Start Now (Dulcimer Debut)

Estella

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Description

For a wedding present, my love gave me a dulcimer! I had played one once at a music store and wanted one ever since.

Here is a test run on it. I've had the progression for the dulcimer for a few weeks now, but no song. Today I conceptualized, wrote, recorded, and mixed it. All in one day!

As always, consider this a sketch to be developed at a later date. I appreciate and value all your feedback!

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Lyrics

Start Now

You don't make me cry.
No, not anymore.
You smile like a sigh.
You laugh like a closed door.

Start now.

I am here for you,
but you're not any fun.
What do you want to do?
I give you to the count of one.

Start now.

Song Stats

Hits: 1046
Comments: 37
Fans: 20
Plays: 102
Downloads: 0
Votes: 4
Uploaded: Jan 02, 2009 - 08:17:31 PM
Last Updated: Jan 02, 2009 - 08:29:24 PM Last Played: Oct 14, 2009 - 06:28:14 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

dulcimer (45)

Comments

drakonis	drakonis said 311 days ago (January 2nd, 2009)
	Excellent gift! I had to BUY mine! They are wonderfully resonant and pretty instruments... nice simple song, but I especially like the line "I give to the count of one", made me smirk! So now we have Bing, me, you, and Rebsie I think with dulcimers... shall 2009 be the year of the massive dulcimer collab? ttfn, Drakonis Check out my latest song called Temporal Tantrum (Sister Savage Mix)

Estella	Estella said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Maybe... The dulcimer has a gorgeous sound, yes! I'm glad I could amuse you with my little song. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

Jim Bouchard

Jim Bouchard said 310 days ago (January 2nd, 2009)

pretty great
pretty great indeed for a sketch. I would lose the little intro, as it seemed a bit superfluous, and just dive right into the verse. This is a great song, and doesn't need much else, though it would also be good with a full band sort of arrangement, which is a testament as to how much of a well written song it is. I could see the worth of doing another take or two of the vocal where some of the lines seemed to sort of waver at their ends (for example "I am here for you"), but even given that the singing is really a delight. It seems like the dulcimer might be the perfect instrument for you. That line: "you laugh like a closed door" is really a wonder.

Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze

Estella

Estella said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)

Thank you!
Jim,

I agree, the intro is basically a place holder and could be done away with or replaced...and the vocal is not as strong as possible.

I always want to add more in the way of instrumentation to my songs, but never know where to start, hence the sketches. I want to grow in that area in the new year.

I'm happy to hear your critique and compliments.

Check out my latest song called Este Momento

kristyjo	kristyjo said 310 days ago (January 2nd, 2009)
	What a nice gift And you are really getting into it. Nice song. The lyrics are clever. I own a dulcimer, but don't play it as much as I could. Maybe I'll try to get in on the great dulcimer collab of 2009, too. Check out my latest song called What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Estella	Estella said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Kristyjo Good to see you! That would be great if you got back into the dulcimer! Check out my latest song called Este Momento

LunaTrick	LunaTrick said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Although I prefer ... the hammered variety, this sounds really cool.... your singing too! Check out my latest song called Luna Gypsy Heart II (Eternal Firelight)

Estella	Estella said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	ooh the hammered dulcimer is so hauntingly beautiful! Thanks for listening! Check out my latest song called Este Momento

Feter	Feter said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Start Now Ahhh what a lovely and passioante song ..it touched my heart really ...wonderful folk music here ...so deep and so honest o my the dulce ...so awesome ..thnx alot for sharin !! p.s our Bing gonna be jealous ha !!!!! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

Estella	Estella said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Thanks Feter! I'm glad it touched you. The dulci is beautiful. Bing has nothing to worry about, as you know. I hope he teaches me a few things. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

mowguy3	mowguy3 said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Start Now For a first attempt at a new instrument you play very well. The song itself is so nice "Start Now" I think is a fine title as well. Your vocals as usual are tops. Very nice, thank you. Be well, Russ Check out my latest song called A Different Shade Of Moonlight

Estella	Estella said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Russ Thanks for your vote of confidence. I'm glad you enjoyed. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

mikkinylund

mikkinylund said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)

Very refreshing
I have not heard you before, but this is a very pleasant surprise. Very clean, honest, straight forward song. I've never played a Dulcimer myself, but it sound beautiful. As a start, this is very good indeed. I don't know where I would take it, I believe I like it much as is, clean, perhaps I would add something more, possible voices to the refrain, but these are only suggestions of course. Like I said, a very nice surprise, thank you.

Check out my latest song called Hold

Estella	Estella said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Thanks! I'm glad you had a pleasant surprise here. I don't know where I'll take it either, as I've only had a day with it, but my tendency IS to add more vocals, as that's the instrument I have most ready ;) Check out my latest song called Este Momento

lavalamp	lavalamp said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Free This sounds so free. Brilliant job putting this together. New instruments always open up new doors. Love this one. Dave Check out my latest song called Googolplex Times Zero

Estella	Estella said 309 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Thanks! I'm glad you loved it. Yeah, change brings the fresh air in. I hope your holiday in the states was wonderful! Check out my latest song called Este Momento

saymme	saymme said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	( : Dulcimir ! Wow thats so great tx for sharing the story behind it !! This sounds very good...wow ! ( : Happy for you & great to hear You singing as always -so now it will be dulcimir thats so great...!!

Estella	Estella said 309 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	It's good to hear from you... Lena, thanks for your enthusiasm. I hope there will be more dulcimer and a lot of other stuff... Check out my latest song called Este Momento

ktb	ktb said 310 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	the gift that will keep on giving. Estella you sound wonderful as always. I agree with Jim that this is a great song already, but i too can hear a "band" arrangement. May be my fav Estellie tune to date. Thank your husband from all of us. Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)

Estella	Estella said 309 days ago (January 3rd, 2009)
	Ha ha! Thanks to hubby. Carlos got a kick out of that. I agree this gift will be a lasting one. Wow, I'm glad you really like it. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

blaky smith	blaky smith said 309 days ago (January 4th, 2009)
	Wedding present Very attractive present, gorgeous sound... Always glad to hear your voice Estella, now with this instrument. Well played for a beginning with this one, it's very promising. Your husband was inspired, thank you to share your debuts with us... Check out my latest song called Pigeon voyageur

Estella	Estella said 309 days ago (January 4th, 2009)
	Merci Marc! Who better to share my musical adventures with than the MacJams community? I'm glad you see promise in this one. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

Mcboy	Mcboy said 309 days ago (January 4th, 2009)
	lucky u... a dulcet dulcimer...enjoy!.....how are u miking it....remember eq is your friend....u can use eq to fatten or thin the sound to u r taste....nice lyrics....! Check out my latest song called Heros( aclarke/mcboy)

Estella	Estella said 309 days ago (January 4th, 2009)
	Truly lucky... ...actually it was custom-made with a pick-up, so it's plugged right into the interface. thanks for the reminder - i did absolutely no eq on a single thing. I actually want to re-record the vox and then see if i can practice my eq skills. I'm terrible. I make everything sound like it's coming through a mega phone ha ha ha. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

Cori Ander	Cori Ander said 309 days ago (January 4th, 2009)
	Most interesting music I think you make the most interesting music. I'd love to have this song (and your previous songs) downloadble. I'd have them on my iPod together with Beethoven sonatas and symphonies and other great music. Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

Estella

Estella said 309 days ago (January 4th, 2009)

Too kind
I actually get a kick out of putting myself on my ipod and then hearing myself come on right after my musical heroes. *sigh* I wish I could be more like them...

Anyway, I'm so sorry they are not download-able, but I'm anal and want to offer songs that are more perfected.

thank you for the wonderful compliment!

one of my new year's resolutions is to make a demo, so when that's done, I will surely offer some downloads on here!

Check out my latest song called Este Momento

Komrade K

Komrade K said 305 days ago (January 8th, 2009)

Definitely worth finessing
This is a great little song and I have to agree with Drak that 'count of one' line is excellent! Very melodic with a memorable chorus and lovely harmony. I really like the sound of the dulcimer (I think I'll have to put one on my birthday list!)

I do a lot of stuff which I regard as sketches as well - and I find it hard getting back to them but I think you should definitely try with this even it's just to play with the mix a little.

KK

KK

Check out my latest song called Borice

Estella	Estella said 301 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I do plan on returning to some of my songs this year, in fact. So thanks for the encouragement! Check out my latest song called Este Momento

dolby	dolby said 305 days ago (January 8th, 2009)
	Another... ...nice sketch you've come up with here. I agree with pretty much everything Jim Bouchard said, so won't repeat. Just keep it flowing - I love your voice! Phil Check out my latest song called You Can't Win Them All

Estella	Estella said 301 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	That Jim Bouchard... When he says something, I listen. I'm happy you like it, 'cause you know I like your musical sensibility. Thank you for coming by. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

rsorensen	rsorensen said 302 days ago (January 11th, 2009)
	Start Now I love the simplicity and innocence of that little intro/outro. I'd keep it as is. Really amazing singing as always and I LOVE those lyrics ("You smile like a sigh"). Great song. Check out my latest song called You Are My Whole Life

Estella	Estella said 301 days ago (January 12th, 2009)
	Ridd... I'm glad you came by and liked it. I can hear the value of that intro/outro as you hear it. Though it was a spur of the moment place holder. Will need to make a decision about that when I do the next recording. Check out my latest song called Este Momento

buckhorn	buckhorn said 288 days ago (January 25th, 2009)
	Very nice The dulcimer sounds great.... It would have been nice if you made this available for others to add noises to, just a thought. but sweet as is. Regards Check out my latest song called another fool

TennesseeVic

TennesseeVic said 278 days ago (February 3rd, 2009)

Dulcimers
Living as I do on the edge of the Smokey Mountains, I hear plenty of dulcimers, both the hammered and the strummed kind. But I don't think I've ever heard one play a Maj7 chord! Change is good, let's say.

Your vocals are as sweet as I've ever heard them here in the hills and hollers. Tip of the size 7 and 3/4 hat to you!

Check out my latest song called Tecmo Superbowl 2009 w/ Dead End (MJRF 2004)

Dj French Toast	Dj French Toast said 267 days ago (February 14th, 2009)
	Toast Was here :) Check out my latest song called Its The French Toast(Colab W/WillBill808)

Sunbeam	Sunbeam said 257 days ago (February 25th, 2009)
	Hi you can play gitar good, and you sing very good. I am 10 yearse old and live in Sweden. so what? you can play gitar very good. Check out my latest song called Inne pa perrongen

Estella	Estella said 257 days ago (February 25th, 2009)
	Thank you! I think you sing pretty and made a great, fun song on your site! You are fantastic, and your daddy must be so proud of you! Check out my latest song called Este Momento

Fan List

apb

ktb

Artist Info

Name: Estella Ramirez

Born in the border town of Laredo, Texas, I grew up loving rock, pop, and Mexican folk. I was a choir girl, taught myself guitar, and went off to the east coast to study psychology. I learned the hard way that music is my healer. I began writing l... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

More songs in Acoustic:

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