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Outside the Corral


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I was driving from a camping trip outside Aspen, CO to Tucson, AZ in late summer. The drive is spectacular, the entire route. At some point (believe it was just past 4 Corners), I was sailing parallel to a big ol' mesa in the distance. It was absolutely amazing. Stopping my car, I stepped out, sat on the roof, and gaped at it's magnificence. I imagined that there was a herd of wild horses, racing crazy on the top of that butte.

That image was so strong that it stuck with me the entire trip. Even while I was burning my insides out in a New Mexico roadside shanty in the middle of nowhere on real huevos rancheros (you know...with the sopapillas and honey to cool it down a shade)...

So...when I got to Tucson, I sat down and wrote this piece. Decades later, the image is still so strong with me. Probably will stay with me 'till my dying day...and beyond...

© Bob Prince 2009
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Song Stats
Hits: 554
Comments: 82
Fans: 40
Plays: 103
Downloads: 25
Votes: 8
Uploaded: Oct 30, 2009 - 04:12:31 PM
Last Updated: Oct 30, 2009 - 04:12:31 PM Last Played: Nov 18, 2009 - 08:29:10 PM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

Song Actions
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Hardware:
Martin OM-21
RODE NT3 Condenser Mic
M-Audio Firewire 410 Interface
Software:
GB4
Comments
Feter said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
Outside the Corral
One of the few wizards those who represent the
acoustic guitar magic into here ...very nice ..
open spaces all here and feel the nature and the
wild life ...energetic pickin and harmonies
with in ..incredible tone here from the Martin
mic ed so professionally indeed ...I loved the
spirit on this song ...and the story behind it
thnx alot for sharin such gem !!!!
guitapick said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Thanks, Feter...
...means a lot to me. So glad you liked it.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
sloparts said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
Love the artwork Bob
love the music even more./ I can almost see the horses frolicking out on that mesa. A bunch of yearling colts playing in the summer sun with not a care in the world.

Excellent track Bob,

Ed
Check out my latest song called Just a little Something
guitapick said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
"...playing in the summer sun...
...without a care in the world..."

That's where I wanna be...

Thanks for the listen, Ed.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
ktb said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
expansive
as that mesa. Just a wonderful feel Bob. Light in spirit and gentle in tone. Sweet stuff
Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)
guitapick said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
The mesa...
...was (and, I'm sure, still is) absolutely incredible. Thanks, John.

BTW: that's such a cool avatar...what is it?
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
ktb said 14 days ago (November 6th, 2009)
re: avatar
not exactly sure, a bit of artwork that came with some graphics disc I bought for creating CD covers me thinks :-)
Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)
Spiderland said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
pumpin iron
I love the finger picking you have going here, very well crafted tune. I actually feel like I am outside a corral when I listen to this. Awesome. It reminds me a bit of Andy Mckee
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guitapick said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Andy McKee...
...rules. That's high praise. Our composition styles definitely mesh...but I'm being honest when I say his technique is a step above. Guy's a monster.

Glad you like the tune, dude. Like yours, too.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
johnwhitehead said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
Sastifying
...wood and steel tone. Tastefully conceived, played and recorded. Wild horses, indeed. Enjoyed this.
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guitapick said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Wild Horses...
...indeed...

:)

Tanks, John
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Calchas said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
Yahoo! The Prince is back in the saddle!
This is awesome. Melody reminds me slightly of Jorma Kaukonen's "Embyonic Journey," but I actually think I like this better.

LOVE the tones! So rich and full. Tasty use of harmonics. Just wonderful...

Enjoyed VERY much!

Be well friend!
Check out my latest song called All Is Quiet
guitapick said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Well...as I'm sure you know, Micheal...
...Mr. Kaukonen's "Embryonic Journey" was the first solo guitar tune that truly inspired me to take the path I've been on, musically. I used to listened to that album constantly (bet my parents loved it). I love that song...glad you like mine, too, Micheal...play on.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
paul f. page said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
Perfect accompaniment...
...to the scene you are describing, Bob. If I shut my eyes, I can see the horses galloping by in full abandon. This is a great track ... and with some "fancy footwork" (well, fingers) on your part with the interesting intricate rhythms you slide in now and again. Intriguing "western" guitar number that is so beautifully played. I envy your skill.
Peace.
Paul
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guitapick said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Hi Paul...
...I play this tune a lot. Probably because it brings me back there. A wonderful moment. Glad you can see it, too.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Jim Bouchard said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
refreshing
I like the sort of noisy sound to the recording, almost sort of sloppy sonically. Very lively and spontaneous sounding. Your skill on the guitar is abundantly evident, but also your creative and soulful playing comes through loud and clear, so it doesn't sound technical. Love it! Thanks!
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guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Very interesting...
...that you'd say that about the quality of the recording sound, Jim.

I did 3 takes of this and was doing my usual thing of picking this and that. Looking for the "right" combination. Noticing clicks on the strings here, missed notes there. But, after hours of trying to make it sound 'right'...I just said, "f#*k it", and went with what FELT right...minimal edititing...'cuz that's what the piece is about: horses running wild.

Cool you caught that...thanks.

Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Dadai.2 said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
Can anyone say....

Jorma Kaukonen ala "Embryonic Journey"?

Bob, kudos and reams of appreciation for this guitar journey which is a new classic. You rule!

D
Check out my latest song called The Riverside (with Ed sloparts sitting in)
Dadai.2 said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
Ha, I just read Mike Wark's comments....

great minds think alike!

Jack
Check out my latest song called The Riverside (with Ed sloparts sitting in)
guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Jorma...
...great memories...

Thanks, Jack...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
J.A.Stewart said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
The Galloping Guitarist
A very interesting and multifaceted piece of musical reverie, Bob. It conveys a lot of different aspects of the experience you imagined. Lots of dynamic changes, both in pace and major to minor transitions... all within a *Western* theme.

Nicely conceived and performed. ;)


--- Joe
Check out my latest song called A Night @ Neverland
guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Thanks, Joe...
...yeeeeeeehaaAAAAAWWWWWWW....!!!!
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
gail60 said 21 days ago (October 30th, 2009)
how beautiful
This is just perfect to my ears! I really enjoy listening to you play Bob and am grateful that you share your talents with us. Wonderful, touching song. Loved the constant chord changes throughout.
Check out my latest song called Sweet September
guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Thanks, Gail
I've been accused of playing "too many notes"...and putting in "too many changes"...but it's all what I either see and/or hear. I'm very happy that you like this.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
B. Flat said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Just
plain beautiful playing and composition! It reminds me also of Jourma K. on "Embryonic Journey." It's so fluid and you develop the piece very organically. Downloaded this one and I'll listen many times. Nice work!
Check out my latest song called NEVER SAY GOOD. Bye!
guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Thanks...
...just checked out your jazz number. Fine sounds.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Moviz said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Great outdoors
You really captured the feel of your description above with this Bob, the hurrying, driving forward and the pic really does fit the picture ....could just imagine the galloping horses....... a real breath of fresh air with this piece... it sounds so 'open air', Thanks, regards M
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guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Thanks, M...
...the great outdoors...sooooo fine...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
ic42 said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
galloping guitar
Crystal clear blue above. Vortexes of crimson dust below. The exuberance and beauty is well captured in music, and slips away again, defying you to capture it again. Majestic guitar work.
ttfn,
Drakonis
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guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Eduard..
...you sly dog. And I never made the connection...shame on me. No wonder I love the music coming from both aliases...

Thanks, man. Fly on...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
crissew said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Love the guitar tone on this
So nice. So clean and clear yet full. great playing too. Enjoyed it.
Check out my latest song called There Was A Time w/ kevmikwa
guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
~
Much thanks, Cris...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Rasapriya said 21 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
beautiful work!
Bob,
I really love your picking. It really delivers emotion into the most subtle my musical ear. Love to collaborate with you.
Check out my latest song called Fall to Earth
guitapick said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Thanks...
...a collaboration would be a fine thing to do...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Ed Hannifin said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
On my speakers...
...this is both resonant and nicely crisp... The tune itself balances melody and rhythm nicely to my ears...

Among the mics I've been looking at as an acoustic recording mic is the NT3...I'm going to take this as a 'demo' for that... Is it just one mono track, or is there more?

A great listen, Bob...

Ed
Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)
guitapick said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Hi Ed,
I'm glad you enjoyed the little horsies...

The NT3 is really nice. The next model up has a bass roll-off switch which would be nice, as the NT3 tends to lean towards the bassy side (at least mine does). Maybe so it will get a nice sound for the more trebly instruments. But you can compensate with the eq on either the recording gear or amp you're using, and that'll do the trick just fine. Neil (jiguma) uses one, too, and swears by it. Great mic. I might (might) have gone with a more expensive, larger one...but this is a great stage as well as recording mic and the price was right.

I'm glad it came through well on your speakers. The sound's right on everything I played it through except my computer speakers where it's a bit too bassy...but I decided to leave it, as it came out so nicely on everything else.

Thanks, Ed.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
TERRAPLANE said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
Nice
Incredible picking Mr. Bob ,, I can relate ,, I lived in Tucson for 9 years & explored the diverse splendor of the SW.. Thanks much for the DL,, T
Check out my latest song called * The Greys * MJ Space Race 2009
guitapick said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Terry...
...I was in Tucson for 6 years. An incredible alien world to an eastcoast woodland boy like me. Diverse splendors indeed. So glad you can relate...I want to go back.

Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
IdleBel10 said 20 days ago (October 31st, 2009)
excellent
the guitar work is exceptional 10/10 all the way.
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guitapick said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Thanks so much...
...I enjoyed your latest tune, too...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
scofugate said 20 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Great Job!
This is very professional! Nice tone with that Martin as well. The music really does tell your story,
--faved--
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guitapick said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
It's a great guitar...
...glad you like the tune, Scott. Thanks.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
bud said 20 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Ok - so you got like seven fingers
on each hand like Five Extra Arms or something. You always amaze me Bob - but this time you struck me dumb. Not as in stupid - but like maybe more than a little in awe of your ability to make that Martin sing and dance at the same time. Fantastic.
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guitapick said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Thanks, bud...
...you said you liked this tune when I debuted it at GBM...glad you like the recorded version, too.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Elevator_Funk said 20 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Yep
That's what it pretty much sounds like..... I love the imagery, this is exactly what driving thru the Mountain States sounds like, from Alberta to New Mexico. Nice Pic. Nice Description. Great Song.
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guitapick said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
The mountains...
...man...never been to Alberta...bet it's beautiful.

Thanks
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
tokai said 20 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Wild Horses
Played mate. Lush tones and sounds you make here,
another compelling song. It is rare to find a guitar song that holds itself, you got them skills.
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guitapick said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Thanks Steve...
...very much, for the listen and taking the time to say 'hello'...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Vic Holman said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
excellent
a majestic piece, quite fitting.
there are some pretty inspiring scenery in the most out of the way places.
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guitapick said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
Thanks, Vic...
...the scenery is magnificent...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Z293 said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Really Great
Playing Bob, this really just speaks for itself.
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guitapick said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
~
Thanks...that's a nice thing to say...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Ibstrat said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
I grew
up in Colorado- images are burned into my mind forever. Beautiful recording and playing. I love the way you write, always some unexpected twists in the harmony.
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guitapick said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
I sometimes wonder...
...why my family and I don't just pack up and move back out there...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
BossHook said 19 days ago (November 1st, 2009)
Thanks
for pulling your personal images through for us on wood and steel. Great playing always, the pace here does feel like horses running wild along the butte.
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guitapick said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
Thanks Boss...
...I saw someone buying a Boss Hook cd at a used cd store the other day. Yellow cover. Was that yours? They didn't have another...otherwise I'd have gotten it.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
tempie said 19 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
beautiful
...
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guitapick said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
Thanks..
..."Grandad and Waylon" grabbed me, too...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Brian Weiland said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
Hey!
Remember me?

So glad you're still here, sounding better than ever. Thrilled you've got a CD out- I'll definitely be ordering one tonight!

Flawless playing, excellent composition, beautiful recording. Just a perfect way to be reintroduced to the site.

Check out my latest song called The Gentle Maiden/Planxty Fanny Powers
guitapick said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
You know...
...how, when you're playing a gig, just finishing a tune...you look up and there's a buddy you haven't seen in a loooong time, sitting in the front row?

That's what this feels like.

So good to see your smiling avatar, Brian. Glad you like the tune...hoping to hear some of yours.

:)
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
egobandit said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
all right
a download button thanks!!!!! I love your music!
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guitapick said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
Well...
...shucks...

Glad you like it. Lookit them horsies go...
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
Bowman said 18 days ago (November 2nd, 2009)
Love the lilt and swagger to this.
You're really living this with every stroke of your guitar Bob. I enjoyed every wonderful second of this my friend.
Cheers,
Charlie
Check out my latest song called The Orion Express - MJ Space Race 2009 by Bowman
guitapick said 17 days ago (November 3rd, 2009)
~
Thank you, Charlie.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
DWL said 18 days ago (November 3rd, 2009)
Lovely tone
and a lovely story.

Really well played (but then again I'd expect nothing more!)

I don't think I'll ever be that clean and precise.

Excellent work.

Cheers

Dick
guitapick said 17 days ago (November 3rd, 2009)
Well...I don't know, Dick...
...your work in "Superstar Shangri-La was quite "clean and precise" to my ear. Different style...but right on it.

Thanks for the listen, mate. Cheers!

Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
richard13 said 15 days ago (November 5th, 2009)
Beautiful!
Nothing more to say, except thanks.
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persona said 15 days ago (November 5th, 2009)
for open spaces
the sound really evoke an open space - spacial and full. great technique too! thanks for sharing.
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Rasapriya said 15 days ago (November 6th, 2009)
mighty fine picking
I just love the sound of an acoustic guitar. Sounds like D tuning as well?
Very good my friend.
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guitapick said 14 days ago (November 6th, 2009)
~
Hi,
The E string's dropped to D...the rest is standard tuning.
Thanks.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
lengold said 15 days ago (November 6th, 2009)
What a wonderful
sound, fine music and impeccable musicianship. Absolutely lovely.
Downloaded. Thanks.
Cheers
Len

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maxruehl said 14 days ago (November 6th, 2009)
Wonderful
new track, Bob. Brings to mind Leo Kottke, whom I'm a big fan of. Really terrific.:)
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Boundless said 13 days ago (November 7th, 2009)
Beautiful tune
and tone. Always a joy to hear
solo guitar here.

Fine work - merci !
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Bob6stringer said 12 days ago (November 8th, 2009)
Plays like flowing spring-water.
Mike Calchas compared this a little to Jorma Kaukonen's old Tuna days, but as sophisticated as his stuff was - really he advanced acoustic guitar appreciation with that stuff - it was still rooted more in traditional fingerstyle blues, whereas you seem to be diving deeper in structure, inversions, etc., for something that I think will endure for many years, too.
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ste said 11 days ago (November 10th, 2009)
very
well played and thought out. Enjoyed!
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jiguma said 8 days ago (November 12th, 2009)
Beautifully recorded acoustic Bob
This has a "wide open spaces" feel to it for sure. Like music for the opening (or closing) credits to a cowboy movie - or the bit where they ride off into the sunset :) Great pic - my granddaughter will love it :)
Lovely sounds.
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Char said 6 days ago (November 14th, 2009)
That sounds
like you took a spirit walk, Bob. At some time, wild horse did run there and you saw it. Exceptionally lovely. You have great talent and heart. Thank you.
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Scorpjammer said 6 days ago (November 15th, 2009)
Thanks, Bob
Terrific tune and excellent finger-style technique. You are one clean player... no easy task. Thanks for commenting on Seaside Samba. If you hadn't, I may not have come across your music. MacJams has become so big and wonderful, its hard to keep up.

New fan here.


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sschedra said 5 days ago (November 15th, 2009)
Bob
An open tune delight. I would be curious to know your miking technique. This just sounds so clear and pure. Really a beautiful piece, well performed and well produced.
Stephen
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VicDiesel said 5 days ago (November 15th, 2009)
Gallop, NM
nice image, nice tune. Much enjoyed.
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guitapick said 4 days ago (November 16th, 2009)
Was hoping...
...you'd check it out, Vic. You know the area...just so amazing.
Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral
SJB said 4 days ago (November 16th, 2009)
Champion!
A great lesson in acoustic picking. It sounds like a one take job that you probably wouldn't be able to repeat note for note again. To paraphrase Feter it's gem that had to be captured just as it came out of the guitar. Great playing Bob - I love it.
All the best
Steve
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Name: Bob
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Thanks for visiting my little electronic home. I love to play and listen to music and really enjoy talking shop. A brief bio: I was brought up in the New York City area, traveled around a lot after high school, and am now back. If you'd like to ... [see more]

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