Happy Thanksgiving friends! I took a quick break from cooking the bird to sit down and record this week's SOTW feature, #47!
A few weeks ago I offered a song here that I learned for a nice farmer lady at the farmers market in nearby Carrboro, NC. When I played it for the next market she was quite thrilled with it and proceeded to pile on more requests. I don't mind getting suggestions for songs, as I've "discovered" a good handful of songs that I would not have known about otherwise. Plus, people usually smile or sing along when they hear a familiar tune, and that's one of my favorite things to see when performing out. But back to the farmer, she's got a good appreciation for under-appreciated musicians and songs. So I knew I'd better check out whatever she throws at me. From the writer of "Mr. Bojangles", Jerry Jeff Walker, I present a cover of his modest hit, "Jaded Lover". It was included on his 1975 album, Riding High.
It's a fun little song, but not easy lyrics. I had to listen to a recording a few times to get the timing right in order to fit everything in. It still needs some practice I think, but it's coming along. Vocals could be louder, but it is what it is. Played this one on the Taylor, recorded on the Sanyo, as usual. Mr. Frog wants turkey.
Man, this thing is wrapping up pretty soon! I'm thinking of doing a few Christmas songs, maybe the next 3 or 4. Then something grand for the finale. Stay tuned!
Bel isi,
-kyle
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Market Views (and a new gadget!)
Had the great opportunity to play for the fine folks over at the WesternWake Farmers Market in Cary this morning. It was a little on the chilly side to start out, but the sun was shining and I was warm in no time. This was my first time playing for the WWFM, as the last time I was scheduled it was even colder, with rain. I was glad to have the chance to come back and check things out again and share my music. It's a fantastic market, and is full of great vendors (like most farmers markets are). I played for a couple of hours, met some nice people, and even got a few dollars in my "tip jar". The real treat for me is watching people smile and sing along with my music as I play, knowing they are enjoying it.
I also got to use a new music gadget for the first time this morning. I try to keep my setup pretty simple, but I also have some things I need within arms reach while I'm performing. It's no fun trying to bend down to pick something up off the ground while sitting and holding my guitar, so I found a solution! I recently picked up this handy little mini music stand/tray that clamps onto my mic stand. It's out of the way, but within reach. Bazinga! Perfect for holding a few handy things like my tuner, phone, and an extra capo. Here's a demo:
Welcome to my world. :) Cheers!
Sometimes I like to take a picture or two from where I sit, giving people an idea of what it's like to be there. I took this shot this morning in between songs, just to give a glimpse of what it's like.
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| Down the barrel of the WWFM |
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| Cute, huh? |
Bel isi,
-kyle
Friday, November 18, 2011
SOTW #46 - Someone Like You
Another week, another video. #46 to be exact!
This week's SOTW cover was largely prompted by a friend on the Acoustic Guitar Forum. I've always enjoyed this song, but a recent thread there gave me the added nudge to dive into it to learn it. In that thread I posted a quick, once-through take of the song to give some ideas, with my promise to really work on it for this week's SOTW selection. And I'm pretty happy with the results. Ever since I heard Adele's song "Hometown Glory" on an episode of Grey's Anatomy I've been a fan. She's a monster vocalist and has a great outlook on who she is an artist and her image: "I don’t make music for eyes, I make music for ears." The song I chose this week, "Someone Like You", is from her latest album 21. The song topped multiple charts around the world, and continues to dominate on the radio almost a year after its release.
I cooked this one up in the kitchen with Mr. Frog looking on by the napkins. I'm using a capo at the 5th fret, although I think it could be higher. It get's a little too jangly up beyond that, however, so some parts can be a touch low. I think it would sound pretty killer played on a baritone. Someday I hope to get one, as there are a lot of songs I'd love to do that I just can't because of the chords shapes that I think the songs need, and you can only capo up so far.
Anyway, it's the usual suspects here. My Taylor 716ce-LTD (Spring 2009), a Sanyo Xacti camera, Mr. Forg, and me. Cheers!
Bel isi,
-kyle
This week's SOTW cover was largely prompted by a friend on the Acoustic Guitar Forum. I've always enjoyed this song, but a recent thread there gave me the added nudge to dive into it to learn it. In that thread I posted a quick, once-through take of the song to give some ideas, with my promise to really work on it for this week's SOTW selection. And I'm pretty happy with the results. Ever since I heard Adele's song "Hometown Glory" on an episode of Grey's Anatomy I've been a fan. She's a monster vocalist and has a great outlook on who she is an artist and her image: "I don’t make music for eyes, I make music for ears." The song I chose this week, "Someone Like You", is from her latest album 21. The song topped multiple charts around the world, and continues to dominate on the radio almost a year after its release.
I cooked this one up in the kitchen with Mr. Frog looking on by the napkins. I'm using a capo at the 5th fret, although I think it could be higher. It get's a little too jangly up beyond that, however, so some parts can be a touch low. I think it would sound pretty killer played on a baritone. Someday I hope to get one, as there are a lot of songs I'd love to do that I just can't because of the chords shapes that I think the songs need, and you can only capo up so far.
Anyway, it's the usual suspects here. My Taylor 716ce-LTD (Spring 2009), a Sanyo Xacti camera, Mr. Forg, and me. Cheers!
Bel isi,
-kyle
Market Views
These are just some quick shots I took in-between songs at the farmers market in Carrboro. It was the last Wednesday market of the season, but they do have a Saturday morning market that runs all year. Gonna miss playing for the fine folks in Carrboro, but I look forward to the next time. See ya 'round. :)
Bel isi
-kyle
Bel isi
-kyle
Friday, November 11, 2011
Green Eyes - SOTW #45
Week #45 of 2011. Only 7 more week this year, and ever less to Christmas! :)
This week I took on a favorite of mine from Coldplay's 2002 album Rush of Blood to the Head. I'm a mild Coldplay fan, and had the chance to see them live in 2005. It was a great show (minus Fiona Apple opening) and I've enjoyed their recent offerings as well. "Green Eyes" is a catchy little strummer that was probably overshadowed by other, bigger hits from that album like "Clocks" and "The Scientist". I find it to be quite a gem, and decided to feature it this week.
The song is a little deceptive in that, as simple as it sounds, it is not easy. Some of the phrase entrances may sound a little shaky because I'm still trying to nail down those bits of melody. The range on the vocals is pretty broad, too, so it's tough to relax enough to let the high notes flow like they should and push the low notes above the guitar. I remedy the latter a bit by strumming without a pick, so the guitar sounds extra rich in the bass. I kinda like it, especially since the C-chord calls for a G in the bass, one of my favorite chords. Mr. Frog says "Hello!"
Bel isi,
-kyle
This week I took on a favorite of mine from Coldplay's 2002 album Rush of Blood to the Head. I'm a mild Coldplay fan, and had the chance to see them live in 2005. It was a great show (minus Fiona Apple opening) and I've enjoyed their recent offerings as well. "Green Eyes" is a catchy little strummer that was probably overshadowed by other, bigger hits from that album like "Clocks" and "The Scientist". I find it to be quite a gem, and decided to feature it this week.
The song is a little deceptive in that, as simple as it sounds, it is not easy. Some of the phrase entrances may sound a little shaky because I'm still trying to nail down those bits of melody. The range on the vocals is pretty broad, too, so it's tough to relax enough to let the high notes flow like they should and push the low notes above the guitar. I remedy the latter a bit by strumming without a pick, so the guitar sounds extra rich in the bass. I kinda like it, especially since the C-chord calls for a G in the bass, one of my favorite chords. Mr. Frog says "Hello!"
Bel isi,
-kyle
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Something So Right - SOTW #44
The end is near! Also, it's week #44 in my Song-of-the-Week series! Can you believe it? I cannot.
This week I took a page from one of my all-time favorite songwriters, Paul Simon, covering his mellow, 1973 classic "Something So Right". Initially released on his album There Goes Rhymin' Simon, it became a modest hit for Simon, showcasing the calm, introspective side of his songwriting. The album earned him two Grammy nominations. The song was later covered by Annie Lennox, Trisha Yearwood, and others.
Went back to the hallway this week to record this one. It really helps fill out the sound for the camera to record. No picks this week either, just my humble fingerstyle. Trying for somewhat minimal on this one. Just like "Feels like Home" a few weeks ago, it just serves the song better. Taylor 716ce-LTD and the Sanyo camera making this happen, again, along with Mr. Frog. Cheers!
Bel isi,
-kyle
This week I took a page from one of my all-time favorite songwriters, Paul Simon, covering his mellow, 1973 classic "Something So Right". Initially released on his album There Goes Rhymin' Simon, it became a modest hit for Simon, showcasing the calm, introspective side of his songwriting. The album earned him two Grammy nominations. The song was later covered by Annie Lennox, Trisha Yearwood, and others.
Went back to the hallway this week to record this one. It really helps fill out the sound for the camera to record. No picks this week either, just my humble fingerstyle. Trying for somewhat minimal on this one. Just like "Feels like Home" a few weeks ago, it just serves the song better. Taylor 716ce-LTD and the Sanyo camera making this happen, again, along with Mr. Frog. Cheers!
Bel isi,
-kyle
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