ssstebbe's 100 Most Recent Comments

Amazing Grace (3 jazz variations) by ssstebbe 10 months ago
Dean, thanks so much. So you're Kelly Willard's brother! How cool is that. And how wonderful it is to have such great family connections to well-known artists. Must have been great to grow up in your family.
The Troll's Song (Halloween Mix) by zincshed 1 year ago
Cool track! Love the vocal. Sounds a lot like the guy who used to do those 7-up commercials back in the 70s. I think he was also in "Live And Let Die" with Roger Moore.

Sounds very kid-friendly. Best wishes on your project.
St. Basil's Hymn by rtclark222 1 year ago
Beautifully done. Is that a real harp you are playing? If it's not, you could have fooled me. I see 'Cubase' and it makes me think that it might be keyboard-triggered. But it sure sounds real, and gorgeous, too.

I am sorry to hear about your stroke.

The description you give is thought-provoking. It reminds me of a friendly debate I had with an Eastern Orthodox friend of mine, regarding justification and sanctification. I remain a Reformed Presbyterian, but my Orthodox friend gave me lots to think about.
Contented View (DI) by becwil 1 year ago
Sounds like a good piece for a movie score. Very nice mix of traditional orchestral sounds and modern synth sounds. The orchestral sounds 'ground' the piece, giving us all a point of reference, and the synth sounds take us to unexplored territory. Enjoyable.
March (of the Pumpkins) by soulima 1 year ago
So these sounds are all virtual? Amazingly convincing. Or maybe you actually did record a real orchestra playing your piece. Hard to tell.

Engaging composition. Reminds me of the Teddy Bears Picnic.

The trombones especially sound very 'real.' Are they from Jam Pack Symphony Orchestra?
Mr. Nonsense Goes to the Gym by georgeptingley 1 year ago
Lots of fun ideas here. Sounds like this track would be at home in a retro video game. I can see Ms. PacMan racing around the screen, gobbling up ghosts. Very likable track.
Light a Single Candle by kristyjo 2 years ago
5

Cool song, Kristy. These kids sound great, even if they only had a few minutes to rehearse. You must be doing a great job. And I think it's terrific that you're using old equipment (a G3!) to record with, and making it work! I'm guessing you recorded it into QuickTime Pro, and then moved the file to your PowerBook. Does the PowerBook not have a pinhole mic?

The lyrics and harmonies are simple, but effective. You have struck the right balance between making the song easy to learn and making it a pleasing listening experience for the audience.

David, your post about Texas music makes me shudder! I teach elementary music in Indiana, and I hope my school board doesn't know about what Texas did.
Church of Lost Dreams by Mungo 2 years ago
5

Spooky, in a good way. The ambient synth in the beginning draws you in and sets the mood. Then when the distorted parts come in, makes you imagine this might be a soundtrack to one of the Terminator movies. You imagine a silver robot with red eyes walking the landscape looking for humans to knock off.

"Church of Lost Dreams" -- intriguing title. Wonder what the inspiration was for that?

This would also work for a soundtrack to the original Alien movie -- seeing the Nostromo slowly pass through space -- the occasional distorted guitar punctuations foreshadowing the violence to come.

Great artistry here, Bill, and obvious great technical recording chops, too.
Presidents Song by ssstebbe 2 years ago
Gale, I'll send that chord chart to you right away. I am so pleased to hear that the song is useful to you. Yes, I do have some other things you might be able to use. I'll be in touch.

John
Be Thou My Vision by ssstebbe 2 years ago
Thanks, everyone.
You Dont Know What Love Is by dirigent 2 years ago
Very weird version of this classic song. Sounds like Martians who don't know what love is. It works well, in an offbeat way. Thanks for this very inventive take. The vocal is smooth and just right. Billie H. would like it!

John
I am the Barren Oak by pharmakeus 2 years ago
Pharm, this is an intriguing track. The lyrics are unique. No cliches here. Lots of originality. I like the phrase length (short) and the bit of space between phrases. It adds to the structure.

You've got great guitar chops, and you have recorded your playing well, too. Sounds like a song the Moody Blues might have recorded.

Best,

John
The Thrill is Gone by fatchance 2 years ago
Sort of George Benson's guitar meets Dr. John's vocals. An effective combo.

I like the guitar EQ, with the jazz setting, and no distortion.

Your blue-note inflections on the guitar are just right and nicely executed.

I like the way this track alternates between the vocal and the guitar choruses. I don't know if BB did it this way, but it works well here.
In the shade by Xolv 2 years ago
Very enjoyable. Your 'live' guitar parts are sweet and even just a bit aggressive, in a pleasing way on this track. I like the amount of space you put between phrases. A very musical choice.

The loops (am I hearing loops?) change chords and keys a lot -- are they really loops? Hard to tell, and that's a good thing.
Grotesqueries for Orchestra - Fifth Movement by soulima 2 years ago
Sounds a little like an alternate soundtrack for West Side Story -- where the two rival gangs are singing about the rumble they are about to have. Sounds agitated -- like a rumble is just what they need to release some pent-up energy.

Or -- I sort of hear a train. Maybe a train station, and a jerky video of people getting on and off. The business of the score seems to lend itself to that -- the industrial mechanical (in a good way) beat.

Or maybe this could be a score for a movie about a barn-raising, with Amish people who are high on caffeine.

A very imaginative track, and enjoyable. I read your bio. So you don't use a keyboard at all -- you just click and drag notes from a pallette? Amazing. This must have either taken you forever, or you have various ways of speeding up the input process, of which we mere mortals are not aware.
What's On Your Mind by AnangaRanga 2 years ago
5

What a pleasing track. You must be very proud of your daughter. I would never have known that English is not her first language.

She's got great intonation, and beautiful inflections, and well-crafted phrasing. She's a natural!

I'm getting ready to watch the American TV show, singing contest "American Idol." Hmm -- wonder if there's a Norwegian Idol TV show? She would be a contender.

Best,

John Stebbe
Silent Night by dirigent 2 years ago
5

My wife overheard me listening to your track just now, Andreas. She said, "Is that Celtic Woman?" That's a real compliment!

I love your harmonies, and the delivery. Beautiful chords and great voice leading. My wife again: "Sounds like the 40s."

Are you really singing a low Bb? Or did you have a 'technology assist?' Either way, it sounded great.
Till There Was You-Know-Who by joslund 2 years ago
Joel, your bass sounds just great. Sure beats my generic keyboard bass. You've got some great chops, and I am happy to have you improve on my track, the way you have so artfully done.

John

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Mystified 3 years ago
5

Beautifully done. Harmonies are well-chosen and nicely executed. A real treat. Thanks, Cat.

John

Friday Night Rendezvouz by calebhawkins 3 years ago
Very enjoyable, Caleb! Sorry it took me so long to find you on iComp. Maybe I'll see you at Von Maur Saturday.

Your playing and singing remind me of a musician I really like, Leon Redbone.

Best,

John
50 States Song by ssstebbe 3 years ago
AARRGGGHHH! No Alabama! The whole track is ruined. What was I thinking? I'll bet lots of people noticed that, but were too kind to say anything.

You're right, abminded. Thanks for noticing. I'll have to let my computer teacher know.

John
Presidents Song by ssstebbe 3 years ago
OK, a listener wrote to me asking for the chords, so he could play guitar with his elementary school children on this song. So I made a PDF file with the words and the guitar chords. If anyone wants a free copy, e-mail me and I'll get that to you.
Presidents Song by ssstebbe 3 years ago
Hey, Lisa, happy to help.

Looks like I'll have to add to the song this November.

But for now -- you're good to go!


John Stebbe
Wild Horses [live band; cvr] by Bob6stringer 4 years ago
A pretty fair recording, considering your equipment. Energetic and fun. And the guitar work really is pretty good, despite your 'slop' protestations.

This was a fun listen, Bob.

Best,

John Stebbe
Wintertide by soulima 4 years ago
5

A moody, somber piece. Love the piano low notes. Sonorous beauty. Orchestration choices are very good.

Best,

John Stebbe
Joyce (with Grathy and Bass2x) by LaFayette 4 years ago
5

Reminds me of stuff by Jobim. (Wave, Girl from Ipanema, etc.)

Very smooth and laid-back sound. Well-done all around.

Relaxing and fun.

Best,

John Stebbe
I Had a Dream (Video) by padowan_learner 4 years ago
5

That's a hoot! Very well produced, as well. The music sounds like something from Alladin. Looks like everyone's having a lot of fun, including the audience.

Best,

John Stebbe
SKETCH ( with Grathy) by icanzilb 4 years ago
5

Great collab here, folks. The vocal is cool and hot at the same time. The keyboard part complements the vocal very nicely. Some very cool choices. I like it when the bass drops away for awhile and then returns.

So you're from Prague? I heard that there is a statue of Jan Hus in the town square, is that right? I recently read a biography of Martin Luther, and Hus figured prominently in Luther when he was on trial for his beliefs. But being from Prague I bet you know all that stuff.

Very enjoyable track.
Angel by Mungo 4 years ago
5

Beautifully done. Sounds like the Nostromo drifting through space, with the crew in suspended animation. Love the changing filters on the synths. Amazing that we can do all this inside a PC now -- no need to get out the hardward synths anymore. That subtle bell-like sound is gorgeous.

Best,

John Stebbe
Wade in the Water by Xolv 4 years ago
5

Great version, X! Love the Hammond/guitar unisons.

My kids at school sing this sometimes.

You really get a sense of the origin of the blues with this piece. And your bluesy guitar (with a KILLER EQ) is right in the pocket.

Best,

John Stebbe
Ready to Fly by MusicLeft 4 years ago
A beautiful track, Seles. "Groove agent" -- is that similar to Drums-On-Demand?

Sax is outstanding. Nice mix of refined sound with a little rough edge to it, for extra flavor.

Guitars sound just great. Many interesting layers. I like the panning.

Best,

John Stebbe
RELAX by RiGee 4 years ago
Love the sweeping synth sounds. Makes you feel like you're flying. I like the rain effect. The whole thing is cool in headphones.

Best,

John Stebbe
La mort by dirigent 4 years ago
5

Sometimes I listen through headphones, and sometimes through the Mac's speakers. I happened to have the phones on for this track, and I'm very glad I did. So rich, so full of ideas, and such textured layers of sound. The panning is very cool, and the voices are haunting, beautiful, and almost sound as if they come from the great beyond. This must have been very enjoyable to create.

Best,

John Stebbe

Snakebite by mbehar 4 years ago
5

Very listenable, nice groove. Nice EQ on the guitar. Bass is supportive but not egotistical. Guitarist's lead lines betray an interest in the blues. Horns are gritty, in a good way.

Best,

John Stebbe
Andante con moto by Biddup 4 years ago
5

You've got a good ear, Biddup, and you have put together an entertaining track. Is this Jam Pack Symphony Orchestra? Lots of very convincing sounds here.
Santanarama by fatchance 4 years ago
5

A soulful, almost mournful, yet still forward-moving, track. I like the EQ on your guitar. Fits the mood well. Reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd.
La Fée et l'Enfant by LaFayette 4 years ago
5

Are the drums loops? They sound very authentic.

The mix of the guitar and the synth pad is very well done.

I can imagine a lead vocal on top of this bed.

Oh, wait, here comes the guitar lead. It sounds great. Well-placed and nicely executed. Like a dreamy Doobie Brothers track.

The continuing synth pad, which is changing character as the piece progresses, adds some very nice richness to this piece.

Nice work here, Lafayette.

Best,

John Stebbe
The Thirteenth Trump by padowan_learner 4 years ago
5

The bass drum ostinato at the beginning is ominous. It ties the beginning section together well.

Sounds a bit like a scene from Braveheart.

I like the more active (subdivided) drum part in the final third. It drives the tune to its conclusion. Yes, now I do hear that louder section you were trying to keep, with your software trouble you described. I'm glad you did it this way -- the contrast is effective.

Best,

John Stebbe
Just Another Heartbreak by teespace 4 years ago
5

Your vocal sounds heartfelt and in-your-face, in a good way. Somewhat like the lead singer of "Styx."

Guitars are very impressive. No loops, eh? You've got real chops.

Best,

John Stebbe
Sleeps in Heaven by Justin_Case 4 years ago
5

OK, a very strange track! (But I mean that in a good way.)

The vocals are weird and disturbing. Suffering souls.

It's good that you allow some space between the vocal phrases, for the listener to digest it all.

Spooky and cool. ("Spool?" smiley

Best,

John Stebbe
Dreamlight by dirigent 4 years ago
5

Sentimental and cool at the same time. Reminds me a bit of "2001: A Space Odyssey." Sci-fi-like and traditional all at once. A real New Orleans gumbo.

The vocals sound like robots trying to sing, to make themselves more human. Haunting and appealing.

Best,

John Stebbe
Serial Bowl (for RAMZAR and Jasali) by feenixx 4 years ago
Parts of the melody sound like "You are sixteen, going on seventeen." This is sort of a "Sound of Music" on acid.

Very interesting!

Best,

John Stebbe
EMERGENCY ENTRY by RiGee 4 years ago
5

Very interesting mix! I really like the winter wind in the background. The whole thing is wonderfully experimental, and keeps the listener on his toes. You're having a bit too much fun, Richard!
It's Up to You by BossHook 4 years ago
5

Great rock feel, and thoughtful lyrics. Guitars are soulful, and well-mixed. Nice hook with "It's up to you."

Best,

John Stebbe
TiTiTiTiTimor by guitar55 4 years ago
5

Very cool track. The vocal tracks are well-planned, with neat harmonies. The drum track comes in at just right time to kick this song into high gear. You've got a very fine ear, and great computer chops to boot.

Love the guitar solo. Reminds me of the Doobie Brothers.

Best,

John Stebbe
The sound of our summer by DaveM 4 years ago
5

I love the Dr. Who police box in your art.

Guitars sound a lot like Pink Floyd's "Money."

Your voice is clear and in tune. Great feel for rock in your singing.

I like the chord progression. Well-conceived and executed.

Best,

John Stebbe
Every Cliché in the Book by padowan_learner 4 years ago
5

OK, this has got to be the most 'different' track I've ever heard on iComp. And that's a good thing!

Now someone just has to shoot a silent movie around this track. It's just brilliant. This is the kind of thing where a person's skills with a DAW can really shine, and your skills shine very brightly here.
Thanks for Billy Evans by JodyGrenier 4 years ago
5

Sure does remind me of Bill. Simplicity and profundity all at once. I like the variety of your attack.

I have that same CD you're using for your album art, "Portrait in Jazz." I love listening to it, except when I realize I'll never be nearly as good as he was! But you -- with a track like this, I'd say you're on your way.

Best,

John Stebbe
Slow Blues by AnangaRanga 4 years ago
5

Cool track, AnaRanga! Your voice fits this style pretty well. Magic GB, eh? So GB did everything but sing? How much control did you have?

Sounded great! Ooooh yeh.
Wayfarin' Stranger by ScottCarmichael 4 years ago
5

I am really moved by your acoustic guitar playing. I play a little bit of campfire guitar, but I'm no pro like you. Sensitive and detailed. Gorgeous!

Your voice fits this song quite well. I like the note choices, especially the lowered seventh, when you might expect the major seventh. Bluesy and nice.

Sounds like you really are 'into' this song, Scott. A pleasure to hear.

This has inspired me to get out my six-string and try to nail down some of your licks.

The background vocals are terrific! Reminds of the Doobie Brothers.

Speaking of the Doobies, this whole song is very reminiscent of "Black Water" by those guys. Not slavishly, but in a complimentary way.

Best,

John Stebbe
Wet Road Wax Blues by mbehar 4 years ago
5

I'm hearing some very tasty George Benson-style octave guitar playing. OK, now I'm hearing the guitar play melodies, while playing his own harmony part. Tadashi, my hat's off to you.

And mbehar, the structure of the track lends itself nicely to showing off the guitar. You're a good egg, to do all the heavy lifting, to show off another great artist.

I love that synth sound you're using, on that short synth solo.

The piano ostinato in the background is very effective.

Great work, guys.

Best,

John Stebbe
Have a good Day by MusicLeft 4 years ago
This track has an appealing, laid-back, relaxed feel. Guitar playing shows off your well-schooled technique, but does not detract from the structure of the song.

The bass line is not complex, but does provide an excellent 'base' for the other instruments. The feel is just right.

The music makes me think of walking in sunshine, noticing a hawk circling. I stop to watch the bird, and forget my troubles.

Best,

John Stebbe
Pure Joy by guitar55 4 years ago
5

Reminds me of a piece from the Broadway musical Godspell, called "On The Willows." Or maybe something that Cat Stevens might have done in the 1970s. Reflective but still joyful.

Your guitar technique is impressive, but even more remarkable is your ability to evoke a mood, with your sound layers and song structure.

The ending is very well executed. I loved the sustained note on the end. It's as if the guitar is saying, "Hey, I wasn't done yet!"

Best,

John Stebbe
Being Peace by Audiogasm 4 years ago
5

Very enjoyable track. Could be a movie soundtrack. I like the contrast between the ethereal voices and the Rhodes-like piano sounds. Meditative and calming. I really do like that long synth sound that slowly adds white noise the longer you hold it. Very effective.

Hmm -- now I'm hearing bass notes that seem a bit out of place -- but strangely it works, in an other-worldly sort of way.

I used to dream I was flying. This track reminds me of those dreams.

Best,

John Stebbe
Where's the Light? by RBFmedia 4 years ago
Some very good ideas here. I really like the rain sound effect, combined with the saxophone. Sounds like a 1950s detective movie.

I would say that if this is the style you want to major in, then ought to listen to a lot of mainstream big-band and cool jazz from the 1950s, and try to emulate what you hear. Some of the early Quincy Jones material comes to mind.

Best regards,

John Stebbe
summertime by tomsacold 4 years ago
5

Hey, Tom, this is a peppy version of the classic tune. I like the counterpoint, when the drums stop and the piano takes a solo. You've got lots of great ideas here for cool jazz licks. The bass and piano play off of each other in interesting ways.

Best regards,

John Stebbe
Hearts & Arms Entwined by jayman 4 years ago
5

Part "The Association," part Boston. And part Air Supply. (And that's a compliment -- lots of solid singing and songwriting from that much-maligned Air Supply group.)

Solid track, solid singing. Guitar playing is just super.

When your voice has only the piano under it, it's a dead ringer for the singer from Styx.

Best,

John Stebbe
Racial Harmony by rex 4 years ago
5

Love the sitar! And the 'world' drums are very effective.

OK, kind of a short piece, but I suspect it worked well for the project you had in mind.

Best,

John Stebbe
One by aaront 4 years ago
5

Great instrumental track, and even better vocals. The singer has a great command of his own instrument, which comes partly from God-given talent, and partly from spending a lifetime developing his gift. That's very evident.

I like the vocal over-dubbing. Great computer chops in evidence here. Love the vocal panning of the backgroup stuff. Well done!

Best,

John Stebbe
Spies by ciheins 4 years ago
5

Way cool loops track! It may be only loops, but it definitely does have its own identity and unique feel. I love the part where the drums drop out and you can hear the synth patterns more clearly. Then when the drums enter, it's very effective.
6 Rituals by Mungo 4 years ago
5

Very spacey and ambient. The rhythm track sounds like it wants to take me somewhere, but the beat-less sound effects tracks sound unwilling to do anything except explore their own sounds, without taking a major journey. What a beautiful tension!

Best,

John Stebbe
Gorgeous Mystery by mbehar 4 years ago
5

Great! I hear echoes of Yes, and also Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Cool and groovy. Guitar and bass are played very well. Keyboard is not bad, either. I like the bright EQ on the bass.

The chord progression heard on the keys gets my head nodding.

Best,

John Stebbe
Colleen's waltz by Altare_4 4 years ago
5

I love the synth sound you chose. And your playing is catchy and interesting.

The structure, though simple, supports your melody playing very well.

Best,

John Stebbe
Anybody But You by artneuro 4 years ago
The vocal reminds of something David Bowie might have done.

Lots of thought in these lyrics.

The singer is very talented. Expressive and self-confident. A pleasure.

Best,

John Stebbe
Astronaut 054 by KeithPetrower 4 years ago
5

Great guitars, with great attitude. Reminds me of the sound of the band Brownsville Station on their tune "Smokin' In The Boys' Room" from around 1976.

Very creative work. Love the bass guitar stuff in the middle.

Best,

John Stebbe
RD-7 by RBFmedia 4 years ago
5

Wow, comes right out of the gate with plenty of attitude and never lets up. That bass sound is just a killer. You play it well.

The loops in the middle let the listener know that this is not a live band, of course, but I don't care! This is a very creative track which shows a real love for the music, loops or no loops.
BLUE by guitar55 4 years ago
5

Very beautiful voice. Intimate and lovely singing. The singer demonstrates great self-confidence, and with good reason! She's realy got pipes.

Instrumental track has some wonderful vibes in it. I love how the vibes are played in stereo. Great effect in headhpones!

The guitar playing is well-done. Love the straight, no-distortion tones. Fits the vocal well.

Best,

John Stebbe
Xicana by LaFayette 4 years ago
5

Guitars at beginning remind me of "Take It Easy" by the Eagles, from around 1974.

Love that oscillating, rotating synth sound in the background, around the middle of the tune.

Very cool track! This song demonstrates your love of music, and also great computer chops.

Best,

John Stebbe
Trumpet Piano Collab by ssstebbe 4 years ago
Mungo, your "Theater Of The Mind" is a little overactive! smiley

Seriously, thanks for commenting. I suppose it would make a good soundtrack for a Mike Hammer episode.

Best,

John Stebbe
Gaïa : The First Dolphin by LaFayette 4 years ago
5

That's a beautiful sound, Patrick. I really like the synth pad underneath your fine guitar. And the dolphin sounds are humorous. I wonder where you got them?

Guitar playing is sweet and tasty as usual.

Best,

John Stebbe
CAFFEINE MOON by wal4u 4 years ago
A very different sort of track. I loved the -- what can you call it -- 'progressive Bluegrass?' intro. Did I hear a banjo? The banjo is such a great instrument.

The singer sounds a whole lot like Robert Lamm of early Chicago ("Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?" smiley

The vibe of the lyrics, and the delivery, evoke comparisons to songs from Switchfoot (and that's a big compliment in my book).

OK, now I think the banjo I thought I heard must have been a mandolin. Hmm, why don't I read the description of the song?

OK, it's confirmed. It's a mandolin. (But you knew that.) It's well-played, and well-placed in your arrangement.

The lead guitar sounds well-schooled in rock technique and feel. No amateurs on this track.

Best,

John Stebbe
Cold Fish Funk by mbehar 4 years ago
5

I really dig the synth lead. The whole track reminds me of some Billy Preston instrumentals, like "Outa-Space" and "Space Race." The pitch bend effect is very effective. You know 'just' where to bend it, and where to stop bending it. Sounds like you've had some experience with a pitch bend wheel (or ribbon, or stick).

Makes me imagine satellites in orbit, trying to dock with each other.

Best,

John Stebbe
Loop by becwil 4 years ago
The easy Southern drawl of the speaker stands in contrast to the sophistication of the text.

The muted trumpet gives this piece just the right kind of beatnik-jazzy atmosphere.

Unique!

Best,

John Stebbe
Reflections by guitar55 4 years ago
5

I love the oboe layered with the guitar (harp?). Very effective.

Sounds like a movie soundtrack, about riding a boat down a river in China, and bowing to the peasants gathered on the riverbanks.

Nice work, Michael. I like the sense of space and the length of notes. Sometimes we get too busy with our pieces, thinking 'more is more' when often 'less is more' as you have shown here.

Best,

John Stebbe
Epiphony by Sheth 4 years ago
5

This has a rather Baroque feel to it. I can imagine Bach snapping his fingers to it. You've got an active musical imagination.

Best,

John Stebbe
Friday Afternoon by Mungo 4 years ago
5

Mungo, this is a very intriguing track. The 'string section' instrument sound is very appealing. I really do like the echo effects on the accented notes, about half-way through.

Sounds like a filter opening and closing on some of the pads. Very effective.

A cohesive piece of work.

The moog-like melody towards the end is well conceived. Thoughtful contrast to the rest of the piece.

I'm trying to discern what the picture is. Is that Super-Mungo, flying over a mountain range?

Regards,

John Stebbe
Symphony #1, Mvt. 2- Adagio by kristyjo 4 years ago
5

Great work, Kristy. I hear strong echoes of Dvorak's New World Symphony, the Largo movement (but you're not slavish to it).

The deceptive cadences are deceptive indeed!

I can imagine lyrics for this piece, with a message of a mother's love for her child/children. Just an idea.

Beautiful piece.

Best,

John Stebbe
Nightfall over Prague by icanzilb 4 years ago
5

Well done, Marin. That's a great bass groove you've got going. And the up-tempo section really cooks.

You've got some pretty good piano chops, too. You've got your 'jazz ears' on with this piece.
Jesus' Sandels by murraypaul 4 years ago
5

Murray, thank you for a heartfelt performance. Your guitar playing is very pleasing. Your voice works well on this song.

Makes me think I need to listen harder for the sound of the Savior's footsteps. I know in my head that He is with me, but I often ignore that wonderful truth.

Best,

John Stebbe
Roz/ Piano Improv #8 by JodyGrenier 4 years ago
5

Reminds me a lot of the Rachmaninoff piece used in "Somewhere In Time," the "Prelude On A Theme Of Paganini," I think. I think Rachmaninoff would be pleased to hear a piece like this, and would comment favorably on it.

I wonder what piano software you use. It's very effective, whatever it is. Is it perhaps the Steinway in Jam Pak Symphony Orchestra? Synthogy Ivory? Akoustic Piano?

You have a sensitive touch and a real ability to communicate through your keyboard. From your heart to my ear, with not much to inhibit the process, it seems. You're a real artist.

Best,

John Stebbe
Keep On Shinin(Acoustic) by ChrisDay 4 years ago
5

Your voice sounds a lot like Randy Newman. The laid-back, easy style is very listenable. Nice EQ on the guitar.

You've got a lot of talent, Chris. Keep posting.

Best,

John Stebbe
Dreams by DLB 4 years ago
5

Some great guitar technique here, and very good singing!

I like the change of mood in the middle.

Reminds me a bit of Peter Frampton in the 70s.

Best,

John Stebbe
EPIPHANY (The Transformation) by SoulSurvivor 4 years ago
5

Lenny, this is a beautiful piece. An effective use of the minor tonality. Dark without being hopeless. You have a very good ear and solid technique. Thanks for sharing.

I like the fact that it has a strong pulse, even without any percussion. That's a credit to the composer and the performer.

Best,

John Stebbe
Sleep Tight My Little Angel by guitar55 4 years ago
5

Guitar55, your playing is inspired and youthful. A pleasure to hear.

Your backing pad is really very lovely.

Nice to hear a guitarist who plays in tune!

You have a broad vocabulary of jazz and classical phrases at your fingertips. You communicate well on your instrument. The miking and production are also quite good.

And all this for free! Thanks, Guitar55.
Hush Of Night by mbehar 4 years ago
5

Dark and upward-looking at the same time. Quite a nice effect. Reminds me of the chords from "Moon River." (I guess that's a waltz, too.)

You get a very nice sound from your bass. And the piano part is very well performend. Is that you on piano? Cool. You've got great chops, and and excellent jazz ear.

Yes, I love the percussion. This would be a lesser piece without it.

Best,

John Stebbe
Laughing River by pete 4 years ago
5

Beautifully ethereal and ambient. Sounds like a John Denver for the 21st Century. I like the teasing of the lowered seventh degree of the scale which you hit sometimes in the melody. Is that you on guitar? You sound great. Even if it's a loop, it's an excellent choice.

Best,

John Stebbe
Just Me by Songsforpeacekids 4 years ago
5

I like the line, "Just me inside my skin." In the end, each person has to live with his/her decisions, so while pleasing others has its place, we ought never to go against conscience. (Sorry -- didn't mean to philosphize.)

I like the guitar part. Very catchy. And the echo-ending is a nice tag.

You've got a very effective voice, which communicates in a pleasing way. Thanks for sharing.

Best,

John Stebbe
Jazzy Amazing Grace by IbanezDude321 4 years ago
5

Sounds very nice, IbanezDude. I like the sense of space between phrases that you have. Shows a natural feel for phrasing.

So you didn't know anything about EQ? Could have fooled me. A very well-produced track, I think.

Very nice technique on display here. You must have locked yourself in a room for days (weeks? months? years?) to sound this tight and this consistent. A pleasure.

John Stebbe
Presidents Song by ssstebbe 4 years ago
Marla, I'm glad you like the Presidents Song. Sorry it won't download. If you give me your e-mail address, I'll send you the mp3 directly.

E-mail me at jstebbe@mac.com

John Stebbe
Imadesentana by guitar55 4 years ago
5

A finger-snapper! I like the long melodic line on top of the drum groove. Who needs chords?

You've got awesome technique and a huge imagination.

I like the EQ of your guitar. We hear too much distortion these days. Nice to hear a pure sound.

Very fluid. A pleasure to hear.

Best,

John Stebbe
State of Grace by IbanezDude321 4 years ago
5

I just love the contrast between the controlled, almost utilitarian piano part vs. the lovely lyrical guitar line. What a pleasure. Reminds me of the instrumental tune from the movie "La Bamba" that played when they got the news that Ritchie Valens had died.

Best,

John Stebbe
The first time I saw you by toveco 4 years ago
5

That's really beautiful, Toveco. You've got great technique, and real heart for a lyrical performance. I can feel the emotion which has become part of this performance. I love the minor section, with the descending bass line. Very listenable, and very enjoyable.

Best,

John Stebbe
Magic Garageband Slow Blues by artneuro 4 years ago
I've been wondering what "Magic GarageBand" sounds like, and now I know that in the right hands, it's really a gas. You're a great player, with a nice feel for the right EQ for blues guitar, as well as tons of technique and imagination.

Best,

John Stebbe
I like that scar by mozartus 4 years ago
5

Hey, Mozartus, you've got a great track here. You sing with a gritty enthusiasm which displays a lot of personality. Your guitar sounds good, and you've got some great technique (especially at the very end). Reminds me of some recordings of early New Orleans jazz musicians, like Leadbelly.

Nice work here, Mozartus, keep it up.

Best regards,

John Stebbe
Where Would I Be Without You? by grathy 4 years ago
5

Grathy, this sounds really good. Reminds me of Nora Jones, with the understated keyboard and soulful vocal.

I like how you put lots of space between the lyric lines. Less is more!

Sort of brings to mind "Midnight At The Oasis" by Maria Mulduar, around 1972.

Cool and dreamy!

Best regards,

John Stebbe
song for big john (acoustic) by ziti 4 years ago
5

Well, you've got chops! This is very well-executed track, from the performance all the way through to the fine recording technique. I wonder what kind of mics you used.

Reminds me a bit of Segovia, then Chet Atkins, then George Benson. Love the sections on the blues scales. You move effortlessly between the bluesy licks and the classical-sounding licks. Very appealing.

Best,

John Stebbe
Half Moon by kimpsu 4 years ago
5

Beautiful song. The melody appears to be pentatonic. Haunting and lovely.

Best,

John Stebbe
School Project by djh 4 years ago
5

Very neat! I especially like the last couple of variations, in the minor key, and in the swing feel.

I hope you got an 'A.'

Best regards,

John Stebbe
Black and White by CarlsmenFisher 4 years ago
5

CarlsmenFisher, this is a cool track. I love the synth parts. Reminds me of Yes or Styx. And the combination of acoustic piano with synth is something I would expect to hear from Hiromi.

You've got chops galore. Keep posting.

Best,

John Stebbe
I Won't be Home for Christmas by HooDooBlues 4 years ago
5

Reminds me of the blues band in the movie, "Adventures in Babysitting."

You've got a great EQ on that guitar, not to mention awesome chops and a fluid musical imagination.

I play a little 'campfire' guitar, but you're way out of my league. Impressive!

Best,

John Stebbe
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