Welcome to my music page

 

What I have here for your (possible) enjoyment are some songs that I have written and recorded. Most of my songs are blues based, but there are a few variations.

Not being a proper musician, the strongest element of my songs is the lyrics, and that is always where I start. Once I have a strong lyrical base, I then try to find a musical feel that works. Middle Aged Suburban Blues was my first set of lyrics; and as pure poetry, I still consider this to be my best effort. For this piece I started with the canonical 12 bar blues format and worked real hard to fill all 12 bars with lyrics. The problem for recording is there are no gaps. I had a hard time finding a place to breath. My first solution to this problem was to record the vocal on two tracks, alternating between versus. I have since realized there is nothing magic about a 12 bar format, even for blues. The current version of Middle Aged Suburban Blues is 14 bars, to allow a place to breath and to add a spot for a guitar lick or two. Look at Pluto Blues for a more traditional blues lyrics format.

I have recorded with a simple computer based multi-track recording system. The procedure I generally use for recording is to start with programmed MIDI tracks for drums, keyboards (if used), and bass (I play the bass part on some of the songs, but if the programmed bass track sounds good I leave it alone). I follow that with recorded guitar (usually at least a rhythm and lead track) and vocal tracks (me on both).

Each of the songs include the lyrics and the story behind each song (there is always a story), and, of course, the recording itself. You can get to them by clicking on the menu bar at the top of the screen. I hope you enjoy. I have other songs in the works and will add them as I go.

If you have comments (only positive and supportive please - I will ask my wife if I need critical comments), let me know at jestmarks@comcast.net.