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“Flip Side” was written as the result of a challenge to create lyrics for any of Brian’s great guitar backing tracks! I selected EP422 because of the smoothe laid back feel it has. This was a rewarding one to get done. Based on memories from life experience, the song’s atmosphere was influenced by energy from the music of BB King, Etta James and Chris Stapleton and created over Brian’s masterful slow blues guitar backing track.
The song title ‘Flip Side’ refers to the seven-inch 45rpm single play records so prevalent in the 1950s-60s and the fact that the most popular song was on the “A-side” or the main side and the 2nd place song – usually of lesser quality and favor – was recorded on the ‘flip-side.’ Anybody remember those? LOL!This exercise also gave me a chance to learn a bit more about the video program I’m using – VideoPad. There is a learning curve but I’m finding it not too difficult to follow as long as I can carve out time to work on it.
The ‘production’ is definitely a bit rough but it all about the learning – LOL!Often when I go thru the lessons on the Active Melody site I also seek out the information found in the Comment Section. Tons of great tips can be had there. Recently, in the Comment Section I found a challenge (I think it was issued by Sunjamr – but please correct me if I’m wrong!) to select one or more of Brian’s backing tracks and write some lyrics over the track.
Well, I couldn’t pass up that challenge so here’s my answer to that one.
“Flip Side” was written over the backing track for EP422. A really beautiful bluesy guitar work that reminded me of BB King’s indisputable style, the soulful work of Chris Stapleton and also of an Etta James’ classic vocal feel.
With “Flip Side” I was also aiming for a sort of Motown-like sound. Motown’s music was the ‘soundtrack’ of my own youth growing up in the 1960s.
I was also pleased to work-in a sense of that connection that music plays in so many of our lives – as well as the age-old bluesy subject of the end of a romance.
Personally, I needed to make sure Brian was ok with having lyrics written over his music, and ever generous and gracious he quickly encouraged me to “go for it.” He said it wasn’t necessary to give him any credit for the backing track, but I couldn’t help but acknowledge that it was his beautiful guitar work that inspired the lyrics and that his generosity once again shines thru. Thanks Brian.“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau -
If I remember right, your were in the USAF ? If so, your memories are still flying high.
The melody of the notes is what expresses the art of music . 🙂 6stringerPete
It really is all about ”melody”. The melody comes from a language from our heart. Our heart is the muscle in music harmony. The melody is the sweetness that it pumps into our musical thoughts on the fretboard. 🙂 6 stringer Pete
Pete
Active Melody
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Hey Marie. Fantastic lyrics, vocals and video. Flip Side??? No, this is an A Side hit!!! All the best!
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that’s fantastic, you’ve really got a soul voice, smething of nona simone in this one.
always surprising and talented.Where does the white go when snow melts?
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Oh, I remember! When I first heard 422 I asked Brian if he has published any songs. You have added a lyric hook as cool as Brian’s melody. Your voice is lovely here, also. I think this is a winning combination, I hope Brian hears this and considers the possibilities.
John -
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What a great idea Marie. Those clever lyrics, your soulful singing and Brian’s guitar are an irresistible combination.
Brilliant! -
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This forum continues to amaze me!! You are a very talented person Marie,and what a great voice to pull it off!! The lyrics fit that track to a tee,and the clever video topped it off! Great idea!!
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Hey Sal,
I had as much fun working on making an interesting video as I did trying to match lyrics to Brian’s great backing track.
Besides, IMHO you guys have it a bit easier when it comes to making a video to showcase your performance, but I was much happier to spend the time in creating a bit of a different video rather than to have to comb my hair for the camera – LOL! I love the very end where the page and record “flips” to end! Too much fun, right? LOL!“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau
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You’re a very talented woman Marie and I just love your open and honest approach to making and especially sharing music. This is no exception, really good song-writing and singing and like John says, I hope Brian takes note. Maybe we could end up with a singing monthly challenge!! ………………….. Oh no! That’s a thought too far!
Anyway I’ll just make one point because you know I like your work very much …… soo I will say it. I thing the guitar solo sometimes gets in the way and competes with your excellent singing. To improve it you could include both backing tracks and turn down the ‘with guitar’ track when you’re singing and increase the volume of the ‘without guitar’ track. Or, as the backing tracks and your recorded track all line up perfectly at 95 bpm the you could cut and paste to get a similar effect. I hope you don’t mind the suggestion.
As far as 45s are concerned the first one I bought was Rave On by Buddy Holly and the flip side was Take Your Time I think. Gosh that was a long time ago!
Keep well
Martyn-
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Hey Martyn,
I truly, truly value the comments and especially tips and suggestions for ideas and improvements! It’s how we learn. It’s why I’m here on Active Melody. Don’t Stop! I may have a different focus and may not actually ‘adopt’ your suggeston but I sincerely appreciate and value any ideas and constructive criticism.
Yes, to a degree I did note that in places my vocals sort of clashed with the guitar – however, with this particular work it was very important for me to not get in the way of Brian’s soulful, masterful guitar playing. So I intentioanally gave a big chunk of time to his guitar solo in the middle of the piece. I did a bit of humming in the background just to say to the audience that I hadn’t fallen asleep LOL, and as a sort of promise to come back into the song. Some folks see a backing track or guitar part simply as that – a backing track. When it’s as beautiful a piece as is the EP422 guitar track, I see that as an equal part in collaboration of music and I certainly prefer to share the time and space for both so that the audience gets full benefit from the whole song, not just the vocal part.Thanks again Martyn, puttig this all together was such fun, but the biggest reward comes from all the generous comments and feeling that folks really are enjoying this one.
Marie
“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau
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Nice submission Marie. I grew up on Motown 45’s too, and especially loved Marvin, and Stevie, and The Supremes, and The Funk Brothers, and my favorite bassist James Jamerson. It was all good. You definitely captured the vibe.
RalphRalph P.
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Hey Marie, catchy Motown title. You really do have a pretty voice and it blends with the mix perfectly. Good luck with your project…it’s a winner.👍
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That was beautiful, Marie! Your voice fits perfectly to that soulful piece! So well done, really enjoyable!
Eric
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I am enjoying this, got to say that Martyn’s idea of double tracking this is something I agree with. Love your vocals, lots of soul going on in there…
..Billy..
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Hey Billy, I think you and Martyn are quite right about making some adjustments to the track to seperate the vocals from the guitar. I’m eager to do some adjusting there. Hopefully, before I have to “pack-up” my studio for the move, I have another round of viewing houses tomorrow!
With appreciation,
Marie“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau -
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Ooops!! I’m still stumbling over learning how to manuever on this site, the photo was added in error somehow while checking the date !
Then I couldn’t figure how to remove it!! Anyone know how to remove photos? Tried under ‘Edit’ but it wouldn’t remove.
Apologies!“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau
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Geoff, I love that English expression!
First heard “gob-smacked” about 8 years ago from a Canadian friend. I’d traveled to their home in Winnipeg from Arizona, because they’d gotten tickets and had invited me to come up to attend the Paul McCartney concert (2013).
I WAS “gob-smacked!”I am so pleased that so many AM folks have ‘chimed-in’ with appreciation for this project. I really enjoyed putting it together with the use of Brian’s ‘masterful’ backing track!
So happy to be among you all,
Marie“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau -
Hi Marie
Great idea, great voice and interpretation, unfortunately I don’t understand all the words.
It’s amazing how a nice guitar piece adding a nice voice seems to become something else.Livio
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That was so beautifully done Marie and such an inspiring example of the possibilities for us her at AM! My daughter in the UK gets every one of my submissions on Messenger & she asked me when I’m doing an EP. Your post has me inspired to look into adding sone words to some of my AM favorites! I love so many but EP282 is definitely up there near number 1.
I was 21 years in the Navy.
Arohanui from New Zealand
Be kind to yourself (especially when you're trying to play this instrument!)
Brian Clough“Got a lotta sinful ideas but they seem kinda sensible” Jim Casy the ex-preacher in The Grapes Of Wrath
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Cloughie,
I think its beautiful that your daughter is following your music progress!! I’ve been sending my own to my two daughters (older in Oregon, younger here in Texas) via email – is there an easier way with Messenger?I do hope you try your musical talents in coming up with some lyrics – any growth in our musical world builds our musical character, I think, it’s so very rewarding.
Actually, EP282 was my second choice when deciding which of Brian’s tracks to get creative on – 422 won the toss up but I do have some lyrics I’m considering for 282. That one really IS a beautifully dark guitar work, but I get a very elegant feeling from it and will go that way with the lyrics I’ve jotted down.
Not sure when I’ll get that done however, I have a number of other projects I’m already hoping to finish before my move. Packig up my studio stuff with be painful – LOL!What job did you have in the Navy?
Aroha mai from Texas,
Marie“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau-
Either Messenger or email is about the same depending on your preference – I just send a you tube link.
I was a Marine Engineer Officer. Good job for a young’un but that’s another lifetime – my knees wouldn’t get me up and down 100 ladders a day!
Be kind to yourself (especially when you're trying to play this instrument!)
Brian Clough“Got a lotta sinful ideas but they seem kinda sensible” Jim Casy the ex-preacher in The Grapes Of Wrath
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I did a tribute to my Great Uncle using EP282 a couple of years ago. I just found it! It was to mark 100 years since he was killed in WW1 in France 11 days before the war ended.
Be kind to yourself (especially when you're trying to play this instrument!)
Brian Clough“Got a lotta sinful ideas but they seem kinda sensible” Jim Casy the ex-preacher in The Grapes Of Wrath
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Wow, Marie – just WOW!!!
Not just your amazing voice, but wonderful lyrics. Absolute gem of a performance 👍
I agree with other comments about dropping the lead guitar during most of your singing. I often import Brian’s two Jam tracks into my DAW – the one with guitar, as well as the one without. I can then play along while practicing – then silent Brian’s guitar to see how close I’ve got 😎
Once you’re settled into your new home – good luck with that by-the-way – you might have time to play around some more; even record yourself playing lead!
Best wishes and stay safe ❤️
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Hey Mark, Thank you so much for those encouraging words! They are received with great appreciation!
I also appreciate the tips on “rearrangeing” the song elements a bit. I must say, I love that bluesy guitar track and didn’t want to cut any of it back, but I do recognize that from a listener’s point of view there IS room to create a little more separation between guitar and vocal i plsces where the lyrics are hard to understand.I will work on that as soon as I have a chance. Than, I can do a Before and After post. LOL
Please feel free to offer suggestions on DAW ops – I LOVE LEARNING!
I am eager also to – some day – get comfortable enough to record a lead performance. LOL
Ciao for now,
Marie“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau
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True, it was me who threw out the challenge to you to write some lyrics for some of Brian’s lessons. And you have come up with something so beautiful that it just totally blew all of us away! Your singing and lyrics are as good as any blues singer/songwriter I’ve ever heard. I’m just hoping you and Brian don’t form a new band and head out on tour, leaving us with no teacher.
Sunjamr Steve
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Hey Steve,
No worries, I doubt that I’ll be “kidnapping” Brian to start a touring career! LOL! Although I’d love to have the opportunity to do some live (or – more online) music colaboration with him. Since I first started watching his guitar lessons on YouTube I’ve always admired his musicianship and the patient, personable character that he presents. It’s no wonder that everyone loves Brian. He’s certainly a treasure that we would not want to lose.Thanks again Steve for giving me the “nudge” to try out that ‘lyrics to backing track’ project. It has been so psychologically rewarding for me. I’d really missed the live-music community I’d been associated with in Arizona and had found no such community here. The encourageent from the AMers has been very humbling and I offer my hearfelt appreciation.
Lyrics for EP282 is next on my list :0)
Cheers,
Marie“Laissez les bon temps rouler“
Marie Jarreau
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