MacJams.com - Song: Sierra Madre by futzpucker

dirigent	dirigent said 595 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	Sierra Madre Great arrangement and superb orchestration - a heartwarming track!! Check out my latest song called Autumn

futzpucker	futzpucker said 595 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	Danke Thank you, Andreas. It's always nice to hear from a superb musician such as you. I am in awe of your talent. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Bubowski

Bubowski said 595 days ago (April 9th, 2008)

One of my all time faves!
Glad you brought this over to MJ! Impeccable orchestration, mixing. A very emotional piece beautifully produced and played (as always!). You make Miroslav sound incredibly rich and full...the moving Horns behind the swelling strings is gorgeous...and the english horn at the end to bring it back down to earth...nice.

--Graham

Check out my latest song called Galaxy Band 8

futzpucker

futzpucker said 595 days ago (April 9th, 2008)

Thanks so much...
How great to read this, Graham. I'm pleased you enjoyed this piece. Miroslav is an amazing tool - we are all very fortunate to have at our disposal these packages that allow such expression. And people like you who listen and leave such a nice comment make the process of composing with such tools that much more gratifying. Thank you very much, Graham.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

jiguma	jiguma said 595 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	Who needs lyrics! Your description is how it is - I felt emotions and had a feeling of change when I listened to this Patrick (and not a B3 in sight!). Astounding how you get orchstral things happening - I wouldn't even know where to start. Lovely music Patrick. Neil Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

futzpucker	futzpucker said 594 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	Thank you, Neil Hey, Neil, I'm pleased this got through to you. As you know, it is very gratifying for the composer when someone feels emotions and emotional shifts when listening to his music. By the way, I think if you had orchestral software and some time, you'd be surprised by what you were able to come up with. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

chipan

chipan said 595 days ago (April 9th, 2008)

Sierra Madre
This is simply excellent in every way. The orchestration , the structure of the piece and the melodies are all beautiful. The thing that struck me funny though is that I have a piece sitting in GB right now that uses harp and English horn. It was planned as the next version of my string piece I posted here recently. The English horn has such a nice timbre.

This piece deserves a lot of attention which I hope it gets! Great job!

peace,

chip

Check out my latest song called Psalm 107

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	The double-reeds... I am an avowed over-user of the English horn. I find its sound ideal for expressive melodies. I have been enjoying listening to your music as well. The second version of your string piece has strengths you'll be building on. I look forward to hearing more from you. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

J.A.Stewart

J.A.Stewart said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)

Through The Eyes of an Eagle
We are grounded in our own humanity until the spirit takes flight. Then, and only then, can we witness our existence through the eyes of an eagle.

This piece serves well as an aural exhibition of that perspective, Patrick. Majestic and inspiring... and masterfully done.

Once again... Major Motion Picture soundtrack material. ;)

--- Joe

Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	And once again my thanks Ah, Joe, it always seems as though you see all the way in. I appreciate the composition that is your comment. I value your opinion. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

gail60	gail60 said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	whoa.... This is gorgeous. Seriously my heart is beating faster and I have goosebumps!! This is my favorite type of music. Soothing, loving, heart touching.... You have so much talent Patrick and this is very moving to me. Thanks for sharing it with us. Check out my latest song called Sweet September

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	So very nice of you... Gail, you who writes such heart-felt music, your telling me that this song affected you in this way is quite a gift. So nice to read what you wrote here... Thank you, Gail. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

magnatone

magnatone said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)

Sierra Madre
Oh Patrick - what a stupendous masterpiece! I can only dream of writing like this - I am your humble servant! Your orchestration here is so movingly perfect, what finesse you have. If I move next door to you, will you teach me how to do this? (I'll wash your dishes every day for life as incentive!) (OK, OK - here's my life savings instead!) I'm in awe and just want to say this is about the finest orchestral piece I've heard on MJ or anywhere in the universe. congratulations my friend!

Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown

futzpucker

futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)

You're better than you think...
You can only dream of writing like this? Such a wonderful thing to say, but I must respectfully disagree. You are a vastly talented player and composer. You can write anything you want to write. What you've posted here is of very high quality, and is rightly widely appreciated by the community.

Thank you for your very touching comments, Karen. From you they mean very much to me.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

ktb	ktb said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	super strings powerful stuff, Patrick. Incredibly vivid, as if you invented 3D for music. The depth and separation is remarkable. A beautiful instrumental that would also make an amazing soundtrack. Closing credits please! Where the hero/heroine rides slowly off after vanquishing all evil. Bravo Check out my latest song called Texas stump

futzpucker

futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)

From a real player
Aren't our tools great these days? I'm so glad you like how this turned out. This took a great deal of work, but every minute of it was enjoyable (and frustrating at times, too, but that's what we sign up for writing music). It pleases me greatly that you hear depth in the sound. It always feels great when the top keyboard guys leave a comment. Thanks so much, John.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

ziti	ziti said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	ah patrick mee boi this is a beauty. you are a masterful composer and arranger. ya play ok too. as always, you have touched me deeply my friend. god bless you! deepest respect z Check out my latest song called All Smokey

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	Thanks very much, Zeets Brother Fran, it's a blessing to know I have a friend here who is always appreciative of what I write. What a great gift. Thank you. I return the respect in kind. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

thetiler

thetiler said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)

You really seem to be one of the best to create rich
beautiful melodies at Mj, this to me this your most prolific. To my knowledge I don't If i've heard a better or more beautiful conventional orchestration done here.

This is magnificent and what is very impressive is that you got HIGH quality sampled orchestration-al sounds. So deep in richness, depth.

WAy to Go!

Check out my latest song called The Bluebird Cafe (with two other guest)

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	The North Bay speaks to the Peninsula From the most prolific composer on the site, these are nice words to read. Your music continues to display more and more heart and skill. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece, Bill. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

	said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	Beautiful Patrick this is simply divine so relaxing, wonderful. I must download this I had no idea you were a master.This is by far the best I have heard so far I really mean this. Well done. Peace Dee xx

Mystified	Mystified said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	grace, strength, dignity... ... acceptance, love, light. How marvelously expansive this composition is. I love the ideas in the song notes, as well. Music and inspiration are meant to go together, and this piece is in total harmony. Thank you :) Check out my latest song called For the Beauty of the Earth

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	I am very grateful to you Cat, you say much with an economy of words. Such is your composing style as well. Your comments always touch me as much as your music does, which is greatly. Thank you for expressing these beautiful thoughts. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Feter	Feter said 594 days ago (April 9th, 2008)
	Sierra Madre what can we say Sit Patrick futzpucker's gem ! thnx for sharin such delightful music !! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	Mr. McBlues Feter, thank you for listening and finding delight in this song. Very kind of you. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 594 days ago (April 10th, 2008)

One of my criteria...
...for enjoying certain sorts of classical/cinematic work is if, listening to it, the melody starts evoking words, or an almost-sense that words COULD come out of the melody lines if I just listened harder, or again...

This has that, Patrick. And although I can appreciate music that breaks all rules, real and implied, my sense of song tends to stay simple: a lyric set to a melody. When there isn't a lyric, if the melody seems to EVOKE a lyrical sense, I always feel like the piece is in the right territory.

After THAT, people like you, who can do the harmony and orchestration and all that, are able to add icing to the cake, and believe me, I like icing...

What I'm saying here is that icing's better if the cake is good, and what I appreciate here is that you've got that basic cake nailed down...

Ed

I'm having this troubling image now, of someone nailing down a cake... Oh well...

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

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)

Patrick this is a gift to all of us
This is a gorgeous work to be sure. The rising and falling melody of the strings in the opening seem to mirror the eye tracing the rising of rocky peak followed by valley that climbs to the next peak. I also had the sense of the metaphor of the mountainous skyline as a series of trials and triumphs through a lifetime. The oboe and later the violins seem to soar over this landscape, introducing for me a sense of perspective from a great height but also seeing what is true across time. With the entry of the piano I sense the conversion of what is seen in broad perspective into wisdom, into realising the power and beauty of the landscape and of life generally which grows into a majestic and dignified celebration, becoming a joyous expression as the orchestration builds. The conclusion carried by the oboe is a really nice touch, which to me brings the image back down to the personal - we have been here all along, and some small part of us is comforted by having what it always knew to be true be now understood by our whole being.

Thank you again for your note about offering this work into the Hero's Journey Project. Your notes sum it up so very well: "it%u2019s all a matter of shifting perspective until we can clearly see what has always been right in front of us". Right on.

Keep well,
Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

futzpucker

futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)

Wow...
Doug, I am so moved by what you wrote that I cannot find the words. It's the kind of reaction that every composer would love to hear. When music creates images, evokes thoughts and emotions, there is no greater gift to the composer. It implies a deep listen, and a deep level of communication, which is what we all strive for. I can't thank you enough for making this happen for me, Doug.

I should add that I am honored to have this song be part of something I consider a very worthwhile - your Hero's Journey Project. It's a lofty and ambitious undertaking. I am glad you had the vision for it, and I'm glad you allowed me to participate. Thank you so much, Doug.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

davisamerica	davisamerica said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	wow patrick is gorgeous Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

futzpucker	futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)
	Mr. Davis America Thank you so much, Jack. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

kristyjo

kristyjo said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)

You evoke
a sense of graceful movement. Very fluid, yet a sense of purposefulness, too. I really like your interplay between the string ensemble and the solo wind instruments. I also really like the way you use the piano, here. Very much the harmonic master, but never overtaking the melody. I'd go on, but it seems that other commenters have said what I want to say so much better. Lovely.

Check out my latest song called What a Friend We Have in Jesus

futzpucker

futzpucker said 593 days ago (April 10th, 2008)

Glad to hear from you, as always
Kristine, you know I love it when the music teacher stops by, listens, and leaves a nice comment. I don't know where I'd be today without my music teachers. What you write always has great impact on me, and I'm very pleased to read what you wrote here.

I did make an effort to give time to the winds without the strings. This is still very challenging to me, and I spent a great deal of time trying to learn how to do this while in the composing phase of this piece. It's nice to have that noticed. Especially by the music teacher. Thank you so much, Kristine.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

aclarke	aclarke said 593 days ago (April 11th, 2008)
	Grand. Elegant. Beautiful. Patrick- I have no idea how to describe it beyond that. Your talent is appreciated! Check out my latest song called Ballad of The Little Tiki

futzpucker	futzpucker said 591 days ago (April 13th, 2008)
	From Maine Thank you for those adjectives, Adam. Your having listened and commented is likewise appreciated. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

	said 592 days ago (April 11th, 2008)
	K-bella! how very lovely. the warm, rich strings pull the heart in wonderful directions. beautifully poignant piano. gorgeous Epic Sound - made for the big screen of our ears. i thoroughly enjoyed it. anne

futzpucker	futzpucker said 591 days ago (April 13th, 2008)
	Honey-voiced Anne Anne, I appreciate this very much. I'm very pleased to read what you wrote. I love "made for the big screen of our ear." Thank you for listening. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

composerclark	composerclark said 592 days ago (April 11th, 2008)
	Stunning mastery. Very, very beautiful. You are a remarkable composer. This sounds as good as anything John Williams wrote. Wow! There is a moment when the english horn comes in that reminds me of the famous slow movement theme to the Dvorak New World symphony. Stunning! Check out my latest song called Scarlet Nightfall

futzpucker

futzpucker said 591 days ago (April 13th, 2008)

I was hoping to see you here...
Clark, thank you for the listen. I consider having a composition professor listen to one of my works a privilege. What you have said about it here had great impact on me, for which I am very grateful.

Whereas I am unworthy of the John Williams comment, I am very moved that you used his name here. Wow...

Thank you so much, Professor Clark.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Ibstrat	Ibstrat said 592 days ago (April 12th, 2008)
	This is an amazingly beautiful piece of work.How you did this I don't know but I'm glad that I get to enjoy it!Thanks! Check out my latest song called Blues in Bm

futzpucker	futzpucker said 591 days ago (April 13th, 2008)
	Mark, I am equally puzzled by how you come up with your beautiful music and play it with such mastery and heart. Thank you for telling me you enjoyed this work. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 591 days ago (April 12th, 2008)

Impressive Patrick
Not only the composition... which is heartbreaking... but technically, this sounds more like a real orchestra than any software module I've heard... there are all the subtle dynamics.... the swelling and shifting inside the composition... may we ask how you did that... are you manipulating volumes all through... is this achieved by touch sensitivity... or are the samples just that real?

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

futzpucker

futzpucker said 590 days ago (April 14th, 2008)

Thank you, Scott
I am glad to see you have listened to this, Scott. I think I know what you mean by heartbreaking, and I'm grateful to hear the song got in.

The dynamics, the swelling and shifting you're hearing, were done either with a foot pedal or a fader on my master keyboard while I played the parts, or by the fader as an overdub.

I've been including string parts in my music for a long time, and it wasn't that many years ago when I realized that by not playing string parts dynamically I was able single-handedly to kill the sound of a decent string section. When I realized that string players don't stay at the same dynamic level over the course of a phrase (or even a note, if it's long enough). I was stunned at the time, because it seemed so obvious once I discovered it for myself. Velocity enters into it, too, if that's what you mean by touch sensitivity (no aftertouch here). That's it. The dynamics are just played in, or overdubbed.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

droop

droop said 591 days ago (April 12th, 2008)

Been in the country
a few days and you try to slip this by me huh! Well I'm already familiar with this piece but it is still just as amazing as the first time I heard it. I have to agree with Scott on the "real orchestra" comment. The amazing thing to me is.......I know how meticulous you are and have to be to get this wonderful, realistic sound.....but at the same time, capture all the emotions you sought in this beautiful melody and arrangement. Hey but wait! Did you say "darkness"? Now you know who to call if you need that Boris Karloff touch ha!

Once agian a great example of how it should be done!

Check out my latest song called Last Teardrop

futzpucker

futzpucker said 590 days ago (April 13th, 2008)

Welcome back, Paul
I wondered if you were off in the country livin' the good life, having not seen you here for a while. Several of us were asking each other if we had spoken to you. Glad to see you're still with us.

Emotion is very important to me in music, so the fact that you mention it here is very gratifying. Thank you for your continued support of my music. I appreciate it and you greatly.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

digitalnirvana9

digitalnirvana9 said 591 days ago (April 12th, 2008)

Incredibly Powerful!
As a person who use to live in the foothills of the Sierra I can tell you that you captured the feel of a beautiful day there. I'm very enthusiastic about this piece and its four 10's in my book. Further, I think this piece has allot of healing energy and I intend to play it for my mother who is in the hospital....Great work! Thanks for the download!....Peace, Norman

Check out my latest song called Blues in the Night 2.0

futzpucker

futzpucker said 590 days ago (April 13th, 2008)

How wonderful...
I am moved and honored that you would bring this song to your mother. May it bring her peace and healing. My brother brought our mother a piece of music he wrote and the two of us recorded for the same purpose when she was hospitalized. This is very close to home.

I am quite grateful for your enthusiasm and ratings as well, but nothing compares to this act of playing the song for your mother. Please send her my love.

I'm curious about where you lived, Norman. Auburn? Grass Valley? Am I close?

Thank you so much for telling me about your mother. Blessings to you both.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

bud	bud said 591 days ago (April 12th, 2008)
	Love the description - very moving especially "marinating in great love and beauty". You've managed to capture the spirit of your message quite well here. Thanks for shedding some light. Check out my latest song called try not to think

futzpucker

futzpucker said 590 days ago (April 13th, 2008)

Light from you as well...
Bud, thank you for mentioning the description. I knew that some people would read it and dismiss it as new-age tripe, but I also understand that through the ages extraordinary men and women of great vision have expressed this idea in a multitude of ways, and have deeply perceived it as literal truth. If the music captured any of that spirit, I am very gratified. Thanks so much for the listen and for commenting.

Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Moviz	Moviz said 590 days ago (April 13th, 2008)
	I think you achieved all that you set out to in your description of this piece.... it's truly beautiful and grand with the melodies that could be associated with 'the wild west' in films,i.e.Copeland etc. Wonderful, regards M Check out my latest song called Come Back Billie

futzpucker	futzpucker said 590 days ago (April 13th, 2008)
	I am grateful Thank you, Maurice. I love much of Aaron Copeland's music, and while I'm not delusional to the point of comparing my music to his, I appreciate the mention. I particularly enjoy the imagery, wild west or otherwise. It's wonderful to have one's music create pictures in a listener's mind. Thanks very much, Maurice. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Leon	Leon said 590 days ago (April 13th, 2008)
	wow... grand.. epic... As I listened to it I was imagining some great Hollywood blockbuster that your music can be a befitting backdrop to. This kind of soundtrack evokes emotions that can make a movie scene very memorable. Check out my latest song called The Nightingale (music and lyrics by Oceans)

futzpucker	futzpucker said 589 days ago (April 14th, 2008)
	Nice adjectives Like you do with your wonderful singing, Leon, I try to imbue my music with emotion ini an attempt to bring the listener where I was when I wrote it. Thank you for your kind words. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

obbster	obbster said 589 days ago (April 14th, 2008)
	Nice Sounds like it would be fitting on the Soundtrack to a Final Fantasy computer game. This sounds awesome. Stunning arrangement and sound. Check out my latest song called Legend

futzpucker	futzpucker said 589 days ago (April 14th, 2008)
	Thanks, Liam Good to hear from you. I am not at all familiar with video game soundtracks, but from what you say they've come a long way since the blips and bleeps days... I'm pleased you like the sound of this track. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

LunaTrick	LunaTrick said 584 days ago (April 19th, 2008)
	Lush! Gaelic feel - reminds me of Irish composers like Moeran. Really well mixed - sounds like a real orchestra. Very impressive! Check out my latest song called Luna Gypsy Heart II (Eternal Firelight)

Cheese Pantz	Cheese Pantz said 581 days ago (April 22nd, 2008)
	This is... absolutely fantastic. You're an amazing musician/composer and i just love the feeling of this piece. Favorited. Check out my latest song called First Midi

Cheese Pantz	Cheese Pantz said 576 days ago (April 27th, 2008)
	one more thing... what key is this in? Great track to fool around on at home. -Chris Check out my latest song called First Midi

Roxylee	Roxylee said 580 days ago (April 23rd, 2008)
	This is inspiring Reading the description, then listening, yes, it is all there... and I can feel it. Very touching and real emotions expressed with the instruments. Now I need to go listen to all your songs, wow... What have I been missing?? So many songs, so little time... Check out my latest song called Sweet Grace

futzpucker	futzpucker said 574 days ago (April 29th, 2008)
	Roxanne Thank you for finding this song and leaving a comment. I know it's impossible to hear all the music that is available here, and as the site grows so does the number of people we know and want to keep up with. In light of that, I appreciate hearing from you. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

	said 579 days ago (April 25th, 2008)
	Great! Simply magnificent. I love your touch on the strings, wonderful piece. Thanks a lot for sharing! Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

futzpucker	futzpucker said 574 days ago (April 29th, 2008)
	Young Yeman I had a wonderful time putting the strings on this piece. I'm glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for leaving a comment, my young friend. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

guitapick

guitapick said 577 days ago (April 26th, 2008)

I am...
...floored and so flattered that you would express such a liking for my music when you put out such wonderful, wonderful sounds, Patrick.

Everything about this piece is wonderful...I wonder would you consider and making into a choral piece, as well? Lyrics or none. It would be wonderful, sung by a church choir (if you could find one) ;)

Best to you,

Bob

Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

futzpucker	futzpucker said 574 days ago (April 29th, 2008)
	Thank you, Bob So pleased to hear such a fine player as yourself enjoyed this piece. A choir, eh? Well, it just so happens I have one. I wonder if they'd like singing something I wrote... I'll ask and get back to you. Thanks so much for taking the time to listen and comment, Bob. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

MarkHolbrook	MarkHolbrook said 573 days ago (April 30th, 2008)
	oh Wow Futz!!! Simply wow... This belongs as the ending piece of a GREAT movie! Amazingly well done. I have nothing else to add except it just garnered 5 stars in the iPod!!! Thanks so much Futz! Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge

Bowman	Bowman said 557 days ago (May 16th, 2008)
	Lovely work. So glad I came across it today. It was just what I needed. Direct to the heart and beautiful. Best, Charlie Check out my latest song called The Orion Express - MJ Space Race 2009 by Bowman

Foinix	Foinix said 503 days ago (July 9th, 2008)
	Sierra we love you and your music. gorgeous work - your attention to detail is very apparent and really pays off. Wonderful, we adore you. Check out my latest song called Coming To Consciousness

Char	Char said 430 days ago (September 20th, 2008)
	There is a sense of awe from the beginning notes. You singlehandedly created the orchestra and the piece of music that sings of grandeur and natural gifts, of miracles of sight, sound and emotion. It touches the soul. Thank you so much. :) Check out my latest song called Break Away (Mark Holbrook & Awigze)

WharmtonRise	WharmtonRise said 297 days ago (January 31st, 2009)
	Hmmm, I listened rapt (again), I read and everything I could express about this piece has been written in so many ways already. So, how can I put it differently? What could I add to these reviews? Cool track mate! :-) Andrew. Check out my latest song called Footprints in the Sand - Final

futzpucker	futzpucker said 297 days ago (February 1st, 2009)
	Welcome to MacJams Thanks so much. I am very pleased to see you've joined this site. Your music will be very well appreciated here. It's always great when a talent like yours arrives... Thanks for the return visit to this song. I'm glad you like it. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

sschedra	sschedra said 34 days ago (October 21st, 2009)
	Sweeping Just like the mountains it describes. Some really nice pastoral themes brought together to make this one complete. Very satisfying emotionally and musically. Most excellent, Stephen Check out my latest song called Love's Fingers Fall

tonestones	tonestones said 34 days ago (October 21st, 2009)
	Beautiful This is really touching. Inspired. Check out my latest song called Damballa

kayakanu	52
Komrade K	52
maxruehl	66
NickFury	23
Willywagga	61