I'm almost finished with my 7th novel, "Forgotten Memories". This song is intended to reflect the essence of that story. The basic plot is a young woman (Alyson Faye Edwards) emerges from a trauma-induced coma to discover she has Pure Retrograde Amnesia (total loss of memory about anything prior to emerging from the coma) and learns she may have brutally murdered her mother. She struggles to reinvent herself and find out whether or not she did, in fact, murder her mother. The evidence is quite compelling that she did.
Does Alyson recover her memory? Did she ruthlessly murder her mother? I guess you'll have to read the book when it's published!
For those who might be interested in how I approached the recording, here's a brief synopsis:
I selected the drum track, after sampling more than a dozen, because the inobtrusive rim shots represent the passing of time - each tick a new dawning. I mixed the acoustic guitar only slightly more forward than the piano as I wanted the piano to "embrace/cradle" the lead track as Alyson's surroundings (represented by the piano track, are all new to her at this time, but where she grew up) influence her every move and decision, portrayed by the acoustic lead. The slightly more cheerful choruses are intended to reveal the more pleasant discoveries and relationships she discovers in what is a new existence for her. That's the quick version.
The musical cast:
File:Forgotten Memories.SGU
Key=C#m, Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=3:53
Style is _KARST.STY (Karst Songwriter Nylon Melody)
RealTracks in song: 3121:Bass, Acoustic, PopHalfNotesPush Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 3115:Guitar, Nylon, Background Folk16thsMelodicBrent Ev16 060 RealTracks in song: 2542:Pedal Steel, Background ModernBalladAtmosphere Ev16 065 RealTracks in song: 1602:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Pop16 Ev16 065 RealDrums in Song: AfucheShakerEv8[single] RealDrums in Song:NashvilleBrushesEasyBluegrass: a: Sidestick, Brushes b: Brushes, Stick
You are very versatile in writing novels as well. I am very interested in what kind of books they are, but unfortunately I do not have the English skills to read a novel in English from start to finish. As for the song, the nylon guitar is fantastic, and really adds to the atmosphere. It's an excellent soundtrack, but it's also great as a standalone instrumental piece. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Okay. you got me right from the part that went like this: "I'm almost finished with my 7th novel" You know I'm a big fan, Alan. I'm also a huge fan of your music. Actually I'm average size, but I'm over the top with the fandom thing. Another extraordinary piece of music you have created here. With you synopsis I am even more looking forward to your publication. Thanks.
Alan, very cool concept and a very enjoyable listen indeed. Beautiful harmonic development, and I love the rests and mood shifts. Sparkly mix, and you got the balance between instruments perfect to my ears. Well done!!
Your 7th novel? Hmmm. Well, it's not bragging if it's true. HA...KIDDING! Congratulations, that's quite an accomplishment. Don't know where you find the time for all this creativity...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One StudioCat DAW dual screen Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Somehow I can't relate the song to your novel, but the song on its own is pretty good, lots of atmosphere and a really good choice of guitar. I enjoyed my listen. A lot!
Very interesting introduction to your song - the music captures the description very well with the moody chord progression, but I'm glad I cannot hear any brutal murder here That nylon guitar tells the story beautifully. The arrangement is nicely soft and the mix is airy.
Just a beautifully relaxing instrumental, Al. Excellent structure and mix.
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #17: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #69: Bring consciousness to it. #74: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #105: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
You are very versatile in writing novels as well. I am very interested in what kind of books they are, but unfortunately I do not have the English skills to read a novel in English from start to finish. As for the song, the nylon guitar is fantastic, and really adds to the atmosphere. It's an excellent soundtrack, but it's also great as a standalone instrumental piece. Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
Thank you very much, Shigeki. I'm delighted you enjoyed it.
Okay. you got me right from the part that went like this: "I'm almost finished with my 7th novel" You know I'm a big fan, Alan. I'm also a huge fan of your music. Actually I'm average size, but I'm over the top with the fandom thing. Another extraordinary piece of music you have created here. With you synopsis I am even more looking forward to your publication. Thanks.
Hi Marty,
Well now,
Aren't you just way too kind! I'm average size, too - 5'10" and about 180. But I appreciate all the kindness in a very big way.
Apologies for the tardy and brief replies - I've been in and out of a multiplicity of tests since my heart attack, plus taking care of Di. I gotta stay healthy enough to care for her. Plus, my pooch had an emergency. Ah - vet bills!
Alan, very cool concept and a very enjoyable listen indeed. Beautiful harmonic development, and I love the rests and mood shifts. Sparkly mix, and you got the balance between instruments perfect to my ears. Well done!!
Your 7th novel? Hmmm. Well, it's not bragging if it's true. HA...KIDDING! Congratulations, that's quite an accomplishment. Don't know where you find the time for all this creativity...
I attempt to use the rests & mood shifts to create tension & release. I'm delighted to hear it comes across sometimes!
And yeah, I've had 6 novels published and 5 in the works.
These days, I have very little time for music or writing. The cause of my heart attack was hyperkalemia. One of my good friend's mother died from it several years ago. So, I'm devoting a lot of time to getting it treated via non-stop testing. At almost 78 years old, I have a very health-compromised spouse to care for. Getting well in order to do that is my focus.
Somehow I can't relate the song to your novel, but the song on its own is pretty good, lots of atmosphere and a really good choice of guitar. I enjoyed my listen. A lot!
Guten Abend, Mein Freund,
I'm glad you enjoyed the song, anyway. I'll happily take that!
Very interesting introduction to your song - the music captures the description very well with the moody chord progression, but I'm glad I cannot hear any brutal murder here That nylon guitar tells the story beautifully. The arrangement is nicely soft and the mix is airy.
Hopefully your novel will become a huge success
Janne
Hi Janne,
Thank you very much! I appreciate all those very kind comments!!!
Good to hear you're just about done with the book.
Whatever the genesis of the music, it's a pleasant listen.
Just a note - there's a bit of a crossfade glitch on the guitar at 2:30.
Always good to hear your music!
HI David,
I always enjoy your comments - helpful and encouraging!
That crossfade is actually a BIAB issue for this praticular song. I regenerated it 11 or 12 times, and that harsh artifact was present each time. So, I copied the chord pattern and brought up a new chord input sheet after restarting BIAB. Still there! So I deleted the chords and entered manually. You guessed - still there. Oh well!
Thanks for listening and the really nice comments!
Here is a sophisticated musical reflection that reminds me of a film score. Lalo Shifrin, Henri Mancini, Ennio Morricone, John Barry and the others. Bravo and do you know this one? I discovered it while watching Mutiny on the Bounty with Marlon Brando. I had a good time!
This is superb listening! When the track first started, I was reminded of Spain and Tárrega's famous piece, "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" (although the two works are very different). It's such a beautiful band that you have assembled here. I'd pay money to go and see them and to hear them I was with you all the way as you music unfolded. As I've said quite a few times before, you really do have a knack for getting the very best out of a chord progression and its arrangement.
Super-duper music in every way. --Noel
P.S. Please say "Hello" to Di from me. It's impossible not to think of her when I reply to you. I hope that everything is travelling as well as it can for the both of you.
Let me know when you publish your book. I would like to read it.
A very satisfying listen. I tried to picture you character as you have described her. The composition has a peaceful feel. I suppose if you lost all your memories, the loss of all the painful memories might lead to a certain calmness accompanied by emptiness.
Here is a sophisticated musical reflection that reminds me of a film score. Lalo Shifrin, Henri Mancini, Ennio Morricone, John Barry and the others. Bravo and do you know this one? I discovered it while watching Mutiny on the Bounty with Marlon Brando. I had a good time!
Laurent
Hi Laurent,
YouTube says "video unavailable". But those analogies you mentioned are truly humbling - particularly Mancini. Thank you very much!!!
Very cool idea Alan. I like the sound canvas. Good instrument choices and nicely done.
Hi David,
Thank you so much! My former wife (passed away) was visiting her neurologist one day many years ago and recounted a story of a former patient who'd suffered Pure Retrograde Amnesia from some sort of accident. When she emerged from her coma after several weeks, she discovered she was wanted by the police for felonious assault. I took the story many years later and reworked it, adding a little more drama to it with a definitive and (hopefully) surprising ending.
This is superb listening! When the track first started, I was reminded of Spain and Tárrega's famous piece, "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" (although the two works are very different). It's such a beautiful band that you have assembled here. I'd pay money to go and see them and to hear them I was with you all the way as you music unfolded. As I've said quite a few times before, you really do have a knack for getting the very best out of a chord progression and its arrangement.
Super-duper music in every way. --Noel
P.S. Please say "Hello" to Di from me. It's impossible not to think of her when I reply to you. I hope that everything is travelling as well as it can for the both of you.
Hi Noel,
You'd never have to pay money to hear my music! If I were famous (a nice, fleeting thought at times), you'd have comp tickets with a backstage pass.
Thank you so much for those wonderful comments and your unending support for my music. It always puts a smile on my face.
I'll relay your greetings to Di. We both appreciate them.
The road is pretty bumpy these days and the traffic is relentless. But, the journey must continue.
I'm not familiar with "Recuerdos de la Alhambra". I'll check it out tomorrow. Thanks for the reference.
Let me know when you publish your book. I would like to read it.
A very satisfying listen. I tried to picture you character as you have described her. The composition has a peaceful feel. I suppose if you lost all your memories, the loss of all the painful memories might lead to a certain calmness accompanied by emptiness.
Hi Scott,
The verses are supposed to define her struggles with finding herself and coming to terms with the fact that she may have murdered her mother. And the choruses should portray her moments of satisfaction as she learns more about her life before her accident - or was it an accident?
The book should be published sometime late next year. I'll let you know.
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