The Home Stretch (Johnny Robbo original)

[Johnny Robbo]

This one grew out of the chord sequence I used for the demo I did with the new Harley Benton (now named "Blackie"). Basically, Em – C – G – D – Em – C – F – G. I just liked the way it flowed & thought I should do a "proper" tune with it. Add on a verse section based around G C Am & D, and that's the bones of it right there. Of course, it wouldn't be "me" without a big key change somewhere, hence the Bb power chord section after the solo.

As for the name... no idea where that came from. The verse melody just sounded quite "homely" so I had a think for all of 30 seconds and "The Home Stretch" popped into my head. After getting back from walking the dog, I couldn't think of anything better so that's what I went with.

The cast:

Cakewalk SI Drums
No-name Bass
HB Acoustic (double tracked & panned L/R)
Tele (rhythm parts double tracked & panned L/R)
Blackie (lead guitar)
Vox Tonelab ST
DAW: Cakewalk Music Creator

I record the acoustic into Audacity using a Samson Go-Mic (Cakewalk doesn't seem to like this mic for some reason), then import the acoustic parts into Cakewalk. As for FX... I always record "dry" & add reverb etc in Cakewalk. Speaking of FX...

Main Reverb (on everything but bass): Cakewalk "Tiled Room" preset.
"Breathe" compression preset on bass.
Slight compression & EQ on the acoustic.
Cakewalk "Fast Delay" preset on lead guitar.
Cakewalk "Classic Phaser" on the funky guitar parts.
Cakewalk "Analogue Tape Sim" and "Final Mix Compression" on Master Bus.
And the Tonelab's Wah effect for the solos.

Final mix washed through LANDR at high intensity.

Thanks for listening, chaps

[Oldrottenhead]

brilliant. lead reminds me of early bill nelson. cannea get better than that. brawtastic bro.

[Groundy]

Subloodyperb John.
Makes me want to sell my guitars...
Rock on Maestro...


Alex

[Art Vandalay]

Nice song( reminds me of Steve Morse stuff) but IMO a little bit too long.
Love your playing, it is sooo accurate!
Congrats!

[TPB]

Love it always like your guitar playing and really am always impressed with your drum programing
Well done Tim

[Farrell Jackson]

Good stuff! Excellent chord progression and your precise guitar work........works precisely! The song has a happy go lucky feel to me and you've definitely hit the home stretch with it.

Farrell

[stoman]

Can I call you my (guitar) hero?!

[Mach]

Yes I get a little of the Steve Morse thing also. Great playing and arrangement John. Top class phrasing.

Mach

[chapperz66]

Great playing, Johnny.  Its another winner!  Love it.

Paul

[Redler]

Enjoyed this from start to end! Amazing job again!