#11 an on stage guitar version of BMS | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

cxndycross · 5 years

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pilot evaluation.

1. for our first gig, the company decided it would be best for everyone to choose the songs they’d like to cover and perform on oct. 11th (the day of the gig). we mostly wanted to do upbeat songs that would make the audience feel good and keep them engaged instead of them losing interest halfway through. however, we also included some calm, acoustic songs to go in between so that the show would be more diverse (sound wise). a few weeks into the term, we finally managed to decide the name of the gig; we called it “pilot”.

2. the ways i have contributed to decisions :

one of the first decisions i had to make, when we first began, was alongside holly and ellie, and we had to decide which songs we’d like to perform at the gig. we had a bunch of ideas and figured it would be easier to write down a list of our suggestions, listen to those songs once we were done, and then vote for the ones we felt would be good for the band to learn and if it would give energy to the crowd. in the end we all agreed that ‘scared to be lonely’ would be the best option. the next decision i had to make was during our rehearsal period, when things weren’t running smoothly, and i was asked by ellie if i’d feel comfortable doing a solo song. in the end that didn’t happen, but during that moment i was unsure of what to do. the third decision that i had to make was along with everyone else in level 3, and that was for the name of the gig. it wasn’t a tough decision. after a few minutes of practically screaming name suggestions to one another, we came to a conclusion : pilot. the final decision i had to make was regarding fay’s solo song called “yellow” by coldplay. she wanted to know if i’d be willing to play the keyboard for the song, but sadly that didn’t happen because radhika joined as both the keyboard player and harmonizer.

3. i took on the role of the keyboard player for amelia and lucretia’s duet song called “spring day” by bts. originally it was amelia playing the keyboard, but she eventually realised she wanted to incorporate her double bass into the performance, which meant someone else had to learn the chords. i volunteered to do it and she was more than happy to let me join. i went online and found a website that told me which chords needed to be used. the website is : https://www.amchords.com/piano/bts/spring-day . after a few minutes, i had memorised and began to rehearse with amelia and lucretia. shortly afterwards, we had conor join us to play the box drum, radhika played the acoustic guitar, and india joined as a harmonizer. i was also planning to be involved in ‘take me to church’ as one of the higher harmonizers, but lucretia took on that role since she was already a harmonizer. there was also ‘yellow’, but as mentioned previously, radhika did that part along with the keyboard.

4. i didn’t really experience any technical problems during the times we rehearsed, both for ‘scared to be lonely’ and ‘spring day’. of course the band did go through some errors, but they’d always fix it.

5. i didn’t do any research for ‘scared to be lonely’, but for ‘spring day’, the only research i had to do was for the chords (keyboard). i didn’t know the chords beforehand. amelia did show me as well, but i thought i’d look online since there’s a variety of ways to play a song on instruments.

6. for the band i was a part of, we did encounter a few issues. when we rehearsed, there were moments when we did experience some problems such as out of tune instruments, poor timing and more. when we rehearsed in the rehearsal rooms, most of the time it went perfectly. however when we did our weekly evaluations in the venue, small mistakes were being made. there’d be moments where someone sounded out of tune, when someone was out of time or when the tempo became too slow, slower than we usual. i guess in the future when it comes to rehearsing and presenting what we’ve come up with, we’ll have to make sure everything the band play and use (instrument wise) is better arranged. we’ll also have to make sure it sounds similar to the original song, that way it’s easier for the audience to recognise.

7. what went well : everyone was able to learn their parts and ask for advice / help if they needed it, although they didn’t. they also made changes that they believed could make the performance better than it was. we were able to guide each other and give feedback after each practice. if someone had a problem with something, they spoke up about it so new arrangements could be made. everyone was happy with their roles. things that went less well : we did plan on adding the high note that’s in the original version of ‘scared to be lonely’, but we decided to cut it for different reasons. if we had kept that, the performance would’ve been much better, but we also don’t want to push anyone out of their comfort zone. another thing, there were times when not everyone in the band would show up to the rehearsals either on time or ever. this didn’t happen often, but towards the end shortly before the actual gig, there were incidents where we couldn’t find who we needed and / or they simply wouldn’t show up. during one of our weekly evaluations in the venue, we brought out the roland sampling pad. it took us a while to figure out an appropriate spot to place it. even when we managed to find somewhere, conor had to lean back to play it which he said was uncomfortable. i guess next time if it’s used in a performance, it’ll be beneficial to locate somewhere beforehand rather than put it in any open spot.

8. ellie and i were planning to do a song called ‘feel the love’ by rudimental ft. john newman, but because we didn’t have very much time to show the band and divide our lines, we ended up scrapping the song completely. ‘just’ by radiohead, ellie’s solo song, was also going to be a duet. seeing as ellie learnt the lyrics before me, and because her vocals suited the song better than mine, it was the right thing to do.

9. one of the main problems i think we faced, and continue to face, was concentration. there’s a lack of concentration when it comes to rehearsing and following simple instructions. when we’d arrive in the rehearsal rooms, hardly anyone would focus on the songs and other things we had to do. it made everything much more difficult. again, this didn’t happen every time, but it did happen every now and again. other than that, there weren’t any other problems.

10. as a singer, it’s crucial to make sure you’re properly taking care of not only your voice, but also your physical self. vocal warm ups are really important. not only do they help warm up your voice, but they help to release any tension there might be. for me, i get a sore throat very easily. to help relieve the pain, i’ll drink honey and lemon tea, green tea and plenty of water. it’s necessary to keep your vocal chords hydrated so 1) you don’t have to strain your voice and 2) to prevent building up any tension you may have released whilst doing any vocal warmups. i find these techniques / liquids help me more than i think. and also having the correct posture whilst singing helps me improve.

11. what i noticed in ‘spring day’ : there are moments i couldn’t hear amelia’s double bass. it sounds like it’s there one minute and then the next it’s cut off. some people said they couldn’t hear the singers properly either because the microphones seemed too low. on stage i could hear them, but i guess when you’re at the back it’s different. the timing was much better as well as the structure. i feel like the performance turned out much better on the night of the gig than it did during our time in the rehearsal rooms, which isn’t a bad thing. when you watch the video, you can tell there isn’t very much chemistry going on between us. we were so focused on our roles that we didn’t make eye contact with each other. considering the song is a slow tempo song too, there isn’t very much you can do on stage. you can’t jump around and go crazy, you need to express your energy through the emotions in your voice.

what i noticed in ‘scared to be lonely’ : the way kyle played the keyboard for the intro was faster than it should’ve been. i can’t properly tell either, but i think there’s a part where one of the instruments sound out of tune / out of time ? it didn’t make a huge impact and nobody seemed to notice luckily, but to me it sounds like there was a tiny slip up. our energy on stage was much better than it had been throughout this entire term. usually we’d just stand on stage and make only small movement, but for the gig we had way more energy and came out of our shells. we were jumping around, having fun. we looked like we were having a good time on stage and you could sense that. every now and again we tried our best to interact with the band, but it wasn’t easy as they were too focussed on getting their parts right. the main thing is we each had fun and enjoyed performing the song. our hard work, especially the bands, had payed off. https://youtu.be/bEbCm6FEkdo

youtube

teenager in love review : nobody understands how much i loved and enjoyed this performance. his stage presence is incredible. the way he presents himself on stage and throughout his song makes it seem like he’s been doing this for a long time. i love how he interacted with the audience : getting them to sing the chorus with him and saying “one last time!”. personally, this wasn’t only my favourite performance of the night but the most memorable too. the band did an amazing job as well. i didn’t hear any mistakes or minor errors. the backing vocals by eloisa and george were really well done. although i didn’t watch them during rehearsals, i feel this band must’ve worked well together. for their performance to have resulted in a high quality way, their chemistry must’ve been good. i was very impressed. https://youtu.be/WapsPYal7Cc

youtube

12. in my opinion, i think we could’ve done more to make connections with the audience. we could’ve figured out more ways to make them feel part of the song. as this was our first gig, i think we weren’t really sure how to make the crowd feel more incorporated. yes, jumping and appearing to have a good time can make the people watching feel that energy, but you can’t always rely on that to entertain them. interactions / connections with the audience is something each of us can work on over time.

13. in terms of audience feedback, for the 3pm - 5pm showcase to the actors, dancers and other students, they were all loud and full of energy. they always cheered and applauded the musicians on stage. even if they didn’t really enjoy what they watched, they made sure to root for them. there were some disrespectful people, but at least they had the decency to show some form of support. as for the evening show, it was mostly applauding and cheering. they weren’t as hyped as the afternoon bunch, but they were much more respectful. the reactions were different from both audiences.

14. playing the keyboard for ‘spring day’. it 100% has to be that. if there wasn’t a keyboard player, the song would’ve either 1) been cut completely from the setlist or 2) sounded empty. i’m super glad i volunteered to learn and take on that role.

15. i almost let my anxiety / self consciousness get the best of me. on multiple occasions, i was close to telling ellie and holly i didn’t want to be in ‘scared to be lonely’ anymore because i felt i wasn’t good enough. their voices are really nice and i felt intimidated by that. luckily i managed to ignore those thoughts and stick with them. i’m glad i did because i had loads of fun on stage with them.

16. next term i will be able to feel more comfortable on stage, build my confidence up so i stop comparing myself to others, find ways to engage with the audience better, and work on my stage presence. the outcomes will be noticeable during weekly evaluations and other rehearsals. there’ll be a huge difference between how i was this term and how i’ll be next term. i will have to work hard to make sure i achieve my new goals otherwise nothing will change. the only ways i can be supported is by myself and my band mates. i have to push myself in order to get closer to achieving them, but my band mates can give me advice or suggestions on what i could do to become better. research wise, watching more live performances from various artists will benefit me. i’ll learn a lot about stage presence, crowd interactions, etc from rewatching videos or short clips. i can make sure i’m on track by asking for opinions from others. by the end of next term, i hope everyone will be able to see a new, improved me on stage.

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pmu32solo · 5 years

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PMC U32 Solo(s) Diary

This blog diary describes the researching and developing of two pieces from different genres which I will attempt to learn to play over a period of several weeks.

Reference Tracks :

1. Need Your Love So Bad - Fleetwood Mac

And

2. Raggle Taggle Gypsy - Planxty

In piece one I will focus on the guitar Solo more so than the lyrics or harmony.

In Piece two I will use guitar and also focus on lyrics and the inter verse guitar instrumental.

All source files are stored in the U32 Shared Folder PMC U32 Solo Files on Google Drive.

Solo1 Need Your Love So Bad

Initially I listened to original track and tried to ascertain notes and moves and also looked at various Youtube videos.

Need Your Love So Bad - Fleetwood Mac

YouTube Lesson Video by Justin :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOKH6xZtw0o

Guitar tab :

The tutor then greatly assisted me by giving me a midi backing track and a copy of the guitar tabs, sample page above. But actually I did not use the tab as for some reason I have a mental block with it, (and writing Blogs!!).

I copied the backing track into Reaper as I am used to using this DAW.

I then started to try and record using Quicktime on my Imac and playing my Fender into an amp whilst playing the backing track on the Imac. This did not work out as Quicktime did not upload to Drive properly so I ended up using my HTC Smart phone. This became a more tedious process as the files take a significant amount of time to upload but did work. Also I do not have a tripod so the Smart phone videos have a much lower production value.

Solo 1 - Practise Video 1

https://youtu.be/TPg75ZvCM8c (V1)

Really this video just outlines and shows my work area and rehearsal space and the bits of equipment I am using.

I parsed the printed guitar tabs into 29 parts but ended up mainly focusing on the Intro in the song which I had broken down into 7 parts. The song is 8 bar blues at 12/8 so each section lasts 16 bars. Once having attained some level of confidence with the intro I then moved on to try and conquer some of the other licks or solo parts from the parts 8 to 29 i had identified. Unfortunately due to time pressures and other demands I try not succeed in resolving to any great level the other areas for soloing.

I sorted out the problem with Quicktime which made recording and saving practise videos a lot easier.

The second video contains my first recorded attempt after some off camera practising. It is nowhere near the quality and skill of Peter Green but it is passable for an early first attempt.

Solo 1 - Practise Video 2

https://youtu.be/bFJJ9PmflEU (V2)

As time available to practise became shorter I started to improvise more around the chord sequences of the varying sections, i.e. Verse, Chorus, Bridge trying to incorporate some of Peter Green’s more recognisable soloing techniques.

Over time I got better at the opening 7 licks or soloing sequence as can be seen by watching the video In between all these videos was a lot of time of varyingly successful and unsuccessful attempts at soloing to Need Your Love So Bad.

Solo 1 - Practise Video 3 and Practise Video 4

https://youtu.be/qFMq92-vaBc (V3)

https://youtu.be/1sP8EnAoegI (V4)

You can notice that the sound varies a lot depending on my fingering and that also my timing is not consistent across all versions. At times I apply the correct string pressure but other notes are not firm enough to resound strongly.

So I am slowly getting all the individual sections right but not putting them all together at the one time.

Also the final section requires holding down the E and B strings together and running up the neck which I seem to change every time.

Solo 1 - Practise Video 5 and Practise Video 6

https://youtu.be/VHx3sxPD-3k (V5)

https://youtu.be/HgOxnJY1kJY (V6)

So in Video 5 it is obvious I fall behind in time and come in late with the full note bends. However video 6 is definitely getting towards a result.

Then for the remainder of the practises I decided to use my loop pedal as the backing track. In retrospect this was a bad idea as it created a real timing challenge in terms of the start of the piece and this in turn led me to struggling with timing on the day of the Mermaid gig.

Solo 1 - Practise Video 7 to Practise Video 11

In number 7 below I record a backing loop using the Boss RC2 loop pedal.

https://youtu.be/9DbO02sdTTE (V7)

Then from 8 to 11 below there are a number of attempts to play it through properly, sadly none of which actually are completely correct.

https://youtu.be/S6bGHUBd1rs (V8)

https://youtu.be/cMat0sE7gbk (V9)

https://youtu.be/1jUDWf6E0L8 (V10)

https://youtu.be/V856sbBuoxE (V11)

The sound on number 11 is very scratchy but the playing is probably the most accurate to date. At this point I discontinue adding more practise videos.

Overall it was a very rewarding and enjoyable exercise and will encourage me to work on developing and introducing more solos into my playing and performances.

Live Performance of Solo 1

https://youtu.be/KkwcZ6SZwSk

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Solo2 Raggle Taggle Gypsy

Having selected this traditional tune I realised the solo is played on both a fiddle and a mandolin. I do own a mandolin but not a fiddle so I decided to do it on guitar.

Waterboys - Raggle Taggle Gypsy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s7CqLuzp5A

Solo 2 - Practise Video 1

https://youtu.be/2zD7WbLKDu0

Also I could not find a backing track so initially I tried to make my own in Reaper and export as an MP3. I found the timing a challenge as the pauses between verses varies throughout the recording. After a significant amount of time and effort I gave up.

Attempt at Practise Loop

https://youtu.be/XMtHl_IElRQ

So I cut out a piece of the Waterboys version in Audacity, copied into Reaper and then spent ages getting it lined up properly. There still is slight timing issues but it works as an aid.

Then I searched the web and found various offerings of melody lines and lots of different versions and I eventually decided on the version as linked below.

Then, as with Solo1 but with a bit more experience behind me I maintained the video diary as I slowly progressed in my ability to play the melody line of the tune.

Lyrics

Raggle Taggle Gypsy

There were three old gypsies came to our hall door They came brave and boldly-o And one sang high and the other sang low And the other sang a raggle taggle gypsy-o

It was upstairs downstairs the lady went Put on her suit of leather-o And there was a cry from around the door She's away wi' the raggle taggle gypsy-o It was late that night when the Lord came in Enquiring for his lady-o And the servant girl she said to the Lord "She's away wi' the raggle taggle gypsy-o" "Then saddle for me my milk white steed - my big horse is not speedy-o And I will ride till I seek my bride She's away wi' the raggle taggle gypsy-o" Now he rode East and he rode West He rode North and South also Until he came to a wide open field It was there that he spied his lady-o "How could you leave your goose feather bed Your blankets strewn so comely-o? And how could you leave your newly wedded Lord All for a raggle taggle gypsy-o?" "What care I for my goose feather bed Wi' blankets strewn so comely-o? Tonight I lie in a wide open field In the arms of a raggle taggle gypsy-o" "How could you leave your house and your land? How could you leave your money-o? How could you leave your only wedded Lord All for a raggle taggle gypsy-o?" "What care I for my house and my land? What care I for my money-o? I'd rather have a kiss from the yellow gypsy's lips I'm away wi' the raggle taggle gypsy-o!"

Solo 2 - Practise Video 2

https://youtu.be/AjvKn20pNK0

As can be seen in the video above there are lots of mistakes, missed notes, timing errors between harmony and melody and generally a poor performance.

Solo 2 - Practise Video 3

https://youtu.be/amcjFS6g_Jg

In Video 3 I slow down the harmony and introduce some of the lyrics. Again it is peppered with mistakes of missed notes, mis timing, and the vocals are not sung well. But it is all progressing in the right direction.

Solo 2 - Practise Video 4

https://youtu.be/vbQ9NGJw8NU

Video 4 is similar to Video 3 in terms of me trying to mix the harmony, melody and vocals but it is quite apparent I am not a good vocalist or else I am not getting the right vocal key for me on this song.

Solo 2 - Practise Video 5

https://youtu.be/OTTLOIS63Vg

So I now change from Em to Bm and start using my steel string acoustic guitar.

As before I am attempting to blend Harmony, Lyrics and Melody but with only limited success. Timing is again a major issue between verses and I am starting to consider adding in a bar at the end of each verse to facilitate the transition.

Also I miss out on hitting the correct notes in the melody line.

Solo 2 - Practise Video 6 and Practise Video 7

https://youtu.be/ttv5WewuktM (V6)

https://youtu.be/yXrEwCfMOGE (V7)

In video 6 I re record the backing track on the acoustic guitar at a slower tempo hoping to resolve some of the timing issues. But pre recording it was still a major problem so I abandoned this one.

In video 7 I attempt to play the whole song through incorporating Harmony, Lyrics and Melody to a somewhat improved level but still with timing errors, missed notes and very flat vocals. I acknowledge myself at this stage I should be using a click track.

Solo 2 - Practise Video 8

https://youtu.be/63nn6Y1eSoo

Still struggling with timing and transition between verses for both vocals and melody this is the best attempt so far. However more practise is definitely required to get this piece to an acceptable performance standard.

I have learnt a number of significant lessons working on this piece. Firstly always use a metronome or click track. Secondly my vocals are extremely flat and could do with a lot of work. Thirdly it is very difficult to switch from playing chord harmony to melody line without a transitional bar or some device or facility to prepare for the melody playing.

Solo 2 - Final Performances

The following links are to two audio only recordings of this solo with me on guitar and vocals and Michael on backing rhythm guitar.

1. Raggle Taggle Gypsy - Final Take 1

https://drive.google.com/open?id=161gZyuMLD9qD-Rv3DR2BmMkUOt-_yXBa

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2. Raggle Taggle Gypsy - Final Take 2

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wDvMaXTRseBK77JT9tHtjYZcB8gSdhUe

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