July 2026 „Silence“ Challenge Response – Manfred M

[Manfred M]

Hey my AM friends,

For this „Silence“ Challenge, I drew some inspiration from Ry Cooder’s soundtrack to the Wim Wenders movie “Paris, Texas.”
I used Brian’s backing track from EP 617, but sped it up to 120 percent.

I noticed that by leaving space and silence, you automatically focus more on the mood and atmosphere of the piece.
I hope I managed to do that to some extent.

I’m looking forward to your comments and, above all, to all your submissions, and I’m curious to see what you’ve come up with for the Silence Challenge.

Best wishes to you all!
Manfred

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

There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum a few weeks before.

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

• This topic was modified 1 day ago by Manfred M.

[Richard G]

A beautiful posting Manfred, you certainly achieved that relaxed but also a haunting feel to it all. Those first few iconic bars set the scene from the start.

Richard

[Werner]

Hi Manfred, another absolutely outstanding piece from you. You’re definitely right that, as a musician, when you use fewer notes and create more “space,” you place greater emphasis on mood and atmosphere.

Your composition would make a great soundtrack for a Western movie. Our American friends should pitch it to Hollywood.

Ein toller Beitrag Manfred, herzliche Grüße aus Ostwestfalen. Bis bald!!!

Werner

[wannaplayblues]

Wow – great feel. Very spacious and wide!

"I hear you talkin' son, but you 'aint sayin' nothin'" - Will McFarlane quoting Muddy Waters hearing a really fast guitar player

[charjo]

You really did create an atmosphere in keeping with the track. Wonderful job, Manfred. Very spacey, indeed.
I want to check out the backing track after that terrific performance.
John

[JoeD1]

That could easily be a movie soundtrack Manfred. It sounded deep and dark and foreboding.

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[AndréM]

Love this moody backtrack.
Lots a spaces, you met the challenge.

AndréM

AndréM

[Alan L]

Yes I think you created a great mood here. Love the chord voicings, and the occasional bluesy lick.

[Denise]

Yes you’re right, with silence there’s more focus on the mood. You created a great and profound atmosphere and space with the track. Love these slides and double stops. I like the repeating theme.

More Blues!

[James B]

Nice job, Manfred. I listen to the Ry Cooder channel on Pandora radio and have heard other cuts from the Paris Texas soundtrack. You captured that eerie spacious vibe masterfully. Great post.

James

[Michael L]

Really great Manfred. You created a very ambient sounding piece of music there. Lots of actual space, and conjuring a feeling of space/atmosphere with the sound. I liked it!

[sciencefiction]

Awesome, Manfred! Super moody and played with plenty of space. I really enjoyed your composition!
Larry

[sunjamr]

Wow, there was a LOT of space in that composition! And the tone you selected fits the mood just right. Great choice!

Sunjamr Steve

[Author]

Posts