Dad3353 Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 (edited) [attachment=197266:_BC_Comp_Chal_2015_07.jpg] Good evening, all... Feel free to 'follow' this topic to be alerted (warned..? ) when new posts arrive. I'll be using this same topic throughout for this month's Challenge. Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/266554-july-composition-challenge-voting/"]July Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and the first 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/alittlebitrobot/hypnos"]'Hypnos', from alittlebitrobot[/url] A soft, echoing arpeggio fades in, joined by a posed bass laying down a very slow pace. A stereo arpeggio vibraphone chimes in, building up the pace, soon joined by another, weaving a similar melody into the tapestry. A dulled bass drum picks up the beat, along with a very discreet shuffle from a snare, before yet another carillon peal strikes up, then another, and more yet, dancing around and over the bass, which has remained faithful from the start. The melodies come to a conclusion, leaving the gentle percussive patter, a bass drone and the spellbinding arpeggio to gently fade away. Calm, poise, balance... All is delicate, soft, whimsical, floating gracefully in the special stereo. We are led, step by step, further and further into the stratosphere with each successive layer, and lowered down with equal deftness when our time in free space is over. The link to the picture is all too evident; we wish we could stay longer, suspended and isolated from the world left far, far below. Plenty of movement to keep us from dozing off; our attention is captured and retained from the start. Faultless execution, arrangement and production. Well done, that was very enjoyable. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/the-long-way-down"]'The Long Way Down', from lurksalot[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited July 27, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:197266] Good day, all... Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/266554-july-composition-challenge-voting/"]July Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/lurksalot/the-long-way-down"]'The Long Way Down', from lurksalot[/url] A long, low, grumbling bass note, over which is played a repetitive riff, which rise to a mild crescendo, only to slow almost to a halt, then pick up again and repeat. The tension mounts again; once again the tempo flags, then releases a cascade of echoing piano notes, tumbling and stumbling over the undercurrent of the riff, and taking us to a hiatus, a slower section of bass arpeggios. The riff returns, the piano chimes also, with redoubled effect. There are now two keyboards vying for our attention, and building up to a climax which develop into full chords, reaching a dramatic and final resolution. A strong opening, arresting our attention from the outset, and establishing a firm footing on which is precariously balanced the fragile melodic outpouring on the keys. We are torn between two worlds: one, stable, strong, compelling, the other, aerial, uncertain, but instilling delight in the very nature of the jeopardy invoked. The adherence to the spirit of the picture is a fulfilled contract; we are unsettled and reassured at one and the same time. Deceptive simplicity, well recorded, with risky execution that pays off handsomely. Good stuff. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/flight"]'Flight', from Bilbo[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I've had a listen to them all. Really enjoyed some of them and appreciated the work in all of them. Have cast my votes. Get on over there Bass Chatters, enjoy the tunes and cast your vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I voted some time ago, well, yesterday...it feels a long time ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:197266] Good day, all... Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/266554-july-composition-challenge-voting/"]July Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/flight"]'Flight', from Bilbo[/url] A playful, hesitant solo violin ditty opens the piece, soon to be joined in canon fashion by the other members of the ensemble. The violin leads in the development of further themes over the continuing round of the lower instruments, knitting a fabric of interlaced melodies and counter-melodies. The bass is then left solo until the cello entwines its melody, then the viola braids another contribution to the work, the violin completes the picture with its light-hearted lilt. There is convergence in harmony almost to unison, with the lead melody stubbornly refusing to be completely subordinated, remaining perched on top like a proud songbird. Accord is finally reached, however, and all contribute to the concluding harmonic resolution. A charming construction, very peaceful, yet tonic in the vivacity and skittish nature of the composition. Well arranged and executed; there is no effort in taking this at face value as an authentic group of players. Lightweight on the surface, but with underlying gravity; this fits in well with the picture, although there is no direct link. The interdependent movement of the instruments maintains a coherent weft on which the embroidery can develop, evolving with subtlety as the action advances. An enjoyable listen, skilfully crafted. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://www.mediafire.com/listen/9bgv83327p1a77u/What+Goes+Up.wav"]'What Goes Up', from discreet[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alittlebitrobot Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Cheers, Douglas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Many thanks Douglas , brilliantly observed and really appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 (edited) [sharedmedia=core:attachments:197266] Good day, all... Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/266554-july-composition-challenge-voting/"]July Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://www.mediafire.com/listen/9bgv83327p1a77u/What+Goes+Up.wav"]'What Goes Up', from discreet[/url] Wow..! No messing about, straight in with a wicked snare and a howling hot guitar whammy plunge..! The bass is already up to speed (yes, speed’s the word; we’re off at a belting pace..!), solidly thumping out a heavy riff, fresh from the late ‘60s. The drums are about as rock as they come, augmented with multiple touches of technical prowess, hammering out a syncopated pile-driver of a beat. Ah, but the guitar..! Groaning, soaring, flying along after having paid lip service to the heavy riff, free as air, determined to make the most of this liberty. The pressure dies down somewhat, the heat is reduced, the drums are less frantic, the bass takes on a more pedestrian allure. The guitar waxes lyrical over the calmer ambience, straining against this new and strange constraint. It couldn't last, the cork pops..! Another hand-over-hand blast on the snare and we’re off galloping again, much to the delight of the guitar. This could go on for a very long time, but reason raises its staid hand and the headlong flight is brought to a sudden halt with a braking shriek. Hot stuff..! This is how it’s done. This is how rock and its derivatives got their letters on noblesse. This is my misspent youth coming alive to haunt me. I couldn’t number the bands and LP’s I've seen and listened to (avidly...) with this same hallmark energy and ferocious appetite for free expression. Those sounds are those of my adolescence and early adulthood. We've echoes of a long lineage of acid rockers, fusion groups, experimental and inspired virtuosos brushing aside convention and pomp, just going for it, hell for leather. Thanks for the memories. Picture..? Oh, yes, the picture. Yes, one could see whatever one wished to see with enough chemical additives. In such euphoric circumstances, I’d not be surprised at anything flying past my line of vision. Top marks for... well, everything, really. My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/matching-sky-and-handybriefs-star"]'Matching Sky And Handybriefs (star)', from fingers211[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Edited July 27, 2015 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Wow! What a write-up! Thanks, Dad! Glad I bought that Harley Benton Strat now... and regretting selling my Marathon Bass already! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167485] ... and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1438024914' post='2831028'] ... and [/quote] But there is likely something [i]very[/i] special incoming from Limelight... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 [sharedmedia=core:attachments:197266] Good day, all... Here is my own, personal, view of the compositions presented in the monthly BC Composition Challenge, in randomly chosen order. I hope that at least some of you may be inspired to give the pieces a listen, and perhaps vote for your 3 favourites. All of them can be heard here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/266554-july-composition-challenge-voting/"]July Composition Challenge - VOTING![/url] ... and this 'Play of the Day' here ... [url="http://soundcloud.com/nigel-jewell/matching-sky-and-handybriefs-star"]'Matching Sky And Handybriefs (star)', from fingers211[/url] A scintillating shower of notes echo around and around, evolving into a slow strum with an acoustic, ‘country’ feel, open tuning, 12-string style. A drone bass fills out the lower spectrum, waiting its turn to follow the chords once the structure starts to establish itself. There’s an overlay melody of sorts picked out from the chords between strums, and faint, sagacious backing from a heavenly choir of keys. Just when we’ve become accustomed to the unfolding construction, the singing starts up. Half spoken, really, in an almost Dylan-esque weary tone, this indolent mood matches nicely with the very laid-back instruments, and fit in well with the relaxed poise of the girl in the picture. Semi-abstract lyrics, with evocative comment on the scanty apparel of the young lady, take us through to the final chordal outcome. Despite the initial nervosity, we quickly relax into a rocking-chair cadence, content to follow the gentle meanderings in confidence. One is almost tricked into believing this to be an instrumental piece, when the voice breaks through, giving an indirect personal view of the girl in the picture, almost as if seen merely as a glimpse in the corner of the eye, difficult to seize. Well played, very low-key production, entirely in keeping with the genre portrayed; altogether coherent and well-spun. Even so, and even after several plays, I’m still more than a bit perplexed; is this deep poetry or a series of fortuity plays on words..? You decide for yourselves... My next post in this topic will feature... [url="http://soundcloud.com/dad3353/concrete-jungle-solid-air"]'Concrete Jungle, Solid Air', from Dad3353[/url] Until then... Have a nice day Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 27, 2015 Author Share Posted July 27, 2015 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1438025356' post='2831040'] But there is likely something [i]very[/i] special incoming from Limelight... [/quote] Oh, well, in that case: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Share Posted July 28, 2015 Sorry, but I really won't get these finished for the week-end. I might have a go later, when I'm back up to scratch. I don't want to do a lesser or rushed job on the fine pieces yet to cover; they deserve better. Back later... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fingers211 Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1438121312' post='2831938'] Sorry, but I really won't get these finished for the week-end. I might have a go later, when I'm back up to scratch. I don't want to do a lesser or rushed job on the fine pieces yet to cover; they deserve better. Back later... [/quote] Shame,, I enjoy listening to all entries and then reading your reviews,,,,,sterling work as always ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.