April 2025 Challenge Response – Mark T

[Mark T]

Dear AMers – I occasionally try to push myself to do something completely different – and this submission is certainly that! 😂😂

I stuck to the brief by using just one position of the E Minor Blues scale. I added further limitation by composing a very simple Bass and Drum backing track, again using a single position on the Bass Guitar.

Before anyone suggests I was trying to emulate “Riders On The Storm”, the inspiration actually came from Robin Trower’s brilliant song: Bridge of Sighs. Plus, we’ve been rewatching all of the wonderful TV series: Grimm. If you know both these productions, then you’ll understand 🤣🤣

Hope you enjoy it, and I’m looking forward to hearing all the other submissions – Mark 👍🎶😎

[Guido]

Wonderful composition, Mark, very atmospheric and so well played on all the three instruments! I’m especially impressed by your drums part, you have really hugely improved in your playing! About the guitar and bass parts, they’re brilliant and the piece flows beautifully. Really enjoyed your piece of music!

Guido

[Mark T]

I recall saying that I got frustrated with the rather “metronomic” drum tracks I was getting from my DAW (Logic), Guido 🤓!

This submission demonstrates the difference since I got the drum kit: playing the Kick slightly ahead of the beat, whilst playing the Snare on the beat. It really does add a more interesting flavour, to my ears at least 😎👍🎼🎵🎶🥁.

I still think my best submission however was, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”.

[Jennifer D]

Oh I’m loving this you have really let your creativity loose, it’s very atmospheric, really enjoyed it!

[Bill]

Very atmospheric Mark, could be the opening credits to a supernatural detective show. Major kudos for recording all the parts too!

[Martin W]

Hi Mark , you set a certain flavour to this and it fits with the visuals so well .
The simple drum and bass lines work well as a backdrop to your blues scale improv.
Cleverly put together in all aspects.

Martin

[AndréM]

Mark very mysterious vibe
Your drumming is getting better.
One of your best.

AndréM

AndréM

[James B]

Very creative, Mark. Way to think outside the box and then make it come together. So cool. Your drummer has great timing. 🥁😀

James

[Paul S.]

In the first few seconds I thought Darth Vader was playing backup for you. Then the eagle cry signaled that this was going to be a flight into unconventional musical space.

You have come up with a spooky but upbeat and strangely satisfying composition that is hard to categorize — intentionally so. The drum, bass and guitar combo worked for Cream and it worked for you. The wind noise added a certain sci-fi element that enhanced the music the way sauerkraut enhances a hot dog.

[Alan L]

Looks like you had fun! Guitar sounds good but I was really captivated by that funky bass! 😎

[John H]

Mark
That was really nice. Well orchestrated and performed smoothly. Loved each instrument and how they all came together. I think your best to date.

Great stuff,

John

[Mike W]

Great stuff Mark. Such an atmospheric composition that really ticked all of the instrument boxes. I’m so impressed by all of the multi-instrumentalists appearing in the Challenges, who then have the technical skills to mix and produce a great video. Like Alan, I thought the bassline was particularly good, although so was every thing else.

[Michael L]

Hi Mark, quite a departure from the blues! Really nicely done and a great vibe. As others have said, this could be a TV theme.

[sunjamr]

Excellent, really entertaining, Mark. And very creative in every way. As for drums, I came to the same conclusion you did: Even the AI drummers in my DAW can’t match a real human playing drums. I don’t have room in my studio for a full drum kit, but I’d love to mess around with one sometime.

Sunjamr Steve

[Laurel C]

Mark, So good to see you back on the drums with this one. Not familiar with Grimm but it did sound like a great soundtrack for a TV theme. Atmospheric and intrigue captured beautifully as a multi instrumentalist.

[KT]

A music production to a cinema. Enjoyed your presentation

[Manfred M]

What a sound painting, Mark. You show here that despite limitations you can develop a musical expressiveness that is impressive. And simply what you do with your drum kit. Very creative! It seems that a new musical journey has begun.

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom.
The next Meetup will take place on May 31

There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum in the next days..

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Serena C]

Great submission Mark! One box and such a rich composition, wonderful atmosphere! Great video too!

If I wasn't making mistakes I wouldn't be the kind of player I want to be. Perfection is dangerous.
It's all about taking risks, sometimes you get to some place, sometimes you get to a different place. (Brian May)

[Andy N]

Oooh I liked that. Dark, yet playful, like the music for a very black comedy. Particularly liked the drums, I don’t quite know what it was about the rhythm as I can’t drum but it worked for me.
BTW I was listening to this in the garden and when I heard the kite, ducked, and looked up think bejeepers that’s low! 😅

[Ralph P.]

Very creative and well done Mark. It has a cinematic feel to it…a tension that something is about to happen. Be careful Mark! Something is lurking in the shadows! LOL

Ralph

Ralph P.

[JoLa]

Loved it, Mark! I think that was my favorite submission of yours, so psychedelic! Not familiar with the shows you mentioned but I just recently watched the digitally enhanced remake of Pink Floyd’s Live in Pompeii film in an IMAX theater and your intro instantly made me think of it! You should be proud, this was very musical, well made, and performed!

🎸JoLa

[Mark T]

Thank you all so much for these positively glowing responses – it’s quite humbling and so appreciated ♥️♥️

Andy: I know exactly what you mean about low flying Kites 😂 We have Red Kites flying over our house – often flocks of them – and they occasionally swoop really low onto our, or neighbours lawns. Their aerobatics are quite stunning for such huge but beautiful birds.

Best wishes ♥️♥️

[Alan O]

Hi Mark, cool intro and outro! You were able to say a lot using just that one position and I’m impressed that you were able to do the bass and drum parts as well. Great submission!

Alan

[Tremelow]

Hi Mark, this is a really accomplished composition. It’s fantastic how you create such great tension with just three instruments – and the howling wind (great idea!).

Your piece shows how beneficial limitations can be. Less is definitely more here!

Gotta check out Grimm and Bridge of Sighs now. To my regret, I have to admit I don’t either of them.

[Juxi]

Very creative and intriguing, Mark. I did not get your references, but I liked the video. Well done! 👏🏽 👍🏽

Bluesige Grüße
Juxi

[Mike D]

Mysterious and moody , cool you played all instruments ..well done!

Live on planet Earth ? You got the blues.

[Author]

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