Heaven help the man - IanR original

[IanR]

Hi Gang,

I have been very much less than prolific lately. With work, family and health, I have been rather distracted.

Its taken me quite a while to record this and get it into some kind of shape to release it here.

I suppose you could say its in honour of Stephen Hawking, who was recently interred in Westminster.

I hope you like it.

Ian

[Farrell Jackson]

A good song and message Ian. I hope your health problems are in check. Stephan Hawking was one of kind even in the world of geniuses. A fine vocal on this as well.

Farrell

[Kenneth]

Really like this. Funny, we were just discussing him at lunch yesterday.
I think you did a terrific job. Hope you are well and will continue to write more.

[Ferryman_1957]

Great stuff here Ian, I really like the instrumentation and the arrangement. It sounds quite complex in terms of what's going on so I can understand why it's taken a while to get it together. It's got quite a unique feel to it (although I have to say it reminded me of the Stan Laurels from way back when on here). 

Maybe you could tell us a bit more about what you used, for example, what's the solo at 2:13? Synth? BTW, I like the way it builds after this and the changes you bring in towards the end. Overall it's really clever and quite special. Bravo!

[IanR]

Maybe you could tell us a bit more about what you used, for example, what's the solo at 2:13? Synth? BTW, I like the way it builds after this and the changes you bring in towards the end. Overall it's really clever and quite special. Bravo!

Thanks Nigel, I'm really glad you liked it. High praise coming from one of my favourite Songcrafters.

I recorded it via my BR800 as audio interface, into Sonar. The drums and percussion are EZ drummer. The two acoustic guitar tracks are Cole Clark acoustic (made in Melbourne) with chorus and reverb. Bass is a Squire Jaguar with a BR800 (fretless  bass) patch. Pianos are a Sonar soft synth patch. The synth you asked about is a Korg MicroKorg played via Vox distortion guitar pedal. After the break, there are also some female "oohs" from a Sonar soft synth, and some Sonar strings. Vocals are me recorded through an AT2020. Mixed and mastered in Sonar with various plug ins and effects.

Ian

[Ferryman_1957]

Thanks Ian, very interesting how it's all put together. I now plan to use the BR800 as an audio interface and do all my mixing and mastering in a DAW. I also have a Squier Jaguar bass, a lovely little thing (as I had to go for the short scale version as my old fingers are seizing up). So it looks like I am copying you!

[IanR]

Not quite because I recently purchased a Presonus audio interface (1824) but the method is still the same. I got the new interface to allow me to record multi tracks direct to a DAW. I plan to start a backyard business in my future retirement recording bands but its handy for recoding my projects too. I have found that its pre-amps are very sensitive and accurate and I have to be a lot more careful when recording. I have my hands full but I love a challenge and learning new skills.

I also like the short scale Squire. It feels just like playing a guitar, so its very familiar. It also has a good range of tones.

[Greeny]

Hope the health is under control. Great to hear you back recording. The melody and structure are pure ear candy, and I like the way the synths & keys build throughout the song.

Fine songwriting and performance!

[Redler]

I love the performance and arrangement of this!! Nice chord progression and fine vocal interpretation.

Well done, Ian! I'm on the second listening...

I hope you're well.

[Groundy]

Good to hear from you again Ian,
Nice one.

Alex.