But I like this a lot! personally I would've put it in New Age just because to me folk usually implies some sort of traditional element. The vocal thing in the beginning didn't seem to fit in; when it came in there was a slight wavering that was little disturbing. Some miniscule guitar flubs here and there can be forgiven, and all in all you're giving the tiler a run for the money here.
Really well recorded
Sounds like an open tuning...am I right?

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But I like this a lot! personally I would've put it in New Age just because to me folk usually implies some sort of traditional element. The vocal thing in the beginning didn't seem to fit in; when it came in there was a slight wavering that was little disturbing. Some miniscule guitar flubs here and there can be forgiven, and all in all you're giving the tiler a run for the money here.
Really well recorded
Sounds like an open tuning...am I right?

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Thanks Jim. The 'ahhhs' at the beginning were an idea that probably doesn't
fit in retrospect. The wavering is my wavering vocal chords. The flubs are my
finger cramps taking hold. Weak chops. This is another example of 'writing
beyond my means.' (Maybe I should ask Bill to play this?)

You are right about the tuning. It is open. Thanks again for listening.

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well, I'm one to speak! I certainly couldn't play this myself unless I invented an open tuning that would play all the notes for me. And my specialty seems to be wavering vocal chords and poor arrangement choices. I didn't mean to sound too critical, this is a beautiful piece of music, despite its very slight imperfections. I can listen to this again and again!

---
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."-- Albert Einstein

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Yes and no. You pull this off quite well. And if a musician didn't stretch himself he'd never reach any of the potential that was there, either in writing or performing. A well done, 'pleasant-to-listen-to' guitar solo piece that needs no apologies.

Jack

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That was beautiful. I felt like I was flying like an eagle over the river valley. Excellent! I'm impressed with your playing. While not perfect, your guitar playing is great and the fact you got through the whole song without your hand exploding is commendable.

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I would love to be able to play like this... this is amazing
and absolutely beautiful. The finger cramping "flubs"
contribute to the sincerity of the tune (my opinion). Very
well performed and written!

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Thanks Jack, Peter, Adam for those (overly) generous
comments. The recording is true--it captures each flub.
What I think this song needs is an effortless performance,
one that is truly like an eagle soaring over the river valley,
instead of what this sounds like at times: like someone
struggling to keep up. Maybe some day...

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This has the qualities I dig in a piece of instrumental
music...oh and that piano...perfect. I really enjoyed this.
Thanks for sharing!

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Thanks Dave. The piano is an 'echo' from Redwing, the first part of the suite.
All four movements are posted separately on MacJams, but I'd like to put
them together in one recording and post it. Then you could hear the echo.

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The music does flow.

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as i strum repetively the Cs and Ds and Gs that comprise
the majority of my music, i long for the day when i might
play like this. absolutely beautiful.

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You have a strong right hand! And wonderfully expressive
heart. I love your stuff. This is wonderful.

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Your expressive guitar playing with its fast, rippling
passages really does evoke running water well! As a
harpist, I can definitely see why you would get finger
cramps from playing this. But you perform this piece with
expertise regardless.

I like the musical content of this piece very much, however
I would have enjoyed hearing a more contrasting section
with different chords as well as rhythm. You did slow
everything down at one point which was nice.

It sounded like you weren't quite sure how to treat the
piano in this. It was very subtle, appeared infrequently. It
almost didn't fit -- sort of like someone knocking at your
door and then saying, "Just wanted to say hi! Bye!" and
then walking away.

I guess what I'm saying is that I love acoustic piano and
wish there was more of it in this tune!

Very pleasant listening. Good, heartfelt performance.

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Thanks for the comments, including the suggestion for a more involved or
integrated piano. The truth is -- this originally was a guitar piece and during
the recording I fooled around on the piano, using bits from the previous
movements in the suite, and plugged it in as what I call an 'echo'from those
earlier movements (Redwing, Lullaby Without Words). But I think
especially when you hear this piece alone, the piano comes off the way you
described it: Hello...here I am...see you later.

I believe my material in general could be more structured. Maybe my life,
too...

Thanks again for the careful listen.

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What a lovely picture you've painted here. The piano is a
very nice touch as well. I agree there could be more of an
'undercurrent' of it throughout the piece, though it is
surely lovely as it is, too....

Thank you.

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Very relaxing, I like the Windham Hill feeling kind of like
a William Ackerman. Love the picture as well. Goes quite
nicely with the music.

Thanks for sharing !

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Thanks Bill. The photo is one I took last year at Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Big Thompson runs through Moraine Valley, a beautiful spot my kids call
"Elk Valley." We love to hike the mountain trails around it.

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thanks for posting. Cheers.

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This piece makes me feel something that I like. And,
finger flubs and other stuff aside, that what really counts.
Cool stuff Tom, you know I'm a fan.

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...this one's a download. From your fingers to my iPod.

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Thanks Bob. Glad you enjoyed it, and downloaded it.

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I really enjoyed listening to this song.

- Hawks

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