Song Notes
It Doesn't Have To Be That Way
I've always been a fan of the Keef Hartley Band, in particular the way that a good brass arrangement can really add to a rock/blues track. This is my first go at adding brass, and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. A friend of mine cited Keef Hartley as a "sound alike" without me prompting, so hopefully I'm doing something right. I managed to come up with some lyrics, but at the time couldn't find anyone else to sing, so I, very reluctant singer that I am, had to sing them myself.
Slow Down
A simple 12 bar blues, and pretty much just an excuse to let rip on guitar.
Your Own Special Way
I've had this melody buzzing around in my head for a while. I've always felt it needs lyrics, but I haven't found the right ones yet.
In The Heat Of The Sun
I was watching a program about Quincy Jones the other night, and "borrowed" the upright bass riff. Having added electric paino, cymbals and drums played by brushes, I then added a couple of synth "washes". My inspiration was an image in my head of the sun beating down on the arid desert. After a while the long notes on the synths start to play themselves....and I just sit back and listen.
Friendship
This guitar piece, inspired by, and written for a very good friend of mine, is responsible for getting me back in to playing acoustic guitar after a considerable lay off. Unlike electric guitar, playing acoustic can be very tough on the fingers. Without regular practice, finger tips soften up making prolonged periods of playing uncomfortable. I repeatedly played this piece unitl I got the perfect "take", and toughened up my fingers in the process. Nowadays I try to make sure I play every day.
Toby's Blues
Maybe the inspiration for this arrangement comes from Steamroller by James Taylor. Not the meloday, but the idea of starting simple, and adding layers and layers of instruments until you end up with a big band. This track was originally called Kitchen Sink Blues, hopefully for obvious reasons.