A few tunes ago Ted told me that I was an enigma because of the deep lyrics that song had. I took that as the deepest compliment because I like to be a bit "mysterious" in my music. So, I thought a lot about Ted's comment while working on this tune. I hope you (and especially Ted) really enjoy this.
Also, I've been doing a lot of listening and reviewing music from the many folks on this forum. I've listened and commented on many people who have never once taken the time to comment on anything of mine. I like to think I'm being the better person anyway by giving kudos to those who either don't find my music exciting enough to comment on or just don't like it. :(
What I'm saying is I hope I make some new friends here soon. :) ;)
:) John B
Lyrically fantastic... such composition... such depth of expression in the lyric. I get that...I might not comprehend them fully... but I feel as I know them...I understand the vibrations in it.
it is a wonderful piece John... perhaps your best one yet...right out of the gate here I am 100% in love with it... and it draws me toward the speakers. I don't know if I can pick a musical star on this. The color in this... the hope and the desire... and wisdom. it it blows me away...
bravo!
the song dances... the song dances... and so do I
Now I've been on here a few months now I'm getting to find some members songs and styles I like, and others less so. I guess the ones I find I don't like so much, I'm less likely to view or comment on.
This is up to your usual high standards, with chord changes and basslines I could only dream of writing!
Who would you say your biggest influences are? I can perhaps hear Steely Dan in some of your songs but I reckon there are probably others I might not be familiar with
I really liked how the song starts with piano and other instruments get into the mix later in the song ..
Really good vocals also .. I found that the song has Steven Wilson vibe to it ..
Great work.
A beautiful intro piano and throughout loving the strings when they arrive good lyrics and a well put together track throughout.... liking your choice of instruments throughly enjoyed on this sunny afternoon in Yorkshire....yes I said sunny its not raining ;D
I like how the song builds John. It starts with piano and voice but continues to add instruments in key places that hold my interest to the very end. The strings and bass are exceptional. I love the perfect vocal harmonies on the last verse. The lyrics are enigmatic. At first I thought it was about a lost love or questioning one's faith or someone struggling with life in general. I'm still not sure if it's about any of those. So the title, Enigma, fits the mystery of the song perfectly. Nicely done!
This is an excellent composition.
Everything sits so well in the mix.
Lyrics are great.
Lovely string work.
Fabulous.
JohnB, again, this is purely my own opinion, and I am listening via a very poor audio set up. But I think the first part of the song with just piano and vox works better. Though all of it is a deftly-crafted piece worthy of attention. Well done. 8)
Cool song :)
I loved the solo voice and piano. And then (I was typing elsewhere) suddenly the arrangement blossomed and by the end it was "Wow!"
I shall keep this short. A killer song!
This is a kind of slow burner. I have listened a few times now and it really grows with listens and becomes quite captivating. The topic is great as are the lyrics. Wrestling with thoughts and looking for answers that don't come. It sort of sums up life in a way. But to look at it another way... life is more about the journey than the destination as the cliché goes. The only thing about people that is predictable is that they often don't react how we imagine... but this can also be good too.
God I am rambling... another great song John.
Mike
A fine song John. Great piano playing as usual and the vocal delivery is top notch.
A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma - as a great man once said. :)
Paul
Quote from: Johnbee on March 26, 2024, 12:36:38 PMI hope you (and especially Ted) really enjoy this
Oh yes! Sorry I didn't see the song on the day you posted it. (I almost missed it today. I'm trying to listen to everything new on SC these days and I've fallen
several days a week or more behind.) It's humbling to have inspired such a piece of music with a simple comment.
So much going on in this song. Musically, it's just a gorgeous set of chords – naive and sophisticated like some Joni Mitchell songs. Strummed on a banjo without words and they'd still be gorgeous. But this arrangement has your characteristic styles and textures. Maybe my listening habits are too narrow, but I can't think of anyone who composes in this ballpark. Really. Claude Bolling comes to mind – the jazz and classical hybrid with a prominent flute – but I barely know who he is (was (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/arts/music/claude-bolling-jazzman-dies.html)); barely explored the world he occupied. I have four of his songs.
Lyrically, this seems like a continuation of the introspection that seems to be endemic in some corners of Songcrafters: Does anyone care that I write and compose songs? And if not, is it enough to do it for myself – given that my time on earth is limited? Or is it
necessary to do it for myself, knowing and accepting I will never be fully understood and perhaps barely heard? The song is like a journey that begins with insecurity, and builds in confidence and resolution facing the potential void. What else is there to do?
Another cool song, John. Great melodies and harmonies. Especially like the piano.
As always I've been a fan of your wonderful productions. My musical path is much different, mostly erratic and unconventional, and I love how you put things in the right way. A run on sentence but I'm keeping it!
A fine tune John!
Thanks to all the folks who checked this out and commented.
:) John B
I love your beautiful, sorrowful songs. It´s very captivating. Like I said before your singing voice is unique. So glad to hear new song from you. This could be a good song for some mysterious movie.
This should be on a Broadway musical a perfect arrangement IMHO
I get the Steven Wilson comment with the way this builds and with the strings coming in later. I especially liked the bass in this. Very cool lines. As always, your melodic sense with the vocals draws me in.
Try not to perseverate on the comment thing. I have come to the conclusion that I can't keep up so if I post a tune, I make sure I give at least ten comments. That means some songs I am going to miss. That's my loss, but that's life. I love this site so very much, I can't fully express my gratitude to the administrators who keep the lights on, but there have been times I have felt beyond anxious over getting through everything. I just have less days like today where I can listen, and I imagine some folks are in the same boat.
I also know that we are all unique and just may not resonate with everybody. This is true with almost everybody in my terrestrial life save for two people (and I think they are humoring me most of the time).
Peace.
Blooby
Ella, PT & Blooby, Thanks so much!
:) JB
I love the melancholy and never obvious flow of the (minor?) chords. They seem slightly unusual at first, but quickly draw you fully into their little world. And, of course, provide a fitting backdrop for the 'enigma' theme.
I especially love the start of the transition at 1:35. The build after that is pure magic.
Musically, structurally and lyrically, this is a class act, and highly accomplished songwriting. Really excellent work.
Quote from: Greeny on April 11, 2024, 02:37:37 AMI love the melancholy and never obvious flow of the (minor?) chords. They seem slightly unusual at first, but quickly draw you fully into their little world. And, of course, provide a fitting backdrop for the 'enigma' theme.
I especially love the start of the transition at 1:35. The build after that is pure magic.
Musically, structurally and lyrically, this is a class act, and highly accomplished songwriting. Really excellent work.
Thanks so very much, Greeny
:) John B