A bedraggled and partial "Scarlet Begonias" by the Grateful Dead

[Blooby]

I thought I'd truly throw caution to the wind in posting this.  It was meant as a little experiment, but I thought it had a little energy, and I admit to actually liking the jammy section at about 2:15 or so.  Plus my girlfriend goaded me into tossing it out there into cyberspace.  Damn goader.

People have been comparing my guitar playing to several folks lately, but Jerry Garcia has cropped up several times.  I know I'm not directly influenced by him, but I have listened to guitarists who have played Grateful Dead music (Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, and Jimmy Herring to name a few).  I thought I'd record a very quick something that was Dead-like and try to solo like Jerry Garcia for a change.  It will be rather obvious that I am learning the tune as I go (as I mangle the main theme more than a couple times).  I don't know the song structure, and the vocals were sort of an afterthought.  I faked my way through a few verses, went into a jam section, and then went back into the theme one last time.  To put it another way, I had no intention of ever sharing this and can't believe I'm about to press the "Post" button.

People who have read my comments know I denigrate my singing ability (or lack thereof) on a regular basis.  This will be my first post with vocals.  Sorry about the opening vocal clam.  Please nobody suggest I need to make them louder.  Now I think I'm going to throw up.

I only spent about 30 minutes on this (not including mixing & mastering), so don't cream me.

As always...peace.

Blooby

p.s.-It cracks me up that Bosko and myself (a.k.a. "the odd couple") are the two posting in the BR-1600 section.  He creates these meticulously crafted tunes, and I...don't.  I hope some of that rubs off on me somewhere down the line.

[launched]

Boy, it really is barren down here - you would have had 20 replies by now if this was posted in the MBR section

Very impressed with what you can get out of 30 min. of recording/production time. Awesome soloing/jamming!! Why do I want to break out my envelope filter now???

...Please nobody suggest I need to make them louder...  

I won't, but I will say you have no problem in that department - and your girlfriend was right - well worth posting! I hereby certify that no dogs showed up on the front porch while playing this


I'm impressed again, Blooby - thanks for sharing!!

Mark

[Bosko Schwartz]

BLOOBY!!!

I was wondering when your next post would be, and I'm glad it came sooner rather than later!

You are right, we are "The Odd Couple."  Polar opposites in our styles of playing and recording.  Yet, we have a lot in common.  First, we both use the Massive, Hulking, Ultra-Non-Portable, Super-Badass Alien-Robot Music Recording Machine from the Planet BOSS.  We both love Yes and prog-rock in general (esp. from the 70s).  Next, we both have a deep admiration for each other's music and talents and are both positive we cannot do it the other one's way.  I know I feel that way, anyway, and I am assuming the same of you, based on your comments posted in response to my music.  If I am incorrect, forgive me.

Now, the song.  I am not a Dead fan and thus have never heard this song.  Because of that, I have no idea what you are referring to in terms of "faking" or "mangling" the theme.  It all sounds dandy to me.  And to think this was done in 30 minutes.  You make me sick.   If I could create music of this quality in 30 minutes, I would have 100 albums worth of superb material by now.  But alas, I cannot, and the songs I do create take me dozens of hours.   Now, on to your voice.  I do not ever want to hear you say another bad word about your voice.  You can sing, goddamnit!  And a damn sight better than the singer in some of the jams you posted in this room, if you don't mind me saying so.  I would much rather have heard you belting out "Roadhouse Blues," for example, than the other guy.  No offense to him, I just think you are a way better singer.  So stop "beating yourself up."   I put that in quotes because people keep telling me that exact thing, for some reason, although I am not any more self-deprecating than anyone in this forum.  Not sure why I keep getting these lectures.  Don't worry, people, I'm not going to hang myself.   Anyway, back to your song.  Again, I love it.  You even managed to successfully use the bass simulator, something I have rarely heard done well.  The guitar playing, or "noodling" as you call it, is just excellent, especially for a first take.  And yes, very Garcia-ish.  Which is good, since that was your intention.

Here is just about the best compliment I can think of, because this comes from a drummer: I would rather hear an all-Blooby jam – even with cheap programmed drums – than a jam with just one Blooby present.  Not to take anything away from the other jams you have posted, all of which I have enjoyed.  I am just saying that Blooby times Blooby equals BLOOBY!!!  And who doesn't want more Blooby?  Where the hell did you come up with that moniker, anyway?

Great work, man, as always.

[Satchwood]

Great rockin cover tune Blooby!!  You can definitely sing!! !!

Very cool guitar jammin - great layered sounds in there!!  cool beat~@~@

~~~~I wish it was longer - i'm use to your longer jams!!~~~~~!

[The Reverend 48]

Blooby I Think your voice has a real character....
it reminded me of the way Phil Lynott sang........
Also like the funky Wah!.....

[Bluesberry]

You are a very talented, not to mention humble musician.  This is fantastic.  This would have been the centerpiece of many a great album from 1968-1974 just the way you recorded this.  Top stuff. 

[Greeny]

I'm glad I finally got to this one. Blooby sings!!!! Now, I knew you were a (mighty) fine guitarist and all-round musician, but to hear some vocals is a real treat. It's impossible to imagine how people might sound. But I don't understand your lack of vocal confidence given that you can easily hold a tune and have a very good and ear-pleasing tone to your voice (as 48 says - 'real character'). Seriously. The funny thing is, I couldn't bear my own voice even two years ago. I've slowly 'grown into it' since then, and I hope you'll do the same. Now... for the song. It's too short! As always, you leave me wanting more, because you always hit a sweet spot with the groove and it feels like it should just run and run. Your playing is adventurous, funky and never predictable. For 30 minutes worth, this is remarkable.

Never be scared to post on here - respect is something that has to be earned, and you've done that ten times over with your music. Your girlfriend was right in getting you to post this. Anyway, I'll look forward to hearing more vocals and great music!!!!

[Wiley]

This is absolutely wonderful. I agree with girlfriend also.  Your voice is just fine.  AHHHH to be able to sing and play lead guitar that is what I am striving for.  And you just pop it out like nothing going on. Great !!

[lg]

OMG Blooby, Great!
The guitar sounds like Garcia! Damn Dude!
Even your vocals like Garcia like.
Bravo.

LG

[Blooby]

For all the improvisational (and oft rambling) music I post on this site, it should be known that I'm also a huge fan of the three-minute pop song.  My guitar and noodling acumen are my strength, though (as well as my security blanket).  Hmmm, what am I trying to say?  I certainly didn't expect to find the first positive comment about the vocals.  I've almost made a career out of despising my voice (It should sound like Paul Rodgers, right?).  As always, this site and your kind words have given me the notion (perhaps...) of working with vocals in the future.

48, Phil Lynott?  I don't hear it myself, but to be uttered in the same breath as Phil will keep a smile on my face all day..hell, all week.  Absolutely one of my favorite singers (and lyricists).

Bosko, to answer your question, "Blooby" was a made-up adjective from my high school days, which could encapsuate feeling slighty ill, mentally out of sorts, or just experiencing a feeling of ennui (as opposed to feeling "wooky," which had more to do with drug-paranoia on the part of some of my former compadres).  "Blooby" just kind of hung around through the years.


My sincere thanks to all for commenting.  It means quite a bit now, but these utterances might end up meaning a heck of a lot more down the line.

Now I apparently have to go work up Lizzy's "Jailbreak."

Blooby