:38:03 PM

lol ... do believe u got an edge on this with your latest work my friend ... thanks man ... you are always the best

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Emma &mdash 04/09/08 - 01:58:56 AM

great piece of soundart, love the choice of instruments :-)

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andreas &mdash 04/09/08 - 03:19:12 PM

thank you ... much appreciated ... have begun to surf your catalogue recently and wow!! thanks alot!

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Clever &mdash 04/09/08 - 11:11:11 AM

There are lots of very smart things going on here. The music perfectly catches the mood of the lyrics. It's downright creepy!

The quick flourish of notes after the "...you can sleep" break gives me goosebumps. The choice of instrumentation is perfect as well, putting me in mind of that sinister carnival music from that creepy Roald Dahl "Tales of the Unexpected" show. Emma would have loved that show I bet!

If the song doesn't topple the listener's psyche, the perfectly inflected whisper at the end is the coup de grace. Stellar!

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lol pete &mdash 04/09/08 - 03:16:53 PM

and way cool cos i like the whispering bit best! thanks man!

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yes &mdash 04/09/08 - 02:27:45 PM

This is good. Has a nostalgic feel to it. How is that possible? Like out of a 70s British romance movie. You rock softly.

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so... &mdash 04/09/08 - 03:21:08 PM

70's british thing ... is ok right? right then .. richard u rock and thanks ... funniest guy on MJ ...IMHO

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Hey now &mdash 04/09/08 - 08:05:53 PM

I love that 70s era...and stretching back to the late 50s. I belong there. Never got to go to London, see. Or Germany, or Lebanon, or Canada, or Switzerland. I travel vicariously. Wait, this song is not about me. It's about Public Emma No. 1.

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lol again richard &mdash 04/10/08 - 06:54:13 AM

you crack me up indeed!

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I think this is the best one I've heard you do &mdash 04/09/08 - 03:52:27 PM

this is highly creative. Love the merry go round, dark sound you crafted.

Pretty darn inventive da! Such a spectrum of intense drama and the lists goes on!

Very impressed with this.

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wow bill &mdash 04/09/08 - 06:42:41 PM

i am truly speechless ... thank you ... no ... really.... thank you

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A &mdash 04/10/08 - 07:57:32 AM

great piece of music, I love the lyrics and so well sung with a great vocal sound, everything sounds great, superb!!

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great to see u bob &mdash 04/11/08 - 08:21:25 AM

very nice indeed .... comments always just amazingly kind ... thanks man

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thumbs UP &mdash 04/10/08 - 08:00:07 PM

really cool concept! 3/4 - mmmmm, my favorite.
sweet delicate guitar in left ear, nicely spaced panned right sounds.
and a wholebuncha other stuff in between mixed very nicely.
i like the effect on the very good vocal - that distance lends such a strong flavor to the whole shebang. i really enjoyed your singing.
mmmmm - that end was perfect. this is a little like cohen on caffeine.
what a Good Song! jack, you ARE the man.
great job - anne

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gulp &mdash 04/11/08 - 08:23:59 AM

... i'm dying right ... somehow you have talked to my doctor and learned a secret and now you are trying to make my last days special ... right ...??? wow anne, thank you ...WOOZERS ..lol

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Sorry I'm so late to this Jack &mdash 04/11/08 - 03:14:13 PM

Jack - I love this song - listened to it many times. I rank it as one of the very best I have ever heard on here or anywhere else.
Cheers
Len

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hello len! &mdash 04/11/08 - 04:46:01 PM

you are never late ... just right on time .. and yeah you have always made me feel good about this tune from the first ... thanks for a listen to this revision .. too cool u r

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WOW! &mdash 04/11/08 - 06:39:52 PM

ageofthedeathtree

this is a GREAT tune! i'm loving every aspect of it...extremely creative and so full of mood and atmosphere! very well done...hats off!

age

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wow age &mdash 04/11/08 - 11:21:13 PM

man thank you

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Glad &mdash 04/11/08 - 06:46:47 PM

***itiswotitis***

You put this uup again.. i love this song!

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lol jo &mdash 04/11/08 - 07:02:22 PM

so do u remember it was u who told me about panning previous to this original post??? well it was ... and i thank u ... thanks lady

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An Experience &mdash 04/11/08 - 10:26:07 PM

Filled with tom fooler ieee But that s ok because its a forbidden love . So then the wish is this! Enjoyed! Excellent Im bowing twice

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wow tim &mdash 04/11/08 - 11:18:19 PM

thankx me thinks ...lol... naw man u rock and thank you

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emma &mdash 04/11/08 - 11:28:28 PM

lol

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wow ... &mdash 04/11/08 - 11:38:35 PM

.. this is so interestingly different .... I liked the Megaphone effect on the vocals .. but still feel you could have used the megaphone and cranked the reverb a tad to reflect the depth and deepness of your male sound (did that come out sounding creepy???) .... it might have given it that tad more richness .. while also maintaining the hollow feel of the megaphone .... luvved the tune !

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hello alannah &mdash 04/12/08 - 08:54:38 AM

interesting tip on the reverb ... actually re mixed this with a bit of less reverb than the original. i try to hide my voice weakness with effects sometimes .. but then get into too much reverb in general .... guess i should have stayed with original huh?? ..lol .. and you are the best! it is so cool to get artist comments .. the time spent to share them is a gift indeed and much appreciated .. i personally love it! so thanks lady ... thank you very much for the well placed comment!!

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Nice track &mdash 04/12/08 - 06:30:01 PM

Great vocal on this, nice work.

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hey gary &mdash 04/13/08 - 08:55:40 AM

thanks for the listen .... much appreciated!

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Hey! &mdash 04/14/08 - 10:23:49 AM

Rich frequencies. Crisp depth.

Sweet and macabre.

Very interesting angle!

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well hello doug! &mdash 04/14/08 - 06:28:49 PM

thanks man ... ur new post is killer ... thanks for the listen!

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Remarkable &mdash 04/15/08 - 12:23:39 PM

My speakers have never felt so good. They said "play that again."

Really outstanding. Not in a commercial way, but in an artistic sense.

Very, very good job.

LL

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wow and hello david &mdash 04/16/08 - 10:48:01 AM

thanks for the listen man ... and tell your speakers thanks as well! very cool!

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Wonderful song &mdash 04/15/08 - 09:31:47 PM

Great lyrics - talk about evocative! I'm swept up into a world of strange and illicit love. Very cool. The music is great - lovely changes and excellent use of instrumental color. The organ is a beautiful touch, and the overall haunting vibe is perfectly realized. The effected vocal works well I think. It's the kind of thing that only works on some songs, and this is one of them. Outstanding. Kudos, my friend. Peace.

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right then dave &mdash 04/16/08 - 10:50:00 AM

man you always leave the best comments ... thank you so much... appreciated indeed.

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Literary &mdash 04/18/08 - 09:42:16 AM

Well-crafted literature set to fitting music with a perfect arrangement. This could have come from the acid Lennon/McBrilliance that spawned Elanor Rigby or some of the Sgt. Pepper tracks. The performance goes deeper than op would allow these days.

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hello bob &mdash 04/18/08 - 04:22:05 PM

thanks man ... very nice comments and way over my head ..lol very much appreciated ... emma says thank you

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I make it a point... &mdash 04/24/08 - 10:03:06 AM

to try and re-visit songs from time to time. When I'm not working on one of my own, I'm thinking about people here on MJ and the songs they write.

I realized I needed to do another listen to Emma and I just did. I've downloaded it but it hadn't popped up in iTunes. So I went and found 'er and took another listen.

For me the 2nd or 3rd listen is when the subtle details begin to emerge and Emma certainly was hiding a few I missed on the first pass.

Jack... Amazing work! Beautiful in all aspects! Thank you for making this a download and creating Emma in the first place. A real treasure!

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lol... well &mdash 04/24/08 - 07:22:06 PM

thanks and so sez emma ... wow man .... thank you

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