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Description:
In my years of motorcycle adventures, one of the most awesome roads I’ve driven is Highway 212 over Montana’s Beartooth Pass. It’s one of the highest roadways in the lower 48 states with an elevation of around 10,950 ft. If you manage to get to the summit, it feels like the top of the world. The vistas are so gigantic and otherworldly, its kind of mind blowing. My riding partner and I had been trying to do Beartooth for 3 seasons, turned away each time by various obstacles; road work, slides, weather. But last season, in August 2007, we finally were able to complete the trip over this spectacular high mountain biway.
We left in the morning from Laurel, MT, stopped for a break in Red Lodge where we did one last weather check, and then headed south, and UP. Motorcycling at these elevations can be challenging (especially packed down with 2 weeks worth of gear), and requires quite a bit of "technical" riding (as it's called in the motorcycle world). Beartooth of course features many hairpins turns, the narrow roadway itself is in less than ideal shape because it gets hammered in the long winter months up there, and the weather can turn on you in the blink of an eye. The wind in particular, is a real concern because there’s absolutely nothing to protect you from it, and it blows with the fierceness unique to the high Rockies.
We proceeded with a mixture of excited anticipation and a certain amount of tension. (With motorcycling {speaking for myself only} it’s often a fine line between excitement and fear!) We knew things would have to go just right to be able to look back on the experience as a happy one. Fortunately, with few exceptions, the ride went very well that day, and we really felt like celebrating when we made the summit in bright sunshine with only a slight breeze.
This is the music of the Beartooth Pass crossing. It is full of anticipation, tension, a bit of foreboding, excitement and wonder. The music keeps moving because on this ride, practically touching the heavens, WE had to keep moving. Even the stop at the top was just long enough for a few photos, as we didn’t want to press our luck, and still had many miles to go before the topography would ease up a bit.
Very special thanks to Drakonis for his detailed critique last week, which – as with “Angel Convention,” made this piece much better than it would’ve been otherwise. Also, thanks to Kassia for the extra consult re:volume normalization, using Audacity, and for noticing a few percussion sounds that needed tweaking. And finally, be careful with volume - this song starts out small, but after throwing in the kitchen sink, it doesn’t end that way!
Hardware:
macbook
maudio keystation 61es
Software:
symphony orchestra jampack
world music jampack
voices jampack
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Very nice &mdash 05/28/08 - 12:13:09 PM
This is my third listening and it's like I feel the journey and all the happiness and work it brings... Very nice ride thanks. [ Reply to This ]
perfect &mdash 05/28/08 - 12:20:45 PM
your description is just perfect. I love the drama in this. And yet parts are so hypnotizing and rhythmic -- reminding me of Philip Glass. What is the instrument with the harpsichord-like attack? Is it indeed harpsichord? You've totally just inspired me to write. Thank you. [ Reply to This ]
Beauty and Grandeur &mdash 05/28/08 - 12:30:28 PM
Definitely comes across in blazing shafts of sunshine here. Absolutely love this... my final teeny critique is still there that I'd love to hear some more bass under your brass section (maybe double some low trombones) to give more oomph, but as I mentioned before, that is a super tiny suggestion at this point, you've taken it way way beyond anything I could do. This is really breathtaking music, and I am sure it fits the ride. Dang, now I want to go experience that too, I have some relatives in Montana who tell me I just HAVE to come see the area sometime... Grand Tetons are on our list. Maybe someday I can videotape some of this area you experienced, and we can put your music to it, another fun project on my list! ;-) You are a remarkable composer, thank you so much for sharing your joyous works with us mere mortals! Wow. I have a feeling this will get a LOT of great well-deserved attention! Congratulations on throwing in such a beautifully crafted kitchen sink! Lots and lots of your hard work paid off here.
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Thank you &mdash 05/28/08 - 12:34:33 PM
for sharing this experience both literally and with the wonderful imagery of your musical expression. I particularly tried to imagine making that climb on the bike along with you. [ Reply to This ]
... &mdash 05/28/08 - 12:44:02 PM
oh yes i remember this one. i love this one. i forget how it sounded before but it still sounds beautiful to me. [ Reply to This ]
LOL &mdash 05/28/08 - 12:56:30 PM
Chance I think you're confusing this song with a previous one, maybe "Glacier Ride"?, though they're very different! But since I just posted it, I'm pretty sure you haven't heard it before (lol) - thanks for the listen! [ Reply to This ]
Oh My &mdash 05/28/08 - 01:36:45 PM
What a beautiful tune full of melody and wonderful textures a delight on the ear and a treat for the soul, Karen Magnificent... [ Reply to This ]
hey Karen &mdash 05/28/08 - 01:44:26 PM
Great music Karen! &mdash 05/28/08 - 01:46:58 PM
I can definitley see your adventurous journey in this music, it's very cinematographic. Hope that Eduard can get around to shoot some film up there and make a nice video of it. And/Or it could "easily" ;-) be sold to Hollowood for big money! I guess this is what they use big orchestras to play, and you did it more or less yourself. Great piece, fav'd and dl'd and thank you for sharing!
/Henke
P.S. Sure your name is not Bikecancarry? :-) [ Reply to This ]
You normally say it about my stuff &mdash 05/28/08 - 02:29:33 PM
Now its my turn to say it about yours
WOW
And everything that is encapsulated in WOW
And you say you have nothing of substance to add
PAH!!!
Lovely stuff Karen
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Magical... &mdash 05/28/08 - 02:31:24 PM
This is a very magical piece for me Karen. It really depicts a journey beyond landscapes.
B [ Reply to This ]
a very attractive melody- &mdash 05/28/08 - 02:32:12 PM
that is developed very tastefully. It's beautifully produced as well, with lots of contrast.
Excellent piece of work,
John. [ Reply to This ]
Karen &mdash 05/28/08 - 02:39:02 PM
That was magnificent, and very descriptive, I enjoyed every mile. You've certainly got to grips with orchestrating beautifully, your wonderful piano playing. I enjoyed the description too at the top; you should write of your exploits and the places you visited, regards M [ Reply to This ]
What a... &mdash 05/28/08 - 04:15:19 PM
...lovely trip you've recreated in your beautiful composition, Karen. You have such a delicate sense of orchestration here, with some nice duets and counterpoint between solo instruments. The keyboard just keeps moving things along insistently and with surity. That's one thing I am enjoying about your music: I never have to worry about the writing or the playing. It is always superb. Congratulations on another wonderful number. (Small suggestion: rubato! Now and again? I wouldn't feel so winded.)
Peace.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
Elevated Passage &mdash 05/28/08 - 04:17:21 PM
truely an amazing story and amazing music to it ...
such flowin and spiritual .you gave this alot .just
so mind blowin ..you filled this piece with alot of
colors and insteruments like lal what was around you
as you passing with all the scenaries in your journey.
o so thankful for sharin such gem !!! [ Reply to This ]
Outstanding &mdash 05/28/08 - 04:41:46 PM
Karen! &mdash 05/28/08 - 04:42:44 PM
You are AWESOME! This sounds fantastic! I didn't even have to read your description - the music paints the picture perfectly. All the anticipation and tension and foreboding, yet hope and joy and accomplishment. Amazing sounds you've gotten out of those jam packs. I don't know how you do it. You did a fabulous job with the percussion in this piece - it all fits so well with the mood and instrumentation - let those cymbals RING! Great job on this - it's definitely one to be very very proud of. You are so very talented, and if this is what throwing in the whole kitchen sink sounds like than I'm not going to any more KSA meetings! [ Reply to This ]
I can imagine &mdash 05/28/08 - 05:14:21 PM
ballet dancers twirling and doing their stuff to this. Very pictorial music. Lovely listen. Bravo.
Cheers
Len
[ Reply to This ]
Sameness &mdash 05/28/08 - 05:54:14 PM
Elevated Passage &mdash 05/28/08 - 06:08:48 PM
Very nicely done Karen &mdash 05/28/08 - 07:26:18 PM
Sometimes I don't get MJ ... here's a quality piece played directly (as opposed to using only loops) with thoughtful composition and excellent production and it gets voted down when at the same time some pretty dodgy music is getting all 10s. This place gets stranger and stranger.
I see the big curves, the joy of turning the next bend, and the exhileration at the end of the ride.
Amazing work.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
One more reason to disable ratings! &mdash 05/28/08 - 07:37:24 PM
Delightful... enchanting... and there is always something festive about your music... busy with happy swirls and joyful counterpoints... yet very complex. I know you work very hard at these pieces ... and to the discerning ear... it really pays off! [ Reply to This ]
Came back &mdash 05/28/08 - 08:04:41 PM
right then karen &mdash 05/28/08 - 09:18:51 PM
another wonderful ride .. these bilking tunes are just the best ... :-] [ Reply to This ]
Downloaded... &mdash 05/28/08 - 10:28:00 PM
Faved, installed in Karens Personal iTunes list on my iPod and Mac...
So wonderful, so amazing... Blown away! [ Reply to This ]
karen &mdash 05/29/08 - 12:06:44 AM
absolutely perfect. grea t sounds and what a melody. at first i was thinking danny elfman soundtrack material, and then it went off in a completely different direction. you are soo good, it embarrasses me to sit in front of a piano. great stuff. [ Reply to This ]
wonderful &mdash 05/29/08 - 12:57:34 AM
Now THIS is a piece I can respect. The instruments are well chosen and the arrangement is marvelously crafted. You do well to vary the instruments - which ones carry the melody etc. The chord progression is maintained throughout and there are some intriguing instrumental fills. Bravo, I am happy to hear your work indeed! [ Reply to This ]
Unforgettable! &mdash 05/29/08 - 03:51:33 AM
I'm left speechless by the beauty of this piece. Such a great piano line, master orchestration and use of instruments. WOW... the intro is very great and sounds a little sad (which is my most favorite type of music). A true masterpiece... thanks a lot for sharing, this is an unforgettable work!
Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
OMG &mdash 05/29/08 - 08:30:44 AM
You my friend have it all! Such lovely talent exudes from you! I am amazed with each piece of how much beaty you create. I love this piece!!! Your music paints the most wonderful pictures that any and every person will enjoy. Kudos girl! You are the best!!! [ Reply to This ]
this is very nice &mdash 05/29/08 - 09:10:36 AM
Elavated Passage. &mdash 05/29/08 - 09:12:48 AM
Sounds wonderful as usua.l Karen you have a great gift. I just wish I had
a portion. I would be more than happy.
Peace Dee. [ Reply to This ]
well &mdash 05/29/08 - 10:05:00 AM
as our friend Tutti so elequently states, all your music DOES indeed, sound the same...it sounds FANTASTIC....to me this is nothing like Glacier Ride....total different sensibility...but fantastic.
You are a ridiculously talented composer and player, and a fun human to boot! ...not that you would be fun to boot...you know what i mean....
actually I wouldnt mind giving tutti a little boot......it's funny that tutti would be afraid to post music here, because people are too mean and stuff....then be so mean spirited himself....(plus he's wrong)
folks sure are funny
deepest of bows to you m'lady
z [ Reply to This ]
Ticking.. &mdash 05/29/08 - 10:52:15 AM
I got a feeling of intimacy and panorama at the same time.
The beginning felt like a time machine trip.
Beautifully done. Love to Seattle.
Rich [ Reply to This ]
Amazing... &mdash 05/29/08 - 11:57:42 AM
I like the shy beginning and the gradual motion towards the journey very much enjoyed I would love collab on something with you one day...
Moses [ Reply to This ]
keep moving &mdash 05/29/08 - 12:02:59 PM
I love the way this one starts. It really sets the mood for what's to come. It really has a sense of urgency to it, but a good urgency if that makes sense. I think you captured your adventure perfectly with this piece. Well done! [ Reply to This ]
magnificent &mdash 05/29/08 - 02:54:08 PM
i love that piano/celeste/bells blend. at times it sounds like a hint of dulcimer too.
this glides along wonderfully. i can hear the majesty as you reach the top. then it's back to the business of riding... i'm picturing a view from the air perhaps riding upon an eagle's back as i see you negotiating the road.
the build up and the timps at the end works great!
many thanks!
by the way, there is a big fat green heart in that picture.
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Just Gorgeous,... &mdash 05/29/08 - 03:53:13 PM
You sure are a fine piano player, and great composer, I just loved this. The Piano so beautiful, the orchestral and rythm sections, complimented so nicely. Really moving!!!
Ian [ Reply to This ]
magnificent &mdash 05/29/08 - 07:42:55 PM
What a beautiful composition, Karen. Simply breath-taking, and captures the spirit of the ride perfectly. Foreboding, excitement, and wonder. I loved every bit of it, and especially the crescendo ending, which captures the conquest of the summit perfectly. Bravo! [ Reply to This ]
Karen, this is amazing... &mdash 05/29/08 - 08:23:55 PM
I feel the exhilaration and the beauty of the majestic views. Just beautiful!!! [ Reply to This ]
No disrespect intended but &mdash 05/29/08 - 08:50:17 PM
you're a psychoanalyst? Wrong profession! You are a premium musician. I guess you can be both but I am totally stumped why you are not playing professionally. Just goes to show: the world is a crazy silly little place. [ Reply to This ]
Wish... &mdash 05/29/08 - 09:31:16 PM
...I could have been there, too...
This'll have to do...and will do me just fine...
Wonderful tone poem, Karen...with just the right amount of orchestration and build, to my ear...
You make me want to buy a bike...with a motor, that is... [ Reply to This ]
Elevated passage &mdash 05/29/08 - 11:11:05 PM
Hi Karen, this is a most beautiful tune. It flows so very nicely, gorgeous. I like the choice of smooth sounds. The production is simply wonderful - clear and balanced. Fantastic build. I'm impressed. Superb!! [ Reply to This ]
incredible Karen &mdash 05/30/08 - 06:45:08 AM
Me thinx that you channel Beethoven and Bach, or one of those classics... It's not the first time that I've listened to your work and been compelled to go back and read your bio..."Who is this?"... and I love the glimpse into your "real life"... this journey can be a bit of a metaphor... I think that way when setting stuf to music... you know, the larger picture...
thrilling...
what kind of bugs do you get in your teeth at that altitude?
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very nice &mdash 05/30/08 - 12:28:17 PM
and melodic. a nice glacieral grandeur piece.
you can play the kitchen sink very well. :-) [ Reply to This ]
WOW! &mdash 05/30/08 - 12:46:48 PM
This has some wonderful Bach overtones! Then you captured some diverse influences and molded it into a storyline, then the sound keeps unfolding...Amazing! Awed, to say the least.
Now I'm remembering your "mix" day!! lol
It payed of for sure Karen.
I'm on the edge of my chair every time I play it!
What a brilliant work!!
Bravo!
C.
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HI Karen.... &mdash 05/30/08 - 12:57:39 PM
The music itself was a wonderful experience let alone the description!!.
Excellent work, together with that Drakonis touch.
Take care.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
Well... &mdash 05/30/08 - 03:33:40 PM
This one earns a big WOW!, Karen!!! Man...
First off, I really enjoyed reading the narrative. - Knowing that you're from Seattle, (I've just recently relocated from there to SF) and even though the ride wasn't in Seattle, in and around there are some pretty amazing scenic rides. Your notes, narratively and musically, are both making me miss it back there! Having moved there from the flat world of Michigan and Indiana in the early part of my life, it made everything quite a bit scenic. Even the balloon ride in TUKWILLA! I felt like I was on vacation most of the fifteen years that I lived in Seattle.
I was able to easily relive some of your breathtaking scenic moments by borrowing from some of mine.
And really, the music said it all...
Thanks for the memories! Macca [ Reply to This ]
Tremendous work Karen &mdash 05/30/08 - 03:50:28 PM
and a really thrilling story to read while listening. How exciting for you. You managed to communicate so much joy and emotion along with trepidation in this piece. Magical! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Karen, &mdash 05/30/08 - 08:37:08 PM
Your piece made me smile (it is a very cold night over here and I really needed some joy).
:-) [ Reply to This ]
Breathtaking! &mdash 05/30/08 - 08:43:07 PM
I lovely the uplifting and foreboding feeling I get when I hear your beautiful piece.
This is a complete work of art.
This could easily be used in a motion picture or tv show.
I hope you have the notes actually written out because this would sound absolutely amazing to hear a real orchestra play.
Can you imagine going to a huge concert hall and hearing this live?
:-) [ Reply to This ]
All I can say &mdash 05/30/08 - 08:45:07 PM
Is the download button still exist on this song. Because who ever dont download is missing out. My favorite part is wher it gets all middle age sounding like gualem is going to come from behind a rock and say take a smoke of the hobbits plant! Excellent excellent loved it! [ Reply to This ]
Very nice! &mdash 05/30/08 - 08:47:22 PM
I want to chime in (pun intended) with my praise for your work. You are on a musical plain all your own. Wonderful realization of your voice. Love the orchestration textures and timbres. One comment said a wee bit more rubato...maybe, maybe not. It's your vision. Keep talkin' to your muse and thank you for sharing. [ Reply to This ]
Another thrilling ride &mdash 05/30/08 - 08:51:00 PM
This makes me want to take up motorcycling. This was reminiscent of your previous work, with great orchestration here again. I noticed you used the orchestra jampack. This is merely preference, but I like the "orchestra steinway" piano a lot more than the standard garageband "grand piano". The "orchestra Steinway" just sounds more real to me. But it doesn't matter that much and won't change the piece which is already magnificent. I also enjoyed the story and the photo.
chip [ Reply to This ]
Great great stuff! &mdash 05/30/08 - 09:31:01 PM
great, great, track !!!!! &mdash 05/30/08 - 09:33:46 PM
as graceful as a swan. its just lovely. your music really sounds like your passion. there is a lot of intensity in your composing, and the way you just add layer to layer of sound as you go taking us from crescendo after crescendo. "elevated passage" is a dizzying and breathtaking track, excellent job you hard work here is inspiring. [ Reply to This ]
oops !! &mdash 05/30/08 - 09:41:00 PM
correction: this song takes us from one crescendo to another. sorry i'm so sloppy !!!! [ Reply to This ]
Wow Karen .... &mdash 05/30/08 - 11:45:16 PM
.. what a pretty tune .... it started right out with the goosebumps on my arms ... and then when the swells came in those bumps were bigger ... very nice ... there truly are "voices" in this .... from the lilty angelic high notes .. to the visions of highland lasses dancing in a small part .... I couldn't help but just visualize dancers while listening ... [ Reply to This ]
Fantastic! &mdash 05/31/08 - 04:43:13 AM
This is in constant motion, which fits your description, but the music stands on its own, like all great programme music. I think you build excitement here through orchestration better than in any piece of yours I've heard -- it's absolute mastery of sonic resources.
The only suggestion I have, and this is probably something to think about in your next piece since this one is pretty near perfect as it is, is to consider modulating more than you do. You move to the relative major but don't stay there very long, but it might be fun to try going to other keys, like minor v, major bVI, or minor iv. These all work well if you are writing in a minor key.
The thing that makes modulation work so well is that in moving away from the original key, and then stopping for a visit in other key areas for a while before returning to the home key at the end, is that it creates a sense of having been on a musical journey, which seems to fit the description you give here and in some other pieces as well.
However, as I said, I'm not sure I'd recommend doing anything further to this piece, because it is fantastic as it stands! Great work! [ Reply to This ]
tsada &mdash 05/31/08 - 11:36:12 AM
stress free music, can easily communicate with human emotion and indeed lovingly done! [ Reply to This ]
Wow. &mdash 05/31/08 - 12:41:09 PM
Fantastic &mdash 05/31/08 - 01:29:53 PM
Really impressed, the images it evokes are of the air rushing past you as you are travelling and being in awe of the sights and sounds. Well done Karen, brilliant track. [ Reply to This ]
wow! &mdash 05/31/08 - 01:37:36 PM
another absolutely beautiful tune! you make some of the loveliest lil numbers. i really like this one...sounds like it belongs on a soundtrack to me. great composition, great performance, and great production! very impressive song!
fav'd and downloaded...this one will be fully enjoyed with every listen.
sincerely,
age [ Reply to This ]
jam packs &mdash 05/31/08 - 09:36:24 PM
Choice.... &mdash 05/31/08 - 11:33:24 PM
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