Moonies band project back ?

[Andyyyy]

Hi again,
I just read the original thread by Elric and I did not realize this was somewhat in motion, so let me offer some thoughts from my perspective as one who has organized a similar project on a similar list. I'm glad to see Elric is not giving up. Persistence pays. Motivating people with day jobs and little time can be trying, but it can be done. We just have to repeat ourselves (I repeat myself when under stress, I repeat myself when under stress, I repeat). If I may suggest something, I think it could make sense for those who are writers to actually post your work where prospective players can download and see if they get inspired to do a part. I might write a great tune, but that doesn't mean that every guitar player will relate to it musically. OTOH, one may say "hey, I have an idea for that!" If there is a plate to choose from, people could choose what inspires them more. This is not to say your approach is wrong, it's just another way to look at this type of thing. Wojtek said he had some things already written. Perhaps we can hear some these ideas, or others that he doesn't have destined for his own CD. I can submit a few things that are half-baked. Maybe one of you could come up with some ideas to finish these off, maybe put a little icing on them as well. A couple are in MIDI format, so changing things around would be easy. Just some food for thought
(Any reseblence to King Crimson in the above is purely coincidental)

[Wojtek]

Originally Posted by Andyyyy

Wojtek said he had some things already written. Perhaps we can hear some these ideas, or others that he doesn't have destined for his own CD.

My stuff are albums so I understand (and actually agree with) that it may be too much for the people who want to make something that is common effort. I could give the track but I agree there may be no point in thinking about conceptual things or epics etc.

And I must say that I take my best things for albums so if something isn't destined for it then it means that it isn't probably among my best things.

However, I've got the album from 2001 (like all until now recorded at home with no "real" instruments but with midi banks etc.), and I don't have plans connected with this. There are some moments there we could take and improve, some better tracks of this album too. Not my best stuff as a whole album but I like a few tracks/fragments of it.

[Wojtek]

To be less mysterious:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7MMHMLX9 - example of track from the 2001 album. Actually one of the less rocky on it but shwos well diversity which is important in the multipersonal group. This is rock version of Grieg's classic themes (including In The Hall of Mountain King) with a bit of my melodies and in my arrangement.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T2BZDBXU - and here's how more or less sounds my stuff recently. Still not "real" drums, bass etc. but this will change soon as we're working on this track and here's fragment of it's early version, draft (that's why drums are crap here, it is very difficult for me to do passages on the keyboard ). One surprise is that Moses is playing one of the guitars here! Pity that due to the fact he's very busy we had to suspend cooperation.

[Andyyyy]

OK, I'm a dummy! I was wondering what happened to the next part and it turns out I missed Elric's post. Sorry Elric, feel free to email the MIDI file, I'll try and look on the weekend, though this one will be busier than usual.

Woj,
I love your music! Very nice interpretation of the Hall of the Mountain King. Almost better than Wakeman's

I was thinking of a bass part to it...but with me, thinking it and playing it could be two different things, LOL!

What are you looking to do with it? Perhaps we can replace some MIDI tracks with real instruments? Seems like the structure is in place... anyone else have an idea for this? IF so, would you like to send me the MIDI file? Maybe I could start a multitrack Sonar file... How does that sound?

[Wojtek]

Originally Posted by Andyyyy

What are you looking to do with it? Perhaps we can replace some MIDI tracks with real instruments? Seems like the structure is in place... anyone else have an idea for this? IF so, would you like to send me the MIDI file? Maybe I could start a multitrack Sonar file... How does that sound?

What am I looking to do with it? Hmm.. I don't know, I uploaded it just like an example. I don't know what the band wants to do but we have to remember that Mountain King is not 100% rock and it doesn't have vocals. So I don't know if the band wants to start from something like that. I fos I'm happy with it.

But I can upload (and will do that probably in a moment) very catchy 7 minute track from the same album. From old "era" of my tracks there are some that I consider pretty good and this is definitely one of the best. Good for guitarists as there is main catchy riff and lots of rush-like arpeggios.

BUT

I'd like to mention one of my albums. I know I was one of the last who joined this discussion but if nothing is goin' on let me tell you about my reflection. I've got album which is definitely my best so far. I'm not one to judge it's value music-wise but I'm sure - and sorry for being immodest here - it has bloody, bloody good atmosphere and is real musical journey. Space psychedelic concept about Imagination. Concept written, all recorded. Just to replace not real instruments (apart from most keyboards) into real. And to record vocals.
I have planned to record it in a few years but actually it is the album that is quite simple to record and better production in a few eyars wouldn't add much to it as all value leis here in concept and atmosphere. Most of keyboards musn't be changed sound-wise as this is what creates all here. But still it can be done and most of all it could go very quick.
..and one rmoe thing. This album is damn demanding for the drummer.

I'm not saying "let's do it man!" as I don't want to impose. Perhaps other potential members of the band here want something else. But please think it over. I can offer you concept album to record and it is already 50% complete.

Andy - I'll send you something regarding Imagination idea in a moment. Please write what you think of it here. What do you think of this music and whole idea?

[Andyyyy]

Well Woj,

My thinking is to put it all out in the open as suggestions and see who is moved by what. Maybe what moves me will not move the next person, so that's why I was thinking of this approach. Also, if you wish to keep something for a future album, by all means, do so. It's your music. I love instrumentals, so I really don't mind the absence of vocals. As to my own opinion, I think Mountain King could be a challenge for me. And if someone else wants to play bass, just say so. I could try a keyboard part, though I think Woj's already got that covered very well!

I think we could work on Elric's piece at the same time. The difference being that Woj's piece is already developed compositionally, whereas Elric's piece needs compositional work...and that could lead to something interesting, I think, having a multi-composer piece of music...could be a cool experiment!

[Andyyyy]

OK,
I got Misoginist this afternoon and now had a chance to play it...over and over... You have a lot of what I love in music. Odd time sigs, 4/4 for contrast, and, it can take the listener places, it moves and it's fresh...exactly what I want music to do. Very nicely done!

Where you said: "This album is damn demanding for the drummer." I think you meant that the music is crying out for a real drummer, right? I agree. I think you're right. This is pretty much ready for real drums, maybe a guitar. Kirk and I have had discussions about real drums vs very well written drum grooves made with really good samples. I must say that he impressed me with his drum programming. The only thing I think I would miss from that is that drummers think differently from other musicians, and as my own choice, I would prefer to be surprized by a drummer's interpretation of what he would feel his part should be. But some composers have a clear idea of what they want, in which case they can do what Kirk does with his music. You also have a keyboard bass part there. I like to vary things and would suggest a bass player add a part (yeah, bass players can think differently too ), but that's up to you as these are matters of personal preferrence.

Aren't you sorry you asked?

[progdirjim(Admin)]

I'll repeat my offer to be lyricist - I wrote a set of lyrics to the concept of "Earth Without The Moon", which I'm happy to modify; or I'd be glad to start something new.

I'd also love to add live drumming to what I'm reading about, but I'm going to need coaching on the recording/sharing aspect of this project. I'm thinking of taking a trip up to Kirk's area for hands on lessons - maybe a dinner would be compensation for your time...